'I want to bring back energy': Sabolsky a unique offensive threat with Cheboygan football

CHEBOYGAN – Gabe Sabolsky took the handoff, read his blocks, found a hole and sprung loose late Saturday morning.

For the Cheboygan senior, moments like that mean everything.

“It’s amazing – it makes you feel free,” Sabolsky said. “You’ve just kind of got to wheel and deal and cook as far as you can and just take it to the end zone.”

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Sabolsky had much to be excited about following an impressive display where he exploded for multiple runs and even caught some long passes for the Chiefs, who held an inter-squad scrimmage at Western Avenue Field . If Saturday was any indication, the Chiefs could really have an offensive weapon on their hands with Sabolsky, a tough and speedy running back who had arguably the best day among Cheboygan’s skill players.

While it is early yet, Cheboygan’s coaches are certainly intrigued by Sabolsky’s play.

“One thing is he looked a little faster on the field than he does on the track, which is good for football,” head coach Bill Nesbitt said. “I think the offensive line did a pretty good job on a couple of those holes. Now, he did a nice job of turning on the jets the best he could to get to the end zone, and he did finish his runs, which I loved to see.”

As much as he wants to perform at a high level on the field, Sabolsky, an upperclassman, said he’s in it for much more.

“I want to bring back energy,” Sabolsky said. “Like Coach (Nesbitt), who’s been trying to revamp it into a generational thing, where people strive to be on the football team, where they work year-around, they get their friends to play, it’s a good community, and it’s not just a sport. Just starting with weight rooms in the summertime and then just 7-on-7's, we really got more people involved. I felt like we were kind of taking a change for the better, we feel more confident, we feel more as a team, and we’re very disciplined.”

Sabolsky benefited from getting stronger and attending 7-on-7 events, but a special track and field season during the spring also helped the Straits Area Conference’s 400-meter champion prepare for now.

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On Saturday, you could see why Sabolsky could be a key asset in Cheboygan’s offense.

At the same time, he made sure to acknowledge his buddies up front for a job well done.

“They are my lifeblood, I owe everything to them,” Sabolsky said of the offensive line. “They’re basically my soul protector. They’re really the only ones to keep us as a team going. They might not be privileged to touch the ball, but they’re really what makes me do what I can do.”

As opening night approaches, the feeling is different for Sabolsky, someone who’s confident the Chiefs are going to have a solid campaign. With team chemistry where it’s at right now, he believes anything is possible.

“I think this season’s going to be good,” Sabolsky said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who are putting in the work and putting in the plays, but it’s a new program, it takes time, but I think everyone’s really getting after it.”

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com . Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: 'I want to bring back energy': Sabolsky a unique offensive threat with Cheboygan football