A familiar face is back on staff to lead the Wayne High football team with the senior class excited to build towards the future.
After last serving as head coach for the Blue Devils in 2021, Russ Plager will put the headset back on bringing in six years of previous experience on the sidelines.
"A lot of these guys I had in elementary as principal, known them over the years," said Plager "This senior group is the only group I haven't got to coach in a long span of time. So I get that chance, I'm excited about it."'
There will be 60 on the roster with 12 seniors.
Coach Plager first joined the staff in 2016 as an assistant and offensive line coach before serving the next five seasons as the head coach.
Joining coach Plager will be Tyler Prauner (offensive coordinator/defensive line and wide receivers), Brian Hanson (inside linebackers and running backs), Tanner Walling (safeties and quarterbacks), Jason Trautman (line) and Aaron Carlson (corners and wide receivers). Volunteers are also Craig Walling (outside linebackers and running backs), Quentin Stanek (line) and Brent Pick (line).
"During summer camp we've been trying to get basics of offense and defense installed," said Plager. "They're learning a new language, learning a new set of plays. Trying to make the offense and defense fit our personnel and right now we're figuring our personnel and what they do well and we're adjusting to that."
The number one goal this year is to play hard.
"If we go out Friday nights and play hard, just make the community proud by playing hard, said Plager. "Play hard every single snap and if you do that, good things happen."
The strong returning group will be the line. Four starters are back plus a sophomore who started on the defensive line.
Wayne graduated their quarterback but will look to key leaders in senior Taven Ocampo at running back, experienced wide receivers in seniors Jace Jorgensen and Parker Patefield as well as senior Brodey Munter doing a little bit of everything.
Wayne's defense will be strong up front while they search for depth at safety and linebacker positions.
"Line group has made a lot of progress up front," said Plager "I feel like you're going to see some good improvements there...still figuring that out (newcomers). Had first shells practice on August 13. We'll hit a little bit and can tell in a few weeks who is ready to play."
Wayne High held their fall sports media day on August 13 where seniors Taven Ocampo (running back/linebacker) and Jace Jorgensen (wide receiver/defensive back) spoke with the Wayne Herald.
Throughout the summer, the Wayne football team has been working on their pride for each other, individually and getting better as a team.
"Try to set up for the future," said Taven Ocampo. "Make next year's season better than this season and keep building off with what we have...excited go out there and win."
Some team goals include getting better each and every day while also keep working together as a team to improve.
"Good to have coach Plager back," said Jorgensen. "Excited to get back to work with them (his staff)...getting back into the swing of things from the summer during the first week and just getting introduced to new plays."
The Blue Devils are coming off a 2-7 season with their only wins at Bob Cunningham Field on the campus of Wayne State College.
"The senior class mindset is deal with the cards that we're given," said Taven Ocampo. "Just go out there and play football with the boys that we'll see again after this...we love all of them (fans), just keep supporting us. We love it."
"Seniors have to set a good example and keep working hard at practice" said Jorgensen. "Setting a good standard for those younger guys so they can keep building the program for years...come out and have some fun."
Wayne High is set to open the season on Friday, August 29 at 7 p.m. visiting Roncalli Catholic.
"We just need to worry about us, learn to execute plays," said Plager. "Coaching staff needs to find out what the kids do best and run those plays on offense and play fundamental defense. Got a really good team in Roncalli we're playing. Heck of a QB that throws it well."
