Norris Titans bringing back plenty of ‘weapons’ for 2023

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Norris football kicks off the season with a week zero game at Blair High School on Friday.

The Titans look to continue growing from a 4-6 finish last year that included a trip to the playoffs.

“We got some great players coming back,” head coach Ty Twarling said. “Eli Holt, Blake Macklin, Jarrett Behrends, who got a lot of experience last year at quarterback as a sophomore. So we got some weapons this year.”

Twarling praised Behrends for his demeanor out on the field.

“Very relaxed, very calm, cool under pressure,” Twarling said. “He’s got a great arm, he can spin the rock really well. He’s done a nice job this summer working on his strength and also his speed.”

The Titans return some solid pieces on the offensive line, which should open up some running lanes for running back Macklin.

He has been impressed so far with the O-line’s progress this summer.

“I trust those guys,” Macklin said. “They work hard. They busted their butts in the weight room all summer. I can’t wait to see what they look like on Friday night.”

Defensively, the Titans also return many starters from last season.

“We’re deep, we got guys,” said returning linebacker Eli Holt. “We’re athletic. We’re fast. We know how to fill the gap.”

The Titans begin the season on the road at Blair.

“It’s going to be a challenge for us, but it’s also going to be nice to see where we’re at,” Twarling said. “Whatever the outcome is, it’s going to be great for our guys to say, Okay, here’s where we’re at, here’s where we need to make our improvements.'”