CRETE, Neb. -- Peru State Football went 5-6 last year but they have high hopes and high expectations for this season. And I mean very high expectations.

They return almost all of their offense and a ton of their defense, meaning that they have a lot of experience to work with. 

“In the two-deep on offense, we actually have returned 19 of the 22 guys,” said Phil Ockinga, third year head coach. “On defense, we have returned seven of the 11 starters.”

Ockinga feels like all of the pieces are finally in place. 

“This year, we are really starting to think that we have enough depth and we should make a pretty good run,” said Ockinga. “I believe we are starting to make the strides that we’ve hoped for.”

Another big reason why Ockinga believes the team will succeed is due to the laid back nature of the coaching staff. 

“I just try to be who I am and then I let my staff be who they are,” said Ockinga. “I think the players actually get to see that. Just genuine. We care about them.”

And for Jordan Kempf, a Senior Wide Receiver who led the team in receiving yards last year by nearly 400 yards, he said he has gotten better, due to the work he has put in. 

“Can’t stop working,” said Kempf. “I work every day. Can’t take a day off. They tell you the average player can only have so many days going or so many hours a day. I don’t believe in that. If you believe in yourself, you gotta keep going.”

And the bobcat squad has set the bar very high heading into this year.

“Peru State is going to win the national championship this year,” said Kempf.

Peru State will play its opening game of the season on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. against Hastings College.