After four days of official practice, it’s still too early for Trusler and his staff to name permanent starters at certain positions. So during two-a-days this week, they’ve been searching for the right fits to fill holes left by graduating players.
Finishing with a 3-6 record last year, the Bears lost eight players to graduation, including Jalen Balderrama, who led the Southern Peaks League in passing yards and Kyle Biery, who led the league in sacks.
DHS also said goodbye to its top three rushers from last season in Josh McCoy, Balderrama and Branden Donaldson.
So, how will the Bears replace their production?
“It’s kind of too early to tell for sure,” Trusler said. “We’re going to have to have some guys step up in a major way this year.”
At quarterback, there’s still a question mark. Although Trusler did say that sophomores Logan Fuller and Justin Purkat are the two vying for the starting job.
The running back spot isn’t much clearer. But junior Talon Zwicker is the only returner that had over 20 carries last season.
One thing Trusler was certain of is that Tristen Medina and Forrest Pejsa will play a vital part in the Bears’ success.
Medina is the team’s lone returning senior, and he’ll likely be asked to shoulder much of the offensive workload. Trusler will also look to last year’s first team all-conference selection to serve as a leader for the young squad.
Last year, Medina led the league in receiving yards and scored nine touchdowns – including three rushing, four receiving, one fumble returned for a score and another off a punt return.
Then there’s Pejsa.
Last year, as a freshman, Pejsa finished second in the league in total tackles, bringing down 119 ball carriers from his middle linebacker position to earn a second team all-conference nomination.
He will anchor a corps of linebackers that should give opponents pause. Trusler called the group that includes Pejsa, Zwicker, Fuller, Austin Hackney and Skieler Grooms, “phenomenal.”
“Our linebackers are really good,” he continued. “Our big goal this year is to make more tackles in the backfield instead of sitting and processing and waiting for the offense to cross the line.”
The Bears began full contact practice on Thursday, and they will host Dove Creek next Saturday for a scrimmage.
By then, Trusler and his staff will begin solidifying each player’s role, as Dolores kicks off the 2016 season on Friday, September 2 at home against Hotchkiss.