It’s that time of the year again, football season. The stands filling up, the roar of the student section and that long awaited opening kickoff. Westside, a storied program, looks to bring home a state championship trophy after falling last year in the state playoff quarterfinals to the Kearney Bearcats 33-17.

After the departure of seniors Dylan Plautz, Caleb Schweigart, and Jaden Kohls, Westside’s offense has lost a large portion of their firepower. Plautz and Schweigart both set school records in passing yards and receiving yards. Kohls last year proved he was an extremely versatile player after recording a school record 6 touchdowns in a single game against Millard South last year.

Although many offensive stars were lost last year, the Warriors will try to bounce back with new weapons that have been developed. One of those important weapons a team can have, is a solid line. The lineman always have an extreme impact whether it’s offense or defense on any football team’s success, and this will be proven with this team.

“Some of those guys in the line, who are the most important guys in our program,” said head coach Brett Froendt. “Loren (Woita), Caleb (Duncan), and (Brody) Alvarez, and Deuce Johnston of course. They set the tone of really good leadership.”

Froendt said that he knows that there is plenty of work to be done but by the end of the year he expects them to be able to play with the best, and ultimately be the best.

“We expect to be able to compete right there with them,” said Froendt. “That’s what we expect and if we operate at a high level, and if they play for one another, we can do it.”

After last year’s success, a lot is expected from not only the coaches, but from the players too. The talent has provided itself, now it’s up to the players to take on the pressure and prove that they are the team that needs to be watched out for. With options at running back such as seniors Joe Stegman, Sam Parsonage, and sophomore Avante Dickerson, the backfield looks strong and fast. It’s the same with the quarterback options. Not only is there leadership, but there are multiple options at the position. Although sophomore Cole Payton will be getting the first snap on Friday, both senior Brett Curran and sophomore TJ Ingram have put in the work and are right on Payton’s heels.

The leadership on the team took a hit losing many seniors from last year, but the seniors this year have stepped up and brought the fire back to the team. This includes senior Cade Jochum, who is going to be starting at tight end while punting on special teams.

“The amount of intensity has gone down,” said Jochum. “There aren’t as many vocal leaders, but there are a lot of seniors stepping into roles that need to be taken.”

Westside will take the field for the first time this season on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 7 p.m. at Bellevue East. Tickets can be purchased at the game for $6 per adult and $4 per student.