By DAVID COOK
Members of one of the most successful senior groups in Pewamo-Westphalia football history completed their high school careers last fall, and this year, the Pirates must carry on without them.
Over the last three years, the Pirates won 32 football games and made appearances in the state final and semifinal rounds.
While the senior corps is gone, the cupboard is far from bare, and any team expecting a letdown from Pewamo-Westphalia will be in for a rude awakening.
A number of key veterans are back, led by offensive lineman Stanley Fink (6’2″, 260 pounds), who is a punishing blocker. Senior fullback/linebacker Aaron Rademacher (6’2″, 215) is a devastating hitter at linebacker and a punishing fullback who is poised for a big year. The Pirates also return tight end/defensive end Adam Chartrand, another rugged two-way player.
Senior Trey Bauer will put the offense in motion from his quarterback position, and Billy Fandel is a returning wide receiver/safety.
Junior Nate Jandernoa (5’10”, 210) also returns. Jandernoa will start on the offensive line and at linebacker.
The Pirates also have a number of underclassment ready to step up, including juniors Noah Droste (TE/DE), Dane VanElls (OL/DL), Colin Smith (RB), and sophomore Jared Smith (RB/LB).