2014 South Putnam Football Preview

Friday, August 22, 2014
South Putnam defenders take out a runner during last Friday's scrimmage. (Banner Graphic/TRENT SCOTT)

For South Putnam fans things are going to look a little different on the sideline this year. After taking their season into the regional final last year and losing to Eastern Hancock, 29-14, capping off their 11-2 season, they lost most of their offensive line and they also lost their coach, Troy Burgess, to resignation. With that said it does not mean spectators will see a lackluster season.

The Eagles hired Nathan Aker as their new head coach in the offseason. Aker has been an assistant coach to the Eagles in past seasons, so he knows the scheme of things around South Putnam and spectators should not expect crazy change. Aker is not the new guy around town.

"We've got a good nucleus back and we've got to mesh that with our inexperienced areas," Aker said, "We've got to continue to grow on those strengths."

South Putnam running back Kyle Shaffer looks to fend off an Indianapolis Lutheran defender during last Friday's scrimmage. The Eagles are coming off of a successful season, winning the WCC conference championship. They would like to see a repeat of those successes. (Banner Graphic/TRENT SCOTT)

In fact, Aker is expecting to continue what previous coaches Mark Wildman and Burgess started.

Aker plans to use the same run game that was used before and he might be set up with the best scenario possible. He has senior Lucas Lorian, who can pound through the defense, to move the ball up the field. Lorian rushed the ball for nearly 1,800 yards last year, which is less than one yard short of 200 yards per game average. He was also a top five running back in the state of Indiana according to Maxpreps.com.

"Any time you graduate the way we did last year on the offensive line you start to wonder about the run game," Aker said, "South Putnam is a traditional run team. We're going to maintain that. That's our style. We get strong in the weight room and we show it on the field. That's our ground and pound football. That's what we want to do and that's what we will do. Lucas has big expectations for himself and so do we and I think we will keep building on what he's done here for South Putnam."

Joey Masters of South Putnam collides with the opponent last Friday. (Banner Graphic/TRENT SCOTT)

"I'm just going to go out there every game and do what I can do," Lorian said, "I'm going to do my best. We will see what happens. I want to be a role model to the underclassmen. They look up to us and I want to be one of them. The whole program is about getting the younger kids amped up about playing here."

When it comes to the offensive line for South Putnam everyone knows they lost one of the best front fives in the state after last season's departure. Aker knows that is hard to replace, but he feels the leadership from junior Joey Masters will get the job done.

This will be Masters' third year starting on the line.

Brandon Gierke is a transfer from Greencastle and this is his first year playing with the Eagles.

"Rebuilding started as soon as we walked off the field against Eastern Hancock," Aker said, "Especially in the weight room. The kids have really bought into that. I think we've got some great guys out there. Any time you return a guy like Joey Masters who has two years experience on the offensive line you're doing things right and that's a big strong point for what we've got here. He's a great leader. I think Brandon Gierke has moved in and bought into the weight program. He's done a really good job on the offensive line as well."

Late last season quarterback Sawyer Arnold went down with a knee injury and Grady McHugh had to step in.

It came at the highest stages of the season during the Indiana state 2A tournament. Pressure should be no concern with him during the early stages of the season.

"I think we will see some really good things from him," Aker said, "He leads our offense. We hate to see Sawyer go down the way he did last year, but the bonus for this year is that Grady got some valuable experience."

"Being thrown into a tight situation last year in the sectional semifinal kind of took the nerves there," McHugh said. "I was nervous going in, but the team was there. This year I don't think I should have a problem being nervous. I got my team behind me and we got big expectations for this year. There's always room for improvement. I'm trying to improve all around in passing and running. Hopefully we see great things from all of us. I got great expectations for myself and I know the team has great expectations for itself."

Being quarterback comes with big responsibilities and leadership. McHugh has no problems taking on the challenge.

"By doing the right things at the right time and by having the right attitude I can be a leader," McHugh said, "Our team motto is 'Do what you're supposed to do when you're supposed to do it.'"

Everyone on the Eagles' team is very excited about the front seven and they say they can take over the game.

"I think our front seven is what's going to really stand out right now," Akers said,."That's what's ahead right now. Anytime you replace two corners like Wes Riner and Sawyer Arnold you've got some big shoes to feel on the outside.

The Eagles have a tough season ahead, but Aker is looking forward to it and is pleased about the competition.

They also have a strong county stretch playing North Putnam, Greencastle and Cloverdale in three straight weeks.

A conference rival will round out the season when they travel to Cascade.

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  • Good Luck Eagles!

    -- Posted by landstarrang on Fri, Aug 22, 2014, at 5:46 PM
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