By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
After a long and successful stint as head coach of the Bennington Bulldogs, Jay Macy decided to retire at the end of the 2019 season.
Stepping into coach Macy’s shoes in 2020 is former assistant coach Bryan Shamburg, who will look to build off the success of three consecutive winning seasons at Bennington, including a 6-3 2019 campaign.
“I want us to be disciplined, and play sound, inspired, high energy football,” Shamburg said.
While the Bulldogs return several key players on the defensive side of the ball, the offense has undergone some major changes after graduating senior quarterback Tyler Stanley and senior running back Javon Allen.
Stepping into the spotlight as the new QB will be junior Ryker Greene, who spent more time catching passes as an end last season than throwing them.
Greene will be accompanied by a new face, but a familiar name in the backfield as junior Jawuan Allen will look to fill the shoes of his older brother.
While the pieces have changed, the style of offense will look very similar to what Bennington has run in years past.
“A lot of times when you’re a smaller school the offense might change from year to year based on the kids you have and what they can do,” Shamburg said. “But the kids we’ve got this year still really fit the system we’ve been using over the last four years.”
Where Bennington returns some experience is on the O-line, as senior Tryston Young will anchor the Bulldogs in the trenches.
Bennington will also return juniors Cayden Bauer and Gabe Luthi as ends, which should allow the Bulldogs to strengthen their air game in 2020.
Much like many other 8-man teams, Bennington will use several of its key players on both sides of the ball.
After slimming down during the quarantine, former defensive lineman Tryston Young will be transitioning to middle linebacker, replacing two-way star Tyler Stanley.
Joining Young at outside backer will be Cayden Bauer, who will have a large set of shoes to fill himself, replacing defensive standout Drayke Webb.
The secondary will be anchored by quarterback/safety hybrid Ryker Greene and Gabe Luthi, who will be joined by a newcomer in freshman Jace Ohlson.
The Bulldogs kick off their season at home against Wakefield (2-7 in 2019) on Friday before hitting the road for a date with Washington County (4-5 in 2019) the following week.
EDIT: (This article has been updated to correct a mistake regarding game locations. Bennington's first game will be at home and their second game will be on the road as the article now reads).