The Manitowoc Lutheran Lancers kick off their 2024 season Friday night at Ron Rubick Field against cross-town rival Roncalli.
Ryan Hulse begins his second year as Head Coach and his fourth year in the Lancer program.
He tells Seehafer News that he has 64 athletic boys out for football looking to make an impact on the program.
“What we’ve seen in camp is a lot of athletes. The younger guys are learning a lot, which is great to see,” Hulse revealed. “Our older guys are just using their athleticism. They’re flying around having fun, and it’s been a joy to see.”
Senior Kamden Baye led the Lancers in rushing last year and returns as a third-year starter and as a second-year captain.
He feels there’s enough talent on this team that they have the potential to play for a state title.
“If we don’t have high goals like that…why are we even here?” he said. “We’re supposed to be here to win and try to do as best as we can and get as far as we can. So that’s why we set that goal.”
There are a lot of tests between now and then including playing in a tough Big East conference, where the Reedsville Panthers return all-state quarterback Parker Maney, who rushed for over 2,000 yards last season.
Oostburg has 21 juniors returning and Cedar Grove-Belgium has high aspirations led by all-conference player Billy Naris.
Friday night’s opener with Roncalli will be no pushover says Lancer senior Logan Brooks.
“We also used to be in the same conference about 25, 30 years ago when we were going back to back, going for state titles with each other, and parents played in those games, and it kind of carries on,” he said. “We’re two similar schools with a big passion to win.”
Senior Gabriel Stuebs explained that, in order to beat the Jets, the Lancers will have to focus on “Stopping the run game, keeping the ball inside ourselves, running the ball well, throwing the ball well, executing on offense and defense and special teams. Just playing great.”
Friday night’s game can be heard on 97.1 WCUB and at CubRadio.com, with coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m.
