Peabody-Burns hopes to avenge playoff loss
Staff writer
Football
As Warriors’ practice drills focus on a balanced run-pass offense, hot weather in the first week of back-to-school practices prompts plenty of water breaks and half pads.
“We are looking to improve on last season,” head coach Eric Dutton said.
During running plays at practice, Dutton demonstrates to his players the kind of gap awareness they should look for in games.
“We have moved a lot of guys into new positions trying to fill the roles of last year’s senior class, and the boys are excited and bring a lot of energy to practice every day,” Dutton said.
Dutton is entering his third year as head coach for Peabody-Burns, and he brings with him eight returning starters, two of whom are seniors.
“The team is amped up and excited for the opportunity to go back and start the season where we fell short last year,” Dutton said.
Last year, Peabody-Burns was the only Marion County football team to make it as far as it did but was eliminated in the sectional round of the playoffs. Before the post-season, the Warriors swept the Wheat State League with a 4-0 finish.
They will open the regular season on the road Friday against rival Tescott.
“Yes, Tescott has become our top rival in six-man, and they always make for fun physical games,” Dutton said. “We know they will be a hard-hitting, physical team again this year, and we look forward to the battle.”
Peabody-Burns’ first home game of the season will be Sept. 12 against Cunningham.
Volleyball
If you were to pop in on a Warriors practice, you’d find the girls working on their kills, blocks, and digs. You’d see them encourage each other’s good hits and volleys while laughing off mistakes or fumbles.
The motto for them this year is, “Earn it.”
“We’re gearing up for an exciting season with five returning starters and a strong core of juniors ready to lead the way,” head coach Clarissa Dutton said. “We have no seniors on the roster this year, so leadership and growth will be the driving forces behind our team this season.”
Adyson Winter led the team last year in both aces and kills and is back this season to repeat. Returning anchor Sarah Winfrey will aim for consistency on both offense and defense.
Other returning starters Fancy Reynolds, Ashlee Salazar-Fritz, and Brooklyn Whiteside will round out the team with all-around versatile skills.
“With a younger roster, we are focused on steady growth and adapting game by game,” Dutton said. “We’re just going to take each game day as it comes and change things up throughout the season as needed.”
Amee Salazar-Fritz is looking forward to starting alongside her sister as one of three freshmen who are expected to see significant court time.
“With a talented group of juniors leading the way and promising underclassmen stepping up, I hope that we can expect a season full of determination, growth, and Warrior pride,” Dutton said.
Peabody-Burns opened its preseason with a home tournament Saturday and will be playing again Tuesday in a mod-quad against Canton-Galva and Little River for the opening of the regular season.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to watch these girls progress and see what they accomplish together,” Dutton said..