North-Linn hopes to air it out this season

The only obstacle that may have an impact on North-Linn's offensive game plan this season is ... the weather.

'Personnel-wise, we have the ability to air it out a little more,' said Coach Jared Collum. 'Our line is young, and not overly huge, so we're not going to be a ground-and-pound team. We're going to need some good weather on Friday nights so that we can throw it.'

The Lynx return last year's quarterback, Logan Novak, wide receivers Brandon Stepanek and Ben Wolff, as well as tight end Luke Oswald. Novak threw for nearly 1,200 yards last season and 12 touchdowns, and Stepanek set the school record with 49 receptions.

North-Linn finished last season with a 4-6 record (3-4 in district play). With many key skill players returning to the lineup, the Lynx have their sights set on the playoffs — and beyond.

'Our goal is always to get into that top four and get into the playoffs,' Collum said. 'We have to give ourselves a chance to advance.'

Defensively, the team will be led by last season's leading tackler, Kyler Schott. Schott is one of several defensive returners, but the Lynx will be relatively young up front.

'We're not the biggest team, so we've been focusing on our conditioning,' Schott said. 'We have some guys that are new to varsity, so we're just trying to work together and answer any questions the younger players may have.'

Another challenge for North-Linn this season will be replacing three starting lineman and leading rusher, Jacob Rawson.

'We'll have to have some guys step up on the line this season,' Collum said. 'We do have three running backs competing for one spot, so we'll be pretty deep there.'

One element of this team Collum finds unique is how good the chemistry.

'This group gets along really well,' Collum said. 'A large number of them just got done with a state baseball run, so they've spent a lot of time together over the summer. I think chemistry is going to be one of the best I've had in my nine years here.'

The Lynx will have several crucial battles in what projects to be a competitive district. To get to the postseason, North-Linn will need to close with some momentum as it faces potential contenders East Buchanan and Lisbon to end the regular season.

North-Linn opens the season Friday at home against Belle Plaine.

NORTH-LINN, at a glance

Coach: Jared Collum (8th season, 25-40)

Last year: 4-6, lost in first round of playoffs

Returning letterwinners: LB/OL Kyler Schott, QB/DB Logan Novak, WR/DB Brandon Stepanek, WR/DB Ben Wolff, TE/DB Luke Oswald, RB/LB Ethan Rauch, OL/LB Keegan Muldoon, WR/DB Ryan Goeke,

Key losses: RB/DB Jacob Rawson, OL/DL CJ Houser, OL/DL Isaac Syverson, OL/DL Christian Moore

Key to making the playoffs: Making a strong run at the end of the regular season with games against East Buchanan and Lisbon

Games to watch: Those aforementioned closers at East Buchanan (Oct. 16) and at home against Lisbon (Oct. 23)

Schedule (*district game)

Aug. 28 — Belle Plaine

Sept. 4 — Alburnett

Sept. 11 — *at Starmont

Sept. 8 — *Postville

Sept. 25 — *at Edgewood-Colesburg

Oct. 2 — *Maquoketa Valley

Oct. 9 — *Easton Valley

Oct. 16 — *at East Buchanan

Oct. 23 — *Lisbon