IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

(pictured: Blake Hill, Jax Sternberger, Noah Friesen, Tristun Burnham, Harrison Evans, Kyle Borelli, Wrigley Kennedy, Aaron Delatorre, Cade Cooper, Kale Westfahl, Braden Eaton)

It's that time of year, loyal readers, football is upon us. The group of seniors pictured above will begin the Jacket season on the road versus the reigning Class 4A champion Clinton Red Tornadoes on August 26. Game time is 7pm and ticket prices are $5 and get this-- they take cash!! We went to a Kansas City Royals game a few weeks ago and no cash is accepted in the K. Normally not an issue but when I wanted to buy a couple ice cold Coors Lights ($12.50 a pop) and the attendant's credit card machine wouldn't work, there were some nervous moments on both sides I can tell you.

But enough about alcohol consumption at at baseball game (Dodgers won the series btw), it's time for Jacket football. Injuries marred much of last season but the boys have recovered and are bigger and stronger heading into the opener. Jax Sternberger, QB1, will be relied on heavily to lead the offense however his line will be strong with the leadership and girth of Wrigley Kennedy and Noah Friesen. Kennedy and Friesen both hit the weights hard over the summer and are ready to flex their muscles against opposing defenses. One senior that this writer thinks is primed for a huge season is Harrison Evans. The kid is just an animal. He's got size, strength and deceptively quick feet and speed. He's not afraid of contact and seems to enjoy pummeling his opponents.

Offensive starter predictions are:

QB- Jax Sternberger

RB- Dallen Barton, Aaron Delatorre, Cade Cooper (currently injured)

FB- Harrison Evans, Daniel Guerrero

TE- Jake Regan

OL- Wrigley Kennedy, Noah Friesen, Bert Haag, Landon Rempe, Kale Westfahl

WR- Kyle Borelli, Cade Covalt, Tristun Burnham, Paytun Burnham

Defensive starter predictions are:

DL- Wrigley Kennedy, Noah Friesen, Harrison Evans, Jake Regan

LB- Tanner Parker, Aaron Delatorre, Ethan Karcher

Corners- Paytun Burnham, Dallen Barton

Safeties- Jax Sternberger, Jhett Birdwell

Defensively, look for Evans to be in on most plays while Kennedy and Friesen jam up the middle. Tanner Parker will provide energy with the linebackers and Ethan Karcher and Delatorre. We can also expect to see a lot of plays broken up with the height of our safeties as well as their athleticism. The corners both have great speed and feel for the game.

One positive aspect of the injury bug from last year was that many of the new starters were able to get valuable experience going into this season. While we may seem young and inexperienced at some positions, they actually have been around a little and can surprise some people with their knowledge. Optimism always shines bright at the first of the season, here's hoping that light doesn't fade quickly on this great bunch of athletes and they can have a healthy and successful season.