“FROM THE HUDDLE”

BY COACH BRIAN WALKER       

            Well, here we go again with the beginning of another fall sports season here at Red Rock Central.  Where did the summer go, right? This year’s football team has been already on the practice field for close to 3 weeks now; and we are busy this week putting their final preparations together for the home opener against the Knights of SESM.  We have not played the Knights for 4 years, so it will be somewhat an unfamiliar opponent for both teams.  The Falcon roster this year has 42 players on it, with 9 seniors, 10 juniors, 9 sophomores, and 14 freshmen.  This year we added 4 new players, one in each class that were not out for the team last year, so it is always nice to see new faces on the team that are interested in playing the game.  Our captains, Nate Bierman, Dillon Imker, Josh Rogotzke, and Zach Siemer will provide great leadership for this team that has 17 retuning letterwinners on it.  Last year we finished (1-8) and struggled throughout the year, but with 6-7 starters returning to this year’s team, the expectations are high for this group.  We feel that we can compete with anyone on our schedule, and staying healthy will be important as usual. 

            Players that contributed to the offense last year include Jake Fredrickson.  Jake was our QB last year, but will hold down a running back spot this year.  Jake rushed for 167 yds last year from his QB position.  Dylan Bunting will step in at QB, and run what looks to be an exciting offense where he can use his arm, or his feet to gain yards.  The team returns a great core of offensive lineman.  Dillon Imker, a 4 yr starter returns at tackle, Aaron Furth will play a guard spot as will Josh Rogotzke.  All three have a lot of experience, and we are using that to help the younger lineman that are learning the system.  Nate Bierman, our leading receiver last year returns at tight end.  He caught 23 passes for 243yds last season.  Zach Siemer will also be in the backfield leading the way for Fredrickson.  Tyler Erickson, Nick Derickson, Blake Stevens, George Rogotzke, Dan Maras, Ryan Schroepfer, and Andrew Engen will all see time out at the receiver position.  Ray Hagberg, Nate Mattison, Brandon Bierl, Tom Benedict, and Henry Rogotzke are all looking to step into an offensive line spot. 

            On the defensive side of the ball, we will return 8-9 players that started at one point during the season.  Again, some of the same names such as Imker, Furth, Bierman, Mattison, Siemer, Hagberg, Alex Kircher, and George and Josh Rogotzke. Jake Fredrickson will get more time on the defense this year.  Also, Tyler Erickson, Ryan Schroepfer, and Andew Engen will see time in the defensive secondary.  Blake Stevens and Henry Rogotzke will also see time at defensive end, and Clay Peterson is working at linebacker.  Last year we had a tendency to give up too many big plays, so we are working hard on getting more quickness on the field and get more players to the football.  The entire team has been working hard to get into good condition, and working on many fundamentals of the game.  We have had great competition at our practice, and that helps build a quality team.

            The season kicks off this Friday night at 7 pm in Lamberton vs SESM.  The football team is hosting a Whopper Feed Tailgate party serving up grilled burgers before the game starting around 4 or 4:30, so come on out and support the team and enjoy a Whopper!! We are looking forward to getting the season started, so come out and cheer the Falcons on to an opening Victory!! See you all at the game.  GO FALCONS!!