Grant Bryant of Goessel was voted the Salina Area Preseason Quarterback of the Year. Last season, Bryant was honorable mention all-state and all-district.

“I have many expectations on the upcoming season,” Bryant said. “Individually, I expect myself to lead my team to success being the quarterback. The team will have a young line and they will not be the biggest in size either. The backfield will be returning three-year starters with great chemistry.”

The Bluebirds finished last season with an impressive record of 8-3 and lost to eventual 8-Man D1 champion Meade in the sectional round. Bryant said that loss is what has him looking forward to the upcoming season.

“Something that motivates me is that I want to make it to a round further than last’s years regional,” Bryant said. “Also, going out to the state champions made me want to work harder because we didn’t play well and that showed me a lot I could improve on.”

Bryant, who admits running the ball was more of a threat a year ago than throwing it, finished with over 1,100 combined yards last season and he feels like he can top those numbers this season, especially through the air.

“One of my weaknesses is throwing the ball,” Bryant said “I have been throwing off the field and been working on my throwing this summer by going to camps.”