By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Experience and confidence; words that define a positive outlook for Assumption High School Football this season.

With 10 returning seniors, and five juniors, this year’s squad is one of the most experienced in Assumption Head Coach Jeff Sullivans’ tenure, and looks to improve on last year’s 6-4 record. This includes returning senior quarterback Jacob Sullivan, who carries with him higher expectations from his junior year.

“My expectations for Jake is to not make many mistakes, and to be a leader,” said Coach Sullivan. “If that happens, the rest will fall into place and good things are going to happen.”

Assumption looks to continue hitting the competition with multiple playmakers through their dangerous triple-option offense, which includes Sullivan, who combined for over 1100 total yards last season. Fullback Teddy Ashbeck looks to solidify his spot as a constant contributor on the offensive side of the ball, as well as standout Cole Statz.

Coach Sullivan is also looking to wide receiver John Gudelis to make some plays this season.

“Real athletic kid, and he’s got some wheels,” said Sullivan. “We’re hoping to get him the ball and let him run with it.”

An overview of Assumption stars wouldn’t be complete without “Big” Joe Grundhoffer, a 6’6, 260 pound tight end who should be a force on both sides of the ball. Grundhoffer looks to make an impact this season, as he was offered a Division I scholarship to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.

With some tough competition in the Cloverwood Conference, Coach Sullivan believes with a healthy team and solid execution that a championship could be in sight.

“My goal this year is to win a conference championship,” said Sullivan. “We win that, and everything else will fall into place. We have nine other teams in the conference and they’re really good teams — I think it’s wide open. So if we keep our kids healthy and get them to perform like I think they can, we’ll have a good chance of winning the conference.”

2017-18 Schedule

8/18 – Necedah
8/25 @ Pecatonica/Argyle
8/31 – Loyal
9/8 – @ Athens
9/15 – Abbotsford
9/22 – @ Gilman
9/29 – @ Greenwood
10/7 – Owen-Wiithee
10/12 – Thorp