Cavaliers banking on experience of returnees
CULVER — You’ll have to forgive Culver Community High School head football coach Mike Zehner if he pulls out his lineup card from last year.
The Cavaliers lost just one player to graduation (AJ Cooper) so Zehner potentially has 10 starters returning on offense and the entire 11-man defense.
Fans will be familiar with the names like now-seniors Tucker Fisher, Blake Thompson, Marquez Anderson, Brady Moise, Hunter Taylor, Auston Zehner and Hunter Evans, along with juniors Shane Shuman, Emiliano Ortiz, Jason Cadle, Ian Brown, Devin Burkett and Ethan Thomas. Freshman defensive lineman Braiden Molebash is a newbie to look for.
“Our strengths are going to be our juniors and seniors,” said Zehner, who is assisted by Kyle Klinge (offensive coordinator), Adam Neace, Justin Croy, Eddie Molebash, Shane Lowry and Chad Hollenbaugh. “I am excited about the leadership these young men have developed.”
The Cavaliers will open with two of the upper echelon Hoosier North Athletic Conference teams (vs. North Judson Aug. 20, vs. Knox Sept. 3) before three straight against Class 1A competition in conference (vs. Triton, at Winamac, at Caston). Trips to small schools South Central (Aug. 27) and West Central (Sept. 10) are part of the first month as well. The top two HNAC clubs from last year (Pioneer, LaVille) wrap up the regular season.
“Obviously Pioneer is the team to beat, because they have yet to lose a conference game,” Zehner added. “I feel that this year’s HNAC will be strong top to bottom. Look for it to be a well-balanced conference and one of the toughest small school conferences in the state.”
HNAC member Caston was added to Culver’s sectional this year, making it an eight-team bracket now.