GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — After concluding a 10-3 season with a third-round playoff loss to Lena-Winslow, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley returns with considerable experience, particularly in their running game.

“We have four offensive linemen from last year’s team who played in some capacity returning… we’ve got our entire backfield as well,” said head coach Chad Augspurger.”

Seniors Jacob Chase and Trent Wetherell believe the run game will assist in introducing new components to the offense, such as a new starting quarterback. Last season, Chase amassed 1,500 rushing yards as a junior.

“If we can focus on the run, especially with all that experience, we have a pretty fast running back and an experienced line too. By getting into heavy sets, our tight end has size, everything,” Wetherell commented. “I think it’s definitely a significant part of our gameplay.”

“All of our guys have been playing since youth football. It’s just our experience and our preseason work ethic, like lifting weights and conditioning,” Chase added. “All those efforts come together during the season, and it really shows.”

This season, another fresh aspect for the Falcons will be their new offensive and defensive coordinators, with Augspurger also assuming defensive responsibilities in addition to his role as the head coach.

GCMS opens the season at home against Tremont August 29 at 7:00 p.m.