Published: August 27, 2008 04:46 am         

Cornjerkers try to build

HOOPESTON — During the time its been known as Hoopeston Area, the Cornjerker football team has made the post season on two occasions — the last of which came in 1993.

From 1994-2007, the program has been unable to post a winning season with its best record being back to back 4-5 campaigns in 2000-01.

Though 2-7 overall, the 2007 season ended on a high mark with a 42-41 victory over Milford that included a 21-point second half comeback. Looking to build on that moment and change the fortunes of the program is second year coach Jeff Ohlemeyer.

“I can’t recall if we have ever had a team here that overcame a 21-point deficit,” he said. “Last season, things started getting better during the second half of the Bismarck game, we had good moments in the Westville game, and that carried into the Milford game.

“It may well be a lofty goal for us but we want to make the play offs. You can’t reach goals unless you set goals and that’s where we want to be. This team has a positive and strong work ethic and if any group can reach that goal.

“We only lost five players from last year and the returning players are a dedicated group who has done the extra things necessary to make a difference in winning and losing games.”

The biggest of those losses was quarterback Brock Baker, who passed for 1,187 yards and ran for 571 more. Taking over for Baker under center is junior Tate Compton.

“Tate was our JV quarterback last year and is a physical kid with an accurate arm,” Ohelmeyer said. “He has been working very hard since January and is a good athlete. Brock ran the ball 145 times for us and we won’t running that much with Tate.

“Brock was a very elusive runner and Tate is more suited to do inside running and short yardage plays. We were very one dimensional last season. Baker was a great player, but teams knew what was coming. We will be far more balanced on offense this season.”

Second leading rusher Daryl Brown (170 yards) also moved on. Joining the backfield will be a rotation of sophomores.

“We have four and perhaps five sophomore backs that will get carries,” Ohlemeyer said. “They have spent a year in the system and are ready to go. Cody Eells is our fastest player and we will be looking to get him some carries as well.”

Eells was also the Cornjerkers leading receiver in 2007 (13 catches for 297 yds).

“Cody is our deep threat. He averaged 22.8 yards a catch last year,” Ohlemeyer said. “Jason Leigh will be lining up at tight end but we will also flex him out. He runs great routes and has a knack for getting open. Kyle Hufford and Logan Foster made some plays last season and will get time at receiver and Andrew Vaughn will be playing after missing last season.”

Up front the team has a unique situation.

“I guess its somewhat unusual, but our most depth is on the line,” Ohlemeyer said. “We have four or five starters returning from last season and we have eight or nine guys who got significant minutes. Our best early battles for starting jobs have been across the line and the competition has been good. We will be able to platoon and we will be able to give better looks on offense due to the depth on the line.”

A surprise loss on offense was kicker Matt Silver.

“Matt got hurt during basketball and won’t be kicking for us this season,” Ohlemeyer said. “He was a great extra threat and we will miss him but all that matters is his health. We still are sorting things out in the kicking game and have a couple of guys in the mix”

Baker also led the way on defense with 60 total tackles.

“Tim Hicks and Matt Drollinger were our nos. two and three tacklers and they are both returning,” Ohlemeyer said. “They will be playing at inside and outside linebacker for us. We are looking to shore up the defense and we have enough depth that Tate will not being playing defense.

“We are looking for better flow, better pursuit, and an aggressive doing of the job. We have to guard against big plays. We have 15 guys who are at least 5.0 in the 40 and that improvement in team speed will make a difference.”

The Cornjerkers open at home on Friday against East Central.

“Game 1 is the most important game of the year because it’s vital to get off to a good start,” Ohlemeyer said. “This is a winnable game for us.

“Due to personnel changes, it’s hard to compare games from year to year, but Watseka beat us 60-0 last season and we are looking toward that game as a gauge of where we are at as team. The team is optimistic about the season and working hard to make good things happen. We are all looking forward to the 29th.”