NORRIS - It's tough to improve on an 8-3 record, a district championship and a playoff victory, but that's what the Norris Titans plan to do this season.
Head Coach Jim Jacobsen's seventh season with Norris in 2016 ended in the Class B State Quarterfinals with a seven point loss to Omaha Skutt Catholic. He wants to be right back in that situation in 2017.
"We've got great kids here. We've had a great summer. Kids had a great winter and spring in their sports outside of football, so we've put together a pretty good year of work. Now, it's time to put it all together. Our goal everyday is to get better at something. Whether it be catching the ball, blocking, whatever you're going to do, just get better than you were the day before. Find something to improve with."
Last season featured several big moments, including a 26-22 road victory at Beatrice to win the district title. The seniors are in search of more this year.
"This year, we had our conditioning week last week, the intensity is just so much greater. In the first two days, I just think we're all focused in, more than we were last year. Last year was great, but I think we've just brought it up to a whole other level. We're ready to go. We want to play," said Senior Gus Woeppel.
Senior Bryce Stai is excited to play alongside his teammates and friends in his final season as a Titan.
"It's crazy for both of us (Woeppel). We're both being recruited at the college level. We grew up playing football with each other and it's just crazy nowadays thinking that we're going to play college football. Our senior year is the biggest year in your entire college career. I'm just excited to be playing with him along with my other friends. It's going to be great."
Norris will open their season at home against Gretna.
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Norris in Search of Deep Playoff Run After District Title in 2016
Last year was great, but I think we've just brought it up to a whole other level.
