MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — Plenty of change is coming to the football field in Monticello with the Sages graduating 18 seniors from last season’s Class 3A state runner-up team.

One of this squad’s most experienced players, Nolan Buehnerkemper is embracing a new role this season, making the move from receiver to quarterback.

While this fall brings plenty of new things to learn for the senior signal caller, he’s embracing the role well at preseason practices.

CULLY WELTER
“One thing I’ve seen this summer that I’m really happy with is his leadership,” head coach Cully Welter said. “He’s somebody that all the kids respect for sure, but you still got to step up and take that leadership role, and sometimes you got to be vocal when you don’t feel like he’s done that.” “He’s a very smart kid, very game savvy kid.”

“First year quarterback is pretty tough, Buehnerkemper said. “The reps during off-season, seven-on-seven practices, things like that, that really helps just get the reads down and chemistry with the receivers. “