DONNELLSON - Central Lee has been in rebuild mode for the past several years and this year will be no different.
But Hawks Head Coach Chuck Banks said he's very excited about the year, which could be his first full year on the sidelines after illnesses including COVID interrupted his first two years.
The Hawks went 0-8 last year in Class 2A District 6.
Banks said athleticism and off-season work has the Hawks in a good position to take big strides this season, but he said numbers are down.
"We don't have quite as many as we've had in past years. We have three ineligible, two hurt, and two at the state fair," he said. "So we have some catching up to do."
The core skills group will be players who got plenty of experience last year, but are still very young.
Chase Johnson, just a sophomore, will be relied upon to carry a heavy load this year at fullback and anchoring the inside linebacker position.
But Johnson said he feels good about the improvement of the offensive and defensive fronts and is looking forward to getting in behind the horses and producing for the Hawks.
"Most of our line has improved from last year. I'm excited to get in behind those guys and get a lot of yards this year," he said.
Johnson had just 72 yards on 33 carries last year, but he had 19.5 tackles which was fourth best on the team in his first varsity season.
Jones hauled in 16 receptions for 149 yards and two scores, all team highs.
But he said despite being courted to move to quarterback last year, the team needed him to fill the other roles.
"They were pulling me aside last year and talking to me about quarterback but that would have been 3rd string. They needed me to play receiver last year," Jones said.
As quarterback he said the eyes have to be moving on more targets and the mind has to capture more action.
"In this role you have to watch pretty much everyone where, as a receiver, you can watch one or two things," Jones said.
Banks said Calfee, who threw for about 180 yards in a backup role to Bryce Finney, will also figure into the quarterback spot.
"They both can give us what we need at any given moment," Banks said.
Hunter Gregory had 108 yards on 52 carries as just a sophomore, which were also both team highs in 2021. Gregory will platoon with Johnson in the backfield, and Banks said there could be some surprises there.
"Cory's a playmaker. He's just so quick and can make things happen," Banks said.
"At the end of the day, when we look at our offensive identity, Cory is a special kid along with those fullbacks.
Jones said he's had some good rapport with junior Landan Lowenberg in 7-on-7 drills earlier this summer. Lowenberg averaged 6.5 yards per catch last year and also ran some plays out of the backfield.
Banks said the interior will be led by fourth-year starter Keating Fuger who will anchor the line at center in his senior season.
Junior Braedon Barlow, and seniors Josh Hawk and James Hemingson will all play both ways as interior components. Senior Brody Fuller will also figure in the mix. Banks said Fuller will probably hold down the defensive end spot and work in the larger offensive packages.
"We've got a lot of guys that are going to play both ways," Banks said.
Blake Bergman could have a breakout year, according to Banks. Bergman comes back for his senior year after averaging 14 yards per catch in 2021.
Sophomore Bo Herdrich could also see big numbers working as a receiver with Jones calling the plays, and Banks said Shane Barnhart has worked hard in the offseason and gotten himself in shape to contribute.
Getting better every day in all aspects of the game is Banks' philosophy this year.
"I'm coming in with the motto we gotta look at ourselves every day during the season and say, 'Are we a better man today physically, mentally, spiritually than we were the day before. When we bring that philosophy into it - it's different," Banks said.
"Last year we improved from the beginning of the season. There were a lot of kids that hadn't started in any sports," he said.
"It's a fresh slate this year and we're not going to take anything for granted.
"We're family first around here and I preach that from day one and I think it's paying off. It's here more than any other year I've been coaching."
Banks said Williamsburg will be the team to beat and could win the state title outright. Mid-Prairie will be the cream of the crop again.
The Hawks open at home Friday night against Van Buren in what's becoming a district and conference rivalry. Week 2 sees Central Lee travel to Cardinal.
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