Fewer players try out at Parkview Christian

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By TOMMY DAHLK / Lincoln Journal Star

Parkview Christian had its pinnacle season last year.

The Patriots made the playoffs for the first time in school history and had 23 players on the team.

Things changed quickly during the offseason.

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Patrick Tyrance, left, and Dusty Metzner, right, watch a long pass go over their heads during a game at Parkview Christian High School last fall. (LJS file)

Patrick Tyrance, left, and Dusty Metzner, right, watch a long pass go over their heads during a game at Parkview Christian High School last fall. (LJS file)

First, star quarterback Patrick Tyrance and seven other seniors graduated.

Then, Patrick's younger brother, Jordan, transferred to Lincoln Southwest before his junior year. Multiple other underclassmen either transferred or moved as well.

The whole coaching staff from last year also won't return. Head coach Larry Frost had to step down to focus more on his job as the school's superintendent. Assistants Harold Simpson and Carol Frost won't be back.

The Patriots will have only 13 players on the team this year, and athletic director Jerry Simerly will take over as head coach. Ben Kramer will assist him.

"Everyone's excited and we are looking at it realistically," Simerly said. "It's going to be a learning year."

Caleb Schmucker is the Patriots' only senior. Schmucker started in the backfield with Jordan Tyrance last year and also played outside linebacker.

His brother, junior Josh Schmucker, returns as well. Josh will anchor the offensive line at center.

Replacing Patrick Tyrance at quarterback will be sophomore Jakob Kramer. He got some snaps last year when Parkview blew out a couple of teams early in the season.

Kramer the coach said the sophomore quarterback has a strong arm and a good, 6-foot-1 frame.

The Patriots' schedule features ninth-ranked Sterling and Falls City Sacred Heart, so it could be a tough learning curve for the young Patriots.

However, assistant coach Ben Kramer likes what he sees out of his team, and a lot of kids from the middle school should be trying out in the future to give them higher numbers once again.

"They have such great attitudes and they are really working to work hard," Kramer said. "We've worked them really hard. Having not many guys, we have to go both ways this year and have to be in shape. That's what we've focused on. They've just had great attitudes. I'll take a great attitude over anything else."

Reach Tommy Dahlk at 473-7431 or tdahlk@journalstar.com.