Breakdown: Mooseheart football 2009
Mooseheart
Coach: Gary Urwiler.
Conference: Northeastern Athletic Conference.
2008 record: 2-7.
Postseason advancement: Did not qualify.
Returning starters: Seniors Shawn McReynolds (WR-DB), Damion Moore (RB), Jonell Crump (FB-LB); junior Brendan Douglas (OL-LB).
Key newcomers: Sophomore Ishiah Brigman (QB-DB); senior Jasper Cheneyon (TE-DE).
What to watch for: Steady improvement from the offense will be key to the Ramblers' success. Urwiler is hoping for a "breakout year" from McReynolds in his third season on varsity and thinks Moore can step up with his expanded role this season. Crump, at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, is the emotional leader of the defense and Douglas is a hard hitter who anchors both lines.
Coach says: "We're looking forward to the opportunity to play for a conference title. And the most exciting thing is we're cutting down the distance we have to travel. Our longest trip now will be 74 miles to Rockford. Previously, we were making a 3½- to 4-hour trip to Waterton, Wis."
Key games: Urwiler is happy that longstanding relationships will be maintained in the new conference with longstanding rivals North Shore Country Day (Friday) and Alden-Hebron (Oct. 3).
Schedule: 8/28 North Shore Country Day, 7
9/4 Rockford Christian Life, 7
9/12 at Luther North, 1
9/18 at Rockford Christian, 7
9/25 Liberty Christian Academy, 7
10/3 at Alden-Hebron, 2
10/10 Chicago Hope Academy, 2
10/16 Hiawatha, 7
10/23 vs. CICS Longwood at St. Rita, 7
