Spencer/Columbus piecing puzzle together

SPENCER - The quarterback position is something Spencer/Columbus coach Jason Gorst hasn't had to worry about the past three seasons.

This year, however, it's the biggest question mark.

Two boys, senior Noah Zastrow and sophomore Jared Mandel, split time working at the position during training camp to see who will win the spot for the season opener against Osseo-Fairchild. Last year's starter, Calvin Lenz played under center for three full years and saw action in the playoffs as a freshman.

"It's a wide open competition at quarterback," Gorst said. "Calvin was a great leader for us on and off the field last year. I can't even tell you who right now who we're leaning towards for Week 1. We don't have many reps for our QBs right now.

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"We had some packages for Noah that he ran last year and Jared has been very impressive and throws the ball well. He was injured during the scrimmage and wasn't cleared to play until the playoffs, but has a feel for the position."

The Rockets graduated 13 seniors from last year's Division 5 state runner-up team. Under their leadership the program posted its best record, 13-1, won its first Cloverbelt Conference title as a cooperative program and made its deepest run in the playoffs.

"We lost a special senior class so this year is a big transition," Gorst said. "Many of the guys played during the playoff run and have quite a bit of experience and I'm impressed with how much the guys have retained from last year."

In addition to Zastow, who ran for 1,100 yards and scored eight touchdowns,  junior Hunter Luepke finished the 2015 season with 1,249 yards and 24 touchdowns.

"I think running the ball will be a strength again this year," Gorst said. "That's usually the case when you return a pair of 1,000-yard rushers."

Another cornerstone to this year's team is senior lineman Max Johnson, who had 51 tackles and two sacks while playing at defensive end.

"I like how our line is shaping up and we're quick, but we won't be bigger than anyone which was the case last year," Gorst said. "Overall we have good team speed and I'm excited to see how this team develops as the season progresses."

Mark Massoglia: 715-424-7309 or mark.massoglia@gannettwisconsin.com; on Twitter @markmazzy.

SPENCER/COLUMBUS

Coach: Jason Gorst, sixth year

2015 record: 13-1, 8-0 Cloverbelt Conference

How far they got: Lost to Amherst 42-0 in Division 5 state championship game

Key returnees: Noah Zastrow, sr., QB/RB/FS; Hunter Luepke, jr., RB/LB; Max Johnson, sr., OG/DE

Key newcomers: Logan Zschernitz, sophomore, OL/DL; Jared Mandel, soph., QB

2016 SCHEDULE

Aug. 19: vs. Osseo-Fairchild

Aug. 26: at Fall Creek

Sept. 2: vs. Stanley-Boyd

Sept. 9: at Neillsville/Granton

Sept. 16: at Colby

Sept. 23: vs. Cadott

Oct. 1: vs. Regis at Beell Stadium, 1 p.m.

Oct. 7: at Altoona

Oct. 14: at Rib Lake/Prentice

2015 RESULTS

Spencer/Columbus 42, Fall Creek 8

Spencer/Columbus 36, Stanley-Boyd 8

Spencer/Columbus 60,  Neillsville 6

Spencer/Columbus 48, Colby 0

Spencer/Columbus 49, Cadott 13

Spencer/Columbus 36, Regis 30

Spencer/Columbus 39, Altoona 0

Spencer/Columbus 20, Edgar 15

Spencer/Columbus 48, Osseo-Fairchild 16

#Spencer/Columbus 54, New Glarus/Monticello 8

#Spencer/Columbus 43, Waterloo 16

#Spencer/Columbus 30, Stratford 15

#Spencer/Columbus 50, Shoreland Lutheran 7

#Amherst 42, Spencer/Columbus 0