This story is sponsored by: Chips Hamburgers of Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids
By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
AUBURNDALE – Expectations could not be any higher for the Auburndale football program.
The Eagles are coming off a season in which they went 10-4 (that included three forfeit wins) and won two playoff games before falling to eventual state champion Colby in a Division 6 Level 3 game.
Auburndale returns eight all-Marawood Conference players that were juniors last year, including first-team selections in receiver Alex Willfahrt, tight end Tim Schmitt and defensive lineman Adam Dorshorst.
Also back is quarterback Trayton Weber, who was a second-team all-conference pick after throwing for 1,294 yards and 12 touchdowns, and rushing for 851 yards and 13 scores.
“The experience we have with some really nice players, we’re hoping with that loss (of the seniors from last season) that we can build off of that and take a step forward,” Auburndale coach Jay Anderson said. “Trayton has been a quarterback in our system for four years. He has to cut down on some of the turnovers, some bad interceptions, and he knows that. It comes down to his reads, release and timing, and hopefully the passing game slows down for him and he’s able to cut down on the interceptions. It’s really nice to have him back. He has a really good understanding of what we’re trying to do, and he’s a really good leader out there in the huddle.”
Evan Scholl will take over for Terrance Roberson as the starting running back after rushing for 461 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Defensive end Conner Brandl and inside linebacker Sloan Welch were second-team all-Marawood picks that will return, along with honorable mention choices in offensive lineman Mason Rachu and defensive end Lucas Yeske.
All of those returning players saw action on defense last year, along with Blake Raab and Aden Cherney in the backfield, and Kaden Anderson at outside linebacker. Coach Anderson said he is looking for that unit to become more consistent in their play.
“They all have to step up and improve,” Jay Anderson said. “We weren’t always very solid in our reads, we’d get lost in some mis-direction stuff, and we need to clean that up. We return a lot, but there’s a lot of improvement needed from each individual also.”
Weber said he likes that way the team has gelled, not just last year, but heading into the 2022 season.
“We connected with each other, going to each other’s house, hanging out, went to the weight room and lifted with each other, and got to know each other,” Weber said. “I think we’re looking pretty good. It’s early yet, we just have to get to our first game and see what goes from there.”
The Marawood Conference is loaded with Colby, perennial power Edgar, and Abbotsford, which also made the postseason in 2021. Those three teams are the final three opponents on the 2022 schedule.
“I know that we can be in the mix and compete,” Jay Anderson said. “We play Loyal and Hurley in nonconference games. It’s going to be a tough schedule and will be a true grind.”
Auburndale opens its season Friday at home against Menominee Indian.
Auburndale Football Schedule
Fri., Aug. 19 MENOMINEE INDIAN, 7 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 26 at Rib Lake/Prentice (at Prentice), 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 2 at Loyal, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 9 HURLEY, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 16 at Pittsville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 23 MARATHON, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 30 at Abbotsford, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 7 EDGAR, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 14 at Colby, 7 p.m.
Home games in CAPS, at Auburndale High School