2017 High School Football Preview: Gladbrook-Reinbeck

No matters what happens on the field, 2017 marks the end of era for the Gladbrook-Reinbeck football program. Due to shrinking enrollment, the Rebels are planning to transition to the 8-player game in 2018. The two-time defending state champions enter their final year of 11-player football with an eye on advancing to the Class-A title game for a fourth-straight year.

2017 SEASON PROSPECTUS: GLADBROOK-REINBECK REBELS

2016 RECORD: 13-0 Overall / 9-0 District
2016 PLAYOFFS: Class-A State Champions

HEAD COACH: John Olson
School Record (Years): 93-29 (11)
Career Record (Years): 93-29 (11)

2016 STARTERS RETURNING (7):
Hunter Lott, QB/DB
Gage Murty, RB/DL
Matt Johannsen, WR/DB
Walker Thede, WR/DB/K
Rhett Barnes, OL/DL
Kyle Koppen, OL
Mason Svogard, OL/H-Back/DL

OTHER PLAYERS EXPECTED TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN 2017 (7):
Josh Peterson, RB/LB
Kyle Koppen, LB
Seth Gretillat, LB
Cael Wyatt, LB
Bronson Wrage, OL/DL
Erik Knaack, WR/LB
Matt Roading, WR/DB

KEY LOSSES FROM 2016 SEASON:
Parker Bown, RB/LB
Jed Peterson, C
Thomas Mussig, LB
Jacob Walters, OL/DL
Erik Knaack, WR/LB
Matt Roeding, WR/DB

HOW COACH OLSON VIEWS UPCOMING SEASON

Team Strength Entering 2017:
14 seniors

Concerns Heading Into 2017:
Depth. The Rebels have 18 total freshmen, sophomores and juniors.

Teams Expected To Compete For Class-A District 5 Title In 2017:
Hudson and Gladbrook-Reinbeck

Key For Successful 2017 Season:
Execution