Staff writer
With 12 players returning from last year, Goessel football has high hopes for this season.
“We really want to do better than last year,” senior Luke Wiens said.
He and fellow seniors Eddie Gaeddert, Nate Zogleman and Kale Funk bring many years of experience to the Bluebirds.
Wiens, a leader on defense last year, and will start the season as quarterback this year.
Gaeddert made a difference on the line on offense and defense.
Coming off a season where the team finished 5-4 and lost in the first round of regional play, he and the Bluebirds are looking to take the next step.
“One goal this year is to win a playoff game,” Gaeddert said.
Zogleman will join him in the trenches, playing end on offense, and speedster Kale Funk will try to sprint past opposing defenses as running back.
Despite hovering around .500 last year, the team averaged 34 points a game, demonstrating plenty of ability to score.
Twenty-eight players re-
ported for practice this year, which Hiebert tasked with finding who best fit each position.
“Coming off of a spring with no activities, I think the first month of the season will be especially important for building team chemistry and learning individual team roles,” he said.
Other players who lettered last year include Caiden Duerksen, Logan Sterk, Dylan Riley, Gunnar Davis, Jake Wiens, Kacen Smith, Caleb Burkholder and Grant Bryant.
This year the Bluebirds will be in a district with teams including Moundridge, Medicine Lodge, Argonia, Pretty Prairie and Fairfield. The season begins with a home game against state champion Canton-Galva this Friday.