Hersey ready to take next step
Hersey saw the interest in its football program rekindled last year when it won three of its first four games under new head coach Dragan Teonic.
The Huskies lost their last five games but they’re ready to get fans more fired up as they look for their first playoff berth and winning season since 2004.
“They’re a very, very committed group and they have a real sincere desire to be good,” Teonic said. “It’s fun. I love it and love going to work and being with them. This could be a talented group.”
Starting with senior Brad Zaucha returning to run the offense. He threw for 787 yards with 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
Zacuha’s targets include senior starters in 6-foot-2 Justin Jobski (14 catches, 148 yards, 2 TDs), Stephen Kuc and Eric Russell. Jackson Smith and Zavier Henry return on a line that is a solid 230 pounds across the board.
Andrew Collins and Kuc look to offset the graduation losses of versatile all-area pick Chris Polinski and Zach Johnson in the running game.
“We should be capable of moving the ball but we have to protect the ball,” Teonic said of 17 giveaways that led to a minus-7 in turnovers. “If we can hang onto the ball we can be very competitive.”
Senior Erik Stoltzner moves from linebacker to defensive end for his third varsity season and junior linebacker Hunter Rollins returns. Joey Rodgers is back at outside linebacker in the 3-5-3 with Frank Kalble and Jake Mueller returning in the secondary.
“We’re fast on defense and quick to the ball and they hit,” Teonic said. “The question is can we put it all together. I think they can.”
Especially if the offseason effort carries over to the regular season — and what Teonic and the Huskies hope is beyond.
“Everybody on the varsity is stronger, faster and in better shape,” Teonic said. “Ifeel we have better depth and we’re going in the right direction.
“We’re not in this to just turn it around and be OK. We want to be the best.”
Huskies at a glance
Coach: Dragan Teonic (3-6, second year)
Last year: 3-6, 0-5 (6th East)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
QB Brad Zaucha 5-10/160 Sr.
TB Andrew Collins 5-11/195 Sr.
LT Tim Koepke 6-2/235 Sr.
LG Zavier Henry 6-1/230 Sr.
C Bobby Jaacks 6-1/225 Jr.
RG Mark Balmes 6-1/230 Sr.
RT Jackson Smith 6-2/220 Sr.
WR Justin Jobski 6-2/205 Sr.
WR Stephen Kuc 5-10/175 Sr.
WR David Jackowski 5-8/170 Jr.
WR Eric Russell 6-1/190 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
DE Erik Stoltzner 5-11/210 Sr.
NG Ismael Najera 5-10/200 Sr.
DE Eddie Beyer 6-1/220 Jr.
OLB Hunter Rollins 5-11/185 Jr.
ILB Jim Thomsen 5-11/190 Jr.
MLB Matt Korff 5-9/180 Jr.
ILB Grant Burke 5-11/180 So.
OLB Joe Rodgers 5-10/175 Sr.
CB Jake Mueller 6-0/165 Sr.
CB Kevin Mengarelli 5-9/150 Sr.
S Frank Kalble 5-11/170 Sr.