“Devastating.”
That’s how the head coach of the Santa Fe Trail Chargers Jayson Duncan described losing 18 seniors including All-State running back Will Herren and 2-time All-League offensive lineman Otis Costlow.
“We will be a little different, but we will still be Santa Fe Trail. I expect us to be athletic and tough on Defense.”
The Chargers offense averaged around 28 points per game while defensively allowing 19 points per game, including one shut out.
The Chargers will have back senior Evan Dean, who is in at 290 lbs. and stands at 6’3” and is 2-time All-League and All-State Honorable Mention.
Also returning is 6’, 191 lbs. senior quarterback Andrew Berckerfeldt, who was named 2nd team All-League.
Those two senior leaders have coach Duncan confident in his offense this year.
“Offensively, I think we will score. We have a couple of nice players with Andrew and Evan. If we can run the football against good teams and have the element of play-action we could score some points.” Said Duncan.
The Chargers will lean on junior running back McClain Weekley, who is listed at 5’11” and 183 lbs.
Coach Duncan also mentioned that his Defense not only showed up during the summer camp, but believes they will catch the attention of Santa Fe Trail fans.
“I was also impressed with our defense this summer.”
The Chargers will be tested in arguably one of the most challenging districts in the eastern half of the state.
They will open up two of the first three games on the road in Prairie View and Anderson County while playing host to Osawatomie in week 2. Osawatomie and Anderson County are both under the direction of first-year head coaches.
In district play the Chargers host Topeka Hayden, league rival Wellsville and Bishop Ward while traveling to Perry-Lecompton and Jefferson West in Week 8.
“Our district is one of the best in the state. The team that makes it out of our district or the district we match up with, I feel, will play for a state championship.” Said coach Duncan.
Follow the Santa Fe Trailer Chargers Football team results on SEK-Sports.com with their team page in the Pioneer League.