2015 Nederland High School Football Team
Back row, from left: Tucker Carr, Trig Campbell, Layton Kasch, JJ Rippy, Hunter Chilcote, Michael Wood, Jack Abendroth, and Aswin Malla.¬†Middle row, from left: Coach Clay White, Coach Aaron Jones, Jaylan Rasdall, Quin Kuechenmeister, Austin O’Melia, Ian Dunham, Bob Allen, Sunil Ghale, Jean Luc Pineau, Caleb Pugmire, Kellen Sequeira and Coach Jake Metzger. Front row, from left: Rhode Hessner, Aubrey Charlson, Toby Kane, Keyghan, Connor Nikkel, Wesley Nation, Garret Ceurvorst, Adler Mueller and Damon Vigil.[/caption]

Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  In Aaron Jones’ 10th season as the head football coach at Nederland High School he finally has the numbers to consider only defense or only offense players. Ned gridsters have always had to play both teams, the entire game.

With 30 players showing up for practice, it could be a Panther year.

“Our goal is to win the conference championship,” says Coach Jones. “We have a dangerous offensive team and we are big and strong in all areas, even though it will take a lot to replace the eight seniors who graduated.”

Returning players will have to step up to make sure the less experienced guys are ready to go.

Returning leaders are Michael Wood, Jack Abendroth, Quin Kuechenmeister, Austin O’Melia, Jaylan Rasdall, and Trig Campbell.

With good competition for every position on the field, the players are now pushing each other, vying to show their potential. Last year the Ned boys returned to 8-man football and enjoyed a winning season, with the feeling of running off the field with helmets held high in victory.

Last year, the Panthers ended the season with a 5-3 win record when they were knocked out of the playoffs by Rocky Mountain Lutheran. Jones and the boys are ready for redemption.

Part of the large number is due to the eager bunch of freshmen who have suited up. Jones is looking at who will be playing which position.

“It will be nice to not have the guys play both ways all the time, getting wiped out every game. We have five guys competing for two linebacker position and five to six guys for receiver position who look good. It is a good problem to have.”

As it is still early in the season there is a good possibility the numbers might increase. There will be two junior varsity games scheduled, one of the them against Gilpin.

Coach Jones expects a great season, saying the team had the best secondary practice he had seen in Ned. With good focus, energy and effort, the Panthers are ready.

“We will have the kind of football that people will like to see. It is time for the community to become NHS fans of the players. Come watch Michael Wood—he’ll entertain you, as will all of the athletes. I can’t wait. I am not just a coach; I am also a fan.”