Cedar Valley Christian looks to youth to build future

CEDAR RAPIDS – Freshmen and sophomores have plenty of opportunities to get some varsity action at Cedar Valley Christian this fall.

The five freshmen on this year's team have just four seniors to look up to and learn from while a sophomore takes on the role of quarterback.

'The seniors are supporting, encouraging and helping them,” head coach Ed Betsworth said.

Seniors Jared Boelter, Drew Gustafson, Colin Heeren and Luke Humpleby have done a lot to help the younger members of their team with the transition from middle school to high school football.

'(Football) brings them closer to guys they're going to school with,” Boelter said. 'We bond together not only as a team but as a family.”

Jared and his brother, Taylor, who is a freshman, held a cookout so the players could get to know each other. This is the first time the brothers will play on the same team. They're able to push each other and keep each other in line.

'I feel like I have to be more of a leader with him around,” Jared said. 'I try to lead him in the right way.”

There's a balance between pushing the underclassmen and understanding their situation. The freshmen have to be ready to get into the game when the starters need a break.

'We run the freshmen through the same drills,” Betsworth said. 'We want them to get used to the drills and skills sets. The underclassmen have to get out on the field to keep moving forward. We have to make sure the younger players are ready to play. When the times comes, they have to step up.”

One person who relates well to the freshmen is sophomore Cole Telecky. He knows what they're going through since he was just in their shoes last year.

'The freshmen are doing really well,” Telecky said. 'They're huge compared to last year. They're a good addition.”

Telecky feels nervous being the team's quarterback in his second year after the previous quarterback graduated. However, he's received plenty of support from the upperclassmen.

'They want to get me in as early as possible to get the experience I need,” Telecky said. 'It definitely helps since the guys help when it's hard. They know I'm young and it can be hard for me.”

The veterans are installing respect and listening skills in the freshmen. They know the program relies on these young players.

CEDAR VALLEY CHRISTIAN, at a glance

Coach: Ed Betsworth (4th season, 1-24)

Last year: 1-8

Returning letterwinners: OL/DL Drew Gustafson, WR/LB Colin Heeren, OL/DL Jared Boelter, OL/DL Luke Humpleby, Apollo Betsworth, Travis Geels, Mike Scroggs, Micah Ulmer, Caleb Herr, Abe Joyce, Ben Sanders, Jake Sherman, Cole Telecky, Kyle Gustafson

Key losses: Denan Ullmer, Eric Gustafson, Josh Rath

Key to making the playoffs: This program continues to think about small steps, so winning two games is the next step.

Game to watch: The opener against Harmony could be the Huskies' first victory at home (LaSalle). CVC won last year's game, 30-20, on the road.

Schedule (*district game)

Aug. 28 - Harmony

Sept. 4 - at Clarksville

Sept. 11 - *Central City

Sept. 18 - *at Elkader Central

Sept. 25 - *Lansing Kee

Oct. 2 - *at Midland

Oct. 9 - *West Central

Oct. 16 - *at Turkey Valley

Oct. 23 - *at Springville