Some uncertainties on O-line and D-line,
but Railers will be ready
By Scott Kirby
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[August 26, 2013]
The excitement of a new football
season is in the air. As the Lincoln Railer football squad gathered
on the practice field Aug. 15, they kicked off their 2013 campaign
with intentions.
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Coach Andy McDonald is very optimistic as he enters his third season
as head football coach of the Lincoln Railers.
Although Coach Mac has lost his entire offensive and defensive
line from last year due to graduating seniors, he feels that last
year's juniors and sophomores can step up and fill his line needs.
One of the individuals Coach Mac is depending on is senior
Tristen Cooper. Cooper is the only returning lineman who has had any
experience in a varsity game. He saw a little time last year and
will be called on to anchor and lead the offensive line this year.
Coach also mentioned that the numbers of kids on the varsity team
this year are up. Therefore he will have some depth to work with
throughout the game.
On the offensive side of the ball, starting quarterback Austin
Krusz returns for his senior year. Krusz started every game for the
Railers at quarterback as a junior.
"Krusz will have to step up and be leader of this football team,"
Coach Mac says. "The success of the offense will depend on the play
of Krusz at quarterback. He (Krusz) is a very athletic kid and will
be used as a runner as well as controlling the passing game."
Some of the key targets for Krusz will be junior Adam Conrady,
senior Wes White and junior Will Cook.
Coach McDonald says there are several positions that are not
filled and are still being competed. Chris Doung is competing for
the backfield position.
"Doung has had a good week of practice and is earning a chance to
see a lot of time in our backfield," Coach Mac says.
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A concern for the Railer team this year is on the defensive side
of the ball. The defensive line and linebackers are still up in the
air. There has been some progress in these areas as the kids have
gotten more practices under their belt. The kids are still competing
hard at practice, fighting for the last spots on the starting
lineup. The strength of the defense will be in the secondary.
Returning starter Shawn Cannon enters his junior year as
cornerback. Cannon will continue to be a shutdown corner and will be
called on to lead the defensive backs.
Junior Will Cook will have the responsibilities on the other side
of the field at cornerback.
"Cook is emerging as an aggressive and hard-nosed corner," Coach
Mac says.
The Railers had their annual "Meet the Railers" event Friday
night. There was a great turnout of fans to show their support and
to get a first look at what kind of teams the Railers will have this
year on the varsity, junior varsity and freshman squads.
The Railers open their season at Handlin Field this week Friday
at 7 p.m. Their opponents will be the Crimsons of Jacksonville. The
Railers lost to Jacksonville last year 48-0. Jacksonville has a very
big and fast team that can put points up on the scoreboard at will.
"Our defense will have a tough matchup Friday night," says Coach
Mac, "but our kids are up for it."
[By SCOTT KIRBY] |