A few changes were made within the coaching staff as members of the Wayne High football team were pushing for more leadership and being competitive every snap.
The Blue Devils will be made up of 47 members featuring majority of underclassmen with less than 20 being juniors and seniors.
Head coach Hayden DeLano will be entering his third year leading the Blue Devil football program.
From toughness, buy-in, coachability and more, coach DeLano said the team has been taking the next step up culture-wise.
“We’ve really challenged them, we’re practicing a little bit longer than we have ever in my career honestly,” said DeLano. “Going a little harder and doing some different things. We really tried to shake things up this year and the boys have responded well. Just getting back to the roots of football, running the football, stopping the run and being physical.”
Joining coach DeLano will be Aaron Carlson, Brendan Dorcey, Jason Trautman, Schuyler Schweers, Pete Rizzo and Carter Seim as assistants. Dawn Bargholz will serve as a volunteer assistant.
Some adjustments for the upcoming season will be coach Carlson taking over the offense while coach DeLano will transition as the head coach and defensive coordinator.
Over the summer, coach DeLano added Wayne High did their own team camp.
“We have a huge number of underclassmen,” DeLano added. “We got 47 boys but we only got 17 juniors and seniors. So, a lot of it’s brand new for those guys. Took it day-by-day and real slow to get them up to speed on terminology and scheme and everything like that.”
The Wayne High football team went 1-8 last season and were 3-6 in 2022.
Coach DeLano highlighted some key players.
“Start with Kaden Keller, this is year three at quarterback…he’s coming off two years of 1,000 yards throwing and we expect him to have a big year, he’s about 6′ 3″, 205 now,” DeLano mentioned. “Calvin Ankeny at tight end and middle linebacker. He was a First Team All-District guy on the defensive side last year. I think he’ll make a push to be an All-Stater this year. Some guys like Taven Ocampo who have been knocking on the door with a little playing time that will be two-way starters. He’ll play running back and linebacker for us.”
Other multiple role players will be Will Leseberg, Brodey Munter and Jace Jorgensen. The wide receiver core will be different with some role players needing to fill the void from graduation and past injuries. The offensive line will be learning multiple positions in a different style of offense but have been doing a great job according to coach DeLano.
Wayne High football will open against Omaha Roncalli Catholic for the third consecutive season. The game is scheduled for Friday, August 30 with all Blue Devil games kicking off at 7 p.m. this season.
Coach DeLano highlighted the schedule will be different than year’s past and leadership is stepping up.
“Got some new opponents but some big time opponents on it,” said DeLano. “Our guys have really been focusing and our senior leadership has really been focused on being competitive every snap. Regardless of opponent, regardless of situation; getting out and playing the game the right way, honoring the game the right way.”
