WOODWARD — Oh how things have changed. And how some have managed to remain the same.
Among the changes this football season that has been brought about by COVID-19 are a seven-game regular season, with each team playing five district games after two non-district contests to open their slate. Additionally, all teams will now qualify for the playoffs, which will start with the Round of 64 in Classes A-3A Oct. 16.
And among the things that should remain constant is a winning season and strong play from Woodward-Granger, who is coming off a 6-3 2019 mark.
The Hawks will compete in Class 1A District 8 along with AC/GC, Kuemper Catholic, Panorama, Van Meter and West Central Valley.
W-G, led by veteran head coach George Ashman, will open their season Friday with a visit from Madrid, with a trip to Ogden planned for Sept. 4.
The Hawks outscored opponents 268-147 last season. They rushed for 2,449 yards and 29 touchdowns while passing for 728 yards and eight TDs. The defense was not as opportunistic as in past campaigns, recovering five fumbles and making five interceptions, of which two were returned for scores.
The offensive line will be a strength, with Alex Evans at left tackle, Trey Lettow at left guard and Hunter Heard at center. Garrett Burkhart and Kris Kammerer will be the right side guard and tackle.
They will block for quarterback Trevor Simmons,with Carter Moran backing up. Former DC-G starter and junior Jake Lego and returner Kade Polich (754 yards, seven touchdowns) will carry the ball, with Worth Henry, Dylan McCaulley, John McKeever, Christan Husmann, and Jared Manning will all vie for receiving spots. Dylan Bird should also figure into the mix on offense.
Most of the offensive line will flip around to man the trenches on defense, with Jordan Moller and Jack Muesberger in the rotation as well.
Kade Polich, Dane Polich and Simmons will be at linebacker, with others having a chance to fill a fourth spot. Manning will play safety, with McCaulley and Henry also in the backfield.
Simmons will punt and Lego handling kicking duties, though Ashman was quick to note that those positions, like a few others, were still open to competition.
W-G visits AC/GC in the district opener Sept. 11, with visits from a very good Panorama team and from Kuemper following. The Hawks visits WCV Oct. 2, then conclude their regular season with a visit from Van Meter Oct. 9.
