Anaconda scratched and clawed its way into the Class B hierarchy a season ago – one filled with record-breaking offensive performances and a return to the playoffs for the first time in the coach Dan Lacey tenure. This year, it more about continuing on the building blocks of what a complete football program looks like.
Sure, the ‘Heads will miss the athleticism of the 2025 seniors. But the team wants to prove that last season was not an anomaly.
“We’ve really talked about last year‘s team laying down the foundation of a lot of goals that we had set for our self to build off of. And started out with just a standard and an expectation that we have for each other not only just on the football field, but in the classroom of the community as well,” said third-year head coach Dan Lacey. “When you set that standard for your athletes and expect more than just a two hour practice every day, the football stuff seems a lot easier than the everyday life stuff and that’s kind of the culture that we’ve been wanting to establish and build that our platform that these athletes have can make a true impact on our community in our school.”
By the time the first whistle sounds, it will be evident Anaconda is fielding a small but athletic squad filled with big play ability.
“It’s always nice to have athletes back with some experience, but it’s also really fun when other kids get their opportunities that they’ve waited for and worked hard for,” Lacey said. “I’m excited to see how the experience of some of those that have played gels and meshes With the new talent that is getting their opportunities.”
There’s been a consistent commitment in the offseason since December, then four days a week since school ended. As the jitters of the opener start to set in, Lacey and his staff are ready to see what the kids are capable of.
“I think the most excited to see who we will be and what our team is going to become every year,” he said. “You have an idea of what you can be good at and an expectation set out on offense, defense, and special teams. But you never really know how it’s gonna shake out and until you’re able to play a few games. We have some pretty talented athletes and some great human beings and I’m excited to go watch and put in positions to make some awesome place for us.”
Offensively, the reigns pass to Ryder Anderson, a 6-1, 165-pound junior who is familiar with the quarterback position in the Lacey offense. Known for his big play abilities in the receiving game, Anderson will now look to get the ball out to a varsity-laden backfield and receiver room.
Senior Soren Keeland (6-0, 200) led the team in rushing from the RB position, going for 443 yards on 83 touches with five TDs. Classmate Gillie Everett (6-0, 190) will join senior Owen Pesanti (5-11, 165) junior Carson Lacey (6-2, 155) and sophomore Bohdi Keeland (6-4, 200) at receiver, with a few wrinkles being able to put both Everett and the younger Keeland at TE.
On the line, the crew returns two starters in junior Reid Maes (6-1, 220) and sophomore Crosby Everett (6-2, 220) in addition to sophomore center Hunter Novak (5-11, 205), junior Tripp Mitchell (5-11, 220) and senior Rhett Nichols (6-4, 215).
But it’s on the defensive side of the ball where Anaconda is going to shine. The linebacker corps featuring Gillie Everett, Soren Keeland and Maes might be the best in all of Class B, especially when returning safties in Anderson and Lacey help with the run fits. At corner, junior Rory Cromwell (5-11, 175) and Pesanti both return with varsity experience. When in the 4-3 alignment, expect Bohdi Keeland and Nichols at DE with Crosby Everett and newcomer Jack Morris (6-0, 220) to start on the interior.
Of course, starting off with the defending state champion and what many believe will be one of the last teams standing when it’s all said and done is not an easy task. But Lacey has the team prepared.
“We haven’t sugarcoated it for the kids, this program is a juggernaut and has been for years the last three years they’re overall record records been 35-3, playing in three state championships and winning one,” Lacey said. “So it’s an exciting opportunity to see where we stack up against a program that has been so elite for so many years. I’m excited for the opportunity that our kids get and I look forward to watching them compete for four quarters.”
Anaconda at Manhattan kicks off at 7 p.m. Live coverage is available on copperheadcountry.org starting at 6:50 p.m.
About Author
