New guys in new positions will fuel Warriors’ success

These seniors and letter-winners will anchor the Peabody-Burns football team this season: front row (from left) Bryant Young, Bailey Penner, Chance Elliott, Tony Adams; (back row) Marcus Sanders, Jayton Scott, Andrew Wedel, Austin Purk, Austin Reynolds.The Peabody-Burns football team heads into the 2016 season with 25 athletes on its roster. David Pickens, who is entering his 12th year as head coach, said the Warriors will make a few adjustments following last year’s 5-4 campaign.

“This season’s going to be a little bit different than we’ve had in the last couple years,” he said. “We’re going to have quite a few new guys in new positions. Some of the guys are actually returning as starters that’ll be playing different positions than they played last year, so it’s all going to be a little bit new.”

For example, junior Bryant Young, who was backup quarterback a year ago, will fill the starting role under center this season. Young also will contribute as a defensive back.

Last year’s quarterback, Austin Reynolds, who is a senior this year, will fill roles on offense at full back and tight end, and on defense at linebacker.

Five additional seniors are on the roster this year: Andrew Wedel and Tony Adams on the offensive and defensive lines; Austin Purk at tight end and linebacker; Marcus Sanders at wide receiver and defensive back; and Jayton Scott at tight end and defensive end.

Also returning are juniors Bailey Penner (running back and defensive back) and Chance Elliott (wide receiver and safety).

“We have pretty good potential,” Pickens said. “The best part about it is, we have a good team speed all over, and for 8-man football, that’s pretty good. That’s what we need. We’ve got a tremendous amount of size this year with a couple of guys coming out this year that hadn’t last year.”

Pickens added: “We’ve got some new wrinkles we’re going to throw in the playbook this year and see if we can’t cause some problems for people.”

Peabody-Burns will open its season at Rural Vista Friday. The Warriors’ home-opener will be Sept. 16 versus Canton-Galva.

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