Prepzone Pigskin Preview 2017

ELM CREEKBUFFALOES
By: Josh Skluzacek
The Elm Creek Buffaloes are
looking to replicate last season’s
success, but rewrite the ending.
After going undefeated in the
regular season, the 2016 campaign
came to an end against Burwell in
the state quarterfinals.
Head Coach Jayce Dueland knows
it will be challenging, but likes the
players on his squad.
“We will have to fill holes on the
defensive line. With 10 seniors out,
we will have to use all of them
for depth,” Dueland said. “There
should be some underclassmen
that step up and help us do well.”
One reason for optimism is the
success the offense had last
season, averaging better than 44
points per game. Generating that
level of production makes them
hard to beat.
“Our offense will come back with
some weapons in the Walker
boys. With two solid lineman up
front, the O-line will have a good
backbone to start the season,”
Dueland said.
Devon and Preston Walker are
weapons any coach would like
to have on his team. Needing a
quarterback, Dueland may turn to
Devon to fill the role. If the 1,000-
yard rusher can pass like he runs,
the Buffaloes will once again be
tough to stop.
The two also are great defenders.
As linebackers, Devon finished the
season as an all-state honorable
mention, while Preston collected
first team all-district and all-region
honors.
However, the amount of seniors
lost from last year’s team will
bring challenges, as plenty
of production will need to be
replaced. In fact, that may be the
biggest challenge for the 2017
Buffaloes. In addition, Dueland
notes that Kenesaw and South
Loup didn’t lose many players,
part of the reason he expects those
teams particularly to be tough
opponents this year.
Asked what some of the biggest
challenges will be, Dueland
started with scheduling. “Opening
up with Kenesaw,” he said. “We’ll
have holes to fill on defense with
players that haven’t had a lot of
experience on that side of the
2017 SCHEDULE
8/25 Kenesaw
9/1 @ Bertrand
9/8 Nebraska Christian
9/22 @ Ravenna
9/29 @ Amherst
10/6 Overton
10/13 @ Alma
10/20 South Loup
ball.”
The Buffaloes run-heavy offense
is operated out of the I-formation,
while the base defense is a 3-3
formation.
Last season the team outscored
opponents by an average of 25
points per game. We’ll get to see if
they’ll be as dominant this season
when they open the season on
Aug. 25.
Key Players:
Devon Walker (5’8” 170lbs) Sr.
QB/LB
Preston Walker (5’11” 185lbs) Jr.
LB
Nate Fields (6’2” 215lbs) Sr. C
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TEAM FACTS
Team Name: Buffaloes
Class: D1
2016 Record: 10-1
Playoff Appearances: 15
Head Coach: Jayce Dueland
Career Record: 42-12
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