Gladstone Optimistic As HS Football Practice Begins

GLADSTONE---Football practice began for varsity teams across the Upper Peninsula on Monday. The Gladstone Braves held their first practice in the evening, with new head coach Jeff Hansen in charge. The Braves open their season Aug. 28 in Gwinn.

Gladstone opened last season with a 3-0 record, but lost the final six games to finish the season 3-6. Hansen says that this year might be different, with a new emphasis on fundamentals, and a renewed enthusiasm in playing the game of football.

"I feel good," Hansen said. "I'm excited. It's always an exciting day when you kick off training camp. We have a lot of nice kids here. They're putting in a lot of work, and they're excited about their work."

"I'm ready," Braves senior Matt Chenier said. "Coach Hansen seems like the real deal. We're jacked up to be playing for him. We have a lot of potential this year. We have the coaching staff. We have the athletes. We all just need to come together as a team, and all be one, and just be ready to play."

Hansen says he will make some changes from the way the previous coach did things.

"We're going to put a huge emphasis on positional fundamentals," he said. "I think regardless of what type of scheme we decide to run, if you're sound fundamentally, for each position on the field, you're going to be successful. So, we're gonna focus on that."

The Braves players seem to be positive and enthusiastic about the season.

"I'm pumped," Braves senior Dallas Potvin said. "This is a great team we have out here, great young athletes. We've got a big JV team coming up, big varsity, great head coach, great program.

"Everything's just gonna click for us and I think we have a good chance at the postseason. I think this is a chance for guys like me to step up and do this."

You can hear all of Gladstone's games live on WGKL-FM (105.5), WCHT-AM (600), and on the Internet at www.rrnsports.com this fall.

Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS to see photos and videos from Monday night's practice.