Menomonie, Chippewa Falls (WQOW) -- News 18 Sports Two-A-Days continue with stops at long-time Big Rivers Conference powers Menomonie and Chippewa Falls.
The Mustangs tied for the BRC title last season, and have made twenty-two straight trips to the WIAA playoffs. As always, Menomonie has good numbers, with 104 players out for football in the top three grades, although the Mustangs will have ten players suspended for the first three games this season.
"You know, each year is like a new job, that's the fun thing about being a coach, it's never the same. It takes different things to motivate different kids, and you've got to adjust your offense and defense to the players you have, and that's what makes coaching so fun."
Menomonie had another good playoff run in 2011, losing a very close game in Level 4 of the Division 2 playoffs to eventual state champ Waunakee, but that's history, as far as LaBuda is concerned.
"Really felt like we were right there last year, we were a play away from winning it, and this year we got a whole different squad, so it's a whole different deal, and so, kind of let last year be last year, and move on, we've got a lot of young guys that are going to have to do a lot of learning in a hurry."
With many outstanding skill players having graduated, LaBuda says the Mustangs may have to rely on their defense.
"Our strengths will be our linebackers," says LaBuda, "we have three very good linebackers back, and that'll be the strength of our team, but we've got a lot of things to improve upon, we're a very young football team, overall."
Menomonie kicks off the season with a non-conference game at Merrill, Friday, August 24.
Chippewa Falls has had a good run under veteran head coach Chuck Raykovich, but Chi-Hi's streak of five straight WIAA Division 1 playoff appearances was snapped last season. The Cardinals finished 5-4 overall in 2011, 3-4 in the BRC.
"Our expectations are high every year, we go into the season fully expecting to be competitive in the Big Rivers, and the Big Rivers is getting better every year, and no different this year, it's going to be tough, every game."
Raykovich hopes his team can contend in the BRC this season.
"I think you're going to see the same teams at the top that you've seen in the past several years," Raykovich says, "Hudson, Menomonie, Memorial, and Rice Lake, and you know, we're going to try to fight to get in that group. "
Chippewa Falls hosts Holmen to kick off the season, Friday, August 24.
Menomonie looks to extend its streak of 22 straight playoff appearances
Chippewa Falls head coach Chuck Raykovich
