Prepzone Pigskin Preview 2017

BRUNING-DAVENPORT-SHICKLEYEAGLES
By: Megan McGill
Bruning-Davenport Shickley will
return as one of the top teams in
Class D. After finishing 11-1, the
Eagles are an experienced group
who know how to win.
BDS has enjoyed 16 straight
playoff appearances. The Eagles
clinched a state title in 2015 and
got close to making it back-toback
last season, but instead
walked away after a devastating
loss. BDS advanced to the
semifinals and faced district
powerhouse Falls City Sacred
Heart. They lost 16-12. FCSH
would go on to win the state
title.
It was a tough blow for a team
who hadn’t experienced a loss
up to that point. Just one step
away from Memorial Stadium,
head coaches Mark Rotter and
Chris Ardissono hope that
postseason loss will be fuel for
the 2017 squad.
“The semifinal loss at FCSH
was devastating,” they said.
“Hopefully it motivates us to
work hard in the offseason.”
BDS will return six starters on
TEAM FACTS
Team Name: Eagles
Class: D2
2016 Record: 10-1
Playoff Appearances: 7
Head Coach: Christopher Ardissono
Career Record:
Assistant Coaches: Scott Shipley
and Kole Ficken
offense and five on defense. With
most of the roster consisting of
upperclassmen, the experience
level this fall will be greater than
last.
“We have a very experienced
team,” they said. “Our seniors
have been in 14 playoff games.”
John Christensen (6’1” 210 lbs)
will transition into a much
different role come this fall. The
junior recorded two touchdowns
last season as the team’s running
back, but he’ll return this fall
as the Eagles’ quarterback.
Christensen will also see time on
the defensive side of the ball at
linebacker, where he made 103
tackles in 2016.
Veteran Thomas Mick (5’9” 140
lbs) will return as BDS’ engine.
The senior rushed for 401 yards
and 12 touchdowns his junior
year. Senior Caden Norder (5’11”
190 lbs) will be another veteran
who will make a big impact
this season. The senior had 12
touchdowns his junior year and
played a key role at defensive
back, where he made 82 tackles.
Joining this list will be seniors
Holden Stengel (6’2” 210 lbs)
and Garrett Schardt (6’2” 185
lbs), who combined for 11
touchdowns and 182 tackles.
Seniors Karson Dickson (6’3” 190
lbs) and Kellen Reinsch (6’2” 215
lbs) will return to the starting
lineup at nose guard and center.
The 2017 season looks to be
promising based on the caliber
of athletes coming back this fall.
2017 SCHEDULE
8/25 @ Osceola
9/8 Tri County
9/15 @ Axtell
9/22 @ Pawnee City
9/29 Sterling
10/6 @ Falls City Sacred Heart
10/13 Meridian
10/20 Lawrence-Nelson
There’s no question that the
expectations will be high for the
program that has made it to the
post season for over a decade.
The Eagles begin their journey
back to the playoffs on Aug. 25
on the road against Osceola.
However, the most anticipated
game of the year will be another
road game on Oct. 6 against,
who else but Falls City Sacred
Heart.
Key Players:
John Christensen (6’1” 210 lbs) Jr.
QB/LB
Thomas Mick (5’9” 140 lbs) Sr.
RB
Caden Norder (5’11” 190 lbs) Sr.
B/DB
(402) 627-7865 • 223 N MARKET ST
SHICKLEY, NE
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