Trenches key to Lions’ success this season
BREMEN —- Led by Northern Indiana Conference MVP Blake Dingus, Bremen finished 9-3 overall last year and tied for the NIC North-South Division title with a 4-1 mark.
The bad news for the Lions is the standout running back is gone, but the good news is that most of the linemen opening the holes are back.
“Our most experienced players are in the trenches and we are really excited about the experience up front,” said head coach Jordan Leeper, now in his sixth year. “We will rely heavily on our offensive and defensive lines to lead the team.”
The key linemen returning include seniors Brody Ecenbarger (OL, DE), Lane Moser (OL/ DE) and Marty Manges (OL/DT) along with junior center Zach Schmucker.
Also back are senior letterwinners Ethan Nunemaker (QB) and Ashton Shively (WR/ DB), plus juniors Easton Reed (DL), Seth Libey (DB), Austin McKenzie (LB/RB), and Angel Estrada Jr. (TE/DB).
Newcomers to watch include seniors Cole Taylor (TE/DE), Tanner Steigmeyer (OL/DL), Deonte Brown (DL) and Trevor Rowe (RB/ LB), juniors Isaiah Starr (OL), Mikal Rogers Jr. (WR/DB), and AJ Ton (WR/DB), as well as sophomores Cody Czarnecki (RB/LB) and Lance Moser (RB/LB). Freshmen Austin Young (RB/LB) and Tyrus Graverson WR/DB) are also battling for varsity playing time.
“The expectation is to compete each week,” added Leeper, who is assisted by Marty Andrews (defensive coordinator), Matt Gilley ( WRs/ DBs, special teams),
Tyler Coffel (OL/DL), Marty Graverson (OL/LB) and Justin
Baker (DBs). “We need to bring our best effort every day to develop that competitor mindset. If we bring the right effort and mindset to compete each week, then we will be successful.”
Three of the Lions’ first four games are non-conference contests, with nearby rival LaVille coming to Bunge Field for the opener on Aug. 20. Key conference games include a visit to longtime adversary Jimtown (Sept. 17), home vs. Glenn (Sept. 24) and at South Bend Riley (Oct. 8).
“I really like the competitiveness in our conference,” said Leeper. “There are some very good football teams that will challenge us each week. The team that wins the conference will have to play consistent football every week. I think that each team brings back some experience.”
Last year Bremen was part of a reshuffled Class 2A sectional that included perennial state power Pioneer, who the Lions faced and lost to by two TDs in the sectional final.
“There are really good programs within our sectional and we will have to play great football to be ready to compete in Week 10,” concluded Leeper.