(Greenfield) Nodaway Valley/O-M will have some continuity with the return of Seth Comly as their head coach. For the first time since 2017 the Wolverines will enter the season with the same coach they had the year before.
Three of their former players are headed to play collegiately, but coach Comly is focused on the key personnel that they do welcome back. “Avery Phillipi, Boston DeVault, Blake Lund, Tyson Ross, those guys are returning starters and seniors who are going to be big time leaders for us this year. We have a couple of seniors out this year that haven’t been with us in the past in Mason Wilson and Will Sturdy. I’m hoping they can help us out.”
Coach Comly identifies some younger players that could be ready to take the field. “Eli Harris is stepping into a role. Trent Warner has grown from his freshman to sophomore year and he’s being a lead up front. Quite a few young guys are going to have to step up this year.”
Comly admits it’ll be a process to get game ready. “Figuring out where people fit and fine tuning a few things from last year. The big piece is just finding out where everybody fits or plays is the big one for us.”
Nathan Russell had four years of varsity experience at quarterback. Dax Kintigh looks to slide into that spot. “He’s the front runner now. He’s been the backup since his freshman year. He’s got a strong arm and can make all the throws like Nathan. He’s a little bit bigger body so he’s more of a runner.” Comly says, “We’ll be able to use a little bit more quarterback run game.”
Comly admits the familiarity with the coaching staff will allow them to get a head start. “I think it’s huge. We don’t have to figure out how things operate.” He says, “If feels like we’ve made a smooth transition.”
They got a taste of success last year and would like to raise the bar higher. “Goals are always to match or better the win total from last year and always make the playoffs.” He says, “Since Nodaway Valley has been together they haven’t gotten past the round of 16 ever, so we are trying to make that push.”
Nodaway Valley/O-M opens the season Friday, August 26th at Mount Ayr.
Nodaway Valley/O-M coach Seth Comly:
