WOODWARD — Head coach George Ashman has seen a little bit of just about every possible scenario during his tenure on the Woodward-Granger sideline, but rarely has the veteran coach faced the situation before him as the 2018 season begins.
“I don’t know that we have ever had this many changes in our skilled positions,” Ashman said. “We will be rebuilding, for sure, but that does not mean we are in trouble — it just means positions are not set like they have been in the past. If guys show they deserve one of the spots they can earn it.”
The numbers speak for themselves. Only 178 yards of offense and three touchdowns return from a squad that finished 6-3 overall and 5-2 in their old district, just missing the postseason.
Newcomer Keith Braunschweig is one of several players vying for the starting nod at quarterback, with Trevor Simmons and others in the mix.
“It truly is wide open,” Ashman said. “Right now it could be one of maybe four guys.”[wpedon id=”85410″ align=”left”]
Bryce Achenbach was 6-of-23 for 81 yards and two TDs passing last year. He was intercepted once, but is not in the competition at quarterback this season, and will likely play in the slot.
Achenbach caught seven passes for 253 yards and two TDs last year while rushing 13 times for 87 yards and a score.
Gabe Yingst returns to lead the defense. He had 59.5 tackles last year, including four sacks, six tackles for a loss and two fumble recoveries.
Achenbach had 46 stops and three for a loss, with Reese Jamison making 22.5 tackles, with three for a loss while falling on two fumbles[wpedon id=”85410″ align=”left”]
Jamison averaged 37.9 yards per punt and will resume those duties, with Matt Hansen (10-of-15 PAT, 1-of-2 FG) back at placekicker.
Ashman said positions along the line, on both sides of the ball, were slowly falling into place, but he was hesitant to assign a specific name to a specific spot.
The season opens tonight with a visit from rival Madrid. W-G is then on the road at Ogden Aug. 31. Non-district play continues with a home game against South Hamilton Sept. 7 and a road trip to Van Meter Sept. 14.
W-G will compete in Class 1A District 7 this season. Others in the district include Colfax-Mingo, Interstate-35, Pella Christian, Pleasantville and Woodward Academy.
