Wisner-Pilger looks to reload

Team: Wisner-Pilger

Mascot: Gators

Colors: Green and White

Class: D-1

Head Coach: A.J. Burki (4th season) (15-13 record)

2019 record: 7-2 (lost to Creighton in 1st round of playoffs)

Returning Starters: 2 offense and 2 on defense

Overview:

The Wisner-Pilger Football Team looks to retool and reload this season.

2 starters return on each side of the ball for 4th year Head Coach A.J. Burki, and on offense they are Tyler McBride (5'11, 215 SR OL/DL) and Andrew Borgelt (5'11, 215 SR OL/DL). McBride and Marqus Eddy (5'10, 210 SR RB/LB) return on defense for the Gators.

Others likely to play include Regan Bellar (5'9, 140 SR QB/DB), Klay Koehlmoos (6'0, 185 SR RB/LB), Layne Heppner (5'9, 270 SR OL/DL), Ben McDuffee (6'2, 245 SR OL/DL), Beau Ruskamp (5'9, 145 JR QB/DB), Spencer Batenhorst (6'1, 165 JR TE/LB), Anthony Palmer (5'10, 185 JR TE/LB), and Christian Miller (5'10, 230 JR OL/DL).

It certainly appears as if the Gators have a great and lethal combination of size and speed.

Miller is a Pierce transfer, and should make a big impact for Wisner-Pilger you would think.

Coach Burki says the offseason was the same as others for the most part. "Really once we were able to get going - not a lot was different.  Probably the only thing was going to a summer team camp. We probably could have gotten to one, however, our equipment didn't get back from the reconditioning company til Early July, and then there was just so much unknown - we just decided to do our thing. Aside from that - I think more than anything the kids were just excited to get back to some sense of "normal routine" that summer conditioning and strength training provided."

Hopefully things stay normal and the pandemic doesn't interrupt, alter, disrupt, or cause the season to be cancelled.

Let's hope we get through an entire season of football, and that the coronavirus pandemic doesn't shut things down.

Season Outlook:

Wisner-Pilger looks for another big season. Coach Burki feels the pieces are in place for the Gators to do big things once again. "This year is one of the more exciting years for me/us/our team. Last year we graduated a number of seniors who played significant time over the last 3 seasons. On the other hand though - we have a big senior class, that has gotten the opportunity to see significant JV and Varsity time over the last 3 years, and now it's their turn. I think this season is not about "rebuilding" which is a term I loath, but instead "reloading".  We have a great group of Seniors (who I think will surprise people) - a small (in numbers) but very good group of Juniors, and a number of Underclassmen who are chopping at the bit to get their opportunity to play and contribute. This is what building a program is all about, - when one class leaves another steps up and takes their place to carry on the goals and traditions."

That's how dynasties are built, and that is what Wisner-Pilger is trying to build for sure.

Burki says the spotlight is on these kids in what is a season he is very happy is being played. "Beyond thrilled, for two reasons.  1.) I think again there is a sense and feeling of "normal" that goes along with fall sports being played.  2.) With everything that is and has been going on at the higher levels - all eyes are on high school sports."

Hopefully the pandemic doesn't cause games to be cancelled or the season to get called off.

Let's hope we get through an entire season with nothing bad happening, especially since Spring Sports were missed last year.

Burki says nothing is guaranteed this year, and his kids know that. "Again I think they are really excited. And with the concept of how things can change so quickly with Covid-19 (quarantining and possible lost games) we are going each day like it could be our last practice or game."

The Gators have a tough schedule, but to be the best you have to beat the best.

Having a big line should really help Wisner-Pilger out a lot. 

I think the key to a successful season for the Gators, however, is their skill people and how many plays they can make, especially on offense.

Wisner-Pilger needs some gamebreakers, some explosive players who can make big plays.

If the Gators get that then it could be a very elite year for them.

Wisner-Pilger opens up the season at Laurel-Concord-Coleridge on August 28th in action that we will have for you on 107.9 the Bull.

2020 Wisner-Pilger Gators Football Schedule:

08/28/20 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge

09/04/20 Wakefield

09/10/20 @ Elkhorn Valley

09/18/20 Howells-Dodge

09/25/20 Stanton

10/02/20 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic

10/09/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh

10/16/20 Madison