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FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Eagles looking to get back on winning track with great leaders
Coach Nathan Aker is hopeful that his team can return to its winning ways after a 4-6 record last year that broke a streak of seven straight winning seasons.
There will be some familiar faces back, but some of the most prominent Eagles will be stepping into the spotlight for the first time.
“I like how things have gone,” Aker said. “I really like our group. We have a lot of hard-working kids with great attitudes, and that will go a long way this year.”
Senior Christian Zeffel takes over at quarterback after serving as a backup to starter Allen Plunkett last season. Zeffel filled in for several when Plunkett was injured, and is now the starter after Plunkett stepped away from the sport.
“Christian has done an outstanding job for us,” Aker said. “He did an outstanding job last year. He’s been a starter on the defensive side of the ball for us, and offensively he has several things he can do for us there.
“I like the attitude and competitiveness he brings to it, and the kids voted him as one of our captains this year. That says a lot about him as a person and leader.”
The Eagles were paired with Class A power Indianapolis Lutheran for their scrimmage on Friday, and Aker thought Zeffel handled the situation well.
“Starting off against a quality opponent like Lutheran, that’s getting thrown into the fire right out of the gate,” Aker said. “He did a nice job, and he’s going to keep getting better as the season goes along. That’s all you can ask of him.
“He can run a little bit and pass a little bit,” Aker added. “I’m excited to see how well he’ll do on Friday night.”
Graduated standout Kyle Shaffer was one of the team leaders last year both offensively and defensively, and junior Dalton Scott is primed to help fill in those voids. Aiden LeBlanc will carry the ball a lot out of the backfield as well.
“Dalton is the fullback and Aiden is the running back,” Aker said. “They can both line up in multiple spots. Both are very capable, and have done a great job in the offseason of preparing their bodies for the increased workload.”
Aker noted that Scott started at safety as a freshman before moving to fullback last year. LeBlanc has played a lot.
“Both are outstanding and are great leaders,” he said. “We’ll be in good shape with them.”
Aker noted the offensive line is “coming together” and he expects it to be a good unit.
“We are gaining experience every day with that group,” he said. “Porter High is one of our returners, and he’s been doing a great job for us as a leader. Chandler Hayden, Darnell Bennett, Kole Bemish, Nick Perry and Nick Theis are all younger kids and they are starting to come together for us.
“We had a good summer with them in multiple scenarios,” he added. “I like their potential, and I like their work ethic.
“Things aren’t going to go right all the time, and they didn’t against Lutheran the other night.”
Aker said the group is very dedicated in the weight room, and he is looking forward to see how the unit progresses.
Scott and Colin Adams are back at linebacker, while Zeffel and Kain Gregory return at safety.
LeBlanc will play corner, along with Danton Glover and Jon Hodge.
“They did a great job in the scrimmage,” Aker noted. “The linebackers also played well. Our defensive line will be the same group as the offensive line, along with Jackson Wood at defensive end and Demetrius Leo. Porter High is a veteran there for us.”
Scott is the defensive signalcaller from his linebacker spot, and Aker is glad to have such a respected leader in that position.
“He’s just an outstanding player,” Aker said. “To have him anchor the defense is huge for us. He’s got a great attitude and is a great leader, and he always wants to get better. It’s like having another coach on the field, and that says a lot about him and his upbringing.”