Tigers to Rely on Younger Players to Lead the Way
Following another successful season on the field in which Dundy County Stratton went 9-2, they will have to rebuild in a few spots. But, 9th year head coach, Mike Spargo says his group is up for the challenge. "We will have to rely on a very talented sophomore class for starters and a good crop of freshmen for depth, "said Spargo. "We have a strong senior group that is very talented and experienced," added Spargo.
One of those seniors is Jackson Kerchal, an All-State performer. He had 69 tackles, with 13.5 tackles for loss. He played guard last season, but his 6'4 215 pound frame will make him an excellent tight end for the Tigers. He has garnered some D1 interest and has several D2 offers to play at the next level.
Ethan Latta is a sophomore to watch for DCS too. He was an All-State performer with 10 interceptions and 63 tackles. For Latta on the offensive side is where will he play? He could play at running back, quarterback, or wide receiver said Spargo.
Another sophomore that could be a dark horse is Dante Horner. Horner has battled injuries and will look to make an impact for the Tigers this season too.
When it comes to the offensive and defensive line, Derek Noffsinger will be the lead guy. Noffsinger is a three-year starter has the size to make a difference at 6'2, 310 pounds. He was an All-District selection last year with 35 tackles and 8 TFL's.
The Tigers are in the D2-8 District with Bertrand, Hitchcock County, Loomis, Maywood-Hayes Center, and Medicine Valley. will begin the season on August 24th at Julesburg, Colorado and face Sedwick County.
Tigers Hope Returning Experience Can Help Pickup Wins
The past three seasons have been a struggle for the Dundy County Stratton volleyball team.
The Tigers enter this season on a 78-match losing skid and have won just three sets the past two seasons. But there are some signs of encouragement.
Dundy County Stratton was young a year ago and returns all but one player from last season's roster. The team's top four hitters a year ago- Clara Spargo, Bianca Bernard, Laynee Lutz, and Holly Hylton- were each freshmen or sophomores. The team also returns a senior setter in Alyssa Schneider.
The Tigers will need to be road warriors this season with just two home dates on the schedule.