Two-a-days: Grand Island and District A-1

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

A closer look

GRAND ISLAND

Eight returning starters on offense give hope for another trip to the playoffs for the Islanders. Grand Island has reached the postseason each of the past four seasons.

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Last year, the season didn’t end until the second round of the playoffs, with Grand Island finishing 8-3.

Aside from that experience, other signs of hope come with good speed and depth.

“We have a very solid group of seniors who are emerging as good leaders,” coach Jeff Tomlin said. “As we develop more depth and experience early on, we expect to become a very good team.”

A couple of guys to keep an eye on for the Islanders should be fullback/linebacker Braden Taylor and running back/linebacker Curtis Hudiburgh.

Grand Island will have a tough test early, opening the season at Kearney on Aug. 29.

District A-1

OUTLOOK

It will be interesting to see how this district shakes out, with several of the teams being in the same situation (some decent athletes but not a lot of experience).

Lincoln Northeast’s record may be decided by how well inexperienced, but capable players, step into starting roles.

Fremont was young last season, and should be able to improve. Lincoln High has some good ones, but will need to get help around them.

North Platte is switching to the spread offense and may have the athlete to do it in running back-turned-quarterback Corey Serrano.

PLAYMAKERS

* Fremont junior linebacker/fullback Curtis Leick certainly belongs in this category.

* Lincoln Northeast’s Porter Groves is one of those guys who you want on the field for his athleticism alone. He plays in the defensive secondary and at running back.

* Lincoln Northeast’s Cole Pensick is a Husker recruit. Enough said.



COACHES’ PROJECTION (2007 record)

1. Grand Island (8-3); 2. Lincoln North Star (6-4); 3. North Platte (4-5); 4. Lincoln Northeast (5-5); 5. Fremont (1-8); 6. Lincoln High (0-9).