Eighth grade football gears up for new season

By Floyd Jernigan

Nevada Daily Mail

Building a foundation is the name of the game for eighth-grade football coaches and players. The goal is to improve technique and learn the mental part of the game while players mature.

That's the task for Nevada head coach Blake Howarth and assistant Tyler Shouse as they prepare their team for this season and for the future.

Howarth is in his first year at the helm of the eighth-grade program and his second in coaching.

Last year's team produced a 3-3 record as the players went about the maturation process. This year's group brings its share of promise as well.

"The eighth-grade boys are looking good," said Howarth. "They are practicing hard and listening to what the coaches have to say.

"We have great athletes and the potential this year is high. Our strengths include players who are wanting to get after it. Also, we have some starters back who have grown over the last year.

"We hope to keep our boys healthy. As a team, they had a lot of injuries last year."

Among those players out for the team are center Jordan Peckman, guards Dylon Heiserman and Alec Baker and tackles Mason Bradley and Nathan Ast. Running backs include Hunter Mason, Braeden Hinton, Zach Gardner, Branden Harder, and Jarrett Owen. Seeing time at quarterback will be Braeden Hinton and Branden Harder. Wide receivers include Shelby Trotter and Tayte Moore.

Looking at the schedule, the coaches expect Carthage and the Joplin schools to be challenging, as usual.

"They are just big schools and they have big kids who are ready to play," Howarth said.

With a new year comes optimism and the coaches, like the players, are ready to start.

"Coach Shouse and myself are really looking forward to this season and ready to start playing some games," Howarth said. "We both think we are ready.

"We have great players out that will help the eighth-grade win football games."