On a team that was full of talented seniors last year, Eli Berner wanted to take his first year with the Northwestern football team and just learn. The Warriors, who finished with a 6-4 record last season, was led by a senior quarterback and two additional talented senior running backs to lead an offense that averaged 21 points per game.

Then there was Berner, who as a freshman last season, finished third on the team in rushing with 190 total yards, along with a touchdown. He also led the team with a 7.9 yards per carry average, meaning once those seniors graduated, he could be the air-apparent to leading the offense in 2016.

Even with his success as a first-year varsity player, there was no guarantee he would just step in this year, so the young athlete has been taking his off-season serious as he makes the most of his summer.

“We have been in the weight room through the winter and spring, and I have been working on my speed and agility with private trainers,” Berner said. “I have also been to five college football camps so far this summer.”

While he has been working on the skill part of his game with a trainer and at camps, he has also worked on the things away from the football field to improve his game to get him ready.

“I have been concentrating on getting stronger and faster,” he said. “I’ve also been studying the playbook and watching film from last year to prepare myself.”

Berner has been playing sports for all of his life, being a part of teams in football, basketball and track.

“With football, I started in first grade playing flag football and I realized I loved the game,” he said. “My family and friends have always encouraged me to participate in as many sports as possible.”

“My biggest highlight from last year was learning from the upperclassmen. At Northwestern our football team is like a family. Also beating Shawnee was a pretty big highlight for the team and especially the seniors.”

His goal for the upcoming season is to see the Warriors win the league title and make it to the playoffs, along with be a key part of the success.

“I am working to try to be one of the top players in the CBC,” Berner said, with an ultimate goal of the next level.

“I would like to play football at college if given the opportunity, but right now, I am concentrating on my grades and my performance on Friday nights.”

Berner is also involved in FFA and 4H, and is on Student Council. He plans to major in agriculture business.

“My dad and grandpa both farm and I enjoy working with them when I have the time.”

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