11-5A DI REGION 3
GLENN GRIZZLIES Second-year Head Coach Brandon Krauskopf has one season in the books, and it sure seems like everyone is just moving past a successful 5-6 record that included a playoff appearance last year. “We are extremely excited to see our kids in year two of the Slot T and the jump in progression we should make.” It seems the Grizzlies are ready to make an even bigger splash this year. With the confidence of having 15 returning starters, he adds, “We were a young team last year, and the senior leadership coming back will benefit us greatly moving into one of the toughest districts in 5A Division 1.” Of the eight returners on offense, reigning Newcomer of the Year DJ Dugar could be the focal point of the running attack while sharing the backfield with Sr. Mason Johnson. Under center, expect big things from 2nd Team All-District QB, Sky Mendez. With quality OL coming back in Jr. First Team All-District selection Cameron Morrison and Senior 2nd Team selection David Claridge, there is little mystery why Coach Krauskopf is so excited about the progress he is expecting. Kobe Childress, a Sr. returning All-District DT, leads the seven returning defensive starters and is the key to getting the defense off the field. Having three returning senior LB’s is a luxury, and it’s even better when two of them are coming off 2nd Team All-District seasons. AD selections Jaelin Hines and Nehemiah Carter are joined by Matthew Hester to be as deep as any linebacking core in the area. Sr. Dalton Bradley is an All-District CB who, along with Sr. Devin Endel, will be expected to lead the secondary.
HENDRICKSON HAWKS With all the success in their history, the Hawks aren’t used to having to battle back from a down year. After last year’s 4-6 campaign, Coach Chip Killian knows his guys will be up for the challenge. Because of their lower numbers in participation, he knows that several key players will need to provide help on both sides of the ball “to help us get back into playoff contention.” Killian states, “I expect us to be much improved on offense from last year.” With seven returning starters and a sure and steady Sr. QB Joseph Rodriguez leading the way, there is plenty to be excited about for next season. Two of the more dynamic players on offense are Sr. WR’s Bryan Ray and DJ Pinkerton. They should give Rodriquez plenty opportunities for explosive plays. The RB position is in the middle of a battle between a few players for playing time. Up front, Sr. Cash Deibert leads the way after a year of starting on the OL. At 6’3” and 240 lbs., he will be expected to lead Jr. Luka Matamoros and become a dominant player for the Hawks. On defense, ILB combo of Sr. Tony Brown and Jr. Braxton Brown will lead the way together instead of challenging one another for playing time. Jr. Safety Spencer Distefano will again roam the secondary with a passion. His stellar play leads Coach Killian to believe he may need to be one of the players needed on both sides of the ball, where he can also play WR. Bryan Ray will step over to defense when his CB skills can help in the secondary. With Sr. NG Torey Stigall handling the duties up front, Killian feels, “We should be able to fill some openings on thew defensive side.” Guys like Jr. Brayden Durocher need to really show up, whether it’s at DE or TE. 42
