Cowboys ready to ride behind their line

Talk about it

The offensive and defensive lines should mark the strong points for the Killdeer Cowboys.

One many players responsible for the talent up front is returning all-conference defensive lineman Brock Pittsley, who led the team with nine tackles for a loss.

The 6-foot-1, 270-pound junior tallied 41 total tackles including 17 solo tackles and two sacks and also started at offensive tackle.

“Our offensive and defensive lines are big mainstays for our team,” said Killdeer head coach Lou Dobitz, who enters his third season. “There is a lot of talent and a lot of fight. We hope they can play well for us.”

Also back on the line for the Cowboys are seniors Tate Harris, Nick Klatt, Mitch Sayler and juniors Brey Gegelman, Konner Chinn and Riley Rhode.

They should be able to pave the road for senior Grady Houghton, who rushed for 492 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.

Houghton was also an all-conference linebacker with 44 total tackles, including 20 solo tackles.

“Grady is returning with a lot of experience,” Dobitz said. “We had three kids that ran the ball a lot of us last year.”

Senior Lane Oversen should see some quality time in the backfield, too. He rushed for 146 yards and three touchdowns as a junior. Oversen also led the defensive backs with 23 tackles.

Killdeer quarterback Austyn Sadowsky should feel quite comfortable with a deep backfield and experience line around him.

Sadowsky suffered an injury early last season, which forced him to miss the majority of the year.

“This year, we have the confidence that we are able to run the ball, which will help Austyn,” Dobitz said. “But, we need to develop some receivers.”

With Sadowsky healthy, Killdeer should be able to pass the ball too. In his limited playing time last season, Sadowsky was 5 of 7 for 86 yards and three touchdowns.

“The receivers know he’s is an outstanding player,” Dobitz said. “Things are going to go well for us because Austyn is a good leader.”

One position where the Cowboys could be lacking is at defensive back. Dobitz said he may be looking to underclassmen to fill those positions.

“Early on in the season, we will be trying to establish depth at most positions,” he said. “Such as defensive back, because we don’t have much depth, some younger players may need to play.”

Killdeer Cowboys

Head coach: Lou Dobitz

Last season: 7-3

Top returners: Austyn Sadowsky, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 165; Grady Houghton, Sr., RB/LB, 6-2, 195; Lane Oversen, Sr., RB/DB, 5-11, 185; Brock Pittsley, Jr., OL/DL, 6-1, 270; River Voigt, Sr., OL/LB, 5-9, 160; Nick Klatt, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 255; Mitch Sayler, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 195; Riley Rohde, Jr., OL/DL, 5-8, 185; Tate Harris, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 250; Ethan Olson, Sr., TE/DE, 6-1, 170;

Other returners: Calum Blakenship, So., TE/DE, 6-3, 172; Brey Gegelman, Jr., OL/DL, 5-9, 260; Chinn Konner, Jr., OL/DL, 5-11, 220; Christian Kulish, Jr., QB/LB, 5-10, 180; Chris Regeth, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 160; Erik Tuhy, Sr., WR/DB, 5-11, 155.

Losses: Hunter Lundquist, LB/FB; Josh Kuntz, OL/DL; Ben Pelton, QB/DB; Doug Kadrmas, RB/LB; Brodie Candrian, WR/DB; Tony Dukart, TE/FS.

2011 schedule: Aug. 26–vs. Dickinson Trinity, 7 p.m.; Sept. 2–at Standing Rock, 6 p.m.; Sept. 9–at Hazen, 6 p.m.; Sept. 16–vs. Southern McLean, 6 p.m.; Sept. 23–vs. Grant County-Flasher, 6 p.m.; Sept. 30–at Heart River, 7 p.m.; Oct. 7–vs. New Salem-Glen Ullin, 6 p.m.; Oct. 14–at Richardton-Taylor-Hebron, 7 p.m.

Tags: high school football, kickoff football preview