Shiner's ironman Neubauer helps lead No. 7 Comanches
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
by Mike Forman, Victoria Advocate Sports
AdvoSports.com Article | Shiner Football | Shiner Comanche Sports Home Page
SHINER - Contrary to popular belief, Chad Neubauer does come off the field.
Shiner linebacker and running back Chad Neubauer runs the ball during practice Wednesday.
[ click on any photo to enlarge ]all photos by Jaime Carrero, Victoria Advocate
Neubauer is not on Shiner's punt return or kick return teams.
But Neubauer plans to be on the field for every other play the No. 7 Comanches run this season, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
"I just love the game," Neubauer said. "You've got to love every second of it and you've got to fight through it and work hard in practice and more in the game."
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior will start at running back and linebacker, and will punt and kick extra points.
"I like them all," Neubauer said. "I love football. I just love to play. I'll play anywhere. Just stick me there and I'll play."
Neubauer played well enough last season to earn second-team all-state honors at linebacker where he had 151 tackles and five sacks.
He also earned honorable mention at running back after rushing for 1,083 yards and 20 touchdowns.
"He plays a lot bigger than his size," Shiner coach Steven Cerny said. "But at the same time, he's got so much athletic ability, quickness and vision.
"He's got all the other tools that are important. He's not afraid to hit you. When he needs to lower his shoulder, he's going to do it. He's very confident, and confident in his teammates as well."
Cerny will rely heavily on Neubauer again this season.
The Comanches could field a varsity roster of 19 players and could have as many as seven players starting on both offense and defense.
Shiner receivers compete for a pass during practice Wednesday at the Comanches Stadium.
[ click on any photo to enlarge ]
"You've got to build your team and try to get everyone you can out here and you've got to fight through practice every single day and try to get whatever you can," Neubauer said. "You have to keep injury free and get through it."
Even with a small roster that includes only six seniors, Cerny expects the Comanches to be stronger than last season's 10-2 team that finished second to Refugio in District 15-2A, Division I, and lost to Mason in the area playoffs.
"I still think we'll be a little bit better than last year," Cerny said. "Overall, we've got a lot of team speed. We moved Dadrian Taylor from wide receiver into the backfield. We still have Ty Boedeker and Justin Stovall at receiver.
"Defensively, we've got the secondary back. We have only one linebacker back, but the other two have played. We're not going to be big, but we'll be quick, which is what you need in coach (Billy) Turek's defense."
The Comanches went through non-district play unbeaten last season, but Cerny has traditionally geared his team for district competition.
"It's a slow process," he said. "We want to win every game. That's not our main focus going into the non-district games. We just want to stay healthy. We want to create some depth. We'll try to go as long as we can one way. But by district you've got to have your best 11 on the field."
There's no doubt Neubauer will be included.
"I'm going to tell you right now he doesn't get tired," Cerny said. "He does not get tired. He's been starting since his freshman year. He's just one of those guys that the motor never stops. He worked out in the summer. He just stays in shape and plays all sports - track and basketball - and he's just a competitor."
Shiner head football coach Steven Cerny gives instructions to his players during practice Wednesday. Shiner receivers compete to catch a pass during practice Wednesday at the Comanches Stadium. Shiner linebackers cover as the offense rushes the line during practice Wednesday.
[ click on any photo to enlarge ]
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