Football gears up for season

New Head Coach Gary Thorson has been hard at work with almost 40 players who came out for football this year. Several athletes are expected to be impact varsity players this season.

Senior Tristan Lewis brings several years of varsity experience as a starter to the team and will be solid at quarterback for the Outlaws. Thorson noted that Tristan has shown a great work ethic, and desire to lead the team. Sophomore Tanner Head showed promise at camp, and in daily doubles as well.

One of the Outlaws' strengths will be at running back; several players return with varsity experience.

Logan Schutte was a second-team all-league pick last year as a sophomore, and led the team with 654 yards rushing. Schutte was also honorable mention at defensive back, recording 24 tackles and three interceptions on the season.

Junior Chance Halley and senior Conner Gellings are both physical running backs who round out a backfield that should be productive.

Senior Tysen Gill is new to the program, and at six feet four inches and 190 pounds will be a big receiving target for the Outlaws.

Isaac McKenzie (junior) and Lane Gladden (senior) return as receivers for the Outlaws, and sophomore Tanner Head will also battle for playing time at that position. Thorson said that McKenzie is one of the most gifted athletes on the team.

Gladden was a second-team all-league selection last year at wide receiver. Lane recorded 604 yards receiving, and will be deep threat at receiver for the Outlaws again this season.

Thorson noted that the big question-mark for the Outlaws will be the play of the offensive line. Rory Petterson (junior) returns at tackle and Ty Martin (junior) returns at center. According to Thorson, both these players are very hard-working and are leaders for the offensive line.

Junior Devin Slaughter and sophomore Jacob Gurney have stood out at the guard position, and both players run well.

"How well this group develops will go a long way in determining how well the offense moves the ball this season," said Thorson.

The defense doesn't have size this season, but Thorson noted that they have shown good speed and athleticism. Slaughter and junior Mitch Gibney return as starters, and are very physical players. Gill could prove to be an impact player due to his size and athleticism.

Gellings, Halley, and Gurney all have good speed, and will be in the mix at linebacker.

In the secondary, Gladden and Josh Andrade (senior) have been sharp at corner, as has Tanner Head. Thorson said they are all "heady" players and have shown a great work ethic.

Schutte is currently the leading candidate for the free safety spot, and should provide a physical presence at the position. Junior Gary Jacques and Tyler Head have been leading the way at the safety and rover positions with their aggressive play in the Outlaws 4-2-5 defense.

Thorson told The Nugget there will be others that will play on the varsity squad, but it is still too early in the season for him to name them.

Thorson stated that his main goal for the season is to improve every week, and firmly establish character-building and work ethic in the program.