DESLHER, NE — The coaching staff for the Deshler football team is preaching ownership entering the 2020 season.

The Dragons are coming off a 3-5 season and have four returning starters. Head coach Josh Nash says his seniors can take control of the team.

“As a program, we don’t have a ton of tradition to rely on like a lot of places, especially on the football side," Nash said. "We’re trying to build that and preach some ownership for our guys, our seniors, to leave a legacy.”

Running back and linebacker Cayden Loomis is one of those seniors. He says the Dragons’ offense will carry the team this season.

“The four returning starters… we’ve been around each other since junior high, we know how each other work," Loomis said. "We just click.”

Loomis ran for more than 1,000 yards and nearly managed a 10-yard per carry clip as a junior. His best game came against Lewiston when he registered nine touchdowns, one away from tying the state record. Nash says Loomis is an all-purpose guy.

“He’s just hard to bring down," Nash said. "He’s put on a few pounds, he’s been working hard this summer, he’s got good quickness, he’s just a strong, physical runner. This year he just has a better handle on where he’s supposed to be and what he’s supposed to be doing.”

6’5” Trenton Buescher and starting quarterback Gavin Nash also figure to be playmakers for the Dragons. Coach Nash says his five seniors remain the core of the team.

“They’ve gotten better and better every year," Nash said. "They’ve really grown as young men, especially as leaders. I just hope they have a great year.”

Listen Thursday night on Ol' Red 99.5 as the Dragons host Red Cloud.