By JANET POST

Staff writer

Peabody-Burns will capitalize on the strength and speed of its returning players for success on the gridiron this season.

“We have key returning starters and other athletes that have experience from previous seasons. Our team should be as competitive as we have been in the recent past,” said 10-year head coach David Pickens. “We have players that should be ready to go. Hopefully, we can duplicate our successes of last season and push past to a new level of success.”

Returning senior starters include quarterback Braxton Kyle, who has worked hard on his mechanics in the offseason. Kyle will also play defensive back.

Seniors Kevin Baatrup, Nick Preheim and Kaden Gibson also return for PBHS. Baatrup will play receiver and defensive back. Preheim has worked hard in the weight room this summer and will again be on the defensive line. Gibson will play line on both sides of the ball.

Senior Brooks Hodges returns to the team after a year off, and will challenge for running back and play on the defensive line.

Clayton Philpott, Dakota Reynolds, and Andrew Wedel are underclassmen who will see extensive playing time. Philpott will be in the running game and play defensive end. Reynolds will be in the defensive mix, and Wedel will challenge for a starting position on the line.

“This team is strong across the board, with good speed. That is a good mix for an 8-man football team,” said Pickens. “We open at home against Goessel. They have a new coach, which means they will have new excitement to their game.”

“Madison will be strong in our district, which is a tough one. All of the teams will have to be on their game every night to challenge for the top spot. Rural Vista, Solomon, and Little River will also challenge us.”

Bob Kyle returns as an assistant coach, and Chris Young is a new assistant. Coach Brian Simmonds and Derek Benson will help with game night assistance.