Brunow prepares to rebuild Polar Bears

DOLA - With 24 seasons and 216 wins behind him at Hardin Northern, veteran coach Pete Brunow is no stranger to rebuilding teams.

Even with the loss of 18 players last spring, area coaches realize the Polar Bears are always a force to be reckoned with under Brunow's leadership.

Brunow returns five letterwinners from a team that finished fourth in the Blanchard Valley Conference last year with an overall record of 6-4.

Offensively, the Polar Bears will build their offense around veteran running back Chad Motter, who was the squad's second leading rusher last season, grinding out more than 700 yards. Sophomore Tommy Wheeler will break in at the quarterback slot where he will throw the ball to tight ends Logan Price and Dylan Shepherd. In addition to Motter, Nathan Ruhlen and Joe Walter will also look to carry the ball.

On the offensive line, the Polar Bears will utilize the services of Trent Bryant at center, Caleb Combs and Alec Stewart-Evans at the guard positions, and tackles J.R. Kindle and Nik Boehm.

Defensively, Motter, Shepherd, Price and Walter will work in the defensive backfield; Ruhlen, Wheeler and Bruno will serve as linebackers, and Evans, Brown, Parsons and Combs will be up front.

Wheeler will handle the kicking and punting duties.

Offensively, Brunow will be working out of a Wing-T while the defense will take on a 4-3 look.

"One of our strengths will be that we have bigger kids on the line. We have been successful with our line in the preseason," Brunow said. "Hopefully they'll be able to give the protection so that we can run the ball well.

"Defensively, we're hoping that our backs can carry us a long ways. We've got quite a bit of experience back there."

The biggest challenge initially for the Polar Bears will be inexperience, especially on the line. Brunow said his squad currently lines up with four or five sophomores on each side of the ball.

"We only have two seniors that started on the line," Bruno said. "It's going to take a little bit of time to get this together."

PLAYER TO WATCH

Chad Motter

Motter was the team's second-leading rusher last season with more than 700 yards.

HARDIN NORTHERN

Coach: Pete Brunow

Years, record at school: 24th year, 216-55

Last year: 6-4 overall

Returning Lettermen: 5

Starters: 5

Promising newcomers: Logan Price, J.R. Kindle, Trent Bryant, Clint Bruno, Tommy Wheeler, Trevor Brown.

Outlook: Hardin Northern graduated 18 players last spring and will need some underclassmen to step up on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Polar Bears plan to utilize a big line to carve out a strong running game.

Aug. 22          at Ada

Aug. 29          McCOMB

Sept. 5           at Arcadia

Sept. 12         LEIPSIC

Sept. 19         at Van Buren

Sept. 26         CORY-RAWSON

Oct. 3             at Pandora-Gilboa

Oct. 10           LIBERTY-BENTON

Oct. 17           at Arlington

Oct. 24           VANLUE