4 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
PIGSKIN PREVIEW New LondonSpicer junior quarterback Kyle Doty rolls out for a pass during an East Central District crossover game against Albany on Oct. 23, 2020 from Pederson Field. West Central Tribune file photo
New LondonSpicer sophomore wide receiver Brycen Christensen is hit by Albany’s Will Mergen during an East Central District crossover game on Oct. 23, 2020 from Pederson Field. West Central Tribune file photo
NEW LONDON-SPICER
New head coach leads Wildcats
Long-time assistant Chad Gustafson replaces Dan Essler at NLS
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
NEW LONDON — The sidelines at New London-Spicer football games will look different with the retirement of longtime head coach Dan Essler. But, the Wildcats will have a familiar look as
Essler’s long-time offensive coordinator, Chad Gustafson, takes over the lead role as the team looks to improve on its 4-4 mark from 2020. During Essler’s 21 seasons as head coach, NLS went 133-82 and went to three state championship games, winning the Class AAA title in 2009.
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After going 2-4 in the regular season, NLS picked up a pair of postseason wins over Montevideo and Minnewaska in the Section 6AAA tournament. It was the 15th straight season with a record of .500 or better. “Even though we suffered gaping losses due to graduation, we feel the
players coming up from the JV could help build a winner,” said Gustafson. The Wildcats’ JV went 6-1 last year. NLS returns its signal-caller from last season as Kyle Doty returns for his senior season. “Having Kyle Doty returning as a starter should help the offense regain its form,” Gustafson said. As far as offensive weapons, senior Peyton Coahran and junior Brycen Christiansen are returning starters. In the backfield, Conner Rothwell (6-2, 265 pounds) will pave the way at fullback. Seniors Noah Woelfel and Brody Lien, and sophomore Mason Delzer will figure into the mix at running back. The offensive line has a pair of returning starters
in senior tackle Annikan Haglund and senior guard Nate Netland. Senior Tayden Nelson should see time at tackle, junior Luke Wosmek will also handle guard duties. Junior Isaiah Halverson is slated to play center. “We have good size and speed and hope to have a good mix of pass and run in the offense,” Gustafson said. Coahran will be one of the focal points of the defense, returning to the perimeter at cornerback. But, there’ll be plenty of new players in the mix. On the defensive line, Gustafson points out seniors Sam Gabrielson and Lawsin Dechon. At linebacker, there’s senior Trevin O’Malley, and juniors Gavin Degner and Hunter Downey. Then in the secondary, senior
Mason King will look to stop pass catchers at cornerback. “The defense will have many new faces but should be stout up the middle with bigger tackles and quick linebackers,” Gustafson said. With 54 players expected to dress for varsity, Gustafson is hoping to have less two-way players on game day. “The core players have worked out hard this year and many players will have a chance to contribute,” Gustafson said. The Wildcats’ season begins on Thursday, Sept. 2 against St. Cloud Cathedral at Husky Stadium on the campus of St. Cloud State University. The home opener is Friday, Sept. 10 against Watertown-Mayer.
