ANNA — Anna improved to 3-7 in 2015 to 5-5 last year, and Nick Marino hopes the Rockets can take another step toward being one of the Midwest Athletic Conference’s best teams this season.
Several starters return from last year’s team, including six that earned all-conference honors. With much experience and depth, Marino hopes his third year at the helm can be the program’s best this decade.
“I think we have a chance at being competitive in the MAC,” Marino said. “Every game is certainly tough, but I do think this is the best prepared team we’ve had in the last three years.”
Senior running back Aidan Endsley should get the bulk of the carries again for Anna, who Marino said has looked good in scrimmage games.
Senior offensive tackle and three-year starter Abe Wildermuth should be the anchor of the offensive line according to Marino.
“He’s a big kid and a good blocker, and most importantly he’s a hard worker and he does everything right,” Marino said. “He’s a kid that’s fun to coach, and we’re expecting a lot out of him this year.”
Junior Brayden Farely, sophomore Wil Luthman and junior Isaac Dodds should also be key players on the offensive line. Travis Meyer is back at quarterback after starting for each of the last three seasons, and Marino said he’s looking better than ever.
“He’s playing with a lot more confidence,” Marino said. “He knows what to do. The learning curve is basically gone for him. He’s on top of things and knows the offense.”
The Rockets have switched to a 4-3 scheme on defense, which Marino said was done in order to get more of Anna’s lineman involved. Senior Kaleb Kauffman led the MAC in interceptions last year and should anchor the team’s defensive backs corps.
