Resorters must avoid injuries

ELKHART LAKE – Staying healthy is the No. 1 key for the Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah football team this season.

The Resorters have only 25 players in the program and many of them will be playing both ways on the varsity. Elkhart may not field a junior varsity team because of the low numbers.

“We can’t have injuries. We have only eight linemen,” said Resorter head coach Barry Feldmann.

“I’m optimistic. I’m looking forward to the season.”

Feldmann expects five more boys to join the team Monday, Aug. 24, which could give the program enough players for a JV squad.

He was very encouraged with the Resorters’ showing in Friday’s scrimmage at Markesan.

“I’m really excited, especially after the scrimmage,” Feldmann said. “The scrimmage went very well. We have a lot more strengths than weaknesses.

“The defense is a strength. We shut out everyone at the scrimmage. We have a little different scheme this year and the kids like it.”

Elkhart scrimmaged against Markesan, Port Edwards and Bowler.

“Our running game looked good. The line blocked well and opened up holes. The running backs had good vision and the quarterback made good decisions,” the coach said.

“Kyle Rentmeester [sophomore] handled himself pretty well at quarterback. Kyle isn’t very tall so we need to open up passing lanes for him.

“I think the passing game will improve. We have the people who can catch the ball. It’s a matter of timing.”

Rentmeester replaces Alex Brown who was the starting quarterback the previous three years.

Elkhart returns 12 players from last year’s team that finished 3-4 and fifth place in the Central Lakeshore Conference and 4-5 overall. Senior offensive and defensive lineman Jon Petrie tops the list of returning players. Petrie was named to the All-CLC second-team interior defensive line last season and will anchor the Resorters’ lines this year.

Feldmann is counting on the seniors to lead the team, headed by Petrie, fullback-linebacker Deric Lightle, running back-strong safety Tanner Rosso and split end-cornerback Travis Kosnicki.

“The seniors have all been on the varsity for three years and they know what it takes. They are vocal and help the younger guys,” the coach pointed out.

Lightle, the team’s No. 2-leading rusher in 2007, missed last season due to an industrial accident.

The Resorters will run the spread offense for the second straight season and a 5-3 base defense.

Rosso is the Resorters’ leading rusher among the returning backs from 2008. He ran for 197 yards (4.48 average per carry) and three touchdowns.

Elkhart lost its top rusher from last season to graduation in Stephen Kopitzke who gained 1,228 yards and scored 16 TDs (14 rushing).

Feldmann hopes his team competes better against the top teams in the CLC this season than last year. The Resorters were soundly beaten by league champion Cedar Grove-Belgium, Howards Grove, Random Lake and Oostburg.

“We’re going to compete with all of the teams our [enrollment] size. We have to be able to compete better against the big four in the conference,” he said, referring to Cedar Grove, Howards, Random Lake and Oostburg.

“I think our defense will be better and more physical,” he said.

Not wearing down in the fourth quarter will be crucial for the Resorters, especially since they’re not deep.

“We have to be able to play four quarters and not wear down which is always a big concern. We don’t have the numbers,” said Feldmann who is in his fifth season as the Elkhart’s head coach.

He thinks Cedar Grove, the reigning Division 5 state runner-up, is the team to beat in the CLC. “Cedar Grove’s offensive line is back and it’s huge. I think they’ll be first,” Feldmann said.

“Howards Grove should be pretty good. Random Lake is always there. Oostburg should be up there.

Cedar Grove returns two All-CLC first-team offensive linemen. Howards finished second in the league a year ago.

Doing well in the conference is one of the team’s top goals, Feldmann said but he knows it will be tough.

“We’d like have a winning record this season. We want to improve every day, whether it’s as a player or in life.”

Feldmann said he’s very happy to be able to continue coaching after it appeared he might not be able to because of a change in his work schedule at the Kohler Co. His work schedule was changed again which allows him to coach this season.

“I’m glad to be coaching. Football is in my blood,” he said.