Pig Skin Previews: Gothenburg Swedes
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – After a year where they went 3-6, the Gothenburg Swedes want to bounce back better than ever. The Swedes have a number of returnees who come back.
Head coach Craig Haake said using that experience this year will be a key to success for the Swedes.
“There are a couple of three-year starters coming back who are natural leaders, but that’s one thing with any team sport,” Haake said. “You’re looking for people to step up and be positive leaders. We have leaders who will do this and who strive to do it well. They’re not content to just get things done.”
With the significant number of returners, they bring back a lot of mature bodies with the time spent in the summer in the weight room. With his physical maturity and senior leadership, Coach Haake thinks this is a dangerous combination.
“We’ve made some big gains in terms of overall athletics for our team,” Haake said. “With the package we’re going to put on the field, I think we’re going to be more physical, a lot more impressive to compete and do well.”
Coach Haake is not the only one who notices how physically imposing they can be. Some of the players have drawn attention, such as Swedish Center Kai Jorgenson.
“We’ve got some guys up front, they just want it,” Jorgenson said. “It seems like they’re not afraid to go out and beat somebody, we think it’s fun too. That’s what football is about, it’s fun.”
The Swedes take on the Ogallala Tigers on August 26. With their experience and their determination, the players and coaches expect a good year.
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