Coyotes make D1 Playoffs in year of change
Anselmo-Merna began the 2020 season knowing that they had an uphill battle in front of them moving up from Class D2 in 2019 to Class D1 this season. To make matters worse they were stuck in a highly competitive district D1-8 which saw every team make the D1 playoffs and had the likes of perennial powerhouse Burwell in it as well.
Despite all of that, the Coyotes put together a 4-4 season to make the playoffs for the second straight year. Coach Matt McGinn was proud of the effort the team put forth throughout the year to get to the point of making the playoffs despite the difficulties they faced.
“The hard work and courage these boys played with the entire year was absolutely amazing,” McGinn said. “I understand there were times we came up short, but the kids continued to show up each day with a great attitude and ready to face the next challenge.”
The team had two big wins on the year against district opposnents from Ravenna and 6-3 Hemingford, both coming on the road.
Anselmo-Merna will be returning their 1,000-yard rusher Bryce Schmidt and a 500-yard rusher Carter Johnson. They will also have a lot of defensive starters returning next season as well.
With all of that said, McGinn is very excited about the direction his program is moving heading into next season.
Overall, the Coyotes ended 2020 with a 4-5 record and a first-round playoff appearance in Class D1. Seniors on this year’s team were Seth Chandler, Tyson Havelka, Troy Kirkpatrick, Joel Finney, Cort West, and Kade Safranek.