A new era is about to begin

[caption id="attachment_12435" align="alignleft" width="270"] 2015 Clear Lake Varsity Football Team
Members of the 2015 Clear Lake varsity football team include front row (L-R): Brook Keith, Alanna Monson, Morgan Sacia, Lauren Hanson, Marissa Olk, Sabrina Brakke, Ellie Tindall, Ali Witt (cheerleaders). Row 2 (L-R): Gabbie Wubben, Journey Rucker, Zoe Jager, Lizzie Lakose (managers), Jarod Anderson, Dalton Grell, Speed Toyne, Taylor Hill, Shelby Maskarina, Emily VanderPloeg, Madi Wendel (managers). Row 3 (L-R): Shawn Puttman, Bob Storbeck, Brian McIntire, Mike Lester, Eric Perry, Jake Schmitt, AJ Feuerbach, Troy Tysdahl (assistant coaches, Head Coach Jared DeVries. Row 4 (L-R): Noah Heggen, Carter Garrington, Jerome Ferguson, Nick Piscopo, Joey Monson, Dalton Humberg, Trapper Wubben, Torian Lee, Parker Truesdell, Nick Eggers. Row 5 (L-R): Evan Krause, Tanner Berger, Parker Crispin, Noah Stevenson, Ryan Atkinson, Angel Medellin, Zach Tatum, Zach Lester, Zach Welper, Thomas Storbeck Parker Pitzen. Row 6 (L-R): Ace Walton, Cody Matz, Ben Mason, Kyle Willms, Jacob Peterson, Nate DiCamillo, Sean Wendel, Justin Sholly, Devon Reckner, Nick Naumann. Not pictured: Conrado Dominguez, Aaron Canchola, Luke Eggers, Halston Southwick, Dalton Mennenga, Aaron Kelso, Tyler Wolfe, Max McKenna, Niko Padilla. -Reporter photo[/caption]

DeVries takes over head coaching duties for the Lions

A new era in Clear Lake football is set to begin, as Jared DeVries takes over head coaching duties for the Class 2A Lions.  DeVries, who served as an assistant coach under Fred Wieck, says he expects the Lions’ football dominance to continue.

“I don’t plan on losing a game,” said DeVries when asked who he sees as favorites in District 2.  “Instead of attending camps, I asked the kids to dedicate themselves to the weight room and they did that with their attendance.  We will be ready.”

Seventy-one players have reported for the sport this fall, but just six starters are back from a team which finished 6-0 in the district and 10-1 overall last season.  Clear Lake was top ranked during the 2014 season, but fell in the second round of the playoffs to fourth ranked (2014) Sioux Center.

Returning starters include: Justin Sholly, linebacker; Carter Garrington, fullback; Ace Walton, offensive tackle; Kyle Willms, offensive guard; Devon Reckner, tackle; and Zach Tatum, safety.

“Leadership, attitude and discipline have all been outstanding in the pre-season.  That’s just what this program is about,” said DeVries.  “As a first-year head coach to lose 23 seniors and a lot of starters is tough, but we have a great tradition here and we will continue that tradition.”

DeVries said he considers Hampton-Dumont, Osage and Clarion-Goldfield-Dows as threats within District 2.  H-D was district runner-up last season, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Lions.  They were 10-2 overall.  C-G-D finished in the middle of the district pack last season with a 3-2, 6-4 record.  Osage is under new leadership this season, which DeVries said should give the Green Devils a sense of new energy.

The coach adds that he has a new-found respect for all the fine details and responsibilities of a head coach, but notes that his support staff is exceptional.  “There’s not a better staff in the state,” he said.  His assistants include: Eric Perry, offensive coordinator; Troy Tysdahl, defensive coordinator; A.J. Feuerbach, special teams; Feuerbach and Shawn Puttman, sophomore coaches; Brian McIntire and Mike Lester, freshman coaches.  Bob Storbeck, Jake Schmitt and Billy Krefft are helping the program as volunteer coaches.

Based on returning personnel and experience, DeVries calls his offensive line a strength of the Lion team, but adds he is still looking for more players to step up.   He is confident the Lions will be a solid team all-around.

“The excitement is there for Clear Lake football,” he said.  “The fans like it; the kids like it.  It’s great for the community and kids.  It should be an exciting season.”