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Six Skyline High School seniors and a junior were honored by the Heart of the Plains League, with four of them named to first All-League teams. Competition was tough, according to Coach Jon Novotny, and he is pleased to see so many players recognized for the hard work they have put in to turning the Thunderbirds into a winning team.
Jake Harts was named to first teams for both offensive and defensive efforts for a second year.
“He’s a very solid kid both on the field and off,” Novotny said. He’s big and strong, but it’s his determination and work ethic that put him up over the top.”
Brandon Broce was a unanimous selection as a first team kicker and received honorable mention as quarterback. As a kicker, he was a “great weapon,” Novotny said. Of 50-some kickoffs, 20 were touchbacks. He also kicked a couple of field goals, a strategy not typically used by 8-man teams.
At the quarterback position, Broce was “fast, quick and strong,” Novotny said, and versatile enough to try different things. He rushed for 400 yards, passed for 300 and received for another 200.
Brennan Stotts was a unanimous selection for special teams, and was also named to the first offensive and second defensive teams. Stotts is credited with 1,077 yards and 25 touchdowns on the year.
“He spent a lot of time working in the off-season to make himself a better player,” Novotny said, both in the weight room to get bigger and stronger, but also working on leadership skills. “He is very much a team player.”
Brandon Baird, the only Skyline junior recognized by HOPL, was a first team linebacker.
“He has a natural instinct to find the football,” Novotny praised. “He’s one of those players who has something you can’t teach.”
Adam Flowers, named to the second defensive team, “made the most improvement of any kid I’ve ever had,” Novotny said. “I’m pleased to see him get recognition.”
Easton Burgardt received honorable mention as a linebacker. At 6 foot, 3 inches and weighing around 215 pounds, he was “constantly fighting double teams,” according to Novotny.
Chase Lykins, honorable mention for offensive end, was moved around more than any Skyline player. Also playing quarterback, Novotny praised his ability to make “reads” and for long throws down the field.
“Mentally, he probably has a better concept of football than any other player,” he commented.
“There will be some big shoes to fill next year,” Novotny said, praising the players who had contributed to the team for three or four years. “They did a tremendous job of leading by example.”
He credits the off-season program for the team’s success this year.
“They took it upon themselves. They knew what needed to be done, and that will rub off on the younger kids.”
Six Skyline High School seniors and a junior were honored by the Heart of the Plains League, with four of them named to first All-League teams. Competition was tough, according to Coach Jon Novotny, and he is pleased to see so many players recognized for the hard work they have put in to turning the Thunderbirds into a winning team.
Jake Harts was named to first teams for both offensive and defensive efforts for a second year.
“He’s a very solid kid both on the field and off,” Novotny said. He’s big and strong, but it’s his determination and work ethic that put him up over the top.”
Brandon Broce was a unanimous selection as a first team kicker and received honorable mention as quarterback. As a kicker, he was a “great weapon,” Novotny said. Of 50-some kickoffs, 20 were touchbacks. He also kicked a couple of field goals, a strategy not typically used by 8-man teams.
At the quarterback position, Broce was “fast, quick and strong,” Novotny said, and versatile enough to try different things. He rushed for 400 yards, passed for 300 and received for another 200.
Brennan Stotts was a unanimous selection for special teams, and was also named to the first offensive and second defensive teams. Stotts is credited with 1,077 yards and 25 touchdowns on the year.
“He spent a lot of time working in the off-season to make himself a better player,” Novotny said, both in the weight room to get bigger and stronger, but also working on leadership skills. “He is very much a team player.”
Brandon Baird, the only Skyline junior recognized by HOPL, was a first team linebacker.
“He has a natural instinct to find the football,” Novotny praised. “He’s one of those players who has something you can’t teach.”
Adam Flowers, named to the second defensive team, “made the most improvement of any kid I’ve ever had,” Novotny said. “I’m pleased to see him get recognition.”
Easton Burgardt received honorable mention as a linebacker. At 6 foot, 3 inches and weighing around 215 pounds, he was “constantly fighting double teams,” according to Novotny.
Chase Lykins, honorable mention for offensive end, was moved around more than any Skyline player. Also playing quarterback, Novotny praised his ability to make “reads” and for long throws down the field.
“Mentally, he probably has a better concept of football than any other player,” he commented.
“There will be some big shoes to fill next year,” Novotny said, praising the players who had contributed to the team for three or four years. “They did a tremendous job of leading by example.”
He credits the off-season program for the team’s success this year.
“They took it upon themselves. They knew what needed to be done, and that will rub off on the younger kids.”
