Indians Building Strengths

North Central football

Youth are being served in the North Central football program, which is encouraging for second-year coach Wes Hobbs.

“The number of sophomores and freshmen turning out is by far above the year before,” he said. “It’s a step in the right direction. If they stick with it, we can make things happen.”

There are some 33 athletes in each class who are joining the eight veteran athletes that are the nucleus of this year’s squad.

“I think the players have made more of a commitment to the overall program,” said Hobbs, “including in the weight room. We have kids who are experienced and for the first time have some first-year seniors. A couple will contribute.”

One is 6-foot-7, 260-pound two-way tackle Josh McIlrath. Another is 6-1, 240-pound two-way lineman Ken Carlson.

They’ll hunker down in front of veteran junior quarterback Nic Froscheiser and running back Ray Bowser. Another veteran runner is Brian Mack. Junior Brett Pearson, who played some at the end of last season, provides depth.

“I feel pretty darn good about the backfield,” said Hobbs.

Dustin Clark, who had five interceptions on defense last year, will also be an offensive wide receiver, along with Aaron Dacy. Sophomore at tight end and linebacker is Chris Guerts.

“He’ll have an impact on the whole sports program at NC,” said Hobbs.

Joining McIlrath and Carlson at tackle is 230-pound sophomore Chris Stewart and 230-pound senior Josh Simpson. Returning two-way starter David Sandberg will play guard with juniors Josh Therens and sophomore Jim McCollum. Center and defensive tackle is 280-pound senior Derrick Phillips.

Defensively, Bowser, Clark, Dacy, sophomore Ben Johnson and Nick Kelly are in the backfield, along with sophomore quarterback Jeff Peterson.

Mack, Sandberg, Pearson and sophomore Casey Gomez are at linebacker.

Another lineman on defense is junior Brian Eschenbacher, up 30 pounds more than last year at 201.

“Our numbers have increased, and we have kids pushing for positions,” said Hobbs. “It won’t be the season to end all seasons, but if we keep hitting and get some key breaks, we’ll be OK.”

NC opens the season with a non-league game Friday in Sunnyside.

, DataTimes