Markesan Football is returning most of its starters, and after spending last season in the bottom half of the standings, the future looks much brighter in 2024.
Taking A Step Back In 2023
After logging back-to-back seasons with an above .500 record, the Hornets went 1-8 with a relatively young core in 2023.
Their lone win came in the fourth game of the season, as they took down Dodgeland (who also finished 1-8) by a score of 34-12.
While the offense sputtered at times, putting up 15.1 points per contest, the Hornets’ young nucleus showed flashes on both sides of the ball down the stretch. Markesan got in a heavyweight battle with Cambridge in a 34-28 loss on Oct. 6, and they ended their season holding conference champion Marshall to 27 points on Oct. 13.
Sophomore Treston Eckstein took on a dual-threat quarterback profile, throwing for 530 yards and rushing for 653 with 10 total touchdowns in a triple option offense.
Head Coach John Dunlavy said that Eckstein will be working behind the same five protectors, something not many signal callers get the luxury of doing.
“We bring back our entire offensive line, [and] I really expect those guys as a group to have a good season,” he said.
Next Man Up!
Considering the Hornets ran the ball 81% of the time last year, the loss of 2023 leading rusher Tyler Mast is rather significant.
Outside of Eckstein, sophomore running back Grayden Vredeveld is the returner with the most rushing attempts from last season.
Vredeveld took 23 rushes for 84 yards and should be in line to see plenty of action in 2024.
Key Returners
Coach Dunlavy gets most of his main contributors back, one of which being their primary pass catcher.
Senior wide receiver/defensive back Austin Moderow earned East Suburban honorable mention nods on both side of the ball.
With his centerpieces intact, Dunlavy stated that it hasn’t taken long to notice the improvement from last fall to this fall.
“Just from our contact days and the first day of practice, we are night and day from last year to this year already,” Dunlavy said.
The 2024 Season Ahead
Markesan kicks off their 2024 campaign against non-conference opponent Assumption on Friday, Aug. 23. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Their first conference game will be against Deerfield on Sept. 6. The game will be broadcast on Daily Dodge TV. You can also watch Markesan at Poynette on September 27th on DDTV.
Check out Markesan’s full 2024 schedule by clicking HERE.
Find the full interview with Coach Dunlavy below.
