After taking a trip to Memorial Field, Brussels was next on the list as the Eagles of Southern Door are just three days away from officially beginning their regular season quest for a Conference Championship. After finishing second in the Packerland last year, they are primed for an opportunity to make a move and a potential deep run into the playoffs. Returning all but 2 starters on both sides of the line and a brand new head coach with championship experience, this could be the formula that finally gets Southern Door back to the dominant ways and potentially a state visit for the first time since 1989. 

 

The Eagles, like that ‘89 team, are returning key players. Jack Peterson has been a star ever since he got his first snaps at the varsity level. Peterson was a 2nd Team All-Conference Quarterback, only behind Mitchell Thompson from Kewaunee. His ability to be a dual threat runner and passer fared well in the offense last year, and looks to have a big part in the offense again this year. Peterson offered insight on what this next year might look like, and the offseason training that the team did to really get ready to have a successful season. 

 

 

It appears that the Quarterback from last season has made the switch to Wide Receiver. This gives the Eagles a fast receiving target to go along with a huge jump ball threat in Jared Hawkey. Which would mean Drew Daoust, who we saw star at receiver last season, will be the new Quarterback for the Eagles. Peterson was not shy about talking about the goals of the team, but also knows a one week at a time mentality could ultimately lead them to those long term goals. 

 

Another senior from the talented class of 2023 that the Eagles have is Linebacker Taylor Schaefer. With Division II offers from schools like Upper Iowa and Bemidji State, Schaefer appears to be primed for yet again another breakout season. Taylor was the Defensive Player of the Year in the Packerland Conference, and was nominated as an All-Region linebacker in the 2-small region. After playing defensive end for his first two seasons, Schaefer talked about his switch to Middle Linebacker, and some changes that came on over the offseason. 

 

 

Schaefer seems to have also undergone a positional change, going from his running back spot last season to tight end this year. Getting Peterson and Schaefer in a spot to go out and make a play could show signs that the Eagles are going to be going pass heavy on offense. Taylor touched on his recruitment a little bit, saying it has slowed down quite a bit since the start of August, but appears to be making his announcement sometime during the season. 

 

The Eagles will look to bounce back after a season under their expectations last year, and finally get that deep run everyone believes they can eventually make. Add in underclassmen Quarterback Drew Daoust, and other senior contributors and Southern Door could be seeing themselves in a good spot come late October.