The wait is finally over for the Boone Toreadors football team as they were expected to open the regular season this week.

Last year, the Toreadors finished with a 2-7 record, 1-4 in their district. That team also graduated 16 seniors from the team. Despite the large senior class, there were also 15 juniors who are now ready to take on that leadership role.

“Seniors are ready for the challenge and have been doing a great job working and meshing with the younger players, which should prove valuable as the season progresses,” head coach Chad Klein said.

Another storyline from last year is that the Toreadors graduated both senior quarterbacks who took varsity snaps, Jude Baumgardner and Dominick Nordin. That said, Klein offers some insight into who will be stepping into the role this year.

“Early this summer, Ashten Petersen – senior, came back into the role of quarterback. He played quarterback at the junior varsity level a couple of years ago. He has been developing his speed and throwing all summer long. Sophomore Abel Tungesvik has also been taking backup snaps throughout the preseason,” Klein added.

Just as important as the quarterback spot is the running back position, and the Toreadors have their leading rusher returning for his senior season. Maddox McIntyre was just 23 yards short of 1,000 last year.

“Maddox had a nice junior season and we are looking forward to see what he can do as a senior.  He will definitely see the ball a lot,” Klein said.

When you lose 16 players from your football, there are bound to be some fresh faces in the mix the next year. One of the team’s priorities this year is to get some of those players experience early in the season.

There a lot of new faces to see the field on Friday nights this season, so getting experience early will be important for the team.  The young men have been working hard and are ready for the season to start,” Klein added.

Ahead of the season, Klein says the team has its goals in mind for what they want to accomplish this year.

“To be disciplined to do the work that is required to be a great team and improve on our record from last season,” Klein concluded.

The Toreadors were expected to open their season with a non-district game against Greene County on Friday. Historically, in games played since 2008, the Toreadors had won four games while Greene County won three. Last year’s contest went to the Rams so Boone was looking to get that game back this year.

The first home game of the year for the Toreadors will be on September 4th against the Perry Bluejays. Then, the Toreadors will face Gilbert at home on September 11th, Iowa Falls-Alden on the road on September 18th, ADM at home on September 25th, Lewis Central on the road on October 2nd, Council Bluffs Jefferson on the road on October 9th, Denison-Schleswig at home on October 16th, and Glenwood at home on October 23rd.

This year, the Toreadors will look to turn in their first above .500 record since the 5-4 2018-19 season.