Staff writer
The 2011-12 football season for Peabody-Burns football will be the second year in The Wheat State league. The warriors finished 6-4 on the season last year and 5-2 in league play. The team will be led by a core group of veterans, four seniors and four juniors, who have considerable experience on the field.
Brody Kyle, returning league pick at the defensive starter position, has three years of playing time and leads the senior core with a good work ethic. Kyle spent time in the weight room this summer and this season his prowess will shine at tight end and defensive end.
Brent Jones is also a senior who has spent the summer hitting the weights. He will finally get a chance to be a full-time starter, with the departure of the seniors of last season. His strength will aid Jones at defensive end and offensive guard.
Wes Shaw was injured most of last season but has worked hard to return to the Warrior squad for his senior year. His quickness has returned and he has possesses awareness on the field. His time on the field will be spent playing linebacker and center.
The fourth senior, Matt Hiebert, is in his second year with the Warrior squad. He has good hands and that talent will be utilized at the wide receiver position. He will also take on the role as the back-up quarterback.
Austin Savage leads the junior talent. He has had an excellent two years in the weight room. His strength has improved and he possesses good instincts on the field. He will play tailback and linebacker.
Junior Hunter Pickens returns to quarterback on this year’s team. Running the Warrior option attack, he will be relied on heavily to lead the team. He will also play linebacker on defense.
Christian Gard will get his first start this year as a junior. He has speed which will give the game depth and hopefully that will help the offense in crunch situations. He is a good tackler and will play defensive back.
Lucas Larsen, another junior, is a third-year starter for the Warriors. He will be tough on the line at guard and will also beef up the defensive core at linebacker. He is a dedicated off-season athlete with time spent at camp and also in the weight room.
PBHS will start the season on Sept. 2 at home with a match-up with last year’s league champs Centre. This team would love to avenge the season opener loss of the previous season.
Seventh-year head coach David Pickens will led the team on the field, as will longtime assistant Bob Kyle. Friday night staff will include Brain Simmonds and Derek Benson.
“The team is shaping up good, even with the loss of some key players last season. The new blood, coupled with the experienced core group, should make this team a little more rounded and stronger than last season’s crew,” said Pickens. “We will have some exciting games with Little River and Centre and Wakefield should be strong as well.”