After a rare off season, the Aberdeen Roncalli football team is prepared to get back on track this upcoming campaign.
The Cavaliers, who won just one game a year ago, return a host of motivated players who have varsity experience.
“One of the silver linings that came out of last year was there were a lot of kids that got some experience that probably wouldn’t have got on the field otherwise,” said Roncalli coach Billy Young, “and that’s going to pay dividends moving forward.”
Roncalli was plagued with one injury after another last season, which led to a variety of issues, including numerous turnovers with players forced to play new roles.
“That was maybe the single biggest thing last year that hurt us,” Young said of the turnovers, “and a lot of that was because we had so many guys playing out of position. … We didn’t start the same five guys at offensive line.”
The Cavaliers have plenty of experienced players returning to the squad on both sides of the ball.
The offense will feature Austin Fisher at quarterback, Ryder Shaving, Will Haskell and Jean Anthony Thomas in the backfield, and Ian Kramer at receiver. Look for the Cavaliers to try to get their playmakers out in space this season.
“We’re going to spread it out a little bit more this year. It’s not so much ground-and-pound like we have been the past five years or so. There’s still going to be some of that. It’s just going to have a little bit different look to it,” Young said. “I’m not going to say we’re going to throw the ball 30 times a game, we’re not going to do that, but it’s just going to have a little bit different look to it than what we’ve had.”
Young said the Cavaliers will still feature potent running backs and will not abandon the run.
“Our backs are still very talented,” Young said, “it’s just a different style of runners.”
The defense will be led by Thomas from his linebacker spot.
“He’s the most veteran player we’ve got,” Young said. “He’s been starting since he was a freshman.”
Brock Bowman is also back after finishing second on the team in tackles last season. Brady Haverkamp will be a key member of both offensive and defensive lines.
Roncalli, which has been known for its trademark stingy defense through the years, is looking to rebound from last year.
“We have to play better defensively,” Young said. “We made a big deal last year about the history of the defense, shutouts and that. And we didn’t get any.”
There has been a slight adjustment on defense as Jeff Larson takes over as defensive coordinator, replacing Dan Gallagher who is now the school’s athletic and activities director.
“Bringing Jeff Larson in to be our defensive coordinator, he’s done a good job. It’s not a huge transition, because it’s actually the same defense,” Young said. “Him and Dan both run the same defense, it’s just a little bit different terminology and some of the things on the back end are different, but structurally pretty much the same.”
The Cavaliers have also excelled in special teams through the years and that phase of the game appears to be on the rise with kicker and punter Caleb Stoks.
“We have put a lot of work into it this fall, too,” Young said of special teams. “We got a sophomore kicker and punter that we’re excited about. We feel like he’s got the potential to be a future all-state kicker at some point.”
The Cavaliers open the season Friday against Sioux Valley at Volga, before playing in their home opener against Flandreau the following weekend.
“We don’t have any easy schedule that’s for sure,” Young said, noting that the Cavaliers have two semifinal playoff teams and a quarterfinalist from last year among their first four opponents.
While Roncalli does feature a group of experienced veterans, the fact remains the roster is still full of underclass players.
“We’ve got a lot of experience coming back, but again a lot of those guys are still really young,” Young said. “We’re still relatively inexperienced in some areas and really thin in some areas, too.”
Goals have been discussed for the upcoming season, and Young said the initial one is collect that first victory.
“Let’s get the first win, whenever that happens, and then we’ll go from there. The goal is always to get in the playoffs and try to make a run, but you can’t go 8-0 without going 1-0. And if you don’t go 1-0, you’ve got to go 1-1,” Young said. “You’ve got to get that first win and then build some momentum. Get these young guys experience and then go from there. Hopefully we can get some wins down the stretch and get to the playoffs.”
Just one year removed from a playoff appearance, the Cavaliers will look to restore some confidence as they attempt to erase the frustrations of a year ago. Young said having early-season success will go a long way to helping the cause.
“Getting that first win and getting things clicking. I think if we get that, that gives us some energy,” Young said. “I think if we get a win, that puts last year officially behind us. Now it’s like alright, we can do this. We can win. We haven’t forgot how to do it, and then we move forward from there.”
