Sports writer
Don’t expect to hear the same names making plays this year during a Peabody-Burns High School football game.
However, expect to see fast paced ball with a new crew of players.
With the departure of a large senior contingent from last season, almost all of the starters will be in new positions.
Coached again this year by David Pickens and assisted by veteran Bob Kyle and newcomer Philip Unruh, the Warriors take on a fresh, new look.
Seven seniors will lead the pack with Brandon Pickens, Elliott Spechtenhauser, Henry Hammann and Chris Brooks contributing the experience factor.
Brandon Pickens has had a lot of playing time since he was a starter as a sophomore. He will play wide receiver and cornerback.
Spechtenhauser is a hard runner who has been waiting his turn to break loose this year as a running back.
Hammann is a senior leader with experience and he also will share ball handling duties with Spechtenhauser.
Brooks has experience and is a strong blocker. He will play guard and defensive tackle.
Three other seniors have less experience but will impact the Warrior lineup immediately.
Chris Dunfield is a first-year high school player who is working hard for the coaching staff.
Tyler Slater will be in at the offensive guard position and is aggressive off the line.
Brain Wingert has good hands and will play at the wide receiver position and also will lineup as strong safety.
The junior crew is led by quarterback Jacob Simmonds.
He is a returning starter and will be relied on this season as the playmaker. The coaches and team will depend heavily on his ability to make good decisions.
Isaac Hilliard joins the team after a year off, and with his quickness he is seen as a big weapon on the line.
Sean Jones has good hands and will sacrifice his body to catch the ball. He will play tight end and also will be a defensive end.
Daniel Brassfield is a hard runner and will see time in the backfield. His work ethic has earned him a spot as fullback and also as a linebacker.
Justin Fistler comes off the ball quick and will start as offensive and defensive tackle.
“This year is about coming together early,” Coach Pickens said. “We will have new players in almost all positions. While it will be a challenge, we hope to gain the experience we need to overcome the mistakes we know we will make because we have new players in those positions.
“If we are aggressive on both sides of the ball and keep doing what we are doing, we will be able to make up for the inexperience and have a good season.”
The Warriors opened the season at home Friday against Ell-Saline. It was a long night for the home team with a 48-6 loss.
The team will be on the road this week with a game at Inman.