“We have quite a few guys back with starting experience from last years team, led by three-year starter at quarterback, Thomas Zwiers,” said Coach Clark.  “We expect our line play to be better on both sides of the ball, but we graduated our leading rusher (Logan Disabella) and receiver (John Vall) from last year and will be a little more inexperienced at the skill positions.  We’re hoping our experience on the line will help us control the line of scrimmage better.  We will need guys to step up in the rushing and receiving game in order for us to be successful.”

The Comets also lost Trevor Antuna (WR/DB) and Nick Foss (K/P) to graduation.  They also suffered a huge loss when Noah Fischer sustained multiple vertebrae compression fractures in the first game of the season last year which appears to have ended his high school playing career.

“Noah has remained active in our offseason workouts and practices despite not being able to contribute on the field,” said Clark.  “Noah is an amazing captain and ambassador for our program and sets a great example for our young guys showing that not all important contributions come on the field.”

Joining Zwiers as returning letter winners are seniors Anthony Panza (OL/DL), Simon Strommen (OL/LB) and Abe Burleigh (RB/WR/S), juniors Ben Christianson (RB/LB) and Trey Carl (OL/DL), and sophomores Caden Fischer (WR/CB) and Gavin Knutson (OL/DL).

Key newcomers for the Comets will be seniors Kaleb Swanson (TE/DE) and Jaxon Swedenburg (OL/DL) and sophomore Zayne Weinrich (WR/CB).

Clark sees Verndale, Brandon-Evansville and Hancock as the top competition for the Comets in the 2019 season.