Longhorn football to focus on improving defense

By Jacki Wood

With a new coach and a new offense last year, the Platte Valley football team will continue to build upon what they learned from Head Coach Dan Collins.

“Team goals are to improve on last year’s record, build some team confidence and help younger players gain experience,” Collins said.

The Longhorns went 2-9 overall with a 1-8 conference record.

Michael McConkey, Austin Pulley, Nate Galbraith and Ean Hicks all graduated last year and Collins will need younger players to step up.

“Anytime you graduate seniors with a lot of playing time, it’s difficult to replace that experience and leadership,” he said. “(I’m) excited to see how the younger players perform throughout the season.”

Collins will look to a sophomore and a trio of seniors to lead the team: sophomore Taylar Freemyer, fullback and linebacker; senior Regan Meyer, quarterback and defensive back; senior Tristan Freemyer, tailback and linebacker; and senior Trey Farnan, offensive and defensive line.

Collins said the Longhorns had a lot of improvement last year at quarterback with Meyer and will focus on improving defense and special teams this season.

Assisting Collins on the sidelines is Cree Beverlin, Zach Dyer, Kyle Conover and Michael Trautz.

The Longhorns open the season at home on August 19 against Mound City.