(Guthrie Center) All signs points to a big year for ACGC football.
The Chargers have one of the deepest rosters they’ve ever had, led by a group of 15 quality seniors. Last year they were among Class 1A’s state leaders in rushing yards with 2,365. All but 141 yards of that returns. “We do have a lot athletes this year. We have a lot of returning players in the backfield.” The list starts with Gavin Cornelison and Charlie Crawford. Cornelison has re-written the Charger record books over the last couple of years. Last season he rumbled for 918 yards and 14 TD’s. Crawford tallied 799 yards from scrimmage. Coach Cody Matthewson points out other capable playmakers. “You have Cayden Jensen, a really good player, at our other halfback position. Then you’ve got guys like Austin Kunkle who can come in and fill in. Anthony Solorzano who is a back up for us right now. Teegan Slaybaugh has really good hands, you have Ben Marsh on the exterior.”
The team returns a lot of depth, experience, and size up front in the tight end and offensive line group with the likes of Reid Rumelhart, Dallas Jacobe, Cooper Tunink, Hayden Tunink, Victor Gonzalez, Payton Jacobe, and Cael Hoing.
Brock Littler returns as the starting quarterback. “He’s been the facilitator of our offense. He’s kind of our field general. Great to have him back. He’s going to have, in my opinion, a break out year. I’m really looking forward to what he’s going to do. He is a really good kid who has a great understanding of what we are trying to accomplish.”
The Chargers also have some newcomers this year that might see the field. Most notable is Miles Kading who might factor into the mix at safety. “Just a natural athlete. He does a lot of good things and picks up on things really quick.”
Jedd Weinkoetz is another new addition that may help the cause. ACGC scrimmages against Kuemper Catholic on Friday and opens the season next week at home vs Greene County.
ACGC coach Cody Matthewson:
