The Normal U-High Pioneers are looking to take a step forward in the Central State Eight in 2022 and the goal is to be more competitive.

In 2021, second-year Coach Brody Walworth says his team played in games that were either blow wins or blowout losses. He says as he enters year two, he is looking for his team to be more competitive.

Coach Walworth walked into a program that needed to be refreshed. He explains morale was low, numbers were low and it became his goal to bring a new direction to the program.

The Pioneers will be a spread offense and balanced between the run and the pass. Coach Walworth is very confident in the quarterback position and feels that will be a strength of their team.

Coach Walworth explains as practice opens this week, he says they are focusing on setting a standard of competitiveness. He says the first few days of practice have been very positive.

The Pioneers open the season against Springfield Lanphier.