By Sophie Butler
The Silver Lake football team is going to be seeing quite a few changes this season. Coach Conroy will be returning for his fifth year as head coach, accompanied by Coach Behmer and Coach Bade, but this year he will be coaching his first year of 8-man football. “8-man is definitely a different style of play; it will be a lot more physical than 6-man. Although we’re looking forward to playing new teams, we have to be ready for those two extra guys trying to stop us on the field,” said Conroy. The Mustangs finished last season with a record of 5-4 and a trip to the state playoffs. Silver Lake lost two seniors, Brock Karr and Michael Trausch, to graduation, leaving the center and linebacker positions open. Though those are two big spots to be filled, the Mustangs have experienced returning players coming back strong this season. Senior Jake Knehans is returning to Silver Lake and is expected to play a huge role on the team as he is starting for the Mustangs for his fourth year in a row. Knehans led the offense with 707 passing yards and 1066 total yards, tallying 12 touchdowns in the 2021 season. There’s also a lot of experience returning to the team this year with seniors Braden Karr and Cody Pankoke. Juniors Keaton Karr and Adrian Gomez are starting for their third year in a row as well. Karr was a top rusher for the Mustangs last season, with 461 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns. Karr and Gomez also found success on the other side of the ball, with 63 and 49 tackles, respectively. Additionally, junior Jack Sorensen will be returning for the Mustangs and is expected to contribute both ways for the Mustangs. Sophomore Casey Conway will also add some experience to the Mustang roster, finding ways to contribute in all 9 games in the 2021 season and accumulating 243 all-purpose yards. Along with the experienced players, Silver Lake also welcomes 5 incoming freshmen and newcomer junior Angus Andersen. On Friday, August 19, the Mustangs had a Friday night lights practice to prepare for the season. If you want to catch the Mustangs in action, their season will be underway on Friday, August 26 at Palmer. The following is their regular season schedule:
August 26 @ Palmer
September 2 vs. Nebraska Lutheran (Parent’s Night/Homecoming)
September 9 vs. Maywood Hayes Center
September 16 @ Axtell
September 23 vs. Kenesaw
September 30 @ Deshler
October 7 vs. Lawrence Nelson (Senior Night)
October 13 @ Blue Hill