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A blend of experience and talented youth has Kearney hoping to return to big things once again.

The Bulldogs, once perennial state title contenders, may have slipped recently, but won three straight games to close the 2020 season before exiting in the playoffs to Smithville. Now Kearney feels ready to back a return back to prominence.

“We have quite a few seniors coming back and a crop of juniors and sophomores that are very talented. We’re pretty excited about that,” said head coach Josh Gray.

In addition to the experience and talent, Gray has seen a change in the attitude – which may be more important for Kearney at this point.

“This offseason from the June and team camp, I saw this year that our seniors really stepped up as leaders early on,” Gray recounted. “The climate and culture that we built, it started the summer really well. We’ve had a big buzz and excitement, and that’s what we want to see. They’re playing together and now let’s go see that enthusiasm and effort, and go compete. The seniors and returners understand a sense of purpose and urgency, and are leading the team in the right direction.”

The backfield definitely brings experience, as seniors Ian Costa and KJ Smith return. Costa (5-foot-10) will shift back to quarterback, after diversifying time on the offense in 2020. Costa threw for 863 yards with six touchdowns, along with 362 rushing yards and six scores, as well as 361 receiving yards and two touchdowns via air.

“He’s such adynamic athlete and big playmaker,” Gray touted. “We used him at receiving and running game last year and he did a great job accepting that role. He’s done a great job leading and hungry to get things going.”

Smith (5-foot-11, 190) returns at running back, as he ran for 335 yards and three touchdowns as a junior.

“With KJ, he goes above and beyond, and prides himself in what he does in weight room, on field, and lockerroom as well,” Gray stated. “He can get out of backfield and is a good receiver. Having him there puts us in a great spot of running back.”

Also garnering carries will be senior Jake Lowrey,  junior Joe Marshal and sophomore Cameron Emmons.

The cast will have good protection and lanes to run through with three returners on the offensive line, including behemoth tackle Keanon McNally. The senior stands at 6-foot-10 and 285 pounds, who Gray labeled “a mammoth, and a bulldozer for us”. Also returning will be seniors Lucas Starr (6-foot-1, 245) and Briggs Terwilleger (6-foot-2, 235). Joining the trio at the other tackle is junior Carter Schmidt (6-foot-6, 235) as well as senior Conner Smith (5-foot-9, 225).

“We have some size and are very athletic with our line,” Gray analyzed. “With those three coming back, they have an understanding of what we do and have that continuity coming into the season.”

Also along the line is junior tight end Zach Grace (6-foot-3 230). Also catching passes will be senior wide receivers Hayden Douglas (6-foot-3, 170) and Isaac Bates (6-foot-4, 170). Logan Ariano (5-foot-9, 155) brings speed as well.

“We’ve got speed and some bigger guys, so we’re excited about our passing game,” Gray said. “We’re expecting great things from Hayden. He sat out with a broken hand last year, and is ready to get after it.”

Defensively, Kearney will anchor the middle with senior nose tackle Sam Lowman (6-foot-2, 255).

“Our nose has to be agile and move in our defense, and Sam does that,” Gray said.

Conner Smith also will step in at nose as well. On the exterior, Terwilleger returns at defensive end, as well as junior Kale Conway (6-foot-3, 225). Seniors Logan Olson (6-1, 190) and Cullen McBride (6-foot-1, 190) also will bring quickness on the line.

In the middle of the defense, KJ Smith and fellow senior Daryn Langford (5-foot-8, 180) will join senior Braxton Breedlove at linebacker. Senior Colin O’Brien (5-foot-11, 185) and junior Will Lincoln will also patrol the field at linebacker.

The secondary will include cornerbacks John Timchak and Joe Marshal, as well as Jake Lowrey.

“John plays the game smart and is a good technician but a physical cornerback,” Gray touted. “Joe and Jake bring speed and desire to want to be out there.”

Junior Luke Noland (6-foot-3, 170) and senior Drake Cole will man the back of the defense at safeties.

“Luke roams and waits to break on the ball and comes downhill. It’s fun to watch him play,” Gray said. “Drake is a kid that trusted the process, works hard and when its their turn, they step up and are difference makers and playmakers. Drake has been that kid.”

After a pair of 5-5 seasons, Kearney is ready to return back to winning campaigns and longer playoff runs.

“Every year expectations are high,” Gray said. “One of the keys for us is to work to get better each day.  Each day, each week – we have to keep getting better. It’s a cliché, but that’s what need to do in football. We have a lot of younger guys pushing the older guys, and that just makes you a better football team in the end.”

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