Peru State hopes new leadership program will lead to conference success

PERU - Peru State took a different direction to try and enhance leadership on its football team this offseason and it has resulted in a tighter squad, according Head Coach Steve Schneider.

Schneider, entering his seventh season, says the coaching staff selected 13 guys last winter to serve on a leadership council. Every player was asked to submit an application.

"We feel real good about the leadership of the team and that has to be solid if you're going to be successful in our conference. You got to do the little things right: take care of yourself. Make sure you get adequate sleep. Take care of yourself in terms of nutrition and hydration. Certainly, focus in the classroom as well."

Schneider believes 10 of the 12 teams in the Heart of America Athletic Conference could win the conference championship.

Leading the Bobcats charge will be a new quarterback. 

Junior Noah Kasbohm (Nebraska City) and redshirt freshman Harry Kanu (Brandon, Florida) are battling for the starting position.

"Both kind of manage things pretty well in our run game and option game. They get the ball where it belongs and both are relatively athletic. They're unseasoned when it comes to competition in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, so that's going to be the biggest adjustment for them."

Kasbohm, who took over the starting quarterback position last season after Dan Boshart suffered an injury, appeared in seven games. He rushed the ball 31 times for 137 yards and a touchdown. He was 13-38 passing for 212 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. This will be Kasbohm's final season with the Bobcats. He plans to attend pharmacy school next year.

Peru State wraps up fall camp this Thursday with a scrimmage at Morningside College at 7 p.m. in Sioux City, Iowa. Morningside won the NAIA championship last season over Heart Conference member Benedictine.

The Bobcats begin the season on Saturday, Aug. 31 at home vs. Missouri Valley. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will air on Otoe County Country (KNCY 1600 AM, 105.5 FM and newschannelnebraska.com.) Matt English, Dave Kasbohm and Morgan Mueller will provide commentary this season.

Peru State Football Schedule