Alburnett has plenty of ‘skill’ to improve

ALBURNETT - Alburnett quarterback Dillion Caves may be the conductor on the field, but make no mistake, the Pirates are not a one-man band.

The senior signal-caller finished 2014 with 2,006 combined passing and rushing yards, which was good enough for 12th in Class 1A. Caves' 59.2 percent completion percentage was fifth best in Class 1A last season among quarterback with more than 30 attempts.

However, head coach Ken Kasper is quick to point out Caves isn't all alone on the field.

'The nice thing that helps him out is that he is surrounded by other really good skill kids,” said Kasper, who took over the program in early August when Charlie Feller resigned. 'If you just focus on him (Caves) someone else is going to beat you.”

With a group of 17 seniors, Caves believes the Pirates are poised for bigger things this season.

'We've been working pretty hard lately,” Caves said. 'We've spent the past four months lifting and doing 7-on-7's. We're pretty excited for this year.”

Kasper said the experience and leadership from a team full of seniors will be a key to the Pirates success.

'Experience means an awful lot,” Kasper said. 'The majority of these kids have playing experience, too. They've learned from previous plays and seasons, and I think we are going to put ourselves in some good positions this year.”

The Pirates will have to replace Kolton Rose, who tied for the team lead with 32 receptions last season. Senior Jordan Stewart finished with 32 receptions and seven touchdowns in 2014 and feels the Pirates have the depth to make up for the loss of Rose.

'He's going to be tough to replace,” Stewart said. 'He was really good, but we've all been putting in a ton of time and we're ready to pick up the slack.”

The Pirates will feature a completely new offensive line that has size and mobility, but little experience.

'We have two guys that didn't play last year, so we have to get them back in rhythm,” said lineman Jaxon Fitsch. 'But our guards are tough, our center is tough and our tackles are big. We're pretty much solid up front.”

Defensively, the Pirates will use their speed to keep their opponents' offense in check.

'We're fast up front and we're fast in the defensive backfield,” Kasper said. 'We have some big cornerbacks and quite a few kids that can rotate in.”

Though the Pirates won't look past anyone on the field, one game is certainly highlighted.

'West Branch,” Stewart said. 'They're always tough and this year we feel like we have a team that can compete with them.”

ALBURNETT, at a glance

Coach: Ken Kasper (1st year, 0-0)

Last year: 5-5, 1A playoffs qualifier (lost to Iowa City Regina, 66-7, in the first round)

Returning letterwinners: Not available

Key losses: Kolton Rose, Austin Hoyle.

Key to making the playoffs: The passing game. The Pirates identify as a passing team and need to establish early success through the air and remain consistent to make the playoffs in 2015.

Games to watch: Aug. 28, at Maquoketa Valley; Sept. 11, at North Cedar; Oct. 23 vs. West Branch

Schedule (*district game)

Aug. 28 - at Maquoketa Valley

Sept. 4 - North-Linn

Sept. 11 - *at North Cedar

Sept. 18 - *Bellevue

Sept. 25 - *at Durant

Oct. 2 - *Wapello

Oct. 9 - *at Wilton

Oct. 16 - at Louisa-Muscatine

Oct. 23 - *West Branch