Thursday, September 19, 2024
GILLETT – It’s a new year and a completely new look for the Gillett Tigers’ 8-man football team as it gets ready for the Across the Bay Conference season under first-year head coach Dave Cronauer.
The Tigers will be looking to improve on last season’s 3-5 mark and they will be relying on eight seniors to help transition the team into one with a winning record featuring a new, spread-style offensive system and a hard-nosed defense.
According to coach Cronauer, who previously spent time as head coach of the Laona-Wabeno Bobcats, this year’s Tigers are absorbing everything he’s throwing at them and improving with each day of practice.
“So, I’ve got some leadership out there, some kids that are working real hard as leaders,” said Gillett head coach Dave Cronauer, who will be assisted by Paul Herzog and Jay Britzke. “We’re working on fundamentals, footwork. We’re going to be a much faster team than in past years.”
Offensively, as mentioned, the Tigers will look to spread things out and give themselves options, using their speed to create opportunities all over the field. On defense, the Tigers, who expect to be at the top of the Across the Bay Conference pile when the dust settles on the regular season this year, will rely on fundamentals to get the job done.
“Nothing fancy, we’re just going to play disciplined, responsible football on defense,” said Cronauer, whose team will face last year’s undefeated state champion Florence Bobcats at home for a big challenge in week two.
The new system will present a bit of a learning curve but coach Cronauer anticipates that his team will find itself up to speed by week one in Three Lakes.
Look for key contributors to come from a handful of seniors on this year’s Tigers roster, including Jesse DeBauch at quarterback and defensive back, Lavanzel Smith at running back and linebacker as well as Andrew Urch at linebacker and running back.
