Braves football coach John Beck said he’s “very excited for this year’s team. “We have a lot of returning talent as well as some new faces that will create a nice blend. As always we have high expectations for ourselves.”
“However, the big picture comes down to the little things and doing them well,” he said. “Doing our assignments and responsibilities to best of our abilities – tackling, blocking, being physical, limiting turnovers but most of all believing in each other and the process will be keys this year.”
The coach said, “We are about 3 weeks into practices and I am really liking what I am seeing out of our young men. We have 27 guys out this year with 8 seniors on the roster.”
Also included are 8 juniors, 5 sophomores and 6 freshmen.
Beck said summer preparation went great.
“We had around 20-25 junior high and high schools boys constantly there in the mornings from all of Montezuma’s athletic programs.”
He said mornings consisted of speed training, agilities, lifting four days a week and skills and drills two days a week.
“We were also able to do a 5-on-five 5 camp in Baxter with around 12 teams before the start of our team camp. I really like doing that as we are able to see and compete against teams from around the state.”
“Overall, the guys progressed really well this summer and it made me very excited for this upcoming season, Beck said.
Up first: HLV/Tri-County
The Braves open on road Friday, Aug. 23, in Victor.
“HLV is historically a physical and well-coached team. Kevin Smith is a great coach and will get the best out of his squad. Beck said.
“Typically they are a run-first team with play action to complement what they like to do. I expect them to have a similar philosophy this year. They return their leading rusher, Cael Weisskopf ,from last year as well as bringing back Hunter Bazyn from injury.”
“I expect both, along with a few other guys. to get most of the carries,” Beck said.
“Last year, Breyer Jack took reps at quarterback to end the season and did a solid job as a freshman. On the outside, I know they can mix in a few guys but again I expect them to rely on their run game.”
“Their line returns at least one guy from last year in Mason Westerdale, but are also the most unknown to me on who they will march out there,” Montezuma’s coach said.
“On the defensive side, they bring back most of their second and third levels. I expect both Weisskopf brothers as well as Hunter Bazyn to lead this group.”
“On the line, Mason Westerdale is the main returner and will be a big body (6-1, 215) to move” Beck said. “This was a young team last year that had one of the toughest schedules in the area. “I expect them to have grown significantly with the experience they have from last year.,” said the Montezuma coach.
“We will need to do the detail things: Control the line of scrimmage, bring the physicality, tackle, and take care of the football,” Beck said.
“ I know the guys are itching to compete!”
Braves roster additions this week
SENIOR – Kohen Holland, TE/LB, 6-5, 190
FRESHMEN – Ethan DesRochers, WR/LB, 5-11, 140; Gavin Wilcox, WR/LB, 5-11, 150; Kaden Latcham, WR/DB, 5-8, 140; Talen Holland, TD/DE, 6-0, 160; Brodie Saringer, OL/DL, 5-8, 210; Isaiah Wilson, OL/DL, 5-8, 200.
Returning HLV stat leaders
Passing – Bryer Jack, 31-77, 331 yards, 8 touchdowns as a freshman.
Rushing – Cael Weisskopf, 107-623, 7 touchdowns as a freshman.
Receiving – Cael Weisskopf, 17-207, 4 touchdowns.
Tackles – Cael Weisskopf, 76.5, including 43 solos; Devon Weisskopf, junior, 40.0 with 16 solo.
Punts – Cael Weisskopf 12-366 (33.5).