Nesslage era set to begin
St. Charles High graduate takes over reigns
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
On Friday, September 2, the Saint Charles Pirates will begin a new era, the Nesslage era. St. Charles and Lindenwood graduate Corey Nesslage will make his debut as head coach of the Pirates as they take on non-conference opponent Jennings.
“The success of this team will depend upon the leadership of the seniors,” said Nesslage, “some of them have been with the program for four years, some are transfers from other schools.” Two of the seniors who will be counted on heavily are offensive linemen Jason Yingling and Tommy Hickman. “Jason and Tommy have invested a lot of time in the weight room, they are about to collect their dividends,” shared Nesslage.
Yingling and Hickman hope to open some holes for senior running backs Dorsey Thompson and Joe Otey. “Our offense will be pretty much the same as last season,” Nesslage offered. Its an offense he is more than familiar with as he served as offensive coordinator last season.
Presently it looks as though junior Michael Brown will lead the offense as the starting quarterback. Should he decide to put the ball in the air, he will have a stable of receivers to throw to. “Gosh, I’m not sure where to begin, out of fear of forgetting someone,” Nesslage said, “Senior tight end Chad Parnell can block as well as catch, then we have seniors Jake Bethman, Adam Denningman, Brian Lewis and Rodney Glanzner – all of whom we have confidence in throwing the ball to. Junior wide out K.J. Rufkahr factors into the offense as well,” Nesslage said.
Defensively the Pirates will be looking to senior defensive linemen Colby Patton and Otey to slow down the opponents running games. “Joe Huskey, another of the seniors we are counting on,” is penciled in at free safety.
“This (Gateway Athletic Conference-North Division) conference is getting tougher every year,” boasted Nesslage. “When you have to lineup against teams like Duchesne, St. Charles West and Holt week after week, you had better be prepared. If not, well, you had better be prepared. We’re confident, not cocky, but confident,” he said.
St. Charles Pirates 2005 Football Schedule
09/02 vs. Jennings 7 p.m.
09/09 vs. Timberland 7 p.m.
09/16 vs. Vashon 7 p.m.
09/24 vs. Warrenton at Lindenwood 3 p.m.
10/01 at Holt 1 p.m.
10/07 vs. Fort Zumwalt North 7 p.m.
10/14 vs. North County 7 p.m.
10/21 at Parkway North 7 p.m.
10/28 vs. Duchesne 7 p.m.
11/03 at St. Charles West 7 p.m.
indicates conference contest
indicates MSHSAA District contest
