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All about the blocks: MFL, summer help build Bison
McCOOK, Neb. — The turbo button’s been blasting through weight rooms all summer as McCook Bison are only getting bigger and badder entering this season’s final pre-season “push”.
“Oh yeah, our guys are definitely stronger than when the summer began,” McCook football coach Jeff Gross said this morning.
The Bison are finishing their fifth of six intense weight-lifting weeks — though nothing really changes once school begins next month.
“The big difference is with weight training classes, guys are lifting every day,” he explained.
Yet it’s the sight of players taking over his job that boosts Gross’ confidence even more.
McCook Football League games kick off tonight, and many current Bison have been busy preparing youth teams since practices started on July 10.
“The great thing about MFL is not only do they get to know the younger kids, but it shows our guys know what we’re doing inside and out,” Gross said.
“And probably our No. 1 strength going into this year is we have a lot of returning starters,” he added. “That means our retention level is quite high. They know technique and they know how to teach.”
The Bison achieved some real success this summer while attending camps and a special “team jamboree” in Grand Island last month.
McCook joined Class A Grand Island High along with defending Class B champion York, Aurora, Grand Island Northwest and Sidney in this special team camp.
The Bison did “a lot of competing” where they worked on everything from inside power running to their improving passing game.
“The best part was scrimmaging and we dominated in a lot of ways,” Gross explained. “I wouldn’t say we dominated York or Grand Island High, but we did a lot of good things. I’d say if we played Grand Island 10 times, we’d go at least five and five.”
Most importantly, the Bison developed more stability on both front lines of scrimmage.
“We have returning starters just about everywhere else,” Gross said. “Our defense is very strong at linebacker and with the defensive backs. Our main focus has been at D-ends and offensive tackles.”
Senior Colin Giron looks like a monster anchor along both fronts.
Seniors DJ Gross and Paxton Terry are a powerful inside linebacking duo while several other Bison appear ready to make an impact.
Along those lines, Gross has seen Conner Kleckner, Jared Cole, Luke Roberts and sophomore Alec Langan among those who can fill key spots.
“Conner Kleckner is a name you all will be getting familiar with,” the coach declared. “He reminds me of Jaret Matson from a couple years ago who was a two-year starter.”
Offensively, power flows along the front line whether it’s seniors Hunter Cunnigham, Nick Baker or Zach Latimer leading that inside game.
Plus Bison fans should take not of new junior tackle Joshua Emerson, a 315-pound transfer from Greeley, Colo.
“We’re going to be big,” Gross confirmed.
Much more about the Bison team will be mentioned once pre-season practices officially begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 6.
“Our schedule has a lot of meat at the very beginning with Hastings, G.I. Northwest, York and Beatrice,” he concluded. “We’ll have to be ready to play right away.”
In the meantime, MFL games will keep Weiland Field busy starting tonight. Watch for photos