New coach hopes to bring new attitude to Leipsic

LEIPSIC - First-year head coach Joe Kirkendall will be taking the helm of a highly experienced program that seeks to improve on last season's 2-8 record.

Thirteen starters from last season bring experience to the gridiron, including Nate Schroeder (wide receiver), Derick Mangas (halfback), Mike Benton (wide receiver), Jay Maag (defensive back), Derrick Schroeder (quarterback), Jake Schroeder (fullback), Jason Butler (linebacker), Mitch Gibson (defensive end), Spencer Tooman (offensive lineman), Matt Schroeder (linebacker) and Isaac Krinke (center).

In addition, several newcomers look to make significant contributions, including sophomores Jon Stuber (guard), Liam Nadler (quarterback), Tyler Kreinbrink (linebacker), and Daniel Navarro (defensive line). Also, freshmen Greg Burger (nose guard), and Joe Burger (defensive line) are expected to make a significant contribution.

Offensively, Kirkendall hopes to bring a pro-style offense. The new mentor likes the athleticism of his skilled positions, including returnee Mike Benton, who was voted All-Blanchard Valley Conference last season.

"You'll see a lot of what you see on Saturday afternoon in college games," Kirkendall said. "A big advantage is that this team has a lot of willingness to learn. We've had a very dedicated summer in the weightroom."

On the other side of the ball, Kirkendall plans to utilize a 3-4 defensive scheme.

One thing Kirkendall has on his side is the depth of a 46-player roster. With a large number of returnees and a big roster, the head coach admitted his biggest concern is mental preparation for winning games.

"There is going to be some mental hang-ups to overcome because of last year's 2-8 record and a 1-9 record the year before," Kirkendall said. "With that kind of a background, it's easy to develop a mental block. The kids are going to have to learn to win as well as how to play good, sound football.

"We want them to learn to enjoy themselves, and to learn to enjoy the game of football. We want them to come out of the losing mode of the past two seasons and have a lot of fun. That's what football, or any athletic competition is for."

Kirkendall hopes the team will come out of the gate winning. He noted that nothing inspires a team more than getting a couple of wins under its belt.

"That's especially crucial when you have to overcome a losing streak," he said. "If we can get a couple of wins under our belt early, it can quickly change the complexion of the whole season."

League-wise, Kirkendall sees a powerful Liberty-Benton team as probably head and shoulders above the rest of the teams.

"There's no question that they're the best team in the league," Kirkendall said. "Hopefully somebody can bring them down while the rest of us compete amongst each other."

PLAYER TO WATCH:

Mike Benton

The wide receiver returns to the Vikings after an All-BVC campaign in 2007.

LEIPSIC

Coach: Joe Kirkendall

Years at school: First year

Returning Letterwinners: 13

Returning starters: 12 overall

Promising newcomers: Sophomores - Jon Stuber (guard), Liam Nadler (quarterback), Tyler Kreinbrink (linebacker); freshmen - Greg Burger (nose guard), Daniel Navarro (defensive lineman), Joe Burger (defensive lineman).

Outlook: A blend of 13 returning starters and several athletic underclassmen gives promise of a big improvement over last year's 2008 record.

Aug. 22 PATRICK HENRY

Aug. 29 CORY-RAWSON

Sept. 5 VAN BUREN

Sept. 12 at Hardin Northern

Sept. 19 PANDORA-GILBOA

Sept. 26 at Liberty-Benton

Oct. 3 at Arlington

Oct. 10 at Vanlue

Oct. 17 McCOMB

Oct. 24 at Arcadia