After back-to-back winless seasons, the North Platte football team has brought in a new coach and a new mantra.
Jared Quigley, who was on coaching staffs at Parkview and Branson high schools the last eight years, is set to be a head coach for the first time in his career as he has taken over the Panthers’ football program. North Platte is committing to an ‘all in’ theme this year in the hope to implement more of a winning culture on the gridiron.
“This season we want to be ‘all in’ and it’s kind of a challenge with the kids to get here and be dedicated about everything,” Quigley said. “They showed up and have been grinding all summer, we’re bringing in a new system with a new staff and they’re picking it up well so I’m pleased with how they are.”
North Platte has had struggles in past years, not having a winning record since finishing 6-4 in 2011. Coach Quigley is hoping that changing the Panthers’ mindset to focus more on working together can change the results on the field.
“One of my biggest things is togetherness, that’s why I brought in that ‘all in’ theme for the season. I think when a group of young guys rally behind a common theme, they can accomplish great things and they’ve already seen the work that they put in this summer and the team that they have potential to be,” Quigley said.
Colton Kirkham has been the Panthers’ quarterback in the past and it looks like he may return to that role this fall. However, 6’3 sophomore Westin Snook has made progress and will challenge Kirkham for the starting quarterback position.
“Colton will be back here this year; he’s put on some size in the off-season and doing a nice job picking up a new offense. We also have Westin, who has stepped in that leadership role as a sophomore and is also doing a good job of picking up that offense, so there’s a little bit of a quarterback competition there,” Quigley said.
Senior wideout Kaden Mullendore and running back Liam Servaes are looking to be key pieces on offense, while freshman Dylan Armstrong will be fighting for playing time in the backfield. On the other side of the ball, North Platte will be relying on Seth Cruz, Jesse Williams, Owen Stockbauer and Chance Garber.
Chance Garber is one of North Platte’s top defensive players returning this season.
“We’re going to have a really good defensive line, starting with Seth Cruz who has been a starter in the past and has a good football IQ. In the secondary, we have some good speed and some guys who know the game of football,” Quigley said.
The Panthers will start the Jared Quigley era at home against Gallatin with Tri-County on August 26. North Platte has made improvements to its uniforms and will plan to not only look good, but also play good when the season begins.
“We’re looking to make good plays on defense, flip the field on offense and capitalize on big plays. We will rely on both heavily and am happy with where our defense is right now,” Quigley said.