Retooling a priority for Trojans’ season
BOURBON — A school record breaking season, led by a multitude of all state caliber seniors leaves the Trojans wondering what you do for an encore.
Add to that head coach Ron Brown has taken over the program at Elwood after posting seasons of 8-4 and 9-4 along with a sectional championship.
The Trojans will hardly be starting from scratch as assistant Rodney Younis who had his own 12 year run as Triton’s head coach will including back to back sectional titles in 2007 and 2008 will take over the reins.
“It is a retooling year,” he said. “We had ten starters graduate on offense and we had eight on defense so there are going to be a lot of new faces. I don’t want to say that we are young but we are inexperienced. We have a great bunch of seniors and juniors, all the way down the line but it’s s going to be a lot of new faces.”
Familiarity with the system already in place will go a long way towards adding stability.
“They’ve been part of the program so that’s made it a smooth transition,” said Younis. “We are happy with where we are at this point. We have to have a lot of work to do but I’m happy with where we are.”
Getting some veterans of the program reps on the field, some in positions that may be new to them, has been the goal of the summer and one that Younis is happy with.
“Over the summer the progress we’ve made is going to continue,” he said. “The speed of the game is going to be the big difference. They see a little of it in practice but nothing like the game. It will take a little bit of time to catch up to the speed, but we have a lot of kids who feel it’s their time and they want to take the opportunity.”
Offensively speaking the loss of outstanding four year starting quarterback Bo Snyder will be a big loss. Still, Younis familiarity with the system, as well as the depth chart of the past few years is key.
“I’ve run the offense the last few years and that’s some tweaks for who we have, but it’s basically the same,” said Younis. “Defensively we are going to be a little dif
ferent. We brought in Zach Whittaker as our defensive coordinator so our scheme is a little bit different.”
“Conner Pitney will be our quarterback and I’m really happy with him,” said Younis. “Honestly he could have been a starter other places but he was behind Bo Snyder.”
“He throws a good ball, and he’s one of those guys who you just look at and say he’s a quarterback,” said Younis. “He takes control of the huddle and we are really happy with him.”
“We have Hunter McIntire back and he was actually our leading rusher last year and he gives us a lot of experience at running back.”
Defensively the Trojans also have some key returning experience
“Trenton Kreft was a starting linebacker for us a year ago so we will expect him to be a big leader for us on defense,” said Younis. “Caleb Lemler started on the defensive line. Kolby Mast will be a running back and linebacker for us Lucas Cabrera didn’t play last year but he’s back and very athletic.”
“Jacob Wilson will play offensive and defensive tackle and he’s had a great summer and will take control on the line.”
Pulling together as one unit will be what makes or breaks the Trojans season.
“We are going to have to rely on the team. Last year we were filled with guys who at any moment were able to break it loose and take one to the house. We have a lot of good players this year but it’s unproven,” said Younis. “We will have to work together as one. If we are playing as one and playing the game the way it was meant to played we will be successful.”