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FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
michigansthumb.com
Members of the North Huron varsity football team are, front row, from left, Chris Augle, Robby Iseler, Delvin Galleck and Brad Hoody; second row, from left, Joe Weiss, Christian Brown, Cory Kent and Tyler Moore; third row, from left, head coach Chad Knoblock, Ty Woodke, Connor Smith and Justin Helm. Not pictured is assistant coach Troy Hildreth. (Eric Rutter/ Huron Daily Tribune)
North Huron teams adjusting to change Knoblock in first year as head coach; Warriors volleyball changed divisions BY ERIC RUTTER Tribune Sports Writer KINDE— Two years ago, the North Huron football program fought their way to the 8-man Division II state semifinals. Last year, the Warriors posted a 5-5 record and survived until the second round of the postseason. Head coach Chad Knoblock was a part of the staff both years, and the Warriors’ coach have their sights set on a trip to the playoffs in 2019 as well. “I think that the goal is going to be once again to make the playoffs,” Knoblock said. “Last year, we were fortunate to make it to the playoffs consecutive years. It hasn’t happened often, so that’s going to be our goal — to get back to the playoffs.” However, a significant factor in North Huron qualifying for the postseason once again will be maintaining a healthy roster. At the moment, Knoblock reports 12 players on the varsity squad and 10 on the junior varsity team, so depth management will be instrumental this fall. Knoblock says he hopes the football program picks up an additional member or two as the fall sports season progresses.
Members of the North Huron varsity volleyball team are, front row, from left, Megan Maurer, Mollie Zaleski, Karrigan Schipinski, Abi Opnowski, Hannah Mills, Tegan Kozlowski and Madi Koroleslei; second row, from left, Patricia Pineau, Emma Trudeau, Lucy Wiley, coach Lauren Fischer, Brooke Gordon, Emma Taylor and Paige Koroleski. (Eric Rutter/ Huron Daily Tribune) “As a team that’s going to have limited numbers, they’re going to play a lot of snaps,” Knoblock says. “The name of the game right now is to get them in shape, keep them in shape but also get them
comfortable with what we’re doing strategically within our offense and defense.” But while North Huron may not have an abundance of men on the bench, those on the field are replete with expe-
rience. Last year, the Warriors saw Brad Hoody lead the squad on the ground and are looking forward to his contributions under center this fall. “He was our starting tailback last year and played
a little bit of quarterback,” Knoblock said. “He has a lot of speed, very athletic. He is going to do big things on both sides of the ball.” See WARRIORS, Page 13s