Prepzone Pigskin Preview 2017

By: Kevin Sjuts
EAST BUTLERTIGERS
East Butler’s 2017 roster will
look nearly identical to the
one last season. The Tigers
return all eight starters on
both sides of the ball, and will
be the most experienced team
in Class D1. With a veteran
group, East Butler is poised for
a big season that could result
in a deep playoff run.
“This is a proven group,” head
coach Shawn Biltoft said. “Our
team has excellent leadership
and has a drive to get better
every day.” East Butler hopes
to improve from a 5-5 season
that saw the Tigers advance to
the second round of the Class
D1 playoffs last year.
“The combination of size and
speed this team possesses will
be needed throughout the
season,” Biltoft said. “(We)
will continue to focus on team
goals and playing physical
football.”
For Biltoft, the list of his
team’s attributes is long. The
group is athletic, gritty, and
smart, and are also cohesive,
which is a result of many years
TEAM FACTS
Team Name: Tigers
Class: D1
2016 Record: 5-5
Playoff Appearances: 19
Head Coach: Shawn Biltoft
Career Record: 86-52
Assistant Coaches: Doug Glasshoff,
Marty Hotory and Gary McGrath
of playing football together.
East Butler’s senior class will
have a large impact on the
2017 season. Ten members,
including Trevor Havlovic,
have extensive varsity
experience. Havolvic is a
6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker
who’s on pace to break the
school record for career
tackles.
“He has a relentless attitude,”
Biltoft said of Havlovic.
“Trevor is a talented player
that will be looking to take
his game to a new level this
season.” Havlovic recorded
128 tackles as a junior while
earning All-State honors. He
also recovered three fumbles,
one of which was returned
75 yards for a touchdown.
Havlovic also stars on offense
as a tight end.
Quarterback Dalton Bohac
triggers an East Butler offense
that averaged more than 31
points a game last season.
Bohac threw 18 touchdowns
while completing 59 percent
of his passes. The senior signal
caller also contributes to the
Tigers running game. He had
834 yards on the ground with
10 rushing scores in 2016.
“He makes good decisions
and plays with poise under
pressure,” Biltoft said. “Dalton
will look to build from the
positives from last season to
make his senior year special.”
Other playmakers include
2017 SCHEDULE
8/25 @ Howells-Dodge
9/8 Lourdes Central Catholic
9/15 Johnson-Brock
9/22 @ Clarkson/Leigh
9/29 Nebraska Lutheran
10/6 Palmer
10/13 @ High Plains Community
10/19 @ Nebraska Christian
Carter Stara, Wilson Wright,
and Camden Robley, who
are all seniors. Robley is a
frequent red zone target for
the Tigers. He had a team-high
eight touchdown receptions
last season.
With so many returning
weapons, East Butler’s offense
could produce some eyeopening
numbers in 2017.
However, the Tigers must take
better care of the football after
committing 18 turnovers last
season.
East Butler will be tested
early in its schedule. The
Tigers open the season against
perennial power Howells-
Dodge, and eight of East
Butler’s nine opponents
reached the playoffs last year.
Key Players:
Trevor Havlovic (6’2” 210 lbs)
Sr. TE/LB
Dalton Bohac (5’9” 165 lbs) Sr.
QB
Brandon Rezac (5’9” 210) Sr.
OL/DL
BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH CARE CENTER
402-367-1200 • www.bchccnet.org
372 South 9th Street • David City, NE 68632
“Helping people to achieve and
maintain good health”
YOUR DAILY HUSKER COVERAGE ALL SEASON LONG
HIGHLIGHTS • INTERVIEWS • ANALYSIS
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