CHEROKEE CHIEFS
Coach: BRYCE SCHANBACHER
4-6
OFFENSE
The Chiefs will move to the new Class B-II thanks to the classification being divided into two different groups. For head coach Bryce Schanbacher, the goal remains the same. “This is a great group of young men. We will have a mix of upperclassmen with lots of game experience and some underclassmen that will need time to grow into their roles. I believe that with the leadership of the upperclassmen we can find our way,” said Schanbacher. Six starters are back on offense including Alberto “Bert” Alvirez (5-10, 235, Sr.) at center. Alvirez is a two-way starter and a Top 100 nominee for Cherokee this season. “Bert is one of the hardest working kids I have had. He is well liked by anyone he knows and respected by his opponents,” said Schanbacher. Tony Macias (5-8, 135, Jr.) and Hunter Wimpee (6-1, 155, Sr.) are two targets in the passing game expected to have solid seasons. Tyson Ream (5-7, 145, So.) spent the offseason in the weight room and the coaching staff expects him to have a big impact at running back. Tight end Declyn Lucas (6-1, 210, Sr.) will factor into the passing game and the run game as a blocker in the single back offense. Dawson Schanbacher (Fr.) will compete for the starting QB job. Schanbacher has good size for his age and loves to compete.
DEFENSE
Alvirez starts at nose guard giving the Chiefs a force in the middle of the defensive line. The senior is flanked by Lucas and Joel Parker (5-11, 155, Jr.) at defensive end. Both Lucas and Parker are quick off the ball and good at containing the run. The matchups on defense are everything and coach Schanbacher believes his team speed will be the difference. “We should have good overall team speed that will hopefully allow us to match up well,” said Schanbacher. Tate Allison (5-10, 160, Sr.), and Aiden Hall (5-10, 225, Jr.) give the Chiefs the freedom to attack the run or drop linebackers into coverage on passing downs. Clayton Roach (6-0, 185, Jr.) plays a big role in the secondary as the defense will look to use multiple coverage packages to keep the offense guessing.
