(Sentinel photo by Brian Schekirke) Remsen-Union head coach Colin Youde instructs his players before splitting them up for a team scrimmage during last Tuesday's practice. The Rockets will open up their season when Ruthven-Ayrshire comes to Remsen for a 7 p.m. kickoff. [Click to enlarge]

While most of the high school football teams in Plymouth County are heading into the season with questions at quarterback, Remsen-Union has their answer for this fall and possibly for years to come.

Senior Jon Schreiner, who will also serve as one of the Rockets' five captains, returns as the starting quarterback and will be backed up by sophomore Josh Bohnenkamp. Colin Sonnichsen, Ryan Kunkel, Ryan Schroeder and Michael Ruba are the team's other captain.

"Schreiner is our returning senior at quarterback. He's coming back from last year and has shown a lot of good development," said R-U's Colin Youde. "He's probably our smartest kid on the team. He just knows the offense in and out."

(Sentinel photo by Brian Schekirke) Senior quarterback Jon Schreiner returns for his final year to help lead the Rockets to the state playoffs. [Click to enlarge]

However, Bohnenkamp will see some snaps at the position in what could be his unofficial tryout to take the lead in the race for the quarterback spot next season.

"(Josh) can throw it really well and he'll be out there getting some snaps," said Youde. "He has a great right arm and I'm very happy with our quarterback position."

"I think Jon is the perfect guy for Josh to sit behind," Youde continued. "For him to see the way Jon handles the game, it's a very good thing. He's going to be a great leader for us."

(Sentinel photo by Brian Schekirke) The Remsen-Union Rocket football team works on its running plays during a recent practice. The Rockets open up their season in Remsen on Friday against Ruthven-Ayrshire. Kickoff is 7 p.m. [Click to enlarge]

At the running back position, Kraig Alesch looks to have taken control of the race to start there in the Rockets' opening game this Friday.

"I lost both starters from last year but I think we have a whole stable of guys that can get the job done," said Youde. "Kraig is long and lean and so far, he's leading the way. He's a very physical runner and he'll do some good things for us. He just knows the offense and has great hands.

Junior Will Pierson will be featured mostly as a change of pace back for the Rockets to compliment Alesch.

"Will is a bit smaller but he's a shifty runner," said Youde. "He's very explosive with good vision. He's short and small but he's a very tough runner."

"I expect to see those guys to see the bulk of the carries," he continued.

Schreiner will have a familiar face at wide receiver to help R-U's passing game as senior Sonnichson returns this season. The 6'3 Sonnichson led the Rockets in receptions, touchdowns and receiving yards last year and should give Schreiner a big target with his height and 25 inch vertical leap.

"Having him come back is huge for us," said Youde. "He gives us a threat when he has the ball in his hands. Having him as a weapon is big for our quarterback."

Tyler Van Dam, who is described as being a great route runner with good hands, will be the other featured wide out. Cody Leonard will start at tight end. Youde said that Leonard is an outstanding blocker with good hands and has the ability to find the open holes.

The offensive line looks to be anchored by four year starter Ryan Schroeder and will also have returners in seniors Ruba and Kunkel.

"This is going to be a great line to watch all year," said Youde. "They know what to do and it's going to be fun to watch them."

Unfortunately for the Rockets' opponents, the trio will also line up on the defensive side of the ball.

Schroeder had close to 120 tackles last season, including 12 sacks.

"Ryan is going to be an animal this year," said Youde. "(Kunkel) is always a spark plug and Ruba will be a force over on the end. I expect them to be fun to watch on defense."

Schreiner, Bohnenkamp and Alesch will line up at the three linebacker positions.

"I think Jon is a solid quarterback but I think he's an even better linebacker. He seems to always be around the ball and just loves to hit. He's a big hitter and will lay a licking on you if he hits you," said Youde. "Kraig and (Bohnenkamp) are both very aggressive kids and they also like to hit. They're young but I'm hoping their development comes along quickly."

Sonnichsen will line up with junior Brad Hodgen at cornerback and will be expected to shut down the opposing teams' wide receiver.

Youde describes Sonnichsen as quick and a good cover corner and said Hodgen is one of the Rockets' best tacklers.

"Brad is still learning but with Colin over there, I expect them to have a very productive year together," said Youde.

For the Rockets to be successful this year, Youde said that the team must be aggressive and play hard all year.

"If we can do those two things, we can be up there with Ar-We-Va and some of the other schools," said Youde. "We have a lot of talent and depth. If we can stay together as a team, we can do good things."

Along with Ar-We-Va, Youde expects Remsen St. Mary's and Aurelia to be some of the other top teams in the district.

"Ar-We-Va is a state team from last year and have a lot of kids back," said Youde. "Aurelia always has great tradition over there and even though they're still sort of a new program, they always have talent and Ken Hajek is just a tremendous coach for them."