PREVIEW: Dome in '16; can Eagles get there again?


The Midland High School football team, first row from left: manager Spencer Hansen, Lucas Ervin, Jake Arnell, David Flores, Carsen Rupp, Griffin Gravel, Austin Fairley, Sawyer Hansen, Lincoln Brandenburg and Kole Michaud. Second row: assistant coach Ryan Dodge, Cael Eganhouse, Brady Pestka, Austin Weinschenk, Wilson Buckwalter, Alex Smith, Kyle Paulsen, Drew Gravel, Austin Smith, Brayden Gravel, Aaron Bixler, Trevor Fitzpatrick and assistant coach Tim Kreel. Third row: assistant coach Lennie Miller, Jeremy Lafrenz, Iziek Soper, Ethan Orr, Jacob Shoaff, Jensen Dodge, Payton Lasack, Brennan Hall, Jensen Orr, Connor Martin and Ethan Milder. Fourth row: assistant coach Eric Martens, Ethan Kaftan, Sebastian Kreel, Peyton Rupp, Hunter Shoaff, Brett Schoenherr, Fisher Bisinger, Hunter Rushford, Carter Mohr, Luke Lasack, Britan Martens, Carson Hunter, Nicolo Cianci, head coach Casey Hack and volunteer assistant coach Jake Heinsius. (Photo by Pete Temple)
FOOTBALL

     The Midland High School football team had a historic season in 2016 – its best in school history – reaching the state eight-player semifinals and playing in the UNI-Dome while going 9-3 overall.

     While the Eagles have the chore of making up for the loss of graduate Alex Martens – who passed for 2,422 yards and 28 touchdowns before a shoulder injury derailed his season – fifth-year coach Casey Hack said the 2017 version has a lot going for it.

     “We should have decent size and speed and be competitive in every game,” Hack said. “I love the toughness of this squad.

     “Our goal is to keep building our program into a consistent winner. We don’t expect to be able to duplicate the passing yards from last year, but we want to lead the state in rushing yards and be much better defensively than we were last year.”

     Midland has 11 returning letter-winners, led by senior running back Austin Smith, who rushed for 1,203 yards and 27 touchdowns a year ago. Senior Fisher Bisinger was second on the team in tackles with 75.5, and made five interceptions.

     Also back are seniors Kyle Paulsen, Drew Gravel, Hunter Rushford and Brady Pestka; juniors Griffin Gravel, Carter Mohr, Peyton Rupp and Brett Schoenherr; and sophomore Britan Martens.

     “We are counting on some young guys to step up and play some major roles,” Hack said. “We need to get better every day. We also need to stay healthy. It is a vital part of getting where we want to be at the end of the year.”

     Midland won the Eight-player, District 4 championship last year with a 5-1 record. This year, playing in the same district, the Eagles hope to overcome contenders WACO and Iowa Valley.

     Assistant coaches are Ryan Dodge, Lennie Miller, Eric Martens, Tim Kreel and Jake Heinsius.

 

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