The Lindbergh High School football team saw success in 2021, finishing 8-2 with a six-game winning streak. The team fell in the first round of the playoffs however, losing to St. Louis University High School 28-0.
The 2021 team featured a large senior class, leaving the offensive and defensive lines looking more youthful this season.
“What will look the most different is the line of scrimmage … it’s all new,” Coach Nathan Norman said. “We do have returners in skill positions on both offense and defense … but that’s high school football for you.”
One returning skill player, Jake Hnilo, is set to play running back and safety for the Flyers. Norman said he expects Hnilo to have a solid season and he is rooting for the senior not just as a coach, but as “a fan of good people.”
Hnilo said the team’s attitude stems from their relationship with the coaching staff.
“It’s all very family-like. Coaches are always nice to the kids, always trying to build us up in the weight room, on the field and … in the classroom as well,” Hnilo said. “It’s like a friendship … but it’s also a work environment to get better.”
Rounding out the line of scrimmage are players like Patrick Willie and Logan McRoy, both of whom saw play last year.
According to Norman, the Flyers have had a revolving door of quarterbacks in the past. Last season, his son Owen Norman took over as a sophomore and is expected to start again this season.
“To have a returner that has varsity experience at quarterback is something I haven’t had since I’ve been here, believe it or not. We’ve had a new quarterback every year,” Norman said. “He progressed well throughout the season last year. He also worked hard this offseason, gotten bigger, faster and more … experienced and dedicated to the position.”
Taking pride in working hard is something Norman said the coaches try to stress to the players, and his goal for the team is to show that hard work in practice and in the preseason.
The Flyers kick off this season at Chaminade Aug. 26. The teams did not play each other last season.
