There’s talent despite low numbers at Elgin
Football is a game of inches. It’s also a numbers game.
Coming off a 1-8 season in 2011, the Elgin football team has some burgeoning young talent, but a roster of only 24 varsity players means the talent layer is skin deep.
Multiple players are poised to play on both sides of the ball and special teams, so avoiding the trainer’s room is a must if the Maroons are to remain relevant in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division race.
They went 0-6 in River Division games last year.
“I think we can compete, but it goes without saying we have to stay healthy,” said Dave Bierman, who enters his fifth season coaching his alma mater. “We don’t have the depth to get banged up. Our first bunch we throw out there can compete and get some things done, but the fact a lot of guys are going both ways is a concern.”
Two key players are juniors who gained experience last season: quarterback Ryan Sitter (6-0, 170) and running back Jaylen Clemons (5-10, 210).
Sitter took over the starting role in Week 3 and showed flashes. He also experienced the growing pains inherent to sophomore signal callers. He threw for 773 yards and 6 touchdowns but was intercepted 14 times. Most of those picks were thrown when the Maroons faced third-and-long situations, which was often.
Expect a more polished quarterback following after another full summer camp and two-a-day fall practices.
“He’ a real heady kid,” Bierman said of Sitter.
“He understands the game. Our goal is to get into the season and give him a little more control of the offense. We won’t give him carte blanche, but he’ll be able to check off a play to the other side and change routes.”
Bierman is hoping for big things from Clemons.
“I hope they materialize,” the coach said.
The speedy ball carrier played 6 games last season in place of injured veteran Dennis Moore. He gained 111 yards and scored 1 touchdowns on 42 carries.
Senior Zach Lindstrom (6-0, 235) is a returning starter at left tackle. He’ll also play on the defensive line.
Senior Ethan Henke (5-10, 200) returns at center and will play a key role on defense at middle linebacker. Senior Mitch Poltersdorf played tight end last year (6-1, 205) and doubles as a defensive linemen.
Senior guards Dennis Kruse (5-9, 230) and Ricky Santana (5-11, 205) both played significantly as juniors.
Senior Joe DeBrocke (5-11, 185) is versatile. Bierman said he might “move around a bit” between wide receiver and running back. DeBrocke will also be counted on as an outside linebacker.
Senior Jawan Berry (5-7, 200) broke his leg early last season. He returns healthy to play wide receiver and linebacker. Returning senior Brandon Higdon (5-11, 190) also plays linebacker. Offensively, he moves from guard to fullback.
A major injury would likely force the Elgin staff to replace two positions.
“We have to be in better condition than the other team in order to compete for four quarters,” Bierman said. “I told the kids we’ll keep changing formations and plays and we’ll figure something out. If one guy goes down, we’ll move this guy over here. We’ll be OK. We just have to keep grinding away, handle adversity and see how things pan out.”