<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0169Es_0v0oC3Yp00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0169Es_0v0oC3Yp00" width="853" height="1280" ><figcaption>Head coach Tim Pierson has coached Vail Christian since 2004. The Saints open their 2024 campaign on Sept. 7 against Norwood. Tom Green/Courtesy photo</figcaption></figure>The Vail Christian football team always seems to be blessed with superb veteran leadership. One year after saying goodbye to eight seniors, including multi-dimensional yardage monster Will Neumann, the Saints enter the 2024 season behind the strength of another strong senior class.“We’re senior-heavy this year, but I mean we had a good group last year,” said head coach Tim Pierson, whose team — led by its 10 seniors — started practice on Monday. “That’s been awesome in terms of the continuity of building on everything else,” Pierson continued. “And their leadership and just their brotherhood with each other — and then the chemistry within the team — that’s all positive stuff.”Vail Christian went 6-4 last year and finished second in the A-8 League with a 4-1 conference mark. <a href="https://www.vaildaily.com/sports/vail-christian-falls-to-defending-state-champions-in-8-man-playoffs/">The Saints’ season</a> ended with a <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/tournament/_f8gewPCEe6A0wqb9tl3hA/CfawjgPDEe6A0wqb9tl3hA/football-23/2023-chsaa-state-football-playoffs-class-a-8-man.htm">54-34 loss</a> to No. 5 Dove Creek in the first round of the state playoffs. Quarterback Asher Morris threw 22 touchdowns to just one interception as a sophomore, but 21 of those were thrown to graduated seniors — including 11 to Neumann alone. “We definitely have to replace a receiver and playmaker like Will, but we have a lot of good football players out here,” Pierson said before pointing to the seniors who have been preparing for their chance in the spotlight. One is Ian Salyer, whom Pierson could see make an impact at strong safety, linebacker and even possibly tight end. “They’re stepping into big roles but they know what we’re asking of them,” he said of the upperclassmen. “They know what to do, and that part’s exciting.” <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3Wv8gd_0v0oC3Yp00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Wv8gd_0v0oC3Yp00" width="2000" height="1333" ><figcaption>Asher Morris gets into the endzone during Vail Christian’s homecoming win over Plateau Valley on Sept. 29, 2023.</figcaption></figure>Pierson said he’d like the team to have a balanced attack offensively, but the Saints are going to do whatever it takes to move the chains. “We’re going to look to see what the defense gives us and what our opportunities are,” the coach said. Morris, however, might exceed the 585 yards on the ground he posted last year.“He ran less as a sophomore at quarterback than he will as a junior,” Pierson said. “He’s done a great job in the weight room. He’s been a great leader.” When asked to compare this team to last year, Pierson said his current squad possesses a “more established” offensive line; they’re also poised to benefit from a quarterback who is another year older. But the 20-year coach — <a href="https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-christian-football-coach-honored-for-100th-career-win/">who won his 100th game last fall</a> — knows one week of practice is too soon to make any firm prognostications.“I think if I’ve learned anything over these years, it’s hard to know from practice what you really are,” he said. “You got to play a game.” The Saints will get a chance soon enough. They open their 2024 campaign against Norwood on Sept. 7. Their two biggest tests, however, come on Oct. 12 versus Mancos and the following week against the defending league champions from West Grand. The Mustangs return junior quarterback Blake Terryberry, who threw 29 touchdowns last year, as well as his two top targets. Joe Probst — a star hurdler in the spring — returns after a junior campaign which saw him collect 45 receptions for 981 yards and 15 touchdowns. Jackson Steinle, who caught 29 balls for 709 yards and 12 touchdowns, is back as well.“They won the league title last year, they have a lot of returning players, they’re very well coached…they’re a great team,” Pierson said of the Mustangs. “I have the utmost respect for them.” Beating the league rivals will require near-perfect execution on gameday — and weekly growth leading up to it, Pierson said. “We don’t see them until October, so there’s a lot of time between here and there. I’d say we’re still searching for who exactly we’ll be and figuring that out. I’m excited about where we’re at,” he said. “West Grand is right there and they’re the team to beat, but that’s what you strive for — and then hopefully a playoff berth. You’re doing everything you can to be the best team you can (be) and see where the journey takes you.” </div></body>

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Fall prep previews: strong senior class will lead Vail Christian football into 2024 campaign

The Vail Christian football team always seems to be blessed with superb veteran leadership. One year after saying goodbye to eight seniors, including multi-dimensional yardage monster Will Neumann, the Saints enter the 2024 season behind the strength of another strong senior class. “We’re senior-heavy this year, but I mean we...

Fall prep previews: strong senior class will lead Vail Christian football into 2024 campaign

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