Countdown to Kickoff 2018: Class AA Sleeper
Brian Jerzak
Story No. 5 in NFN's 2018 sleeper series features a program that has not had a winning season since 2011. Two years ago, they won just one game, but last season the turn around started, only to be derailed by a key injury down the stretch. This year they complete the comeback in Class AA.
NFN's 2018 AA sleeper: LeSueur-Henderson
2017 Record: 3-6
Returning starters: Gabe Webster RB/LB, Burke Nesbit WR/CB, Jayce Luna WR, Logan Kahlow RB/LB, Wes Kim OL/DL, Alan Eotvos OL, Jacob Wacker OL, William Stutsman DE/OLB, Peter Turek DE/OLB, Rylee Christian-Fredrickson DL
The Giants return three giants both from their offensive and defensive lines – including a two-year starter at center - Jacob Wacker. The key to the season might be the return of a healthy Gabe Webster. Through six games Wacker rushed for nearly 600 yards and scored seven touchdowns. Despite missing three games, Wacker was still voted to the All-District team.
Wacker also will anchor a defense that brings back almost the entire front seven. Wacker led the team in tackles last season. Paired with fellow linebacker Logan Kahlow, the defense should look more like it did in the first half of 2017 – giving up just forty points in the first three games combined – and less like the defense that struggled down the stretch.
Head coach Mike May likes the depth the team will have this season but knows the spot that could sabotage the entire season is quarterback. The Giants have had three quarterbacks competing for the starting spot, but the running game should give whoever wins the quarterback spot plenty of support as they grow into the position.
