(Atlantic) The Atlantic football team will start camp on Wednesday and end the week with scrimmages on Friday at Creston. Head Joe Brummer says the weight room attendance has been good, averaging 45-to-55 to 55 in the spring and around 65 this past summer.
Coach Brummer mentioned some of the players have participated in individual camps, and the team recently came back from a successful showing at the Simpson team camp. The Trojans went up against the likes of Southeast Polk, Cedar Rapids, Washington, and Indianola.
Coach Brummer says they will practice on their home practice field on Wednesday and Thursday. He says the time will be spent reviewing, refreshing, and installing.
The Trojans will head to Creston, scrimmage Ottumwa, and Clarinda, similar to the Simpson Camp.
The Trojans are set to return as many as 14 seniors from last season’s 6-4 team, bringing back a strong core of experienced talent. Leading the charge is South Dakota State commit and First Team All-District fullback Gavin McLaren, who rushed for 795 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 94 carries, averaging an impressive 8.5 yards per attempt.
Joining him in the backfield is tailback Ethan McNeal, a State Track qualifier and Second Team All-District selection. McNeal added 584 yards and four touchdowns on 62 carries, averaging 9.4 yards per carry.
Up front, First Team All-District offensive lineman Donovan Hedrington returns to anchor the line, while on defense, First Team All-District linebacker Jake Wailes is back to lead the unit. Wailes recorded 67 tackles, 52 solos, one sack, and 4.5 tackles for loss.
Carter Hadley, an All-District Honorable Mention, also returns after tallying 53 tackles last season—39 of them solo—and six tackles for loss.
The Trojans open the season at home on August 29 against Glenwood.
