Cougars -- Locked and re-loaded
Don’t ask the Central McLean Coaches if they’re facing a rebuilding season after graduating several seniors.
Reloading – yes. Rebuilding – no.
“I think a lot of these guys have been waiting to play – we had a really good summer with kids showing up for weight lifting and doing stuff – they put in a lot of time,” said Coach Grant Singer. As coaches, we’re just excited to see what they can do on the football field, and I think they’re excited to see what they can do.”
With a little more than a week of practice under their collective belts, the Cougars at this point will be looking to
Julius Anderson and Gunner Jacobs to take the helm at quarterback.
Jacobs suffered a knee sprain at practice this past Saturday, so Anderson will be taking the starting spot, with Jacobs potentially taking some snaps later in the season. Cougars -- Locked and re-loaded
“Both are pretty good passers. Both are pretty quick,” said Singer. “We’re kind of learning a new offense as well, and we’re still figuring things out.
“Depending on how (Jacobs) heals up, he should be back some time this season,” aid Singer.
The new offense is coming because the Cougars are not just primarily new players, but different types of players.
“It’s interesting. We’ve kind of switched. Last season we were a pretty big team, and I think we’re going to be more
athletic and fast now. We’ve had to change the way we’re approaching things,” said Singer.
Thirty-two athletes make up this year’s Cougar team, and several of those players will be seeing their first varsity action ever this Friday.
“We’ve got a few guys with experience, and we’re excited to see what they can do. We won’t know until we see them
actually play in a game,” said Singer.
Bringing experience back to the field are senior receivers A.J. Ketterling and Caleb Blotske, while junior Easton Frey will look to be taking a lot of handoffs at the running back position.
Will the Cougars be able to stop their opponents from scoring?
“We’ll find out on Friday,” said Singer. “I like the guys that we have on defense. “There are just so many seniors that
graduated that we’re excited to see these guys play. Until we see them play, it’s tough to tell.”
The Cougars will be taking one game at a time, hopefully learning from each outing, added Singer.
Looking at the region, Singer anticipates Ray-Powers Lake, Surrey and Divide County should be in the battle for the top spot in the region. The Cougars host Divide County in the season opener this Friday in Underwood.
“Divide County returns quite a few from last year – they’ll be a good test to start,” said Singer.
