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Yes! Time for first Bison rumble on Saturday at Weiland
McCOOK, Neb. — It’s been building all week like a great big thunderstorm ready to unleash lightning bolts.
You can hear the rumble of questions all week about McCook’s favorite football team:
Will Mitchel Cole, Quentin Terry and Teegan Reece maul every front line on the Bison’s 2023 schedule?
“Those are three really good linemen on both sides of the ball,” coach Joe Vetrovsky said.
Will every Bison fan keep up with all the blazing Brett Fraker runs through and around opposing defenses?
“Brett was a very pivotal piece on our offense last year, and we’re excited to see what he can do this year,” Vetro proclaimed. “He will be a big workhorse. He’s a very explosive back, and our best cover corner (back).”
Will senior Patrick Gross break some Bison placekicking records? He’ll certainly be aiming to pick off the football from rival quarterbacks as a safety on that Bison defense.
“Brett’s a phenomenal kicker,” Vetrovsky said which isn’t often said about high school kicking games.
Will senior leader and special teams ace Jackson Dellevoet secure an inside linebacker starting position?
“Jackson’s a really good leader on this team,” Vetrovsky said.
Can sophomores Spencer Steinbeck and Eidos Klein fill some holes along that Bison front line? They certainly bring the girth.
“They’re two good looking linemen. They’ll have to play older than they are, but we feel they are up to the challenge,” former collegiate lineman Vetrovsky explained.
Will other knowledge be gained during the Bison first scrimmage at Weiland Field Saturday?
Opening snap is set promptly for 9 a.m. so bring breakfast and feed local media observers.
Senior Canyon Hosick’s ready to handle the menu of being starting quarterback. He’s also the top returning tackler from his inside linebacker post.
Hosick gained starting experience late last season as the Bison finished 10-1 overall. They’ll take on the same slate in 2023 except home-road games are flipped.
McCook plays its season opener at Cozad in just two more Fridays.
“Canyon’s our starting quarterback,” Vetro confirmed. “He looked good during the summer and in fall camp.”
Bison fans can see some potential new targets since Class C-1 all-stater Lucas Gomez-Wilson graduated in May.
Gross, senior Aiden Meyer and junior Ethan Schmidt are among the leading receiver candidates through week one of Bison practices.
“Aiden has really stepped into the tight end with the graduation of Garrett Kaps,” J.V. said. “And Ethan has been a guy who’s been stepping up, also at cornerback.”
Other Bison to watch on Saturday include junior lineman Davien Hanson which Vetro calls a “strong, athletic kid.”
Don’t forget steady senior lineman Jose Campos and last year’s top O-line reserve Beckett Heskett.
“Jose has been working his way through the years. He’s a smart kid who knows what he’s doing,” Vetrovsky said.
Several sophomores could stand out following another excellent freshman season in 2022.
Bison fans can also see several promising sophomores who could make a sizzling impact in 2023.
Check out speedy tailback/safety Tristan Campbell, quarterback/safety Bryson Gullion and linebacker/tight end Gabe Roberts among others.
“Gabe’s a guy who will get on the field somehow,” the head coach said.
Vetrovsky has appreciated the incoming freshman class as well.
“They seem to fit all the positions we are looking for. They have good speed and size,” Vetrovsky concluded.
“We’re just ready to put on all the gear and get it going.”