2019 8-Man Football Preview

Frewsburg Bears

Head Coach: Terry Gray

2018 record and finish: 6-3, fell in Class C semifinals (merged with Randolph as an 11-man team)

Number of returning starters: 2

Key Returnees: Payton Hayes, Brad Nelson, Zach Heberlein, Traden Gray

Key Losses: Nick Marsh, Nolan Brink, Dan Reinagel

Frewsburg becomes the first school to start an 8-man football team in Western New York this year. Since they’re the only team in the area, the Bears will have to travel outside of WNY for their road games. The Bears will be led by junior QB Traden Gray and senior RB/LB Payton Hayes.

Maple Grove Red Dragons

Head Coach: Justin Hanft

2018 record and finish: 6-4, Section VI Class D finalist 

Number of returning starters: 4

Key Returnees: Jake Tomlinson, Kyle Trim, Ayden Reagle, Cade Egan, Carter Martin

Key Losses: Easton Tanner, Carson Crist, Zach Hendrick, DJ Brown, Daren Vaillancourt, Caleb Roller

Wednesday night (8/21) Maple Grove coach Justin Hanft annouced that they’ve made the decision to play 8-Man football this season, as first reported by The Post-Journal.