Rosholt will use team's speed on offense, defense By MIKE KEMMETER of The Gazette The Rosholt High football team will probably pass more than ever in 2000. The Hornets plan to use speed on offense to put points on the scoreboard and an aggressive defense to hold opponents in check. "We're planning on opening the game up a bit. That's where our talent and opportunities lie," Rosholt coach Jim Gregleski said. "We do have more speed than in the past. It will allow us to get down the field and hopefully break a few long runs at halfback. "We're going to run a really aggressive, stunting defense, like we've run in the past few years. I think the guys should be able to do that, if they perform like they're capable." In the conference, Iola-Scandinavia - fresh off of a trip to the state championship game last year - is a favorite, along with Wild Rose and Port Edwards, Gregleski said. "When a team goes down to state, like Iola did, you have to be considered a favorite. Wild Rose brings a tremendous quarterback back and they will be a tough team to beat," he said. "Port Edwards has a nice junior and sophomore class. "I think you almost have to put us in the mix. With the right breaks and hard work from our guys, I think we can be in contention." The Hornets have an early test, in its opener Friday night at Iola-Scandinavia, at 7:15 p.m. Here's a look at the Hornets position by position: Quarterback Junior Brad Zdroik takes the helm after Ryan Zdroik was lost to graduation. "Brad's throwing the ball really well. He's crisp in his passes," Gregleski said. "He knows the offense very well. He's very fine-tuned for only two weeks into the season." Running back Senior Luke Lane is moving from wide receiver to the halfback spot. Senior Shawn Sarenpa also starts in the backfield. The wingbacks are juniors Dane Zdroik and Mike Sarenpa. "I think that this backfield, especially with Luke Lane, gives us speed," Gregleski said. "Shawn Sarenpa is a bruising runner. The others make smart decisions." Wide receiver Sophomore Randy Printz starts at wide receiver and senior Justin Keller is the tight end. "Both of the guys have good hands and Randy has excellent speed and elusiveness. Justin Keller is a bigger tight end and he can block and catch," Gregleski said. "We're very pleased with how the passing game and our receivers are looking right now." Offensive line Senior Tom Stanislawski is the anchor of the line, starting at tackle. Junior center Lee Schultz, guards Eric Wierzba (senior) and A.J. Wiza (junior), and junior Cole Firkus at tackle are also starting on the line. Junior Greg Firkus, senior Travis Firkus, junior Bruce Boenski and senior Andy Hartvig are backups. "The offensive line is young, we bring back one starter. They're small and quick, not overly powerful," Gregleski said. Defensive line Cole Firkus, Stanislawski, Travis Firkus and Wierzba start on the defensive line while Schultz, Greg Firkus, Boenski and Hartvig are backups. "Our season will only go as long as our offensive line and defensive line," Gregleski said. Linebackers Wiza and Shawn Sarenpa will start on the inside while Lane and Keller are on the outside. "The linebackers are the key. Our defense is aggressive and our four linebackers have the potential to be up-the-field, aggressive linebackers. If they play the way they can, we'll be fine," Gregleski said. Defensive backs Brad Zdroik will start at safety, and Printz and Dane Zdroik will hold down the cornerback spots. "Our defensive backs are really solid. We have good speed there. They'll have to double their roles to help contain the run," Gregleski said. Special teams Brad Zdroik will handle the kicking and punting duties. "He kicks very well," Gregleski said. "Anything within 30 yards, he's capable of making it." Printz and Sarenpa will return punts and Sarenpa and Lane will return kicks. "Shawn gives us a real consistent run. Luke and Randy give us a chance for a long return," Gregleski said.