Gentry has small squad this year

GENTRY — Gentry coach Brian Little likes the players he has, he’d just like a few more.

The Pioneers began varsity football practice last week with only about 26 players, but Little said he knew numbers would be a problem.

“It’s the result of a small class coming through and you know it’s coming,” Little said. “The numbers aren’t what I’d like them to be. You do what you can to fill in.”

But the small numbers have done nothing to quell Little’s excitement beginning his fifth season as head coach.

“The kids we have know our system, can manage it,” Little said. “These seniors were eighth graders when I got here. That’s all they know and we’re reaping the benefits of that.

“I tell you it’s great to know where things are year-round as they are now. I can go out there with about any in our offense or defense and have a good feeling.”

Little went into spring practice with a question mark at quarterback since senior Dylan Ochs, who started at receiver for the Pioneers a year ago, was movingto that spot.

But that’s worked out well, too, Little said.

“Dylan’s done a great job,” Little said. “The kids can see he’s a leader on offense and things are going well from that standpoint.”