Bears will have plenty of experience coming back

LAUREL — Laurel-Concord-Coleridge head coach Alan Gottula welcomed a dozen returning lettermen when the Bears reported for the first practice including seven returning starters. Thirty players showed up in total.

“We return a number of players with experience from which to build a competitive football team,” Gottula said. “The team worked hard in our summer strength and mobility training program and shown improvement in their overall athletic ability.”

Half of the returning letter winner are seniors, three juniors and a couple of sophomores.

Gibson Roberts (QB/LB), Conner Korth (RB/LB), Eli Haisch (RB/ LB), Ryder Jelinek (TE/DE), Walker Stone (OG/NT) and Aric Hall (OG/ DL) are the returning seniors.

The returning juniors are Tyler Boysen (WR/DB), Kolten Settje (HB/LB) and Dillon Munter (G/ DE) while the sophomores are Cade Johnson (C/DE) and Tanner Thompson (RB/DB).

Erwin, Haisch, Jelinek, Johnson, Korth, Roberts and Stone all started last season.

Gottula also mentioned Dreyson Puppe as a freshman that could find the field this fall for the varsity.

“If we can continue to develop fundamentally, execute with precision and avoid injury,” the coach said. “This team can qualify for the state playoffs.”

LCC will open its 2024 season on the road against Guardian Angels Central Catholic on Aug. 30 with the game being played in Beemer.

Home dates with Pender and Tri County Northeast follow before a trip to Lutheran High Northeast on Sept. 20.

Elkhorn Valley comes to Laurel on Sept. 27.