Seymour to rely on speed

Photo courtesy of Doreen Mattson

SEYMOUR – Matt Molle knows his team will have to be quicker than a lightning bolt to be successful this season.

That’s simply because the Seymour football team doesn’t possess enough size to simply blow past opponents.

“If you have a quickness advantage on a guy that is bigger and stronger than you, then you need to use it,” Molle said. “We’re not going to be bigger up front on either side. You’ll probably see us back to more of our Wing T base, which gives us blocking angles versus going right at people. That’s using some deception and those angles to mitigate some of those circumstances.”

The Thunder will be aiming to advance to the WIAA playoffs for the 14th time in 15 years under Molle.

Although it lacks size, the veteran coach is pleased with the way his team is coming together.

“I like our group of guys,” Molle said. “I like how they fit together. You play up that part that we’re not going to be the biggest team out there, but let’s take advantage of what we have.”

Seymour doesn’t have an all-conference player returning to its lineup. It has to fill the void left by Bay Conference linebacker of the year Tyler VanDeHei, who recorded 133 tackles last season.

Peyton VanDeHei, his young brother, will take over at quarterback. He started the season under center but was limited to playing primarily on defense following an arm injury last year.

Senior Joey Coonen is the fastest player on the team and his track speed will be utilized as one of the primary ball carriers on offense.

Seniors Owen Geurts, Kaleb Shufelt and Levi VerVoort will lead what Molle hopes will be a disruptive defensive front.

“We have to wreak havoc a little bit differently,” Molle said. “Generally, you tweak your scheme to make it fit your personnel, and I think that’s what you’ll see from our guys this year. We’ll slant and twist our defensive lineman. You do a little bit more of that stuff and you tailor your periods in practice because of that.”

Seymour at a glance

Coach: Matt Molle, 15th season, 84-58

Last year: 6-5

All-conference players to replace:

Peyton Dorn, WR/DB, 2nd team

Eli Oskey, OL, 2nd team

Cody Roskom, OL, HM

Max Olson, DL/P, 1st team/2nd team

Trent Blake, DL, HM

Tyler VanDeHei, ILB, 1st team

All-conference players returning:

None

2019 Schedule

Aug. 23 at G.B. East

Aug. 30 G.B. West

Sept. 6 Freedom (NC)

Sept. 13 Menasha

Sept. 21 at Shawano

Sept. 27 Waupaca

Oct. 4 at West De Pere

Oct. 11 Appleton Xavier

Oct. 18 at New London