Cardinals have high hopes for 2015 season

[caption id="attachment_12429" align="alignleft" width="270"] 2015 GHV Football Team
Members of the 2015 GHV football team include front row (L-R): Buck Weaver, Austin Bahensky, Holden Larson, Jace Pringnitz, Ben Haack, Dyonisus Goll (manager), Rafe Van Dusseldorp (manager), Kelsey Grimm, Paige Schnieders (cheerleaders), Lane Gayken (manager), Brock Gouge (manager), Cale Van Dusseldorp (manager), Ty Abele, Chase Loers, Rion Woody, Tyler Nielson. Row 2 (L-R): Dakota Markla, John Hulbert, Dane Whipple, Jake Hueneman, Matthew Heinemann, Alyssa McGuire, Reva Winkleman (cheerleaders), Ryan Meyers, Colton Schroeder, Tyler Kumsher, Nick Joynt, Anthony Sherwood, Brody Siems. Row 3 (L-R): Ben Baumgard, Conner Shaw, Grady Umbarger, Chase Theobald, Tucker Datema, Josh Chizek, Clay Johnson, Kylee Smith, Carlie Hannah (cheerleaders), Brandon Feuring, Dylan Mahlstedt, Zach Abbas, Colyn Schoneman, Jack Van Dusseldorp, Connor Smith. Row 4 (L-R): Cade Baker, Spencer Formanek, Brandon Bell, Gabe Umbarger, Todd Finley, Matt Sonquist, Lucas Prohaska, Payton Echelberger, Brielle Smeby (cheerleaders). Row 5: Brooklyn Brown, Matti Ulven (cheerleaders). Row 6 (L-R): Haley Suby, Courtney Pletcher, Breanna Billings, Olivia Carew (cheerleaders). Row 7 (L-R): Coach Bass, Coach Goll, Coach Gouge, Coach Van Dusseldorp, Samantha Hall, Jayme Haag, Paige Rasmusson, Autumn Weaver (cheerleaders), Coach Kammrad, Coach Banse, Coach Gayken. -Reporter photo[/caption]

The Garner-Hayfield-Ventura football team has high hopes for the 2015 season.  After a disappointing 2014 season,  where the Cardinals compiled a 2-7 record, the team is ready for a fresh start.

“We will have a strong defensive line this season and we will also return 13 letter winners, with four of them having earned All-District honors last season,” said Head Coach Scott Van Dusseldorp.

The team will be led by seniors Connor Smith, Gabe Umbarger and Harley Forry and junior Conner Shaw.  Shaw, Umbarger and Forry were named First Team All-District last season, while Smith earned Honorable Mention recognition.  Shaw was the team’s leading rusher and the third leading rusher in the district last season.  Umbarger plays on the offensive line.  He was a two-time All-District player.  Forry was named First Team as a utility player.  He plays running back, defensive back and returns punts and kicks for the Cardinals.  Forry was the team’s leading receiver last season.  Smith also plays on the offensive line and is a linebacker.

Other returning letter winners include seniors Lucas Prohaska, Ben Baumgard, Matt Sonquist, Brett Formanek, Brandon Bell and Ty Marth and juniors Josh Chizek, Grady Umbarger, and Chase Theobald.

Coach Van Dusseldorp is also looking for newcomers Cade Baker, Dane Whipple, Jack Van Dusseldorp and Todd Finley to contribute this season.

One of the team’s weaknesses, according to Van Dusseldorp, is their depth.  The team has 49 players on the roster.

Van Dusseldorf is predicting that Hampton-Dumont will be the district favorite this season.

Assistant coaches this season will be Coach Bass, Coach Goll, Coach Gouge, Coach Kammrad, Coach Banse and Coach Gayken.