PREVIEW: Southern taking things ‘day by day’ in hopes of successful season
The Southern Raiders had high hopes of making the playoffs in 2021, but fell short. Now, they have that same goal in 2022.
By News Channel NebraskaBLUE SPRINGS - The Southern Raiders had high hopes of making the playoffs in 2021, but fell short. Now, they have that same goal in 2022.
Head coach Kane Hookstra talked about his group as they get ready for their first matchup this Thursday.
“I feel like we’ve progressed every week and the goal for very team this time of year is to get better,” Hookstra said. “Day by day is one of our big themes and that’s kind of our approach to it.”
The Raiders ended the year 1-7 in 2021, their only win coming over Diller-Odell. This year, they do return two major pieces that gained experience last season. Hookstra thinks that’s key heading into the season.
“Our top receiver, Evan Saathoff, is coming back and Kale Maguire is our starting quarterback and they were a nice 1-2 punch of us so we’re going to lean heavily on them,” Hookstra said. “And then on defense we have some playmakers also. I like our hustle and physical nature.”
Quarterback Kale Maguire talked about the experience he gained last season and how it will help him this season.
“Hopefully I gained some ability over the offseason, that was one of my main issues last year,” Maguire said. “And being more confident in my role, especially.”
Maguire also said practice has been competitive leading up to game week.
“It’s been a dog fight for most positions on the field,” Maquire said. “Everybody always says that, but it was especially true here. Luckily, we also haven’t had many issues with the heat, so I think we’re going to be ready.”
The community of Wymore and Blue Springs in southeast Nebraska is passionate about their sports and that includes the athletes. Coach Hookstra says that’s one element that he believes gives his group an advantage.
“We’re a good team, in terms of our closeness and our close knit feeling we have amongst our team,” Hookstra said. “The players like each other and they do things together, not all teams do that. I think that’s going to hold us together.”
Maguire has two simple goals for 2022.
“Winning record and state playoffs,” Maguire said.
The Raiders get their season started on Thursday night when they host Johnson-Brock.