NEW SHARON —
Three football games in August to open the 2012 season.
This is a very different situation than usual for the North Mahaska football team. Normally one game in August is played, but the calendar and an opportunity to play 10 games allows the Warhawks to open the season this Friday.
North Mahaska will travel to Belle Plaine to open the 2012 campaign. The Warhawks are coming off a 3-6 season. The past two years have been lean by North Mahaska standards, but Warhawks coach Steve Ehret has hopes for better times.
Ehret begins his 32nd campaign leading the team.
“I am starting my 32nd year and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” said Ehret. “We have had some great times and we have had some bad times. From the standpoint of having good kids and working hard, that is how we measure success.”
This season is not necessarily a rebuilding year as it is another development year. Led by third-year quarterback Beau Freeborn, a 6-foot-2, 162-pound senior, Freeborn has been behind center the past two seasons.
“He did a nice job for us last year,” said Ehret. “He has matured and in the early season he is looking very good. He will also do our punting. He can make the other team have a long field.”
Ehret said he is looking for leadership to come from his six seniors and five juniors with the underclassmen stepping into various roles. Alex Dawley, a 6-1, 182-pound senior, who played on the offensive and defensive lines last season, will move to linebacker on defense this season. John Collier could see action at various positions as the season progresses. The 5-10, 200-pound senior will be seen as a lineman, at linebacker and in the backfield. Brock Pollpeter will also be in at linebacker.
Opening the season in what is called week zero has been a small challenge for Ehret and his Warhawks. Belle Plaine coaches approached Ehret about the possibility of playing an extra game.
“Belle Plaine is in our conference (for all other sports),” said Ehret. “I did not have to play this 10th game. We chose to do so to give the young kids a chance to see some game time action.”
Ehret said he plans to keep the ball on the ground and grind out first downs.
“We would like to shorten the field,” said Ehret. “We want to control the ball and then make the other team have to run a lot of plays. The more times they touch the ball the higher the chance something will happen.”
Ehret said the district seems to be three big teams with the others battling even. He tabs BGM, Lynnville-Sully and district newcomer Pekin to contend for the district title.
Sports
August 16, 2012
North Mahaska opens the grid season Friday
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