The Central Plains football team hopes to stretch its six-year playoff streak to seven years this season. In 2018, the Oilers posted a 13-0 record in 8 man, Division I, winning state titles in 2014 and 2018. Could it happen again? “We have to stay healthy,” said Chris Steiner who is entering his ninth year as Central Plains head coach. “We have to take one game at a time and we need to improve each week and get better on both sides of the ball.” The Oilers lost a significant amount of talent to graduation — Myles Menges, Alex Hickel, Devin Ryan, Grant Heldstab, Mason Doll, Brett Liebl and Kealy Burris. Key returning players include seniors Jerred Bieberle and Lawson Oeser and junior Tyler Holmes. Bieberle is a first team running back in the Central Prairie League and a second team linebacker. He also was chosen for the District 5 All-District H.M. Team and several other all-area and state teams. He logged 319 yards on 57 carries and had 24 receptions for 334 yards and eight touchdowns. Oeser was named to the first team of the Central Prairie League as a running back and honorable mention as a defensive back. He also joined Bieberle on the District 5 All-District team and several other all-area and state teams. Oeser tallied 675 yards for 78 carries and 17 touchdowns, 10 conversions and 14 receptions for 190 yards and three touchdowns. Top newcomers to the 2019 roster include juniors Karter Beck, William Laymon, Jacob Oberle and Juan Vosquez, sophomore Cole Lamatsch and freshman Michael Laymon. “[We’re going to] need lots of guys to step up and fill spots vacated by a tremendous graduating class,” Steiner said. “[We] need young kids to learn quick and step up and provide some depth and take some special team spots to give starters some rest.” Steiner expects the Oilers’ top rival, Victoria, to join Ness City in being among the best teams in league. If true, Central Plains will have its work cut out for it. The Oilers play Ness City Friday night at home and Victoria Sept. 13 at Victoria in their first two games of the season. Coaching assistants are Bryce Steiner, offensive coordinator, and Dustin Robison, defensive coordinator.