Coach: RUSSELL ELLIS

6-5

OFFENSE

A team that was very young last season, has gained more experience and with a productive offseason the Bears are entering the new season with great expectations for the team. Head coach Russell Ellis said one of the strengths this season are the guys in the trenches.

“Our strength this year will be our guys up front and the experience we bring back at wide receiver and wing backs,” Ellis said. “This team will bring back enough experience to be dangerous in the conference. We will be relying on our offensive and defensive line to make plays. We will push these young men to have grit, finish every play, and respond together. We have great kids who are very coachable and reliable. My hope is that we continue to develop these young men into great human beings who can become successful great people.”

Gatlon Malotte (6-2, 175, Sr.) is a two-way starter for the Bears and someone to watch at running back. Explosive on both sides of the ball, Malotte is a leader on this team and someone who can help the younger players mature into their roles. The Bears will run a pistol-flexbone offense with an emphasis on the run. Last season they averaged 273 yards per game on the ground. While they may look to throw the ball more this season, the run game is the bread and butter for the Bears.

“I think we could be a really good team. We have lots of committed players who want to win,” said Malotte.

Kuttler Eaton (6-3, 275, Jr.) is one of the offensive linemen that the Bears will lean on up front. Eaton came into his own last season and has continued to work hard to become one of the top linemen in conference. He is a problem for opponents on both sides of the ball. Also look for Kole Kellhofer (6-0, 225, So.), Kewper Pettit (6-3, 200, So.), and Lucas Pedro (6-0, 225, Jr.) to play key roles on the offensive and defensive lines. Pettit played all 11 games last season as a freshman. Kellhofer and Pedro have continued to improve and develop into solid linemen who coach Ellis is confident they can run behind.

A battle for the starting role at quarterback has developed as Tyler Lambeth (5-9, 180, Jr.) and Landen Straw (5-8, 150, So.) are pushing one another for the starting role. Early in the season you could see both on the field. Lambeth stepped up last season and had some big moments in games. Both guys are embracing the process and competing at a high level.

Lane Everts (6-2, 170, Sr.) is one of the experienced wide receivers coach Ellis mentioned. Everts is a two-way player who brings a physical style of play to both sides of the ball. A natural leader, Everts puts team above everything else.

“I think we are going to be big and physical up front with good athletes to compliment them. We are going to have a good year,” said Everts.

Josh Hoffman (6-2, 175, Sr.) is another big addition to the lineup at WR and DB. Add Carter Phillips (6-1, 185, Jr.) and Austin Hirtz (5-11, 160, Jr.) to the receiver corps and you have the makings of a formidable group that can hurt you in the passing game and run block downfield.