Boot Camp: Tremont ready for leap in improvement after tough 2023 season

TREMONT, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The Turks feel like they have something to prove.

Tremond didn’t win a game last football season but the players say they learned a lot. So did Benny Prather in his first year as head coach.

“It was definitely a tough year. This year is a year to not only prove something as a team but as coaches. We went 0-9, said Prather. “But coming back into this year, we have a chip on our shoulder and are all ready to compete.”

Prather has already seen improvement in his roster, he says. He has 40 players out for football with six starters returning on offense and five on defense.

Tremont gets a boost with Metamora transfer Ty Dykes joining the team. The 6-foot, 245-pound lineman is a big addition to the offensive and defensive lines.

The Turks also add first-year player Bowden Delaney, who is a state runner-up from the wrestling team. Brett Bane returns for his second year as starting quarterback and senior Blaine Williams moves from receiver to running back where he’ll get a few more touches in the offense.

Nose tackle Brody Morris and safety Luke Haley, who moves from cornerback, are key returning pieces to the defense.

“We’re trying to come back, not just with a better team but a better mindset going into games. Obviously, we were 0-9 so it’s only going up from there,” said Williams. “Hopefully the goal is to win a few games this year and make the playoffs.”

The Turks open the season at home against Seneca on Friday.

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