Following a 6-4 campaign in 2022, the Lindbergh Flyers are looking to soar once again in 2023.
“We will build upon last year’s team’s achievements by playing with great effort, playing as one and have a great attitude while on the field,” said Lindbergh head football coach Nathan Norman.
Norman said his team has put in the work in the offseason to prepare for the 2023 season.
“We have had great attendance all summer at weights and practice,” Norman said. “The kids are working extremely hard and are coachable. They are finding a way to get better everyday.”
Lindbergh has several returning players on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side, senior Owen Norman returns to hold down the quarterback position. Norman completed 50 of 84 passes last season for 700 yards and seven touchdowns.
Senior running back Victor Wheaton is the top returning rusher for the team. Wheaton carried the ball 54 times for 282 yards last season with three touchdowns.
Also returning to help carry the load at the running back position is senior Zach Early who contributed a pair of touchdowns last season for the Flyers.
Up front, the offensive line returns two players as juniors Cooper Saulka and Brady Ford return to block for the Flyers.
Seniors Chris Marko and Terrell Watts return for the Flyers to hold down the wide receiver position. Watts contributed eight catches for 86 yards last season.
The final returning player on offense for Lindbergh is senior tight end Nick Eaton. Eaton had six catches for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 2022.
Defensively, seven returning players will hold things down for Lindbergh this season.
Senior Norman Lane returns at the outside linebacker position. Lane totaled 58 tackles and four sacks in a strong 2022 campaign and looks to build on that this season.
The DB position will likely be a strong point for Lindbergh this season with three returning players. Watts, who also plays wide receiver, totaled 42 tackles last season for the Flyers. Senior Gavin Runge added 25 tackles last season, while junior Javonte Tiller is looking to build off a strong sophomore season where he added 49 tackles.
Senior defensive end Tyler Westrich and senior defensive tackle Logan McRoy also return for Lindbergh. Westrich had a strong 2022 season totaling 35 tackles and seven sacks. McRoy added 17 tackles in 2022.
Along with a strong group of returning players, Lindbergh will also have quite a few new faces getting playing time.
On the offensive side of the ball, juniors Carter Lanham and Braden Duke will anchor the offensive line along with senior Ryan Vaughn. Vaughn will also see time on the defensive line as well.
Sophomore Jack Hessler will get some time at tight end, while junior Chase Arnold will get time at wide receiver. Senior Josh Mueller will see time at running back and freshman Cohen Boehm could see some time at wide receiver.
Defensively, there will also be some new faces on the field for Lindbergh.
Mueller, Vaughn and Duke will also see time on the defensive line, while senior Trenton Peterson and freshman Jackson Bailey will see time at the linebacker position. Joining Chase Arnold in the defensive backfield will be junior Dominic Russo.
While the Flyers look to be locked and loaded for a strong 2023 campaign, Norman isn’t looking ahead.
“We are taking it one day at a time,” he said. “We have to find a way to get better everyday. We are going to take this season one game at a time, starting with week one against Chaminade.”
The Flyers’ coach is seeing positive signs early on in practice.
“We are working as one,” Norman said. “We have a common goal to win football games together and play with great effort.”
Norman said the Flyers are facing a daunting task in the 2023 schedule.
“We have an extremely difficult schedule against great players, coaches and programs,” he said.
Norman said the team is chomping at the bit to get out on the field and play.
“We are extremely excited for this season,” Norman said. “The kids have worked extremely hard in the weight room all off-season, in the summer and have had a great summer of practice.”