Prepzone Pigskin Preview 2017

HASTINGS ST. CECILIABLUEHAWKS
By: Megan McGill
After finishing 5-4, 2016 did
not meet the Bluhawk’s high
expectations. The three-time state
championship program is no
stranger to the postseason. Hastings
St. Cecilia has made an impressive
27 playoff appearances. Last year’s
postseason absence was the first in
17 years. This fact alone is enough
motivation for the 2017 to get back
to the playoffs.
Head Coach Carl Tesmer returns
with a 232-51 record at the school.
With another tough schedule ahead,
Tesmer will have the help of 20
returning letterwinners, including
nine starters on offense and eight on
defense. The line will be among the
most experienced group on the field
this fall.
“We have a lot of experience in the
line back,” he said. “These linemen
have to step up and continue to
improve throughout the season. Our
defense needs to be as solid as we
appear on paper.”
Defensive end Josh Bohlke (6’0”
225 lbs) will provide the Bluehawks
with some size. The senior is a twoyear
starter, who recorded a total of
31 tackles and tacked on four sacks.
The 4-4 defense will also welcome
back two-year starter Sam Clark
(5’10” 175 lbs), who was also able to
pick up some impressive numbers
last season. The senior was the
team’s third-leading tackler with a
total of 54 tackles. Seniors Nate Starr
(5’10” 175 lbs) and Grant Farmer
(6’0” 175 lbs) will also be big assets
on the defensive side of the ball. The
two combined for 62 tackles and six
safeties.
Although the Bluehawks have a
good group coming back, there
is still a major hole to fill at the
quarterback position previously
held by Grant Schmidt. Schmidt
lead the team in scoring and total
tackles. Junior Thomas Redinger
(6’2” 170 lbs) will likely fill that spot.
Tesmer is confident he has the right
guy to lead the team.
“We need to develop a complete
well-organized offense that can
perform error-free,” he said.
Redinger will inherit the I-spread
offense that averaged 200 rushing
yards and 80 passing yards a game.
Clark, Farmer, Bohlke, and Starr will
all see time on the offensive side of
the ball as well. Senior Chris Weidt
(5’10” 170 lbs) and junior Jarred
Prevette (6’1” 250 lbs) will both play
key roles on offense and defense.
Getting back to the postseason will
not be an easy feat. Hastings St.
2017 SCHEDULE
8/25 @ Freeman
9/1 Wilber-Clatonia
9/8 @ Sutton
9/15 Central City
9/22 @ Wood River
9/29 Doniphan-Trumbull
10/6 Sandy Creek
10/13 @ Southern Valley
10/20 Gibbon
Cecilia will face defending state
champion Wilber-Clatonia in week
two. Tesmer expects Central City
and Sutton to also be tough games
in Class C.
The Bluehawks open their 2017
season and their journey back to
the playoffs on the road against
Freeman.
Key Players:
Josh Bohlke (6’0” 225 lbs) Sr. RG/DE
Sam Clark (5’10” 175 lbs) Sr. FB/ILB
Grant Farmer (6’0” 175 lbs) Sr. RB/
CB
TEAM FACTS
Team Name: Bluehawks
Class: C2
2016 Record: 5-4
Playoff Appearances: 27
Head Coach: Carl Tesmer
Career Record: 339-89-2
Assistant Coaches: Randy Ahrens,
Cody Jackson, Lance Schmidt, Wade
Dykeman, Gene Konen, Jim Jackson
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