SD In The Hunt 2023- West Central Trojans

West Central has always been an 11A powerhouse that consistently makes playoff runs. Last season they fell just short of the 11A Crown in a chess match with another 11A power, the Dell Rapids Quarriers. I believe West Central will have a lot of fire power returning for the 2023 campaign that could take them the distance. While losing some key players to graduation, the young core of talent returning is very promising for a successful 2023 season for the Trojans! Take a look at the breakdown below!   Players Lost- Justin Zirpel (QB/LB), Owen Heath (RB/LB), Aaron Johnson (DB), Dylan Stromer (DB)   Players Returning-   2024:   Chet Carda (LB), <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2KTbwU">Highlights</a>   Carda will lead the defensive unit as a Senior. Taking a lot of snaps from the LB position as a Junior, he showed a lot of instincts and physicality. Usually the one making the read and finding the ball in a hurry, then making the play on the ballcarrier with a solid tackle in the gap. I would not be surprised if he were to receive some snaps on offense as a Senior at various positions.   Crew Heier (TE/DL),<a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2KZF7F"> Highlights</a>   Heier had a big role on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he was an excellent edge rusher and put a lot of pressure on the offense. A good takeoff and angles to the ball and he was blowing up plays in the backfield constantly. With a good level of physicality on both sides of the ball, he was making big tackles, taking out blockers and making blocks on offense. Also a reliable target in the passing game.   Gavin Pischke (OL), <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2KwQzP">Highlights</a>   Pischke is very versatile for a kid his size. Jumping around at positions on the offensive line, to taking being a lead blocker at fullback. Knowing where to position himself to succeed, to knowing how to use his size to his advantage. Another key factor in his game is getting the defender out of the intended gap. Lastly, he shows excellent footwork to make the key block to break the big play.   Ashton Engen (OL), <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2KZJ99">Highlights</a>   Engen is another athletic lineman the Trojans know how to use. Taking most of his snaps at Guard, he can also range in the backfield at fullback. Bottom line for this kid is his leverage and his motor. Having good pad level most of the time, if on the rare occasion he doesn't get leverage, his motor takes over and buries the defender.   Layton Johnson (WR), <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14519935/Layton-Johnson/highlights">Highlights</a>   Johnson could step into a large role for the offense as a Senior. Showing his playmaking ability in both special teams and the short passing game. Once he has the ball in his hands, he will grind out every last yard, whether thats around or through tacklers.   2025:   [player_tooltip player_id='798259' first='Aiden' last='Bartmann'] (RB),<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16108013/63dd582c6e82710e98142c96"> Highlights</a>   Bartmann may emerge as a primary rusher for the Trojan offense in 2023. His speed and vision make him a very dangerous rusher out of the backfield. Shows off his motor between the tackles and keeps the wheels turning after contact, grinding out every last yard. Lastly, his speed, hands, and awareness make him and excellent safety valve out of the backfield.   Caden Alfson (QB), <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16166471/63397d5934488805c87b54cf">Highlights</a>   One clip for Alfson, but he may be the QB for the Trojans next fall. Showing a good arm and accuracy in his one clip, he could be a dangerous passing threat next season.   Patrick Hammond (WR), <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2JNY1H">Highlights</a>   Same clip from Hammond. Looking to be a good vertical threat when the Trojans throw the ball next season. A quick release off the snap and good concentration to reel the ball in in tight coverage.

West Central has always been an 11A powerhouse that consistently makes playoff runs. Last season they fell just short of the 11A Crown in a chess match with another 11A power, the Dell Rapids Quarriers. I believe West Central will have a lot of fire power returning for the 2023 campaign that could take them the distance. While losing some key players to graduation, the young core of talent returning is very promising for a successful 2023 season for the Trojans! Take a look at the breakdown below!