JOPIN GLOBE 2020 FOOTBALL FAMFARE

INSIDE: Devrin Weathers, Nathan Glades and more — keep an eye on these players this season

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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FOOTBALL FANFARE 2020 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Welcome to Football Fanfare ’20, part of The Joplin Globe’s preview for the 2020 high school football season.

Football Fanfare includes previews of 61 teams in Southwest Missouri, Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma as well as a composite schedule for this season.

The season begins Aug. 28 for Missouri teams and three Oklahoma teams, Sept. 3 for St. Mary’s Colgan and Girard, Kansas, and Sept. 4 for other Kansas and Oklahoma teams.

Good luck to all teams this season.

Jim Henry Joplin Globe sports editor

Publisher Dale Brendel

Sports editor Jim Henry

Advertising Director Bob Barth

Sports writer Jared Porter

Missouri Joplin ����������������������������������8 Central Ozark Conference ���12 Webb City �������������������������13 Carl Junction ����������������������16 Carthage ���������������������������20 Neosho �����������������������������22 Aurora �������������������������������24 Cassville ����������������������������25 East Newton ����������������������26 McDonald County ���������������27

Lamar ��������������������������������28 Monett �������������������������������30 Nevada �����������������������������32 Seneca ������������������������������34 Mount Vernon ��������������������36 Big 8 ���������������������������������37 Southwest Conference ���������38 Western Mo. Conference ����42 Greenfield �������������������������45

Creative

Courtney Adams Nathan Mills Brett Zacarello

Sales

Dee Baker Jamie Combs Linda Gilmore David O’Neill Paula Sill

Kansas

Oklahoma

Galena ������������������������������46 Riverton �����������������������������48 Columbus ��������������������������50 Baxter Springs ��������������������52 CNC League ����������������������53 Pittsburg �����������������������������54 SEK �����������������������������������56 Three Rivers �����������������������57

Miami �������������������������������58 District A-5 �������������������������60 Grove ��������������������������������62

2020 Schedules ��������������������������������������������������������44-45

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10 players to watch in 2020

T

BY JARED PORTER jporter@joplinglobe.com

here will be no shortage of talent on high school football fields once the 2020 season kicks off in the area.

Whether it’s seasoned quarterbacks who have a knack for picking apart defenses; running backs who use a combination of speed, power and agility to constantly find open space; or defensive anchors who create matchup nightmares for opposing offenses — many standout players in the area will play large roles in their team’s quest for conference, district and state championships in the upcoming campaign.

Here are 10 players to watch:

PATRICK CARLTON CARTHAGE, QB 6-2, 215 POUNDS, SENIOR STATS, HONORS: Completed 56.5% of his passes and threw for 1,329 yards and 11 touchdowns.

In total, he accounted for 2,900 yards and 38 touchdowns. Named the Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year and was a first-team all-state selection.

NEXT LEVEL: Received offer from Missouri Southern.

Also receiving interest from multiple schools.

COACH JON GUIDIE: “Patrick is the do-everything guy for us.

He is equally important to us in the run game as he is in the pass game. We expect him to show great leadership this year and help our young

15 more Also keep your eyes on: • ALEX BAKER, Carl Junction, QB, 6-3, 205 pounds, senior.

• CRUZ BLAIR, Frontenac, OL-DL, 6-1, 240 pounds, junior.

• L.J. BUTCHER, Pittsburg, WR-DB, 5-11, 170 pounds, senior.

• KADEN DECKER, Neosho, OL-DL, 6-3, 235 pounds, senior.

• KADEN DENNEY, Nevada, WB-DB, 5-9, 165 pounds, senior.

• GRANT GOLTRA, Webb City, OL, 6-3, 265 pounds, senior.

• ETHAN HOUK, Parsons, QB, 6-1, 185 pounds, senior.

• TREGHAN PARKER, Webb City, DB, 6-0, 180 pounds, senior.

• DRAYKE PERRY, Neosho, RB-LB, 5-11, 210 pounds, senior.

• DRAKE REESE, Cassville, K, 6-2, 190 pounds, senior.

• JAIDEN REIBERT, Cassville, OL, 6-2, 255 pounds, senior.

• NOAH SOUTHERN, Carl Junction, LB, 6-1, 195 pounds, junior.

• CASE TUCKER, Lamar, QB-ath., 5-10, 195 pounds, senior.

Carthage quarterback Patrick Carlton looks for running room during a game last season at • RAY VILLALTA, Monett, DL, 5-10, Carthage High School.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK 250 pounds, senior.

• D.J. WITT, Carthage, DB, 5-8, 295 guys get caught up to where COACH DOUG BUCKMASTER: “He since his pounds, senior. they need to be.” sophomore is a high-energy player with velop like he’s developed is year. Una motor. Whether he plays JESSE CASSATT really, really rewarding.” offensive tackle or defensive believable CARL JUNCTION, DE end, he plays hard. If you are work ethic, ZACH COENEN 6-1, 210 POUNDS, SENIOR extremely a state champion wrestler, CASSVILLE, FB-LB STATS, HONORS: He made 61 intelligent you have to be a competitor, 6-1, 210 POUNDS, SENIOR solo and 86 and Jesse is that type of kid.” on the field, and for us, it’s a STATS, HONORS: 149 carries total tackles position that requires a guy GARY CLINTON for 953 yards in 2019, inwho really knows what he’s WEBB CITY, TE and 105 total cluding 11 doing. He’s been outstand6-3, 225 POUNDS, SENIOR tackles for ing, and the thing that’s real- tackles in STATS, HONORS: He had seven the 2019 sealoss and three ly improved with him is his catches for 119 yards and two physical attributes. He’s got- son. He was quarterback touchdowns last season and sacks. Named ten bigger, he’s gotten stron- named firstwas named first-team all-con- ger, he’s gotten faster every team all-consecond-team all-conference, ference and all-state. ference, third team all-state. year. He’s one of those kids NEXT LEVEL: Cassatt is also a NEXT LEVEL: verbally commitall-district, all-area and allthat you enjoy the whole wrestling state champion ted to Arkansas State. process because he shows up state, and he was the Class 3 COACH JOHN RODERIQUE: “Gary and has some ability and has and is looking into offers in that sport. has been a Day 1 starter some size, and to see him deSEE WATCH, 5

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

WATCH

the jobs easier for Blake (Tash, quarterback) and ‘Zay’ (Isaiah Davis, running back) and Zach (Westmoreland, wide receiver). Now he gets to tote the rock, and guys like Joe (Jasper) and Dante (Washington), it’s their turn to do the dirty work.”

FROM 4 Defensive Player of the Year chosen by the coaches’ association.

NEXT LEVEL: verbally committed to Pittsburg (Kan.) State.

COACH LANCE PARNELL: “He’s just a really, really good football player ... first-team all-state linebacker and first-team all-conference and all-district running back. He’s a good leader, very intelligent, plays extremely hard. He has good size, good speed, good strength. He’s started for us from the time he was a sophomore on and has a lot of games under his belt. The thing about Zach, he’s a really good person, too. Not only is he a leader on our football team, he’s a leader in our school. He takes his grades very seriously, a 4.0 student.”

ALEX CURRY JOPLIN, OT 6-4, 295 POUNDS, SENIOR STATS, AWARDS: He was named first team all-conference, all-area and all-state.

NEXT LEVEL: getting looks from several Division II schools, including Missouri Southern and Emporia State.

COACH CURTIS JASPER: “His size and physicality ... we have three linemen, and they are all good leaders and know what we are looking for.

They hold their group accountable and others accountable, and Alex is a big part of that as a returning all-state player. We have him at left tackle, and they call that the blindside spot for a reason. He does a great job there.”

KOLBY DEAN COMMERCE, LB 6-0, 195 POUNDS, SENIOR STATS, HONORS: He has made 247 career tackles — 68 solo and 179 assisted — while playing defensive end as a sophomore and nose guard as a junior.

NEXT LEVEL: undecided.

COACH STEVE MOSS: “He’s a good,

5

AIDEN LOGAN CARTHAGE, OL

Joplin’s Nathan Glades (6) tries to get past Neosho’s Drsj Roby (60) during their game last season at Junge Field in Joplin.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

hard-nosed kid, very quick. He played nose guard for us last year, and he’d get off the ball so fast, the centers didn’t even see him before he was by them a lot of times.

He won some games for us just by making that center nervous the entire time. We’re moving him to linebacker this year. He has a nose for the ball. He’s really been our best defensive player his sophomore and junior year. He led our team in tackles as a nose guard last year, and that is unusual. He’s that in-between size, but he’s definitely capable of playing at the next level.”

high IQ, loves football, has a high motor, very physical for his size as well. He combines all those things and makes a very good football player. He transferred here from Labette County after his freshman year. He’s a pretty good addition.

You don’t get a kid like that very often.”

NATHAN GLADES JOPLIN, RB

5-10, 180 POUNDS, SENIOR STATS, HONORS: He had 73 carries for 471 yards and 37 receptions for 508 yards and scored LANDON DEAN eight touchdowns.

FRONTENAC, DE NEXT LEVEL: getting 6-4, 230 POUNDS, JUNIOR looks from Division STATS, HONORS: first team all-confer- II schools, including ence and all-state.

Missouri Southern, NEXT LEVEL: Received offers from Southwest Baptist, William Jewell Kansas State, Iowa State, Oklahoma and Quincy.

COACH CURTIS JASPER: “He was a slot State and Eastern Michigan.

COACH MARK SMITH: “He uses his size receiver and wingback last year. He and strength very well. He has a did a lot of the dirty work and made

6-6, 295 POUNDS, SENIOR STATS, HONORS: helped anchor the front line for a Carthage offense that averaged 421.4 yards and 37.7 points per game; a first-team all-conference and all-state selection.

NEXT LEVEL: verbally committed to Arkansas State.

COACH JON GUIDIE: “We relied on Aiden pretty heavily up front a year ago with his size and physicality.

He’s a very smart and gifted football player who will have a huge leadership role for this team this season.”

DEVRIN WEATHERS WEBB CITY, RB 6-1, 185 POUNDS, SENIOR STATS, HONORS: He rushed for 1,386 yards and scored 22 total touchdowns in 2019. He was named first-team all-conference and all-state at running back and second-team all-league as a kick returner.

NEXT LEVEL: verbally committed to Kansas State.

COACH JOHN RODERIQUE: “He came to our youth camp when he was little, and we talked about the Little League World Series (in 2015) with that group of kids and how much fun that was. You could see the thing called potential that he had as a young kid. And to see him grow up and develop and mature, he’s a three-year starter from Day 1 of his sophomore year. I’m proud of Devrin. ... Sometimes when you’re fast and have those tools, you don’t necessarily have a great work ethic.

He’s really developed into a worker, shows up every day and does everything you ask of him.”

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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Support vital this season

High school football has always been special.

It’s a source of pride for all communities, whether their team wins a state championship or one game.

Students and fans gather at the stadium on Friday nights and show their support in many ways: paper banners made by cheerleaders, the marching JIM band, loud roars of apHENRY proval from the crowd and Columnist we can’t forget those obnoxiously loud horns that make me jump every time.

The season begins this weekend, and community support has never been more important. To be blunt, a lack of community support could mean the end of the season.

COVID-19 has made 2020 a challenging year as we all know. Businesses shut down — some weren’t able to reopen. School buildings closed, forcing online learning that’s more difficult for both students and teachers.

And of course, way too many deaths.

SEE HENRY, 7

MSHSAA official Alan Davis dons a striped facemask before the start of an intrasquad scrimmage for the Joplin Eagles earlier this month at Junge Field in Joplin.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

Players, coaches adjust to protocols

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

COVID-19 has produced a new normal for high school practices.

It altered the summer schedules that athletes were accustomed to follow — fewer contact days with coaches, no summer camps involving other schools, individual water bottles instead of using water fountains.

“Normally, we host a 7-on7 tournament and go to a team contact camp,” Joplin

coach Curtis Jasper said.

“Our youth program sponsors one that we host at our field. We didn’t do any of those three.

“We were thankful we were able to work with our kids at all once spring activities shut down. We usually have more than 90% of our kids participate in a spring sport. ... Spring is usually a big deal for us. We tried to give kids as much direction as we could while they were at home and stay connected with them and provide workouts for them.

“We know in other places like St. Louis and Kansas City, they weren’t getting to see their kids at all at times.

We were thankful we were able to get rolling on June 1 with weights activities, even if it was outside and different. Once we came back from the Fourth of July break, we were able to start doing some football activities. At that point, we were thankful we were getting to do anything with our kids, see our kids and work with our kids.”

Many safety protocols

have been put in place, including mask wearing and maintaining social distancing.

“We have all the COVID precautions,” Jasper said.

“Water jugs (brought by each athlete) vs. water boys, doing different things as far as time periods and how often we change drills and move kids around.

“As coaches, the big thing is not being within 6 feet of anybody for 15 minutes. We may in the past have gotten

SEE SAFETY, 7

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HENRY FROM 6

Pittsburg head coach Tom Nickelson (left) checks his practice schedule last week during a workout in Pittsburg, Kan. Purple Dragons coaches wear facemasks as part of the COVID-19 protocol to help the high school football season continue.

GLOBE | JIM HENRY Monett head coach Derrek Uhl (right), wearing a face mask, watches his players practice on Aug. 19 at Burl Fowler Stadium in Monett.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

SAFETY FROM 6 more up close in our teaching.

We’re wearing masks. We make sure we don’t have any contact with any one person for that duration.”

The athletes have adapted to the safety protocols, knowing they must be followed if they are going

to play this fall. And the reality is that each day they walk off the football field, it could be the last day of the season.

“Sometimes I have thoughts like that,” said Davis Ramsey, Joplin senior right tackle. “I love the game of football. We’ve been taking all the precautions, masking up and social distancing and staying away as much as we can.”

“It’s something that we have to worry about, but it’s something that we should all think positive

about,” said Scott Lowe, Joplin senior middle linebacker. “And know we can come in the next day and do better.”

“We want to not take anything for granted,” Greenfield coach Justin Breedlove said. “We were reminded in the spring how blessed we are to get to play sports. So this fall, we want to keep that in the front of our minds and remember what a fun game this is and how lucky we are to get to go out and compete each Friday.”

High school winter sports seasons ended prematurely, and the spring sports never got started. Because of that, there hasn’t been a lot of complaints from athletes after workouts began. Their spring was miserable, and they have a greater appreciation that their fall seasons are set to start.

Protocols have been put in place to increase safety — social distancing, mask wearing, sanitizing equipment often. It’s become habit for athletes and coaches who have followed them through summer workouts.

“It’s a minor inconvenience for a big-time reward,” Pittsburg coach Tom Nickelson said. “We’ll do whatever we’re asked to do to get to Friday nights to play ball, and we’ll do it with a smile on our face.”

Now fans, you need to do the same.

You need to follow protocols put in place for the safety of everyone.

“At our parents meetings, we told them we’re going to have people in the stands,” Nickelson said. “But if you’re not going to be masked up, if you’re not going to practice these protocols and these safety measures, we can’t guarantee that we’re going to have fans.

“If you enjoy coming and watching games, you have to do your part. It’s the whole community that’s going to make this happen. Like everywhere around here, games are a big deal. It’s going to take everybody doing their part to ensure we get through this season.”

So fans, for the safety of everyone, do your part and adjust to the new football normal.

Wear a mask while entering and exiting the stadium and in the stands if social distancing is not possible.

Show patience while waiting in line for tickets and concessions. And be aware that the allowed seating will vary from stadium to stadium.

For fans not wanting to attend, many games will be available on livestream and can be viewed in the safety of your home.

JIM HENRY is sports editor of the Globe and receives correspondence at jhenry@joplinglobe. com. Follow him on Twitter at @Jim_Henry53.

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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JOPLIN EAGLES

Depth helps Eagles replace weapons 2019 RECORD: 13-1 (9-0 Central Ozark Conference).

COACH: Curtis Jasper.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 21.

YEARS AT JOPLIN: 6.

RECORD AT JOPLIN: 43-14.

ASSISTANTS: Drew Long, Matt

Crane, Alan Linden, Nick Reid, Logan Shaw, Brandon Taute, Dayton Whitehead, Parker Howard, Michael Juergens, James Hartzfeld, Tylan Harris.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Alex Curry, 299 sr. OL; Nathan Glades, 180 sr. RB-WR; Jayden Holt, 183 sr. DB; Scott Lowe, 215 sr. LB; Sergio Piniero, 255 sr. OL; Jacob Prosser, 180 sr. DE; Marcelino Puente, 190 sr. LB; Davis Ramsey, 245 sr. OL; Keaton Renfro, 175 sr.

WR; Dominick Simmons, 156 sr. DB; Trayshawn Thomas, 212 sr. WR; Donovahn Watkins, 300 jr. DT.

TOP NEWCOMERS Trayquan Peavler, 200 sr. RB-DE; Landen Atherton, 183 jr. WR-LB; Joe Jasper, 183 jr. QB-TE-LB; Tylor Peck, 250 jr. OL-DL; Hayden Presley, 215 jr. DE; Korey Read, 180 jr. DB; Bruce Wilbert, 170 jr. WR; Always Wright, 155 jr. QB.

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

The 2019 football season saw the Joplin Eagles: • SUFFER A TRAGEDY midway through the second week of the season when sophomore Kadin Roberts-Day died after an indoor practice session.

• RECEIVE remarkable community support — and not just from the Joplin community — as they fought through their emotions and dedicated their season to KRD. • BATTLE their way to an undefeated Central Ozark Conference championship and another district title en route to the Class 6 state championship game where they lost to DeSmet 35-20.

That magical season will long be remembered, and it provides motivation for this season that opens Aug. 28 at home against Webb City.

“Each year is a new group,” Eagles coach Curtis Jasper said. “Each year is different, a different dynamic, new leaders. We understand that, but at the same point in time, a large part of these kids made that trip to Columbia and would sure like to go back and bring home some hardware.

That motivation is there, and in the same respect,

Joplin quarterback Joe Jasper (left) turns to hand off to running back Nathan Glades during drills on Aug. 14 at Joplin High School.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

we coaches understand we have some different personnel. Things aren’t the same, and that’s every year. This group has to find its identity, and that’s what we’re working on right now.”

The Eagles graduated the three biggest weapons from last year’s offense that averaged 46.3 points. Running

back Isaiah Davis rushed for 2,282 yards and 45 touchdowns and was named the player of the year in Missouri.

Wide receiver Zach Westmoreland was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, finishing with 103 catches for 1,633 yards and 21 touchdowns, and he also

scored on running plays and punt returns.

Quarterback Blake Tash passed for 2,760 yards and 31 touchdowns. His 76.9 completion percentage as a senior lifted his career mark to 73.6% — a national record.

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EAGLES

runs that provided extra practices.

“I really think that has developed our depth,” Coach Jasper said. “I would say we’re probably depth-wise and competition-wise that we’re about as deep at every position as we’ve ever been.”

FROM 8 “Obviously we feel Zach, ‘Zay’ and Blake were really good,” Jasper said. “I’m not saying we have anyone of that caliber, but I will say across the board, our depth, this is as deep as we’ve ever been at the receiver position. Nathan Glades is going to have to switch roles from a slot-wingback guy to a running back. He is going to be a really good back for us.”

Glades accounted for almost 1,000 yards last season with 471 yards on 73 rushes and 508 yards on 37 receptions.

Juniors Always Wright and Joe Jasper battled through the preseason for the quarterback job after they shared time at the position on last year’s junior varsity team. Both were effective in limited varsity action as Wright hit 10 of 13 passes for 86 yards and Jasper completed all three of his attempts for 41 yards.

They will be throwing to experienced receivers, including Trayshawn Thomas (19 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns) and Keaton Renfro (12 for 185, 2 TDs).

The offensive line returns three starters, led by allstate left tackle Alex Curry.

Davis Ramsey and Sergio Piniero are back at right tackle and center, respectively. Coach Jasper reports strong competition for the two guard spots.

Joplin’s Scott Lowe (18) brings down Lamar’s Case Tucker (16) during the 2019 Webb City jamboree at Cardinal Stadium in Webb City.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

The Eagles will continue to run a spread offense.

“We’ll tweak things for our kids’ strengths,” Coach Jasper said. “Coach (Brandon) Taute knows what the strengths are of Always and Joe, whichever one is in the game.

“But as far as the zone blocking scheme up front and being a spread team, stretching the defense vertically and horizontally, putting stress on them and making them tackle our

playmakers in space, all of those philosophies stay the same.”

The defense returns five starters divided among all three levels — Donovahn Watkins at tackle, Jacob Prosser at end, Scott Lowe and Marcelino Puente at linebacker and Lonnie Watkins in the secondary.

Lowe, the middle linebacker, led the Eagles with 134 tackles.

The Eagles have been aided by deep postseason

DL; Landen Atherton, 183 WR; Ty Bebee, 155 LB; Cordae Carter, 205 DL; Donovyn Fowler, 150 DB; Zach Harthan, 285 OL-DL; Yael Herrera, 180 LB; Stone Karcher, 250 OL; Joe Jasper, 183 QB-TE-LB; Robert Kelly, 165 LB; Isaac Meadows, 150 WR; Joseph Mendoza, 215 OL; Brendan Oliphant, 275 OL; Gustavo Onate, 160 DB; Evan Overstreet, 152 DB; Brylan Patton, 2020 SCHEDULE 185 LB; Tylor Peck, 250 OL-DL; AUG. 28 — Webb City Dawson Phillips, 225 OL; Hayden SEPT. 4 — at Nixa Presley, 215 DE; Gunner Price, 230 SEPT. 11 — Ozark DL; Korey Read, 180 DB; *Kadin SEPT. 18 — at Carl Junction Roberts-Day, 205 OL; Carson SEPT. 25 — at Willard Sadler, 170 WR; Manny Silva, 220 OCT. 2 — Republic DL; Trenton Simon, 245 OL; Jett OCT. 9 — at Carthage Steele, 250 OL-DL; Chris StreetOCT. 16 — Branson er, 165 WR; Brayden Thomas, OCT. 23 — at Neosho 205 LB; Luke Vieselmeyer, 145 DB; Donovahn Watkins, 300 DL; 2019 RESULTS Bruce Wilbert, 170 WR-DB; Ben Joplin 36, Willard 13 Williams, 170 DB; Always Wright, 155 QB. Joplin 35, Webb City 28 SOPHOMORES: Trenton Bowers, 143 Joplin 56, Carthage 55 WR; Layden Copher, 188 WR; Joplin 55, Republic 7 Braxton Cox, 190 RB; Clayton Joplin 48, Branson 7 Culie, 192 RB; Bennett Dall, 139 Joplin 56, Neosho 21 WR; Tyler Duley, 150 QB; Payton Joplin 50, Ozark 14 Erickson, 136 DB; Blake Farmer, Joplin 45, Nixa 14 170 WR-DE; Logan Fletcher, 175 Joplin 48, Carl Junction 17 DISTRICT PLAYOFFS LB; Terrance Gibson, 198 WR; Joplin 68, Jefferson City 16 Luke Gunn, 220 OL-DL; Rashaun Hill, 230 OL-DL; Joseph Ipsen, 163 Joplin 69, Kirkwood 48 K; Jude Jimerson, 293 OL; Josh Joplin 35, Marquette 7 STATE PLAYOFFS Lowe, 205 OL-DL; Morgan Keller, Joplin 41, Fort Zumwalt West 20 149 DB; Isaiah Knoderer, 149 WR; Jymie Lucero, 212 DL; Landon DeSmet 35, Joplin 20 Maples, 160 WR; Elijah Neville, EAGLES ROSTER 153 DB; Nikoli Pineiro, 142 DB; SENIORS: Alex Curry, 299 OL-DL; NaJackson Queen, 155 DB; Tyler than Glades, 180 RB-DB; Jayden Reither, 144 QB; Jesse Smith, Holt, 183 DB; Keaton Huff, 170 230 DL; Luke Smith, 165 DE; Jack K; Scott Lowe, 215 LB; Trayquan Stanley, 160 WR; Dax Tyson, 230 Peavler, 200 RB-DE; Sergio PineiOL; Chris Ugalde, 135 WR; Brodie ro, 255 OL; Jacob Prosser, 180 DE; Utley, 210 OL; Draven VanGilder, Marcelino Puente, 190 LB; Davis 185 OL-LB; Drew VanGilder, 160 Ramsey, 245 OL; Keaton Renfro, RB-LB; Dante Washington, 165 175 WR-DB; Dominick Simmons, WR; Austin Wolf, 145 WR. FRESHMEN: Dontrell Holt, 265 OL-DL; 156 WR-DB; Trayshawn Thomas, All Wright, 135 QB. 212 WR; Malik Williams, 170 WR. JUNIORS: Judustin Araujo, 230 OL* HONORARY TEAM MEMBER

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CENTRAL OZARK CONFERENCE

John Perry takes the reins at Nixa best program in the state of Missouri and to build young men into future leaders in It has been 12 years since our community and elseNixa High School experiwhere. enced new leadership at “My expectations are also head coach, but a new era is to compete every Friday now underway for the Eagles night and be mentally and as Mississippi native John physically tough in the Perry takes the reins in 2020. process. ... We will play this Perry was announced as game for others — family, the new shot caller at Nixa school, community — for in late January. He replaces them to be proud.”

12-year Eagles head coach The Eagles’ new head Richard Rehagen, who ancoach is now tasked with nounced his retirement in taking over a program that mid-December and finished graduated six all-Central as the winningest coach in Ozark Conference players program history with a refrom last season and seeks cord of 80-57. its first winning season since Under Rehagen, Nixa ap2015, all while implementing peared in its first and only a new system (multiple sets state championship game in on offense and defense) and 2014. The Eagles also made dealing with the ongoing semifinal appearances in the COVID-19 pandemic. state playoffs in 2009, 2011, The Eagles went 5-6 and 2014 and 2015. suffered a 35-0 loss to CarPerry brings an abundance thage in the second round of of experience and success the district playoffs to end with him to Nixa after leadthe season in 2019. ing Pearl, Mississippi, High Defensively, the Eagles School to a 107-48 record in return their top three lead12 seasons. The Pearl Pirates ing tacklers from a season also won a state championago. Among them is senior ship with a 16-0 record in linebacker Riley Childs, who 2017 under Perry. was a second-team All-COC “I’m excited and ready selection as a junior. to go at Nixa High School,” Other returners with startPerry said. “I am excited and ing experience on defense anxious to see our kids com- include senior linebacker pete. My expectation is to Stephen Ward, senior linebuild this program into the backer and safety Clayton

BY JARED PORTER jporter@joplinglobe.com

Uber, senior cornerback Ben Mills and junior linebacker Michael Turner.

On offense, Perry said he expects big things from returning starters Matias Moreno (senior offensive lineman), Reid Potts (senior quarterback), Isaac Forbis (senior tight end), Ramone Green (sophomore running back), Childs (running back) and Ward (running back).

Nixa opens its season on Aug. 28 at Branson.

BRANSON PIRATES Branson heads into its fourth season under head coach Anthony Hays and seeks its first winning season since 2010.

The Pirates stumbled to a 2-9 season a year ago — their second straight campaign with just two wins — and saw both of their triumphs come against the same team in Republic. But with a plethora of experience returning, Hays believes 2020 could be the year his program manages to get over the hump.

“We will be an experienced team at most positions, and we are very excited about this upcoming season,” Hays said. “Our kids and coaches have been talking a lot about believing in ourselves and in each other. We are believing

that 2020 will be a special season for the Pirates.”

Offensively, Branson has its leading passers back in quarterbacks Dalton Muenchau and Tristin Pierce.

The team also returns its top receivers in third-team all-COC selection Brady Blackwell and Ethan Jones, while Christian Berumen returns after leading the Pirates in rushing in last year’s district playoffs. Offensive lineman Tyke Wells returns as a third-team allCOC selection.

The Branson defense, which returns seven players with considerable varsity experience, will be anchored by its linebacker core of Cristian Berumen and Colton Cooper, both thirdteam all-COC selections in 2019. Ethan Stout is another returning starter and was a second-team all-district selection in 2018.

OZARK TIGERS With 14 returning starters, there’s reason to believe Ozark is poised to return to being a top-tier team in the COC in 2020.

Fifth-year head coach Chad Depee, whose team comes off a 4-6 season, believes so.

“I look to build upon last year’s improvements,” De-

pee said. “We have a good group of returning guys with plenty of experience. I am excited to see our newcomers get their shots on Friday nights as well. I believe they will complement the upperclassmen well. I’d like to see our team have success early in the season and build confidence in themselves as a team. If they do, I believe these guys could have some fun this year.”

Of those 14 returning starters, 10 come on the offensive end. Senior quarterback Cannon Cox was an all-COC selection a year ago, as well as senior running back Ethan Pritchard and senior running back Thomas Rushing. Senior fullback Tylr Bolin was a second-team all-district selection, while senior offensive linemen Hunter Tennison, Jacob Wofford and Camden Freeman, as well as senior tight end Price Webb, also handled starting duties.

“The strengths for our offense this season will be the familiarity of the system,” Depee said. “Our athletes have been in this system for a long time, and they have a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful.”

SEE COC, 19

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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WEBB CITY CARDINALS

Cardinals primed for another big season

2019 RECORD: 14-1 (8-1 Central Ozark Conference).

COACH: John Roderique.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 30.

YEARS AT WEBB CITY: 24.

RECORD AT WEBB CITY: 287-26.

ASSISTANTS: Darrell Hicks, Corey

Roy, Aaron Davied, Trey Derryberry, Dean Derryberry, Andrew Doennig, Logan Walker, Aaron Snow, Jim Boyle, Joseph Decker, Tanner Hails, Mike Smith.

BASE OFFENSE: Split-back veer.

BASE DEFENSE: 6-2 stack monster.

RETURNING STARTERS Cameron Clark, 135 sr. K; Gary Clinton, 230 sr. TE; Mekhi Garrard, 175 sr. WR; Grant Goltra, 280 sr. OL; Matt McDaniel, 195 sr. DE; Zetthew Meister, 280 sr. OL; Shane Noel, 185 sr. DB; Treghan Parker, 185 sr. DB; Jaystin Smith, 220 sr. LB; Devrin Weathers, 195 sr. RB; Buddy Belcher, 245 jr. OL.

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

During a summer college letter-of-intent signing ceremony at Webb City High School, Cardinals coach John Roderique commented, “I hope we get to play this season because I think we have a chance to be pretty good.”

For a guy who has won 287 football games in 23 seasons, Roderique has seldom made that remark.

“We have a more experienced team than in most seasons,” Roderique explained. “When you have several players coming back, it’s always exciting. That allows some of the other kids time to develop, and you don’t have to throw them in there too soon.”

The Cardinals have 11 returning lettermen, and their 110-man roster is evenly divided among three classes — 38 seniors, 33 juniors and 39 sophomores.

Webb City has a lot of experience on

SEE CARDINALS, 14

OTHER LETTERMEN Hayden Bebee, 210 sr. OL; Roger Carranco, 190 sr. LB-DE; Cole Gayman, 185 sr. QB-LB; Eli Goddard, 200 sr. QB-LB; Christian Kinney, 235 jr. OL; Cohl Vaden, 160 jr. WR-DB; Brentan Wilson, 170 jr. OLB; Cade Wilson, 170 jr. RB.

TOP NEWCOMERS Cade Emery, 180 sr. DE; Braden Hollingsworth, 185 sr. LB; Braxton Melton, 245 sr. OL-DL; Jacob Ott, 180 sr. LB; Cale Stephens, 155 sr.

RB-DB; Cooper Crouch, 210 jr. TE-LB; Eric Fitch, 155 jr. DB; Braeden Jackson, 250 jr.; Gavin Stowell, 180 jr.

QB-OLB; Lucas Ott, 195 so. TE-LB-DE. Webb City’s Gary Clinton carries the ball during a game last season at Cardinal Stadium in Webb City.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

14

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

CARDINALS

returns at free safety and is one of our leaders. Shane Noel also started at cornerback. We are replacing nearly all our linebackers and most FROM 13 of our defensive line. We have a great deal of competition on defense offense with Zetthew Meister, going into the season.”

Buddy Belcher and Grant Goltra Matt McDaniel is the lone returnreturning in the line, Arkansas ee along the defensive line.

State-commit Gary Clinton at tight “We have a lot of players who end, Kansas State-commit Devrin have played in the defensive line,” Weathers at running back and seRoderique said. “Linebacker is the niors Eli Goddard and Cole Gayman bigger question. We’ll have four battling for the quarterback job. new starters. That’s a little bit difGoddard saw some action last ferent for us.” season while Gayman missed the The Cardinals went 14-1 last seaentire season after undergoing elson, suffering a 35-28 home loss to bow surgery.

Joplin in the second week of the sea“We have three returning offenson before marching to its state-resive linemen; cord 15th state championship. that’s always Looking ahead, the Cardinals look postive,” Rodto make what’s already a memoraerique said. ble season even more memorable.

“We have two “This year is certainly going to be quarterbacks in one to remember,” Roderique said.

Eli Goddard and “We have so much uncertainty surCole Gayman rounding the upcoming school year who are very ca- and football season. We are hoping pable at running for the best and preparing just like our offense. We always. I’m looking forward to the have one of the opportunity to work with some great John Roderique best tight ends players and coaches. Our success will Webb City head coach in the area with be directly related to the leadership Gary Clinton and we receive from our senior class.” one of the best running backs with 2020 SCHEDULE Devrin Weathers. Devrin will be in rare company as a three-year start- AUG. 28 — at Joplin er at running back.”

SEPT. 4 — Neosho The Cardinals also have veterans SEPT. 11 — at Republic at receiver, but the top two have SEPT. 18 — Carthage been sidelined in preseason. Mekhi SEPT. 25 — Carl Junction OCT. 2 — at Branson Garrard was injured during summer basketball, and Cohl Vaden had OCT. 9 — Nixa a weight-room injury two weeks OCT. 16 — at Ozark OCT. 23 — Willard ago. Vaden could be ready to play for the season opener at Joplin.

2019 RESULTS Placekicker Cameron Clark also returns for his senior season.

Webb City 34, Carl Junction 0 There’s not as much experience Joplin 35, Webb City 28 on defense.

Webb City 34, Neosho 6 “We have a few kids back in the Webb City 42, Branson 0 secondary who played in 2019,” Webb City 32, Carthage 7 Roderique said. “Treghan Parker Webb City 49, Willard 21

‘This year is certainly going to be one to remember.’

RODERIQUE Insurance Agency

Webb City’s Grant Goltra celebrates a touchdown during the Cardinals state championship game last year in Columbia.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK Webb City 49, Republic 6 Webb City 65, Ozark 0 Webb City 34, Nixa 0

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Webb City 49, McDonald County 14 Webb City 58, Willard 18 Webb City 37, Bolivar 14

STATE PLAYOFFS

Webb City 62, Camdenton 34 Webb City 35, Ladue 0 Webb City 48, Platte County 0

CARDINALS ROSTER SENIORS: Connor Barnard, 195 DL; Hayden

Bebee, 210 OL; Christian Blackwell, 215 OL; T.J. Boyd, 190 TE; Dylan Burlingame, 200 DL; Grant Carder, 155 WR; Roger Carranco, 190 DL; Cameron Clark, 135 K; Gary Clinton, 230 TE; Mikey Collins, 155 sr.; Sidney Crane, 250 OL; Justice Divine, 295 OL; Cade Emery, 180 DL; Mekhi Garrard, 175 WR; Cole Gayman, 185 QB; Eli Goddard, 200 QB-LB; Lando Goff, 145 DB; Grant Goltra, 280 OL; Brayden Hollingsworth, 185 LB;

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE WEBB CITY CARDINALS! HAVE A GREAT SEASON

Alex Johnson, 245 OL; Keaton Johnson, 225 OL; Braden Kirkland, 155 DB; Spencer Lortz, 205 DL; Mason McClintock, 190 LB; Matt McDaniel, 195 DL; Zetthew Meister, 280 OL; Braxton Melton, 245 DL; Asa Morgan, 175 WR; Shane Noel, 185 DB; Jacob Ott, 180 LB; Treghan Parker, 185 DB; Jacob Shonk, 170 WR; Hunter Shoup, 125 WR; Jaystin Smith, 220 LB; Cale Stephens, 155 DB; Cail Tingle, 220 K; Jackson Ward, 185 DL; Devrin Weathers, 195 RB. JUNIORS: Christian Alberts, 155 RB; Alex Ayon, 205 OL; Buddy Belcher, 245 OL; Aidan Brock, 195 DL; Jeramiah Cloyd, 230 DL; Houston Collard, 165 TE-LB; Cooper Crouch, 210 TE; Skyler Denton, 200 TE; Baylor Dickinson, 160 WR; Kane Ely, 200 OL; Eric Fitch, 155 WR-DB; Connor Frick, 215 DL; Jimmy Friel, 190 DL; Brody German, 230 DL; Bryce Goodwin, 190 K; Isaac Halverson, 220 OL; Dante Hill, 200 OL; Robby Hollis, 205 TE-LB; Keegan Holloway, 175 LB; Josh Howard, 165 WR; Braeden Jackson, 250 OL; Dupree Jackson, 155 RB-DB; Christian Kinney, 235 OL; Austin McGuirk, 240 OL; Hunter Mitchell, 230 DL; Gavin Stowell, 180 LB; Braxton Surber, 205 DL; Brett Thompson, 210 DL; Jayce Timmons, 150 RB; Cohl Vaden, 160 WR-DB; Angel Velasquez, 225 OL; Brentan Wilson, 170 DB; Cade Wilson, 170 RB. SOPHOMORES: Aidan Alberty, 135 RB; Justin Allen, 165 LB; Ethan Baird, 135 RB; A.J. Bash, 195 DL; Zach Cantrell, 245 OL; Gage Chapman, 145 QB; Braden Christian, 230 OL; Deavan Cook, 215 DL; Adam Crabtree, 250 OL; Cy Darnell, 140 RB-LB; Kaylor Darnell, 160 DB; McQuade Eilenstein, 170 LB; Avery Forsythe, 225 OL; Joey Friel, 165 DB; Carson Gooch, 195 OL; Colton Gordon, 175 RB-LB; William Hayes, 155 WR-DB; Kenley Hood, 170 WR-LB; Landon Johnson, 160 QB; Malique McCarter, 205 OL; Eli Miller, 170 WR-LB; Joey Morris, 165 LB; Thomas Mouser, 260 OL; Lucas Ott, 195 LB; Josh Robertson, 165 DL; Killian Rodriguez, 165 RB; Trey Roets, 175 TE; Aiden Rose, 160 LB; Austin Smith, 195 OL; Grayson Smith, 165 DB; Braxton Smotherman, 175 TE; Max Stovern, 185 RB-DE; Rylan Stuart, 310 OL; Walker Sweet, 175 DB; Micah Tezinsky, 195 TE; Trent Walrod, 210 DL; Billy Wolfe, 185 WR-LB; Noah Yeakey, 220 OL; Landon Zaldivar, 280 OL.

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2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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CARL JUNCTION BULLDOGS

Bulldogs have good QB problem

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

2019 RECORD: 4-6 (4-5 Central Ozark Conference).

COACH: Doug Buckmaster.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 29.

YEARS AT CARL JUNCTION: 8.

RECORD AT CARL JUNCTION: 62-28.

ASSISTANTS: Tobin Schultz, Brenden

Gubera, Adam Merrell, Steve Patterson, Matt Magee, Joey Dankelson, Brad Hefley, Levi Duley, Justice Westerman.

BASE OFFENSE: Multiple spread.

BASE DEFENSE: 3-4.

RETURNING STARTERS Alex Baker, 205 sr. QB; Reese Bonjour, 245 sr. G; Jesse Cassatt, 200 sr.

T-DE; Jack Colgin, 180 sr. DB; Mylas Der-felt, 160 sr. WR; Ethan Howard, 295 sr. C; Trentyn Lehman, 180 sr.

DB; Drew Patterson, 175 sr. QB; Hunter Row, 200 sr. LB; Brady Sims, 180 sr. RB; Noah Southern, 195 sr.

HB-LB; Cole Stewart, 180 sr. WR-DB.

Carl Junction has a problem at quarterback for the second straight year.

But this time it’s a good problem.

In 2019, starting quarterback Alex Baker suffered a season-ending knee injury on the final play of a summer team camp in Bentonville, Arkansas. Drew Patterson emerged as the starting quarterback early in the season.

Now Baker is fully recovered, giving the Bulldogs two experienced quarterbacks.

“It’s a good problem,” coach Doug Buckmaster said. “Last year, we had a big issue; now we have a good problem. Alex is back, and Drew is much improved from a year ago. He got better as the season went along.

It makes us feel good with two seniors who can play.”

Baker started the last five games of his sophomore season, and Patterson ran for 319 yards and passed for 1,643 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

“Alex is our starter, but Drew has improved tremendously,” Buckmaster said.

“He also plays wide receiver for us along with Kyler Per-

Carl Junction’s Noah Southern gives a stiff arm to Republic’s Evan Smith during last year’s game in Carl Junction.

GLOBE | ROGER NOMER

ry (sophomore quarterback) and competes with kids.

We have good depth at wide receiver. With competition, everyone gets better.”

There is more good news in front of the quarterback as center Ethan Howard is back for his senior year. He missed the entire 2019 season after being injured on the first day of fall camp.

In all, the Bulldogs return

nine starters on offense and six on defense, and they are expected to return to the two-platoon system.

“We have 93, 94 players in grades 9-12 (65 in top three grades), by far the most since I’ve been here,” said Buckmaster, who is beginning his eighth year at Carl Junction. “My first five years, we were able to two-platoon, and there’s no

better way to play the game in my opinion. The last two years we did not have the numbers and the depth to do that, and now we’re back to doing that. That makes a huge difference.”

Seniors Reese Bonjour and Jesse Cassatt return at right guard and right tackle, respectively.

SEE CJ, 18

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Carthage 35, Carl Junction 7 Carl Junction 55, Republic 48 Willard 48, Carl Junction 6 Carl Junction 56, Ozark 20 Nixa 21, Carl Junction 14 Carl Junction 17, Neosho 6 Carl Junction 36, Branson 7 Joplin 48, Carl Junction 17

FROM 16 Junior Kameron Bennett is expected to step in at left tackle, and Darris Hill, Ross Craig, Carson Beckfield, Luke Whitney and David Perriman will compete for time.

The Bulldogs’ veteran receivers include Cole Stewart (team-high 36 catches for 657 yards and six touchdowns) and Mylas Derfelt (six for 59 yards).

Tight end Noah Southern had 32 catches for 366 yards and five touchdowns. An addition is senior Brenden Jewell, who finished fourth in state as a high jumper as a sophomore.

Running back Brady Sims started every game last year, finishing with 524 yards and four touchdowns and catching 10 passes for 139 yards and a score.

The defense returns Cassatt at end, Southern and Hunter Row at linebacker and Jack Colgin, Trentyn Lehman and Stewart in the secondary. Colgin played outside linebacker before being moved to defensive back.

Cassatt is a three-year starter at end and was second team all-conference and third team all-state last year. Southern led the team in tackles and was first team all-district and third team all-conference.

Battling for playing time are Jacob McDonald, Michael Phipps and Brayden Bishop at tackle; Jackson

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Willard 41, Carl Junction 14

BULLDOGS ROSTER SENIORS: Jackson Alford, DE; Alex

Carl Junction’s Cole Stewart tries to fend off Webb City’s Jaystin Smith (22) as he runs to the outside in last year’s game in Carl Junction.

GLOBE FILE

Alford, Dillon DeMasters and Garrett DeMasters at end; Aden Shipman, Carter Kennedy, Gabe Lyon and Cayden Bolinger at linebacker; and Sincere Williams, Dylan Eck, Braxton Dodds, Chance Benford and Arlen Wakefield in the secondary.

“Defensively, we feel real good,” Buckmaster said.

“We seem to be very active on defense as far as running to the ball. Kids know their assignments, and we have good depth. This year especially on defense we have kids competing for starting

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jobs, whether it’s at cornerback, up front, outside linebacker. We have a chance to be a pretty good defense.”

The Bulldogs open their season Aug. 28 at Willard.

“Fans can expect to see hopefully a football team with better team chemistry, leadership and accountability by everyone involved in the program top to bottom,” Buckmaster said. “We have the largest senior class, which I believe will provide better leadership. Players understand effort will get you on the field and excellence will keep you there. We need

to stay healthy and get our best players to Willard in our season opener so we can compete at a high level in the COC and then district play.”

2020 SCHEDULE AUG. 28 — at Willard SEPT. 4 — Carthage SEPT. 11 — at Branson SEPT. 18 — Joplin SEPT. 25 — at Webb City OCT. 2 — at Neosho OCT. 9 — Republic OCT. 16 — at Nixa OCT. 23 — Ozark

2019 RESULTS Webb City 34, Carl Junction 0

Baker, QB; Kendyn Bennett, WR; Drew Beyer, WR; Reese Bonjour, G; Jesse Cassatt, DE; Jack Colgin, SS; Dylan McMasters, DE; Garrett DeMasters, DE; Mylas Derfelt, CB; Dylan Eck, SS-P; Ethan Howard, C; Emma Lacey, K; Brenden Jewell, WR; Trentyn Lehman, CB; Gabe Lyon, LB; Jacob McDonald, DT; Drew Patterson, QB-P; Isaac Pence, LB; Brady Sims, RB; Blake Poorman, OLB; Hunter Row, DE; Noah Southern, LB-P; Cole Stewart, WR; Sincere Williams, CB. JUNIORS: Carson Beckfield, G; Kameron Bennett, T; Brayden Bishop, DT; Hunter Cantrell, WR; Josh Cory, DE; Shane Diskin, FS; Tristan Elsten, T; Parker Epperson, WR; Corbin Foglesong, RB; Darris Hill, T; Carter Kennedy, OLB; Clayton Lynn, RB; Drew Massey, CB; Dalton Mills, WR; David Perriman, C; Kyler Perry, QB-P; Michael Phipps, DT; Javon White, LB; Luke Whitney, G; Jordan Woodruff, WR. SOPHOMORES: Wyatt Ausborn, WR; Ayden Bard, CB; Chance Benford, SS; Cayden Bolinger, DE; Gaige Carson, T; Ross Craig, G; Braxton Dodds, OLB; Jacob Ford, LB; Constance Graham, K; Owen Hensley, DE; Ethan Hughes, T; Blaine Jef-fers, OLB; Kayden Jennings, OLB; Donnie Keith, DT; Josh McDermott, OLB; Malaki Moore, QB; Xavier Perkins, K; Nathan Planchon, OLB; Maddox Studdard, G; Arlen Wakefield, SS.

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

COC FROM 12 The Tigers kick off the season on Aug. 28 at defending Class 5 state champion Carthage.

REPUBLIC TIGERS Republic enters its third year under former Neosho head coach Dustin Baldwin and seeks its first winning season since 2015.

The Tigers went 2-8 — picking up its two wins against COC foes Nixa and Willard — in a 2019 campaign that forced them to start a considerable amount of inexperienced players on the defensive side of the ball.

Four of the losses were in games determined by one touchdown or less.

“It was a difficult year in that we were fairly experienced and successful on offense and (struggled) on defense due to several unexpected offseason departures,” Baldwin said of his squad that averaged 30 points per game while allowing 32 points per game to opponents. “We do bring many of those guys back this season on defense, and we intend to be much improved. If our offense can be as good as it was a year ago, we have a chance for a good season.”

Republic returns starters at 13 positions overall, with seven on defense, four on offense, one place kicker and one punter.

Jared Hughes, Avery Moody, Dalton Parks, Gavyn Beckner and Gunner Ellison will battle for the starting quarterback spot on an offense that, according to Baldwin, will “potentially have the best wide receiver core group” that he’s ever coached.

WILLARD TIGERS Willard has 10 starters returning from last year’s squad that finished 5-6, including all-COC selection Eli Aye, a senior wide receiver, and all-district selection Marshall Swadley, a senior running back and linebacker.

“We lost a bunch of good players off of last year’s team,” 11th-year Willard head coach Brock Roweton said. “Five of them had started for three years. All of the other seniors had started for two years. ... We will have a good combination of experience and youth. We will need some youth to step up early and be able to play at the varsity level.

“We are looking forward to the challenge of competing at a high level within our conference.”

Overall, the Tigers returns starters at six positions on offense and five on defense.

Willard opens the season at home against Carl Junction on Aug. 28.

COC ROSTERS BRANSON PIRATES COACH: Anthony Hays (fourth year).

ASSISTANTS: Steve Hancock, Travis Ca-

gle, Jacob Hamon, Jared Quigley, Jeff Howard, Andy Schanfarber, Cameron Glenn, Kevin Blackwell, Stone Phelps.

2019 RECORD: 2-9 (1-8 COC).

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Cristian Berumen, 200 sr. LB-P; Brady Blackwell, 185 sr. WR; Dominic Darnell, 175 sr. WR; Noah Hertlein, 230 sr. C-G-T; Dominick Kimberlin, sr. WR-CB; Payton McCormick, 170 sr. RB-QB; Dalton Muenchau, 200 sr. QB; Drew O’Dell, sr. C-DE; Ethan Stout, 190 sr. DE; Tyke Wells, 275 sr. OL; Landon Atwood, 181 jr. SS; Remington Collins, 292 jr. DT-T; Colton Cooper, 185 jr. LB; Carter Jenkins, 145 jr. FS-SS; Ethan Jones, 160 jr. WR; Joe-Don Kirkland, 250 jr. T-DT; Kraeton Muenchau, 195 jr. DE-TE; Tristan Pierce, 165 jr. CB-QB.

TOP PROSPECTS Josiah Hutchinson, 170 sr. DB-WR; David Haddaler, 165 jr. RB.

OZARK TIGERS COACH: Chad Depee (fifth year).

ASSISTANTS: Michael Cox, Justin

Emmerton, Matt Fevold, Trent Floyd, Jim Genzler, Kramer Patterson, Justin Peery, Justin Sundlie.

2019 RECORD: 4-6 (4-5 COC).

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Logan Baldwin, 180 sr. LB; Tylr Bolin, 175 sr. FB; Colton Casteel, 175 sr.

DB; Cannon Cox, 170 sr. QB; Camden Freeman, 240 sr. OL; Harper Kisse,e 195 sr. OL; Riley Mills, 180 sr. DB; Ethan Pritchard, 190 sr. RB; Thomas Rushing, 185 sr. RB; Kaiden Shuler, 205 sr. OL; Hunter Tennison, 240 sr. OL; Price Webb, 200 sr. TE-DE; Jacob Wofford, 240 sr.

OL; Luke Helse, 245 jr. OL-DL; Mason Moreland, 245 jr. DL.

TOP PROSPECTS Caleb Casto, 165 sr. WR-DB; Garrett Dotson, 175 sr. WR; Trent Elkins, 230 sr.

DL; Adam Hofer, 165 sr. WR-DB; Preston Webster, 190 sr. Dl-TE; Jake Beets, 155

jr. RB; Drew Blomquist, 200 jr. LB; Brian Bullard, 245 jr. OL; Dylan Bunch, 240 jr.

OL; Cameron Dunn, 195 jr. WR-LB; Jace Easley, 165 jr. DB-QBl; Grant Guse, 235 jr. OL-DL; Rhett Hayward, 170 jr. DB-WR; Cameron Hembree, 210 jr. ATH; Hunter Johnson, 175 jr. RB; Carson Kern, 180 jr.

LB; Micah Lackrone, 225 jr. OL; Tanner Love, 180 jr. ATH; Braegan Patman, 225 jr. DL-OL; Nash Rodebush, 210 jr. TE-DL; Will Scheer, 175 jr. WR; Nick Shoemaker, 160 jr. WR; Xander VanBecelaere, 190 jr. ATH; Claude Virden, 270 jr. OL; Avery Voysey, 180 jr. FS-RB; Wendell Watts, 180 jr. DE-WR.

NIXA EAGLES

19

sr. OL-LB; Jared Hughes, 180 sr. QB-OLB; Cooper Lander, 185 jr. LB; Isaiah Madson, 145 sr. RB-LB; Bryce Messier, 190 sr. DE; Andre Northrup, 140 K-DB-WR; Austin O’Hara, 195 sr. LB; Dalton Parks, 175 sr. FS; Landon Porter, 165 sr. WRCB; Josh Sterling, 165 sr. RB-WR; Gavin Walker, 170 sr. WR; McKinley Woods, 250 sr. OL; Chase Buford, 170 jr. WR-DB; Micah Ericson, 250 jr. DT; Isaac Gyles, 230 jr. OL-DL; Tristan, Hart 235 jr. OL-DL; Marco Don Juan, 150 jr. K; Daniel Kotov, 185 jr. RB-LB; Memphis Maples, 150 jr.

RB-FS; Landon Moody, 170 jr. QB-FS.

TOP PROSPECTS

Chandler Brown, 160 sr. CB; Bryce Clark, 150 sr. RB; Jackson Drennan, 170 sr.

COACH: John Perry (first year).

WR-CB; Tristin Hicks, 160 sr. OLB; Lane ASSISTANTS: Aaron Wells, Phil Wickwar, Salsman, 205 sr. C; Jonah Archer, 190 jr.

LB; Isaac Collyott, 175 jr. OL-LB; Landon Ethan Lund, John Stock, Kyle Nelson, Finley, 170 jr. WR-CB; Asher Hastings, Brad Sundstrom, Rob Richardson, 140 jr. CB; Eli Haithcock, 280 jr. OL-DL; Kevin Shipley, Jason Daugherty, Ben Aiden Henson, 170 jr. WR-S; Haiden Melton.

2019 RECORD: 5-6 (4-5 COC).

Jones, 170 jr. WR-CB; Derek Kabetske, 220 jr. OL-DL; Dakota Lillard, 140 jr. RBRETURNING STARTERS/ S; Cody Norman, 160 jr. RB-LB; Andrew LETTERMEN Penney, 215 jr. OL-DL; Landon Walker, Dylan Ayers, 160 jr. WR-CB; Riley Childs, 235 jr. OL-DL; Jarrett Whitworth, 155 jr.

185 sr. LB; Isaac Forbis, 205 sr. TE-DL; RB-LB; Gavyn Beckner, 165 so. QB-LB; Josh Jones, 245 sr. OL-DL; Ben Mills, 155 Cooper Douglas, 165 so. WR-S; Gunner sr. CB-WR; Matias Moreno, 205 sr. OL-DL; Ellison, 150 so. QB-CB; Aiden Gregory, Dylan Nelson, 180 sr. OL-LB; Reid Potts, 180 so. TE-LB; Dean Marcum, 230 so.

160 sr. QB; Michael Sportsman, 175 jr.

OL-DL; Ezekiel Meads, 180 so. RB-S; WR-CB; Cameron Toomey, 150 sr. WR-FS; Connor Sandridge, 170 so. RB-LB. Clayton Uber, 160 sr. LB-S-QB; Stephen Ward II, 180 sr. RB-LB; Samuel Brower, WILLARD TIGERS 300 jr. OL-DL; John Gholson, 210 jr. OL-DL; COACH: Brock Roweton (11th year).

Casen Hammit, 153 jr. QB-FS; Ryan Retone, 150 jr. QB-CB; Thomas Schulte, 240 ASSISTANTS: Shad Edwards, Justin Wisdom, Chuck Curts, Jeff Arnold, Brett jr. OL-DL; Michael Turner, 200 jr. RB-LB; Lovecamp, Jordan Turner, Joel Baker.

Ramone Green, 160 so. RB-LB. 2019 RECORD: 5-6 (4-5 COC).

TOP PROSPECTS

Jackson Bray, 165 sr. WR; Smith Wheeler, 165 sr. WR; Jayden Avens, 185 jr.

LB; Austin McCracken, 165 so. WR-QB.

REPUBLIC TIGERS COACH: Dustin Baldwin (third year).

ASSISTANTS: Zac Nelson, Ben Wolfin-

barger, Elliot Smith, Ryan Westmoreland, Michael Mairfield, Brad Swope, Todd Smith, Justin Prewitt.

2019 RECORD: 2-8 (2-7 COC).

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Tyler Burks, 210 sr. OL-DL; Tommy D’Andrea, 200 jr. QB-FS; Ryzen Gonzalez, 185

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Eli Aye, 170 sr. WR; Gavin Burk, 175 DB-LS; Rylan Dixon, 190 sr. DE; Elliot Friend, 225 sr. OL; Evan Hancock, 170 sr.

DB; Sergio Hernandez, 250 sr. DE; Cole Keeton, 235 sr. OL; Kanin Keller, 190 sr.

FB; Jonas Keohane, 190 sr. ILB; Dylan Leach, 165 sr. OLB; Marshall Swadley, 220 sr. RB-LB; Isaac Shaw, 225 jr. TE; Blaine Willard, 170 jr. S.

TOP PROSPECTS Blake Hultgren, 185 sr. OLB-WR; Jordan Nuttal, 260 jr. OL; Owen Bushnell, 195 so. FS-QB-RB; Kuron Johnson, 260 so.

OL; Breckan Murray, 280 so. OL.

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

20

CARTHAGE TIGERS

Carthage aims to defend first state title 2019 RECORD: 12-2 (7-2).

HEAD COACH: Jon Guidie.

YEARS IN COACHING: 28.

YEARS AT CARTHAGE: 16.

RECORD AT CARTHAGE: 133-44.

ASSISTANTS: Cody Hilburn,

Chris Edwards, Ricky Nichols, Austin Grotts, Gus Carter, David Carter, Quincy Jones, Chase Carlton, Scott Matthews.

BASE OFFENSE: Multiple.

BASE DEFENSE: 4-3.

RETURNING STARTERS Patrick Carlton, 215 sr.

QB; Ian Ketchum, 245 sr.

OL; Aiden Logan, 295 sr.

OL; Lucas Nuenswander, 215 sr. DE; Justin Sneed, 170 sr. DB-WR; Silas Templeman, 175 sr.

DB-WR; D.J. Witt, 145 sr.

DB; Caden Kabance, 165 jr. DB; Garrett Lilienkamp, 255 jr. OL; Luke Gall, 170 so. LB.

OTHER KEY RETURNERS Cooper Vanwey, 295 sr.

OL-DT; Riley Barker, 175 jr. WR-DB; Sylas Browning, 165 jr. H-LB; Zach Lansford, 170 jr. RB-LB; Gavin VanGilder, 240 jr.

OL; Max Williams, 190 jr.

DE; Micah Lindsey, 210 so.

OL-DL; Hudson Moore, 165 so. WR.

but it’s not the same football team. That’s what makes high school so special, that from he Class 5 Carthage Tiyear to year it depends on the gers claimed their first group of players you have, football state champion- their chemistry, their leadership in program history ship and what direction those a season ago, and the objective kids choose to go.”

Offensively, the Tigers will now is to defend it in 2020.

Carthage returns 10 starters lean on the experience of thirdyear starting quarterback and eight other players who saw considerable playing time Patrick Carlton, who accounted for 2,900 total yards and 38 from last year’s team that touchdowns and was named went 12-2. Following losses to Joplin and Webb City early in the Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. the season, Carthage rattled “It’s great to have that exoff nine straight wins to close the season with a sixth consec- perience and that leadership back, and I think he’s done a utive district title and its first state championship. It marked great job in the offseason of getting himself prepared to Carthage’s fourth time in the past six years to make the state play,” Guidie said of Carlton.

“He did a lot of things on his semifinals or beyond. own and worked with some The expectations heading quarterback coaches.” into 2020?

Carthage will have to reAccording to Jon Guidie, place its standout running head coach at Carthage for back from last season in Tyler 16 years, they remain just as high as they’ve been in recent Mueller, who graduated last spring. Sophomore Luke Gall, years.

“I think the expectations are who started half of last season at linebacker and also played the same,” he said. “I think some in the offensive backthis community expects a lot from us. The kids and the par- field, and junior Zach Lansford will vie for the starting role. ents expect a lot from us.

“High school football is Three starters return for so unique because you get Carthage on the offensive that special class that comes front in senior Aiden Logan, a through a year ago and everyfirst-team all-state selection in thing that went along with 2019; senior Ian Ketchum; and that. This year, there are a few junior Garrett Lilienkamp. faces that were here a year ago, “(Logan) is kind of the an-

T

BY JARED PORTER jporter@joplinglobe.com

chor, but Garrett Lilienkamp started for us last year and played at about 230 (pounds),” Guidie said. “He’s every bit of 255, pushing 260 right now. Ian Ketchum started at least half of the games for us last year, and he’s taking over for (current Missouri Western freshman Oscar Campa), which isn’t a small task. But he’s been really impressive as of late.”

Senior returning starters Justin Sneed and Silas Templeman headline the Tigers’ receiving core and account for two of the Tigers’ four returning starters in the defensive backfield. Also playing at defensive back, senior D.J. Witt was a first-team all-state selection a year ago after recording 216 tackles and two interceptions. Fellow defensive back Caden Kabance, now a junior, logged 64 tackles and 13 pass breakups.

“Defensively, what stands out is our secondary because we have four starters back from a year ago,” Guidie said.

“It’s very nice to have those guys back and see how much they’ve grown because of that experience they gained a year ago.”

Other returning starters on defense include senior defensive end Lucas Nuenswander, who had 52 tackles and five sacks as a junior, and Gall, who tallied 57 tackles in five

starts at linebacker last season as a freshman.

“Overall, we have a healthy combination of returning starters and players with good experience,” Guidie said. “We also have some new faces that we’ll be leaning on more in some areas, but like I said, that’s one thing you can expect every year at the high school level. We’re excited to see what this group can do.”

2020 SCHEDULE AUG. 28 — Ozark SEPT. 4 — at Carl Junction SEPT. 11 — Neosho SEPT. 18 — at Webb City SEPT. 25 — Branson OCT. 2 — Willard OCT. 9 — Joplin OCT. 16 — at Republic OCT. 23 — Nixa

2019 RESULTS Carthage 35, Nixa 0 Carthage 35, Carl Junction 7 Joplin 56, Carthage 55 Carthage 55, Neosho 0 Webb City 32, Carthage 7 Carthage 16, Branson 7 Carthage 35, Willard 14 Carthage 54, Republic 34 Carthage 42, Ozark 27

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Carthage 48, Branson 10 Carthage 35, Nixa 0

STATE PLAYOFFS

Carthage 64, Glendale 34 Carthage 20, Ft. Zumwalt North 17 Carthage 27, Jackson 21 (OT)

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NEOSHO WILDCATS

Neosho brings back 25 lettermen, debuts new turf 2019 RECORD: 2-8.

HEAD COACH: Leon Miller.

YEARS IN COACHING: 34.

YEARS AT NEOSHO: 4.

RECORD AT NEOSHO: 12-21.

ASSISTANTS: Erik Yoakam,

Larry Perkins, Josh Yarnell, Randy Mustain, Denzil Davis, Tom Ellis, Nick Gariss.

BASE OFFENSE: Pro Multiple Back Sets.

BASE DEFENSE: 3-4.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Kaden Decker, 235 sr. OL-DL; Jacob Fry, 175 sr. TE-LB; Brandt Gonzales, 175 sr.

RB-LB; Landon Kivett, 145 sr.

QB-DB; Connor Millikin, 215 sr. OL-DL; Hunter Morales, 130 sr. WR-DB; Drayke Perry, 210 sr. RB-LB; Racey Shandley, 165 sr. QB-OLB; Sam Sullivan, 200 sr. TE-OLB; Corbin Thomason, 160 sr. TEOLB; Davincyl Alexander, 135 jr. RB-DB; Grant Campbell 245 jr. OL-DL; MArcus Duncan 175 jr. TE-DE; Seth Green 180 jr. OL-DE; Nick Harris 210 jr. OL-DL; Evan Haskins 140 jr. QB-DB; Logan Holmes 130 jr. RB-DB; Pete Houk, 175 jr.

OL-DE; Tristen Landers, 210 jr. RB-LB; Talon Mitchell, 150 jr. RB-OLB; Kaleb Osborn, 210 jr. OL-DL; Noah Reed, 160 jr. RB-OLB; Eric Renner, 225 jr. OL-DL; Drsj Roby, 210 jr.

OL-DL; Monrow Suldan, 215 jr. OL-DL.

ted and consistent in their effort and desire to get better and make the team better.”

The 2020 season will also be Miller’s first season without a quarterback with the last name of Kelley.

Gavin Kelley handled the starting QB role in Miller’s first season at Neosho in 2017 before Gavin’s brother, Gage Kelley, became the starting signal caller for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Seniors Racey Shandley and Landon Kivett are expected to compete for the starting role in the weeks leading up to the 2020 season opener.

BY JARED PORTER jporter@joplinglobe.com

There’s a new addition to the Neosho football program that’s turning heads, and it comes in the form of a $900,000 field.

That means Neosho is no longer the only team in the Central Ozark Conference that lacks an artificial turf field. The project, paid for in full by donors, was completed in late July and available for use at the end of the first week of preseason practices.

The new look at Bob Anderson Stadium will debut in the Wildcats’ season opener against Republic on Aug. 28 — a matchup that will pit fourthyear Neosho coach Leon Miller against his predecessor and current Republic coach Dustin Baldwin.

“New turf on Bob Anderson Stadium will make an already awesome setting even more attractive,” Miller said. “The commitment of our community and district for all programs is a much-needed shot in the arm. Our maintenance staff has also done a lot of painting and cleaning that has made a world of improvement. This, along with future projects, will make Bob Anderson a first-rate facility that our community can be proud of for years.

“Our kids deserve quality

2020 SCHEDULE Neosho’s Drayke Perry (left) is tackled by Carl Junction’s AUG. 28 — Republic Brady Sims after Perry intercepted a tipped ball during a game last season at Carl Junction High School. GLOBE | LAURIE SISK SEPT. 4 — at Webb City SEPT. 11 — at Carthage facilities to train and prepare and defensive lineman Kaden SEPT. 18 — Branson SEPT. 25 — at Nixa in, and this lets them know Decker.

OCT. 2 — Carl Junction the hard work is appreciated.

Miller said Decker and OCT. 9 — Ozark This also allows us to have fellow returning letterman OCT. 16 — at Willard a consistently great playing Jacob Fry, a senior tight end surface year-round for multi- and linebacker, have assumed OCT. 23 — Joplin ple uses.” leadership roles since the 2019 RESULTS An experienced Neosho start of the offseason.

Ozark 21, Neosho 7 squad returns 25 lettermen “We will need all of our Neosho 21, Branson 14 from last year’s team that seniors and upperclassmen Webb City 34, Neosho 6 finished 2-8 and suffered a to provide a championship Carthage 55, Neosho 0 27-6 loss to West Plains in the attitude and work effort to Nixa 20, Neosho 6 first round of district playoffs. be successful,” Miller said.

Joplin 56, Neosho 21 Players returning include “Kaden Decker and Jacob Carl Junction 17, Neosho 6 a trio of two-way starters in Fry have provided excellent Willard 28, Neosho 7 senior running back and line- senior leadership for us this Neosho 34, Republic 28 backer Drayke Perry, senior offseason. We have a large tight end and linebacker Sam nucleus of kids from all grade DISTRICT PLAYOFFS West Plains 27, Neosho 6 Sullivan, and senior offensive levels who are very commit-

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AURORA HOUN’ DAWGS

Numbers increase for Houn’ Dawgs

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

2019 RECORD: 1-9 (0-6 Big 8 East Division).

COACH: Craig Weldy.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 20.

YEARS AT AURORA: 4.

RECORD AT AURORA: 8-22.

ASSISTANTS: Gabe Fris, Kyle Doss.

BASE OFFENSE: Flexbone/Wing T hybrid.

BASE DEFENSE: 4-3.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Dalton Cline, 205 sr. OL-DL-LB; Dwight Jung, 155 sr. OL-DL; Noah Lamb, 175 sr. OL-LB; Brody Sims, 185 sr. RB-LB-DB; Kyle Anderson, 185 jr. WR-OL-DB-DL; Felix Barrientos, 190 jr. OL-DL; Ryan Clark, 175 jr. TE-OL-LB-DE; Brendan Hall, 175 jr.

WR-RB-DB; Ian Jackson, 195 jr. FBLB; Jacob Jordan, 185 jr. TE-LB-DL; Mason Patterson, 165 jr. QB-WR-DB; Kohl Rohlman, 175 jr. RB-FS; Cameron Savage, 175 jr. RB-LB-DE; Caleb Wittenborn, 170 jr. WR-DB; Jackson Cline, 180 so. OL-DL; Duante Floyd, 175 so. WR-RB-DB; Ethan Husmann, 210 so. OL-DL.

TOP PROSPECTS Antonio Martinez, 180 sr. WR-DB; Arron Fisher, 185 jr. QB-DB.

There’s good news at Aurora as the Houn’ Dawgs begin the football season with a larger roster.

“We will be a more experienced team than last year even though we’re still young,” coach Craig Weldy said. “We hope that our numbers hold and we have around 40 players this year and get to have a junior varsity schedule.

“By game five (last season), we were down to 21 players, and eight of them were freshmen. Practices were a challenge. It was difficult to have drills or a scrimmage that came close to varsity game speed and physicality. The other challenge we faced was the necessity to move players to different positions as we lost a player to injury, whether it be for a few plays or a game.”

Weldy lists 17 veterans who started at least half of the games last season. Two of them — juniors Ryan Clark and Kyle Anderson — are listed at four positions, and seniors Dalton Cline and Brody Sims and juniors Brendan Hall and Cameron Savage are listed at three spots.

Senior Sims made the all-conference team on offense and defense after accumulating 325 rushing yards, 317 receiving yards and 48 tackles. Junior Kohl Rohlman also was a two-way all-leaguer with 380 rushing yards, 309 receiving yards

Aurora running back Kohl Rohlman (left) looks to get past a defender during practice on Aug. 19 at Aurora High School.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

and 61 tackles. And he was a return specialist on the coaches’ all-district team.

Juniors Mason Patterson and Arron Fisher are quarterback candidates after the graduation of Jay Lee. Connor Shaw, Clayton Cordova and Sean Jackson were the only other seniors on last year’s squad.

“Those seniors never quit battling and came every day with a positive attitude and a willingness to help our younger players develop,” Weldy said. “Having only four seniors and five juniors, we knew we were going to have to rely on our sophomores and freshmen to grow up fast, and some would have to learn a position they had not played be-

fore. We have a great group of seniors who have taken on the leadership role. Brody Sims, Dalton Cline, Noah Lamb and Dwight Jung stepped up their efforts this spring. Our junior class has also been stepping up in the weight room and recruiting new players.

“But honestly, every one of our young men have been willing to step up at different times during practice and games to provide leadership. Although the bulk of our team will be made up of juniors and sophomores, they all come back with a lot of varsity experience. They know and understand what it takes to prepare and compete at the varsity level in the Big 8 Conference.”

2020 SCHEDULE AUG. 28 — McDonald County SEPT. 4 — at Monett SEPT. 11 — at Rogersville SEPT. 18 — Mount Vernon SEPT. 25 — at Springfield Catholic OCT. 2 — Hollister OCT. 9 — at Marshfield OCT. 16 — Reeds Spring OCT. 23 — Nevada

2019 RESULTS Cassville 42, Aurora 0 Aurora 18, East Newton 13 Lamar 48, Aurora 21 Rogersville 21, Aurora 18 Mount Vernon 46, Aurora 0 Springfield Catholic 34, Aurora 14 Hollister 20, Aurora 6 Marshfield 40, Aurora 22 Reeds Spring 49, Aurora 15

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Cassville 48, Aurora 6

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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CASSVILLE WILDCATS

Wildcats coming off big season

2019 RECORD: 12-3 (4-2 Big 8 West Division).

COACH: Lance Parnell.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 25.

YEARS AT CASSVILLE: 8.

RECORD AT CASSVILLE: 56-27.

ASSISTANTS: Clay Weldy, Robbie

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

Although falling one victory short of a state championship, Cassville made a memorable Class 3 postseason run in 2019.

“Last year’s group kept getting better and better and played its best football during the postseason,” coach Lance Parnell said.

“Winning a tough district, going on the road in the quarterfinals versus Blair Oaks (the 2018 Class 2 state champion) and finding a way to win, and beating the (Class 3) defending state champion Trinity Catholic in the semifinals was a great experience.”

The Wildcats have four returning all-state players — linebacker Zach Coenen, kicker Drake Reese, offensive lineman Jaiden Reibert and defensive back Jericho Farris. Coenen, 210-pound senior, made 105 tackles last season and was named the Missouri Class 3 Defensive Player of the Year by the Missouri Football Coaches Association. He also rushed for 953 yards on 149 carries.

Reese accounted for 73 points as a kicker, convert-

Cassville’s Jaiden Reibert (55) looks to block during the Wildcats’ state championship game last year in Columbia.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

ing 49 of 51 extra points and 8 of 11 field goals, the longest a 49-yarder. And 52 of his kickoffs reached the end zone for a touchback. Reibert’s allstate honor came on offense, and he also made 54 tackles and six quarterback sacks as a defensive end.

Farris collected 73 tackles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions in the secondary, and he rushed for 396 yards and six touchdowns.

Tight end Killian Barbee and offensive lineman Hunter Chasteen, both seniors, and defensive tackle Garrett Kritz, a junior, also earned postseason laurels.

“A year ago, we were young and inexperienced up front on both sides of the ball, and we returned our skill position players,” Parnell said. “That will be reversed this season. We are replacing the bulk of our skill position players on offense (quarterback, tailback, wide receiv-

er). We must replace two of our three linebackers on defense.”

Another benefit from last year’s deep postseason run was the extra practice.

“The added practice time for the development of our younger players will be huge,” Parnell said. “We return a good core of starters on both sides of the football that should help with the transition of new faces filling holes left by graduation.

We return four of our six offensive linemen and three of our four defensive backs.

We have a strong group of seniors returning who all played a lot of snaps in 2019.

We will look to our entire senior class for strong leadership. They had the opportunity to learn from a good group of seniors from 2019, and they got a lot of experience on Friday nights that will help them step into the leadership role in 2020.”

2020 SCHEDULE AUG. 28 — at Mount Vernon SEPT. 4 — Marshfield SEPT. 11 — at Nevada SEPT. 18 — at Rogersville SEPT. 25 — Lamar OCT. 2 — at Monett OCT. 9 — Seneca OCT. 16 — at East Newton OCT. 23 — McDonald County

2019 RESULTS Cassville 42, Aurora 0 Cassville 49, Springfield Catholic 21 Cassville 21, Monett 14 Seneca 28, Cassville 21 Cassville 21, East Newton 7 Cassville 48, McDonald County 6 Cassville 42, Nevada 14 Cassville 42, Reeds Spring 7 Lamar 14, Cassville 10

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Cassville 48, Aurora 6 Cassville 19, Monett 6 Cassville 30, Seneca 20

STATE PLAYOFFS

Cassville 35, Blair Oaks 28 Cassville 13, Trinity Catholic 0 Odessa 49, Cassville 28

Artherton, Josh Schmitt, Mark Elliott, Ben Glidewell, Derrion Donson.

BASE OFFENSE: Option.

BASE DEFENSE: 4-3.

RETURNING STARTERS Killian Barbee, 210 sr. TE; Zach Carney, 225 sr. OL; Hunter Chasteen, 220 sr. OL; Zach Coenen, 210 sr.

RB-LB; Brett Cooper, 165 sr. WR-DB; Patrick Dunker, 270 sr. DT; Jerome Ewing, 155 sr. DB; Jericho Farris, 185 sr. DB; Spencer Moeller, 170 sr.

WR; Drake Reese, 190 sr. WR-DB-K; Jaiden Reibert, 255 sr. OL-DE; Wesley Stockton, 290 sr. OL; Garrett Kritz, 285 sr. DT.

OTHER LETTERMEN Jon Miller, 185 sr. DL; Josten Miller, 215 sr. OL-DE; Brady Schwer, 200 sr.

OL-DL; Brody Barbee, 170 jr. OL-DE; Wyatt Cochran, 160 sr. OL-DL; Ethan Fuchs, 155 jr. RB-LB; Cutter Hicks, 150 jr. DB; Michael Morgan, 185 jr.

OL-DE; Farrell Okel, 195 jr. TE-LB.

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

26

EAST NEWTON PATRIOTS

Patriots look to take next step 2019 RECORD: 2-9 (1-5 Big 8

West Division).

HEAD COACH: Kyle Wood.

YEARS COACHING: 15.

YEARS AT EAST NEWTON: 2.

RECORD AT EAST NEWTON: 2-9.

ASSISTANTS: Deon Duncan, Bobby Bishop, Jeremy Cooksey, Jordan Savage.

BASE OFFENSE: Shotgun single wing.

BASE DEFENSE: 6-2 stack.

RETURNING STARTERS Noah Brashers, 165 sr. LB; Quintyn Lewis, 170 sr. WRDB; Justice Bowman, 180 jr.

WR-DB; Collin Farley, 220 jr.

OL-DL; Mason Hailey, 230 so.

OL-DL.

OTHER LETTERMEN Kaden Evey, 155 sr. RB-LB; Grady Nimmo, 180 sr. TE-DE; Kaden Burbridge, 185 jr.

OL-LB; Barrett Burkey, 165 jr.

RB-LB; Nathan Evey, 185 jr.

RB-LB; Matthew Knight, 170 jr. WR-DB; Shane Rawlins, 160 jr. QB-DB; Andrew Rupert, 185 jr. TE-LB; Charlie Yang, 150 jr. RB-DB; Ty Bowman, 185 so. QB-LB; Riley Downum, 150 so. RB-DB; Dominic Shaw, 290 so. OL-DL.

TOP PROSPECTS Ethan Brummett, 185 sr.

RB-LB; Kyson Lahman, 210 sr.

RB-LB; Tanner Youngblood, 180 sr. QB-DB.

every day last year, so they were there to see what it takes to get better and compete in the Big 8. I expect leadership from all of them.”

Wood emphasized that last year was just the first step.

“The biggest challenge is to continue to take steps forward from our growth last year,” he said.

“We need to continue to grow in all facets of the game so we can really build a program that everyone can be proud of and want to be a part of.”

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

While the 2-9 season record was not as good as desired, East Newton football in 2019: • HAD ITS biggest roster in many years.

• ENDED A 25-game losing streak.

• WON A conference game for the first time in three years.

• WON A playoff game for the first time in 13 years with a 21-20 victory at Houston.

“But if I had to pick the best part of the 2019 season, it was the strides that we made week to week to get better,” coach Kyle Wood said. “Our kids learned how to play together. They were committed to each other and to the program. We feel that it was a year that set a foundation for what we want from our program.”

Moving ahead to 2020, the season is off to a good start because the coaching staff returns.

“This will be the first time any of our boys have not had to learn a whole new offense and defense during their high school careers,” Wood said. “Our kids worked really hard to build their football knowledge last year. We will continue to build that knowledge, but we are starting from a base they already

2020 SCHEDULE

East Newton’s Ruben Jones (left) and Grady Nimmo run through blocking drills during practice on Aug. 17 at East Newton High School in Granby.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

have. I feel like things will come along quicker, and it will be more natural for the kids.”

The Patriots return five starters — junior lineman Collin Farley, senior linebacker Noah Brashers, junior wide receiver-defensive back Justice Bowman, senior wide receiver-defensive back Quintyn Lewis and sophomore lineman Mason Hailey.

Running back-linebacker Kaden Evey and tight end-de-

fensive end Grady Nimmo are two more senior lettermen.

Quarterbacks on the roster are junior Shane Rawlins, sophomore Ty Bowman and senior Tanner Youngblood, who did not play last year.

“We lost a lot of leadership from our senior class,” Wood said. “We will look to the boys who played for us last year on Friday nights for this year’s leadership. All of our boys were at practice

AUG. 28 — at Reeds Spring SEPT. 4 — Mount Vernon SEPT. 11 — Monett SEPT. 18 — at Seneca SEPT. 25 — at Marshfield OCT. 2 — McDonald County OCT. 9 — at Nevada OCT. 16 — Cassville OCT. 23 — at Lamar

2019 RESULTS Hollister 23, East Newton 16 Aurora 18, East Newton 13 McDonald County 25, East Newton 22 East Newton 35, Nevada 8 Cassville 21, East Newton 7 Lamar 49, East Newton 14 Monett 47, East Newton 0 Seneca 41, East Newton 26 Springfield Catholic 28, East Newton 21

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

East Newton 21, Houston 20 Ava 34, East Newton 6

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McDONALD COUNTY MUSTANGS

Mustangs return veteran skill players McDonald County’s Bailey Lewis runs the ball during practice on Aug. 20 at McDonald County High School in Anderson.

BY JIM HENRY | jhenry@joplinglobe.com

McDonald County hopes the experience gained during last year’s 2-8 season pays dividends in the victory column this season.

“While our record may not have been what we wanted, I do feel like the 2019 season was a step forward for our program,” head coach Kellen Hoover said. “We played a lot of underclassmen last season, and I think we saw a tremendous amount of growth occur. Our seniors did a great job showing them what it means to compete all the time.

I expect us to build on the things we learned in 2019 to propel us into 2020.”

The Mustangs have more experience at the skill positions in their spread offense than they’ve had in recent seasons.

Junior quarterback Cole Martin completed 104 of 192 passes for 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. Senior Trent Alik caught 31 passes for 386 yards and four TDs, and junior Levi Malone had three scores among eight receptions for 187 yards. Senior running back Bailey Lewis had 14 carries for 91 yards in his lone start.

“We have had to replace nearly all our skill players the past two seasons,” Hoover said. “So I am excited to see how we build off the things we learned last year. We hope to be able to execute at a higher level earlier in the season when we combine our returning skill with four returning offensive linemen.”

That veteran line returns Kaidan Campbell (270 pounds), Junior Eliam (230), Garrett Gricks (255) and Logan Harriman (215). All are juniors except Campbell, a senior.

“Kaidan Campbell has been a twoyear starter up front for us and will anchor an offensive line that should have some continuity,” Hoover said. “He is ready to take on more of a leadership role in addition to playing more on both sides of the ball.”

GLOBE | ROGER NOMER

Junior linebacker Levi Helm made 63 tackles and recovered two fumbles last season.

Gricks collected 51 tackles, two quarterback sacks and six tackles for loss as a lineman, and Malone had 48 tackles and two interceptions in the secondary.

Jackson Clarkson, a senior, also returns at linebacker, and Alik also starts in the secondary.

“Trent Alik has been a two-year starter at defensive back and consistently brings energy and competitiveness every day,” Hoover said. “As a senior, we expect him to really take charge back there and also have a great year at wide receiver.”

Looking ahead to the season, “We hope to be a physically and mentally tough team that does the little things right and doesn’t beat ourselves,” Hoover said. “We hope to run the ball effectively and play fast and tackle well on defense.

“We have to improve our execution on a consistent basis. We had too many mistakes that ended drives and stifled

momentum. We did get better as the year went along, but with more experience coming back, we will see better execution earlier and more often.”

2020 SCHEDULE AUG. 28 — Aurora SEPT. 4 — at Springfield Catholic SEPT. 11 — Lamar SEPT. 18 — at Monett SEPT. 25 — Seneca OCT. 2 — at East Newton OCT. 9 — at Reeds Spring OCT. 16 — Nevada OCT. 23 — at Cassville

2019 RESULTS Marshfield 31, McDonald County 14 Rogersville 53, McDonald County 20 McDonald County 23, East Newton 20 Hollister 20, McDonald County 6 McDonald County 35, Nevada 0 Cassville 48, McDonald County 6 Lamar 49, McDonald County 28 Monett 47, McDonald County 0 Seneca 34, McDonald County 27

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Webb City 49, McDonald County 14

2019 RECORD: 2-8 (2-4 Big 8 West Division).

COACH: Kellen Hoover.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 9.

YEARS AT MCDONALD COUNTY: 4.

RECORD AT MCDONALD COUNTY:

10-20.

ASSISTANTS: Sean McCullough, Jedd Anderson, Chris Kane, Blake Martin, Josh Seybert, Daniel Sumler, Kolby Keller.

BASE OFFENSE: Spread.

BASE DEFENSE: 4-2-5.

RETURNING STARTERS Trent Alik, 170 sr. WR-DB; Kaidan Campbell, 270 sr. OL-DL; Jackson Clarkson, 190 sr. LB; Junior Eliam, 230 jr. OL-LB; Garrett Gricks, 255 jr. OL-DL; Logan Harriman, 215 jr. OL; Levi Helm, 185 jr. LB; Levi Malone, 170 jr. DB; Cole Martin, 190 jr. QB.

OTHER LETTERMEN Kyle Hook, 165 sr. WR-DB; Bailey Lewis, 190 sr. RB-LB; Bradley Saylor, 230 sr. OL-DL; Danny Grider, 205 jr. OL-DL; Jared Mora, 180 jr. WR-LB; Levi Neale, 290 jr. OL-DL; Colton Ruddick, 165 jr. WR-DB; Cross Dowd, 165 so. WR-DB; Weston Gordon, 180 so. TE-LB; Jack Parnell, 160 so. WR-DB.

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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LAMAR TIGERS

Beshore returns to coach alma mater 2019 RECORD: 10-3 (4-2 Big 8 West Division).

COACH: Jared Beshore.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 2.

YEARS AT LAMAR: 1.

RECORD AT LAMAR: 0-0.

ASSISTANTS: Thad Lundine, Chris

Wilkerson, Richard Grishow, Scott Quinly, Jeff Beshore, Rick Piper, Ryan Walker, Eddie Long.

BASE OFFENSE: Double wing.

BASE DEFENSE: 4-3.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Cade Griffith, 160 sr. RB; Cody O’Sullivan, 170 sr. athlete; Blaine Shaw, 260 sr. DL; Case Tucker, 195 sr. QB-athlete; Ben Wilhelm, 220 sr.

OL; Rylan Wooldridge, 320 sr. DL; Robert Lawrence, 200 jr. LB; Trace Willhite, 200 jr. DB; Logan Crockett, 195 so. DB; Austin Wilkerson, 185 so. RB-DB.

TOP PROSPECTS Mason Bartholomew, 235 sr. OL-DL; Noah Osborne, 175 sr. WR-DB; Phoenix Pagacz, 195 sr. RB-LB; Ozzy Straw, 195 sr. TE-DL; Baylee Wright, 225 sr. OL-DL; Cadence Zupan, 190 sr. OL-DE.

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

Jared Beshore doesn’t know exactly when he started thinking about being head football coach at Lamar.

“It was something that was always on my mind,” Beshore said. “My family is back here. It was kind of lingering there, but did I ever think it was a for-sure possibility? I didn’t. I was going to roll with the punches and see where life took me, but it led me back here.”

Beshore helped lay the foundation for the Tigers’ consistent run of success.

He was a player on the first three of Lamar’s state-record seven consecutive state championships.

Of course, the question that Beshore has heard the most is: Are you going to continue the two-quarterback system that was so successful under coach Scott Bailey?

“I’m not going to disclose too much of my offensive philosophy yet,” Beshore answered. “I will say that I will be using some of Coach Bailey’s philosophies moving forward, but I have to have my own spin on things too. You guys will get to see in Week 1 against Springfield Catholic what we’re

Pagacz, Cadence Zupan, Baylee Wright and Mason Bartholomew — whose time for action has arrived.

“They have been in our program from the beginning,” Beshore said. “They have learned to ‘work while they wait,’ which is a lost trait among many young people who want immediate playing time or they quit.

I look for them to help our team in multiple ways this season.”

2020 SCHEDULE Lamar’s Case Tucker (16) tries to get past Ava’s Spencer AUG. 28 — at Springfield Catholic SEPT. 4 — Reeds Spring Skyles (44) during their playoff game last season at Lamar.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK SEPT. 11 — at McDonald County SEPT. 18 — Nevada doing offensively.”

The defense is loaded with SEPT. 25 — at Cassville The Tigers have experiexperience and talent. Line- OCT. 2 — at Mount Vernon enced players at the skill men Rylan Wooldridge, line- OCT. 9 — Monett OCT. 16 — at Seneca positions, including all-state backers Robert Lawrence OCT. 23 — East Newton quarterback-athlete Case and Trace Wilhite and deTucker and all-conference fensive backs Austin Wilk2019 RESULTS running back Cade Griffith. erson and Logan Crockett Lamar 38, Rogersville 19 However, guard Ben Wilall received postseason Lamar 34, Hollister 3 helm, another all-conferaccolades.

Lamar 48, Aurora 21 ence selection, is the only “We return a solid group Monett 28, Lamar 7 returning lineman. on defense, with experi“We have experienced enced players at each level,” Seneca 15, Lamar 11 Lamar 49, East Newton 14 players returning at the Beshore said. “There are Lamar 49, McDonald County 28 skill positions,” Beshore many opportunities for said, “but our line will be an younger players to see qual- Lamar 42, Nevada 0 Lamar 14, Cassville 10 area of focus as we develop ity varsity experience this players to fill four open year, and we look forward to DISTRICT PLAYOFFS spots. It will be important the competition to win those Lamar 49, California 14 Lamar 50, Warsaw 6 that our experienced playspots.”

Lamar 50, Fair Grove 25 ers help our newcomers get Beshore also singled out STATE PLAYOFFS to playing at a varsity level six seniors — Ozzy Straw, Ava 26, Lamar 14 as quickly as possible.”

Noah Osborne, Phoenix

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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MONETT CUBS

Cubs feature strong defensive line 2019 RECORD: 8-3 (5-1 Big 8 West Division).

COACH: Derrek Uhl. TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 20.

YEARS AT MONETT: 6.

RECORD AT MONETT: 37-20.

ASSISTANTS: Nick Griffon, Jeff

Piepenbrink, Garrison Earnest, Larry Mueller, Lace Withnell, Tommy Sangston.

BASE OFFENSE: Spread.

BASE DEFENSE: 50 stack monster.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Arnold Cavazos, 150 sr. WR-DB; Cole Davis, 200 sr. LB; Dru Guinn, 190 sr.

RB-LB; Joe Korasick, 200 sr. OL-DL; Miles Laning, 160 sr. WR-DB; Dylan Lynch, 170 sr. WR; Ryan McColloch, 190 sr. OL-DL; Cage Nichols, 230 sr.

OL-DL; Aleks Salas, 200 sr. RB-DE-K; Christian Selvey, 245 sr. OL; Dylan Smith, 180 sr. TE-DB; Parker Ticknor, 240 sr. OL; Ray Villalta, 250 sr. DL; Tanner Wright, 215 sr. TE-DE; Corbin McCully, 170 jr. RB-LB; Ty McCully, 145 jr. WR-DB; Harrison Merriman, 275 jr. OL-DL; Daniel Parsons, 200 jr. OL-DL; Ethan Umfleet, 180 jr.

QB-DB-KR.

TOP PROSPECTS David Fields, 155 sr. RB-DB; Hugo Marquez, 165 sr. WR-DB; Drew Irvin, 155 jr. WR-DB; Luke Johnson, 180 jr. WR-LB; Zane McCracken, 170 jr.

WR-DB.

Monett comes into 2020 as defending Big 8 West champion

och, running back-linebacker Dru Guinn and tight end-defensive back Dylan Smith.

“I really think our senior class will give great leadership this season,” Uhl said.

“They saw how last year’s seniors led by example, and I think they will do the same.

“The team expectation is to play for each other and play together,” Uhl said.

“We are excited to get the season going and play some football.”

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

The 2019 football season saw Monett double its victory total from the previous year and win the Big 8 Conference West Division championship — its first conference crown since coach Alan Spencer’s team prevailed in 2008.

The Cubs and Seneca Indians finished with 5-1 Big 8 West records, but Monett won the regular-season meeting 35-28.

But some late-season injuries at key positions hurt the Cubs in the postseason, and they lost to eventual state runner-up Cassville 19-6 in the district semifinals.

This season, the Cubs will be strong on the defensive line, led by all-stater Ray Villalta, 5-foot-10, 250-pound senior.

Lineman Harrison Merriman (275 junior), end Tanner Wright (215 senior), linebacker Cole Davis (200 senior) and defensive back Ethan Umfleet (180 junior) joined Villalta on

2020 SCHEDULE Monett’s Harrison Merriman (left) and Ray Villalta battle during drills on Aug. 19 at Burl Fowler Stadium in Monett.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

the all-conference defensive unit.

“I think our strength will be up front on defense, returning four guys who started on the defensive line,” coach Derrek Uhl said. “We need to create turnovers on defense and limit our own. We also return three wide receivers who have played a lot of football.”

Those receivers are seniors Dylan Lynch, who was an all-conference selection, Arnold Cavazos and Miles Laning.

They will be catching

passes from a new quarterback this season as Umfleet moves behind center after playing running back his freshman and sophomore years.

More all-conference players back on offense are linemen Merriman and senior Christian Selvey, tight end Wright, running back and kick returner Umfleet and senior kicker Aleks Salas, who also is a returning starter at defensive end.

More senior lettermen are linemen Parker Ticknor, Joe Korasick, Cage Nichols and Ryan McCull-

AUG. 28 — at Hollister SEPT. 4 — Aurora SEPT. 11 — at East Newton SEPT. 18 — McDonald County SEPT. 25 — at Nevada OCT. 2 — Cassville OCT. 9 — at Lamar OCT. 16 — at Springfield Catholic OCT. 23 — Seneca

2019 RESULTS Mount Vernon 22, Monett 21 Monett 49, Marshfield 20 Cassville 21, Monett 14 Monett 28, Lamar 7 Monett 46, Rogersville 14 Monett 35, Seneca 28 Monett 47, East Newton 0 Monett 47, McDonald County 0 Monett 49, Nevada 0

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Monett 38, Hollister 14 Cassville 19, Monett 6

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NEVADA TIGERS

Nevada fields more experienced team 2019 RECORD: 0-10 (0-6 Big 8 West Division)

COACH: Wes Beachler.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 28.

YEARS AT NEVADA: 5.

RECORD AT NEVADA: 20-32.

ASSISTANTS: Neil Barnes, Will

Downing, Blake Howarth, Jerrod Alexander, Ken Eastwood, Kirk Miller, Cole Sanderson, Chris Smoot.

BASE OFFENSE: Shotgun wing.

BASE DEFENSE: 4-4.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Wesley Balk, 220 sr. FB-LB; Dylan Beachler, 155 sr. QB-CB; Noah Beshore, 190 sr. TE-DE; Kaden Denney, 165 sr. WB-S; Ethan Forkner, 165 sr. TE-FS; Grahm Kobel, 265 sr. OL-DT; Jace Lee, 175 sr.

FB-LB; Trey Moore, 160 sr. WB-LB; Charles Ramey-Dias, 250 sr. OL-DT; Ricky Trotter, 230 sr. TE-DE; Nick Williams, 275 sr. DT; Guage Boyd, 190 jr. TE-LB; J.D. Downing, 130 jr.

DB; Jackson Dryer, 230 jr. OL-DL; Lukas Higgins, 245 jr. OL-DE; Logan Marquardt, 180 jr. FB-LB; Logan Smith, 210 jr. OL-DL; Omar Vargas, 205 jr. OL-DE; Drew Beachler, 160 so.

TE-DB; Cade Beshore, 145 QB-DB; Brayden Koenig, 160 so. TE-DE; Zade Lee, 150 so. RB-LB; Skylur Mashek, 250 so. OL-DL; Gage Miller, 160 so.

RB-LB; Case Sanderson, 185 so.

RB-LB.

TOP PROSPECT Eli Cheaney, 165 jr. RB-DB.

Tigers return entire offensive line

Nevada team captains for the upcoming season are Dylan Beachler (from left), Jace Lee, Wesley Balk and Kaden Denney.

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

A young Nevada football team took its lumps during a winless 2019 season.

But the Tigers hope that the experience gained a year ago pays big dividends this fall.

“Last year’s young offensive line will now be an experienced offensive line,” coach Wes Beachler said.

“All seven starters — tight end to tight end — return along with a few who filled in admirably.”

Charles Ramey-Dias, 250-pound senior lineman, received honorable mention on the all-Big 8 West Division team. Noah Beshore and Riley Trotter return at tight end, and other interior linemen are Grahm Kobel, Omar Vargas, Jackson Dryer and Logan Smith.

Senior Dylan Beachler returns at quarterback.

A stable of running backs includes sophomores Case Sanderson, Zade Lee and Gage Miller.

“We should have a solid group of running backs,” Beachler said. “It will be running back by committee

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unless a few step up and display that they deserve the bulk of the carries.”

The defense was even younger than the offense.

“A lot of young players received significant playing time last year, including five freshmen who played frequently — some even starting,” Beachler said.

“This will equate to quite a bit of experience on defense for our team. We also have some seniors who will be starting for the third straight season.”

Seniors Wesley Balk and Jace Lee are defensive leaders after receiving honorable mention all-conference last year. More seniors are linebacker Trey Moore, tackle Nick Williams, defen-

sive end Noah Beshore, safety Kaden Denney and free safety Ethan Forkner.

“The linebacker unit will be very experienced and could be the strength of our defense,” Beachler said.

Beachler said the Tigers will be looking for a blast from the past.

“We will try to regain the identity we established in 2017 when we were a power running team,” he said. “We also have to get back to 2017 form in the passing game.

We threw for more than 1,000 yards and 14 TDs to provide great balance to our offense.

“Defensively, we will look to be more consistent. We surrendered too many big plays last year.”

2020 SCHEDULE AUG. 28 — at Rogersville SEPT. 4 — Hollister SEPT. 11 — Cassville SEPT. 18 — at Lamar SEPT. 25 — Monett OCT. 2 — at Seneca OCT. 9 — East Newton OCT. 16 — at McDonald County OCT. 23 — at Aurora

2019 RESULTS Reeds Spring 61, Nevada 6 Mount Vernon 43, Nevada 22 Seneca 39, Nevada 18 East Newton 35, Nevada 8 McDonald County 35, Nevada 0 Marshfield 38, Nevada 6 Cassville 42, Nevada 14 Lamar 42, Nevada 0 Monett 49, Nevada 0

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Mount Vernon 33, Nevada 6

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SENECA INDIANS

Seneca to introduce many new faces

BY JIM HENRY | jhenry@joplinglobe.com

2019 RECORD: 8-4 (5-1 Big 8

West Division).

HEAD COACH: Ryan McFarland.

YEARS IN COACHING: 18.

YEARS AT SENECA: 5.

RECORD AT SENECA: 25-19 ASSISTANTS: Chris Yust, Adam Martin, Gary Pendergraft, David Sherwood, Trenton Moeller, Steve Adams, Max Roark, Colton Wilson.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Nick Arrasmith, 220 sr. LB; Garret Babbitt, 260 sr. OL; Zane Cotton, 185 sr. FS; Grant Hoover, 240 sr. OL; David McLendon, 230 sr.

OL; Sebastian Middick, 165 sr. WR; Dillon Myers, 175 sr. LB; Dakota Schick, 235 sr. OL; Lance Stephens, 190 sr. QB; Tanner Nesvold, 210 jr. OL.

TOP PROSPECTS Alex Denton, 270 sr. OL; Austin Ferguson, 165 sr. DB; Kaden Fobair, 240 sr. OL; Lucas Marr, 165 sr. WR-DB; Gabriel Commons, 190 jr.

TE-LB; Dylan Dragoo, 160 jr. WR-DB; Ethan Fritchey, 200 jr. QB-RB-LB; Jaxson Graham, 165 jr. RB; Brock Hultman, 210 jr. OL-DL; Dane Napier, 180 jr. LB; Quinton Platner, 190 jr. WR; Conner Ackerson, 175 so.

WR-DB.

Program sales should be brisk at Seneca’s early games as the Indians’ lineup will include several new faces.

“I believe we will have great depth and competition for playing time this year,” coach Ryan McFarland said. “We have 19 players competing for starting varsity spots and a handful of younger guys who have a chance to work into Friday night roles as the season gets going.

“Our offensive line and defensive line competitions will be ones to keep an eye on. We could be in a situation where we don’t start an offensive lineman who started last year. I hope the depth and competition on our lines is a big strength for us down the road.”

The Indians return all-conference quarterback Lance Stephens, who completed 54%of his passes for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

“Lance throws the football as good as any quarterback I have ever coached,” McFarland said. “But we only return six of 70 receptions from last year, so we have a lot of receptions up for grabs. Sebastian Middick is a returning starter at wide receiver, but we definitely need to find some new targets for Lance. Last year, Lance had a handful of skilled players to lean on, but this year, he will be the guy leading our younger skilled players.”

The running game — a Seneca strength through the years — took a big hit with the graduation of Trey Wilson and Monty Mailes, who combined for 3,400 rushing and receiving yards and 31 touchdowns last year. But Jaxson Graham, who rushed for 145 yards in one start and had 311 yards for the season, steps into a full-time role and will be joined by Dillon Myers and Ethan Fritchey.

The offensive line returns five players who started at least five games a year ago, led by all-conference picks Grant Hoover (240-pound senior) and Garret Babbitt (260 senior).

Seneca’s Jaxson Graham looks to turn upfield during the Indians’ jamboree against Joplin on Aug. 21 at Junge Field in Joplin.

GLOBE | ISRAEL PEREZ

“Garret and Grant have been playing on the offensive line since their sophomore seasons,” McFarland said. “How this group comes together as a unit will be a big factor in determining our success.”

The defense is led by free safety Zane Cotton, 6-foot-6, 185 pounds, and linebacker Nick Arrasmith, 6-0, 220. Both are seniors, both are starting for the third year and both are all-conference performers.

“Zane was our leading tackler last year, and we look for him to be the vocal leader of our defense,” McFarland said.

“We will have a lot of new players on defense this year, and we look for Zane to be a coach on the field as our younger guys adjust to the speed of playing on Friday nights.

“Nick Arrasmith has the tools to be a dominant defensive player. As we are developing inexperienced defensive linemen, we need Nick to be a leader for them and make a few extra plays while they gain experience.”

2020 SCHEDULE AUG. 28 — at Marshfield SEPT. 4 — Rogersville SEPT. 11 — at Hollister SEPT. 18 — East Newton SEPT. 25 — at McDonald County OCT. 2 — Nevada OCT. 9 — at Cassville OCT. 16 — Lamar OCT. 23 — at Monett

2019 RESULTS Springfield Catholic 41, Seneca 26 Seneca 28, Reeds Spring 16 Seneca 39, Nevada 18 Seneca 28, Cassville 21 Seneca 15, Lamar 11 Monett 35, Seneca 28 Mount Vernon 21, Seneca 12 Seneca 41, East Newton 26 Seneca 34, McDonald County 27

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Seneca 21, Reeds Spring 14 Seneca 14, Mount Vernon 12 Cassville 30, Seneca 20

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MOUNT VERNON MOUNTAINEERS

Mountaineers seek another Big 8 East title helped compile a 32-8 record during the past three seasons.

“We graduated 13 very good football players,” Cox said. “We have a lot of opportunities for last year’s Monday night players to make an impact on Fridays this year. We always have high expectations at Mount Vernon in whatever we do, from academics to performing arts to athletics to pickle ball in PE. It will be no different in 2020 for the Mountaineer football team.”

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

2019 RECORD: 10-1 (6-0 Big 8 East Division).

COACH: Tom Cox. TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 38.

YEARS AT MOUNT VERNON: 13.

RECORD AT MOUNT VERNON: 87-49.

ASSISTANTS: Khelon Hayes, Garrett

Hadlock, Chris Johnston, Ethan Trokey, Kaleb Cason, Matt Schubert, Chris Teed, Logan Alumbaugh.

BASE OFFENSE: Spread.

BASE DEFENSE: Multiple.

RETURNING STARTERS Mason Ballay, 175 sr. WR-DB; Zach Bray, 270 sr. OL; Jordan Collier, 215 sr. OL; Rafe Darter, 185 sr. WR-DB; Gavynn Gann, 255 sr. OL; Josh Kerr, 205 sr. OL-DL; Braydan Martin, 210 sr. RB-LB; Jacob Montemayor, 215 sr. OL; Justin Moore, 205 sr. RB-LB; Payton Presnall, 170 sr. WR-LB; Isaac Burks, 260 jr. DL; Dominic Dawson, 245 jr. OL-DL.

OTHER LETTERMEN Carter Bartelsmeyer, 160 sr. WRDB; Nate Hudson, 210 sr. OL-DL; Trevor Shepherd, 265 sr. OL-DL; Ben Storkson, 255 sr. OL-DL; Chase Strong, 150 sr. WR-DB; David Teel, 235 sr. OL-DL; Ben McKay, 250 jr.

OL; Patrick Spangler, 200 jr. OL-DL; Dominick Farley, 150 so. QB-DB; Alex Watts, 140 so. RB-DB.

TOP PROSPECT Darwyn Thompson, 160 sr. RB-LB.

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After sharing the Big 8 Conference East Division title in 2018, Mount Vernon won an outright division championship last season.

With a dozen returning lettermen almost evenly split between linemen and skill position players, the Mountaineers expect to make a strong title defense.

There’s plenty of size among the veteran linemen, including Zach Bray (270-pound senior), Isaac Burks (260 junior), Gavynn Gunn (255 senior) and Dominic Dawson (245 junior).

Seniors Jordan Collier, Josh Kerr and Jacob Montemayor also return.

There is a handful of senior returning skill players — wide receivers Rafe Darter and Payton Presnall and running backs Braydan Martin and Justin Moore.

All four also play defense — Presnall, Martin and Moore at linebacker and Darter in the secondary.

Senior Mason Ballay, who played wide receiver last year, has been moved to quarterback. He’s not foreign to the position, having filled in for the graduated Zach Jones in recent seasons.

“Mason Ballay has exhib-

2020 SCHEDULE

Mount Vernon running back Justin Moore runs through AUG. 28 — Cassville SEPT. 4 — at East Newton drills during practice on Aug. 19 at Mount Vernon High School.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK SEPT. 11 — Reeds Spring SEPT. 18 — at Aurora SEPT. 25 — Rogersville ited great leadership qualstrong junior years after ities since he came in as a Carson Bowman went down OCT. 2 — Lamar OCT. 9 — at Springfield Catholic freshman,” coach Tom Cox with an injury in the third OCT. 16 — Hollister said. “We have a lot of other game of the season.” leaders in our senior class, “Defense has always been OCT. 23 — at Marshfield but Mason isn’t afraid to a strength on Mount Ver2019 RESULTS verbalize it. Rafe Darter is non football teams. Coach one of the top receivers in Mount Vernon 22, Monett 21 (Chris) Johnston does a Mount Vernon 43, Nevada 22 Southwest Missouri, and great job of preparing our Mount Vernon 18, Marshfield 13 our offensive line returns players week to week. I Mount Vernon 30, Reeds Spring 0 all but one starter from don’t expect 2020 to be any Mount Vernon 46, Aurora 0 2019. different.”

Mount Vernon 32, Rogersville 7 “There will be plenty of Cox will be looking for Mount Vernon 21, Seneca 12 competition for playing improvement this season Mount Vernon 20, Springfield Catholic 14 time up front. We must find in the kicking game and Mount Vernon 34, Hollister 14 replacements at the quarshort-yardage rushing DISTRICT PLAYOFFS terback position and wide game.

Mount Vernon 33, Nevada 6 receivers. Justin Moore The Mountaineers must and Braydan Martin had replace several players who Seneca 14, Mount Vernon 12

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BIG 8 CONFERENCE

Hollister returns 20 starters; Reeds Spring mixing it up BIG 8 ROSTERS

Brady Brooks, 150 sr. WR-DB; Garrett Cantrell, 190 sr. LB; Taylor Cappel, 210 sr. RB; Nicoli Condon, 215 sr. OL-LB; Wyatt HOLLISTER TIGERS Dill, 280 sr. OL; Daylon Kanengieter, COACH: Rich Adkins (third year).

210 sr. RB; Bobby Maples, 270 sr.

ASSISTANTS: Will Dyal, Trent OxenOL; Isaiah Starks, 285 sr. OL; Eli reider, Bob Williams, Jordan Adams, Steffen, 230 sr. DE; Kyle Tinder, Nate Nicholson, Dane Ulrich, Michael 340 sr. OL; Landon Wilson, 230 Johnson, Brett Taylor, Keith Dougherty. sr. TE; Jeremy Graham, 230 jr. LB; Kyle Jones, 165 jr. WR-DB; Cooper RETURNING STARTERS/ Kimrey, 170 jr. DB; Maguire Wilson, LETTERMEN 235 jr. DE. Lucas Bare, 150 sr. RB-LB; Layne Bruck, 200 sr. TE-LB; Greyson Clary, ROGERSVILLE WILDCATS 200 sr. OL-DL; Kelby Gard, 190 sr.

COACH: Mark Talbert (third year).

RB-LB; Austin Gauer, 150 sr. WRASSISTANTS: Cam Bruffett, Derek DB; Danny Gimlen, 230 sr. OL-DL; Daniels, Jayden Kensinger, Darius Konner Hatfield, 160 sr. WR-DB; Ivy, Matt Rush, Cecil Bratton.

Cody Johnson, 165 sr. RB-LB; Layton Morgan, 170 sr. QB-P; Rylan Newell, RETURNING STARTERS/ 155 sr. LB; Julien Parker, 155 sr. WRLETTERMEN DB; Xavier Stovall, 165 sr. WR-DB; Seth Agee, 155 sr. WR-DB; Zachary Tristen Cooner, 230 jr. OL-DL; Isaac Bergmann, 225 sr. QB-LB; Gabriel Evins, 330 jr. OL-DL; Tyler Goeble, Brandenburg, 145 sr. RB-DB; Gage 155 jr. WR-DB; A.J. Narvaez, 250 jr.

OL-DL; Tristen Parker, 175 jr. WR-DB; Meadors, 220 sr. RB-LB; Peyton Isaac Qualls, 150 jr. WR-DB; Michael Prenger, 155 sr. K; Trystin Voss, 250 sr. OL-DL; Riley Williams, 160 sr.

Schultz, 165 jr. LB; Zak Zahner, 195 jr. OL-DL; Michael Collins, 235 so. OL- WR-DB; Carson Combs, 220 jr. OL-LB; Mason Grable, 230 jr. OL-DL; Jess DL; Blake Russell, 145 so. RB-DB. Hanes, 220 jr. OL-DL; J.J. O’Neal, 175 MARSHFIELD BLUEJAYS jr. QB-DB; Rueben Shvets, 140 jr. WRDB; Gavin White, 180 jr. OL-DL; Davin COACH: Cody Bull (fourth year).

Agee, 190 so. OL-DL; Noah Carrow, ASSISTANTS: Matt Holt, Paul Lewis, 210 so. C-DL; Luke Hauer, 180 so. RBRoy Kaderly, Scott Smith, Will LB; Logan Taylor, 135 so. WR-DB. Pate, Keaton Patterson, Trevor Casterlin.

REEDS SPRING WOLVES

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Blake Anderson, 160 sr. QB;

COACH: Andy McFarland (first year).

ASSISTANTS: Jared Anderson, Chris Funk, John Kessinger, Shane

Corporon, David Godsey, Philip Dougherty.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Matt Allison, 170 sr. QB-FS; Colton Cramblett, 175 sr. RB-LB; Luke McFerron, 200 sr. OL-DL; Blaine Blevins, 250 sr. OL-DL; Caden Wiest, 240 so. TE-DE.

TOP PROSPECTS Caliub Solis, 165 sr. WR-CB; Easton Byrne, 175 jr. QB-SS; Evan Gross, 165 jr. WR-DB; Jayden Herrman, 185 jr. RB-LB; Tyler Yezefski, 200 jr.

OL-DL; Eben Crain, 220 so. OL-DL.

SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC FIGHTIN’ IRISH COACH: Richard Rehagen (first year).

ASSISTANTS: Bobby Cornilson, Ozzie Riley, Sam Wutke, Wes Page, Sam Rehagen.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Eyan Collins, 275 sr. OL-DL; Will Garand, 230 sr. OL-DL; Ryan George, 225 sr. OL-DL; Thomas Headley, 220 sr. TE-LB; Matthew Schmittling, 160 sr. RB-LB; Will Squibb, 190 sr. QB-DB; Clint Thomas, 180 sr. RB-LB; Dallas Welch, 215 sr. OL-DL; Parker Biggs, 255 jr. OL-DL; Evan Kilmer, 155 jr. RBLB; Liam O’Reilly, 175 jr. WR-DB; Josh Palmer, 185 jr. QB-LB; Major Riley, 195 jr. QB-TE-DL; Zach Sohoskey, 160 jr. WR-DB; Blake Southern, 165 jr.

RB-LB; Brandon Ung, 160 jr. RB-DB; Geronimo Avila, 165 so. QB-LB; Chase Haynes, 165 so. OL-LB.

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

There’s no shortage of experience in Hollister’s lineup.

The Tigers look for higher numbers from the offense, which averaged 18 points and 262 yards per game last season.

“We lost only one starter on offense,” coach Rich Adkins said. “We expect our offense to improve and pick up where it left off last year.

Our offensive line showed a lot of progress throughout the season last year. We will lean heavily on those guys this season.”

Senior Layton Morgan has started every game at quarterback the past two seasons, and he’s also an allstate punter.

Konner Hatfield was first team all-Big 8 East Division at wide receiver, and running back Kelby Gard and lineman A.J. Narvaez were second-team picks. Honorable mention went to tight end Layne Bruck and lineman Isaac Evins.

And it’s the same on the other side of the ball.

“We return all but one starter on the defensive side,” Adkins said. “We have a solid core of linebackers and defensive backs who should be able to make plays

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and lead us. Defensively, we don’t have a lot of size, but our overall speed should be a strength for us.”

All-league picks defensively a year ago were Hatfield at defensive back, Narvaez along the line and Cody Johnson at linebacker.

MARSHFIELD BLUEJAYS A veteran and large offensive line looks to lead the way for the Bluejays, who are seeking their third consecutive winning season.

“Our offensive line will be a major strength for us this season,” coach Cody Bull said. “We are returning four of five offensive line starters, and running back Daylon Kanengieter will be back for his senior season. We expect to have a strong running game.”

Kanengieter totaled 900 yards on 142 carries and scored nine touchdowns last season to earn first team all-conference and all-district laurels.

“Daylon may be the strongest player I have ever coached,” Bull said. “He has great work ethic and is a very punishing runner.”

Linemen Kyle Tinder, Bobby Maples and Isaiah Starks were all-league picks. Tinder tips the scale at 340 pounds,

SEE BIG 8, 40

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

38

SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE

Eagles turn to fresh faces

BY JARED PORTER jporter@joplinglobe.com

The Pierce City football team finished 11-1 and won a second consecutive Southwest Conference championship last season as it outscored its opponents by an average of 30.4 points per game.

But after the graduation of a standout senior class, the Eagles will be forced to rely on many new faces as they attempt their title defense in 2020.

“Last year, we lost to Thayer in the district championship with six seconds to go,” 15th-year Pierce City head coach Brad Hocker said. “We lost an outstanding senior class, and it is time for our underclassmen to step up.”

The Eagles return just three starters total, as well as eight lettermen — a vastly different situation from the season before

SEE SWC, 39

SWC ROSTERS ASH GROVE PIRATES COACH: Ryan Long (sixth year).

ASSISTANTS: Nick Pavloskie, Jared Langley, Bryan Dean.

2019 RECORD: 4-3 (3-4 SWC).

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Ethan Carter 180 sr. FB-DL; Will Lanter 195 sr. WR-DL; Dylan McCroskey 157 sr. OL-LB; Breckin Schindler 155 sr. WR-DB; Jake Thompson 160 sr. TE-SS; Tristan Bowers 175 jr. RB-LB; Tristyn Davis 170 jr. RB-LB; Jared Lobdell 190 jr.

OL-DL; Sammy Moreland 155 jr. WRDB; Cannon Palmer 230 jr. OL-DL; Parker Crow 150 so. RB-DB.

TOP PROSPECTS Dalton Carr 155 sr. WR-DB; Aaron Rolewicz 160 sr. TE-LB; Tanner Willman 200 sr. OL-DL; Zand Dell 150 jr. WR-LB; Payton Griffin 260 so.

OL-DL; Austin Lowak 200 so. OL-DL; Brock Mooneyham 140 so. QB-DB; Elijah Morrison 140 so. WR-DB; Nate Trammell 150 so. RB-LB.

DIAMOND WILDCATS COACH: Mac Whitehead (22nd year).

ASSISTANTS: Bill Gray, Bryan Adams, Nathan Moser, Ryan Clement, Ryan Waggoner, Dave Marbough.

2019 RECORD: 2-9 (1-7 SWC).

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Zach Baird 200 sr. OL-DL; Cody Behler 145 sr. LB-RB; Daniel Calentine 180 sr. OL-DL; Matt Riley 260 sr. OLDL; Isaac Baird 200 jr. RB-DL; Simon Burke 200 jr. OL-DL; Landon Clement 180 jr. QB-LB; Karl Culbertson 180 jr.

DL-TE; Ty Douglas 180 jr. OL; Chase Housh 135 jr. WR-DB; Tyler May 200 jr. OL-LB; Caden Misner 150 jr.

WR-DB; Hunter Shallenburger 180 jr. RB-DB; Jacob Atkinson 170 so.

K; Alex Brown 170 so. OL-DL; Clay

Calls 270 so. OL-DL; X-Zontae Foster 170 so. DE.

kota Wilson 155 jr. RB-LB; Roberto Mayorga 220 so. OL-DL.

TOP PROSPECTS

TOP PROSPECTS

Tyler Daniels 160 so. WR-DB; Blake Irwin 160 so. WR-DB; Ty McDermott 160 so. WR-DB; Jayce Taylor TE-LB.

Will Carlton 160 so. QB-FS; Blane Young 160 so. WR-DB; Tristen Beck 220 fr. OL; Hugh Eaton 145 fr. RB; Garrett Grimm 155 fr. ILB; Gage Guerin 140 fr. QB; Kanien Klineline 150 fr. OLB; Dalton Russell 235 fr.

OL; Garet Stanton 195 fr. OL; Isaac Stimpson 115 fr. WR.

LOCKWOOD TIGERS COACH: Clay Lasater (14th year).

ASSISTANTS: Mike Pittsenbarger,

Jason Smith, Sam Sconce, Adam Grisham, Don Borchardt.

2019 RECORD: 7-4 (4-3 SWC).

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Gabe Bench 170 sr. DL; Lane Dunlap 185 sr. RB; Eli Friend 250 sr. OL; Reese Fyfe 240 sr. OL; Blaine Garver 170 sr. WR; Jamie Kramer 160 sr.

RB; Spencer Neil 220 sr. OL; Quinten Raymond 210 sr. OL; Max Schnelle 195 sr. QB; Will Terry 250 sr. DL; Blane Berlekamp 185 jr. DL; Clayton Robertson 160 jr. DL; Landon Stump 160 jr. CB; Elijah Kerr 140 so. WR; Gabe Price 180 jr. TE.

MILLER CARDINALS COACH: Jerrad Hansen (first year).

ASSISTANTS: Ryan Woolard, Ryan

White, Sean Price, Kurtlin Hulette.

2019 RECORD: 9-2.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Joel Kleeman 170 sr. WR-DB; Jeff Lung 165 sr. QB-LB; Logan Nield 180 jr. TE-LB; Brenden Thom 165 jr.

WR-DB.

TOP PROSPECTS

Hershberger fr. OL-LB; James Moody fr. QB-DB.

PIERCE CITY EAGLES COACH: Brad Hocker (15th year).

ASSISTANTS: Jared Frey, Bill Gish, Brian Abramovitz.

2019 RECORD: 11-1 (7-0 SWC).

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN Tristan Cruz 160 sr. WR-DB; Kyler Fenske 160 sr. WR-DB; Chanse Ford 180 sr. RB-LB; Cody Hyde 260 sr.

OL-DL; Kalem Parrigon 260 sr. OL-DL; Kyle Renkoski 170 sr. WR-DB; Levi Cooper 190 jr. OL-DE; Frankie Ibarra 200 jr. OL-DL; Jake Perry 170 jr.

OL-DL.

TOP PROSPECTS Cole Salsman 200 sr. OL-DL; Paul Seufert 165 sr. OL-DL; Will Allen 220 jr. OL-DL; Payton Moennig 170 jr.

WR-LB; Robert Wright 300 jr. OL-DL; Brian Canales 170 so. LB-OL; Dylan Carman 230 so. OL-DL; Zane Clayton 170 so. LB-RB; Lincoln Johnson 160 so. LB-RB; Clayten O’Hara 165 so.

QB-DB; Lane Vannote 230 so. OL-DL.

D.J. Means 260 sr. OL-DL; Kaleb Groesbeck 160 jr. WR-DB; Colin TOP PROSPECTS Smith 225 jr. OL-DL; Cale Tennis Dylan Gallup 185 sr. WR; Brayden 145 jr. RB-LB; Joey Williams 250 jr.

Hamilton 285 sr. OL; Kane Cooper OL-DL; Beau Hall 150 so. WR-DB; SARCOXIE BEARS 205 jr. WR; Colby Nelson 145 jr.

Brady Johnson 175 so. QB-LB; Owen COACH: Russell Ellis (sixth year).

WR; Kameron Burton 240 so. OL; Pritchett 210 so. OL-DL. ASSISTANTS: Korey Gordon, Jack Joel Trolinder 150 so. RB. Altermatt, Paul Hufft, Zach Staples, PLEASANT HOPE Scott Bryant.

MARIONVILLE COMETS PIRATES 2019 RECORD: 5-5 (4-3 SWC).

COACH: Paden Grubbs (fifth year).

COACH: Joshua Evans (second year).

RETURNING STARTERS/ ASSISTANTS: Matt Price, Marc Blan- ASSISTANTS: Lennie Peterie, Collin LETTERMEN kenship, Jake Gideon, Chris Quarti.

Sigrest.

2019 RECORD: 4-6 (3-4 SWC).

2019 RECORD: 0-10 (0-7 SWC).

Christian Harter 160 sr. RB-LB: Dylan Heckmaster 170 sr. FB-LB; Chance RETURNING STARTERS/ RETURNING STARTERS/ Kyle 185 sr. WR-LB; Colbe Lee 230 LETTERMEN LETTERMEN sr. OL-DL; Justin Mandera 205 sr.

Kyle Brattin 175 sr. TE-LB; Justin Preston Carpenter-Ford sr. OL-DL; RB-LB; Michael Misner 175 sr. WRCarr 140 sr. DB; Jeremy Messenger Matthew Burdette sr. OL-DL; BrenDB; Drake Acheson 180 jr. RB-LB; 180 sr. OL-DL; Kelbey Parker 230 dle McDaniel sr. QB-RB-DB; Cody Terio Asterio 170 jr. RB-LB; Tyler sr. OL-DL; Adam Phillips 190 sr. OL; Mitchell sr. RB-LB; Chris Burdette so. Cupp 160 jr. OL-RB; Kenneth Guenzel 210 jr. OL-DL; Euk Pedro 175 jr. RBAustin White 230 sr. OL-DL; Wyley WR-DB. DB; Ethan Lee 150 so. WR-DB; Jaron Brown 150 jr. WR-OLB; Koy Dittmar TOP PROSPECTS Malotte 165 so. QB-DB; Kayden 180 jr. WR-LB; Eric Garcia 215 jr. OLIan Burdette fr. RB-DB; Hunter Triplett 280 so. OL-DL; Sammy DL; Kaden Klineline 135 jr. WR-DB; Jacksen Smith 155 jr. WR-OLB; Da- Jackson fr. WR-DB; Matthew Zamora 200 so. OL-DL.

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SWC

Senior linebacker Cody Behler accounted for 33 tackles last season and will help anchor the Wildcats’ defensive unit that returns starters at nine positions.

“Our expectations this year are to be competitive every week,” Whitehead said. “We want to finish each week 1-0 and ultimately find ourselves with a chance to be conference champions and host a Week 10 game. I believe our kids have worked hard enough for this to happen. Now we just have to go out and make it happen on the field.”

FROM 38 when they had all but one starter returning. However, this year’s group, Hocker said, is eager to prove it can continue the success the program has had in recent years.

“With the leadership of our senior class, I believe we can be competitive in every game on our schedule,” Hocker said. “Our kids are ready to surprise the conference.”

Key returners for the Eagles include all-conference selections Chanse Ford (running back-linebacker) and Cody Hyde (offensive and defensive lineman), both seniors. Fellow seniors Tristan Cruz and Kyle Renkoski were all-conference honorable mentions at defensive back and wide receiver, respectively.

Sophomore quarterback Clayten O’Hara, the younger brother of last year’s starting quarterback Colten O’Hara, is among the top newcomers to watch for Pierce City.

“I believe we have the kids here at Pierce City to keep the program at a high level,” Hocker said. “We need to develop a work ethic that is second to none and learn accountability. If we can do that, I think we will be successful.”

Pierce City opens the season at home against Lockwood on Aug. 28.

ASH GROVE PIRATES The Pirates return nine starters from last year’s team that went 4-6 and finished sixth in the SWC. Among the returners are three all-conference selections in senior tight end and defensive back Jake Thompson, senior linebacker Dylan McCroskey and junior linebacker Tristan Davis.

“Last year was a good bounce-back year for us as I felt we were a hard-

39

LOCKWOOD TIGERS The Tigers will have a big senior class to their advantage with 10 upperclassmen in its group of 15 returning lettermen.

Among the seniors are quarterback and team captain Max Diamond’s Hunter Shallenburger secures a pass during practice on Aug. 17 Schnelle, running back Lane Dunat Diamond High School.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK lap, running back Jamie Kramer, offensive lineman Spencer Neil, ofnosed team that fought hard in every necessarily strengths for the Wildfensive lineman Quinten Raymond, game,” sixth-year Ash Grove head cats last season as they went 1-7 in a offensive lineman Eli Friend, wide coach Ryan Long said. “We finished tough SWC that had five teams crack receiver Blaine Garver, defensive the top 10 at various points in the sixth in our conference that I felt lineman Gabe Bench, offensive lineClass 1 rankings. was very competitive.” man Reese Fyfe and defensive lineThis year, however, is different.

Now, an experienced group reman Will Terry.

Other key returners include junior “Our lack of depth at certain positurns for Ash Grove, with 19 returntions and our youth was our biggest corner Landon Stump, junior deing lettermen total, and among the fensive lineman Clayton Robertson, challenge,” third-year Diamond goals for the Pirates is clinching a junior defensive lineman Blane Bercoach Mac Whitehead said. “But winning record for the first time lekamp, junior tight end Game Price that will turn into our advantage since 2017. and sophomore wide receiver Elijah this season. We are in position to “The athletes have been working Kerr. have multiple returning starters on extremely hard in the weight room The Tigers look to improve upon both sides of the football.” this summer and are getting better last year’s 7-4 record and third-place The Wildcats have 11 returning and stronger every day,” Long said. starters overall, including eight who finish in the SWC. “There is a lot of potential with this play on both sides of the ball.

“We have a good group of returngroup of athletes this season. The Two are all-conference selections ing linemen, and we have multiple key will be reaching that potential. in junior running back Hunter Shal- kids who can make plays with the We need to continue to grow and football in their hands,” 17th-year lenburger, who accounted for 800play for each other. The kids are exLockwood coach Clay Lasater said. tremely excited about the upcoming plus total yards and 10 touchdowns, and sophomore kicker Jacob Atkin- “I look forward to trying to spread season.” the ball around to several guys. We son. Junior quarterback Landon Ash Grove opens its season on are going to make defense our focus Clement also returns after starting Aug. 28 at Diamond. this year as we hope to be able to find the final four games of last season DIAMOND WILDCATS and throwing for 238 yards and two Experience and depth weren’t SEE SWC, 40 touchdowns.

Let’s Go Wildcats!

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BIG 8 FROM 37 Maples 270, Starks 285, Wyatt Dill 280 and Nicoli Condon 215.

“It’s a great group of kids who love being linemen and everything that comes along with it,” Bull said.

Defensive ends Eli Steffen and Maguire Wilson were all-conference selections.

REEDS SPRING WOLVES New coach Andy McFarland brings a change for the Wolves from the flexbone triple option offense they’ve run in the past.

“While we will hold onto some of those principles as part of our offense, the style of play will be completely different,” McFarland said.

“We will be a spread team

SWC

that is multiple in both formation and concept, but we will always have a foundation in the spread option.”

Paving the way will be an offensive line that returns four starters — all-leaguers Luke McFerron and Blaine Blevins along with Caden Sadler and Evan Wilson. Eben Crain, who saw significant time last year, steps into a starting role.

Tight end Caden Wiest and 1,000-yard rusher Colton Cramblett also return. Matt Allison, a first team all-conference running back last year, is in the battle for quarterback.

The defense will retain its 4-2-5 alignment under new coordinator Jared Anderson, who was last year’s offensive coordinator.

Cramblett, a senior inside linebacker, was first-team all-conference last year, and Wiest was second-team allleague as a freshman.

ROGERSVILLE WILDCATS The Wildcats’ 3-8 season — despite a rash of midseason injuries to key personnel — represented improvement from the winless season in 2018, and a 26-7 upset over Springfield Catholic in the first round of district play was a highlight.

“Our offensive strength will come in consistency and strength of our offensive linemen,” coach Mark Talbert said. “We have four returning starters who started more than four games at some point last year. This group led by senior Trystin Voss and junior Carson Combs will set the tone for the rest of our offense.”

The Wildcats return two all-conference quarterbacks — Zachary Bergmann and J.J. O’Neal after Bergmann suffered a season-ending injury. O’Neal will be the start-

lineman Kelbey Parker and senior defensive end Jeremy Messenger.

“We’re really excited for the upcoming season,” fifth-year MarionFROM 39 ville head coach Paden Grubbs said.

“We have a lot of experience returna balance between being disciplined ing this year, which is something we and aggressive. With several return- couldn’t say going into last season. ... ing defensive linemen, if we can get We will continue to work on the litour linebackers to play fast and agtle things day in and day out to give gressive, we could have a really solid us the best opportunity to be playing defense.” our best ball come Week 10.”

Overall, Marionville returns 11 MARIONVILLE COMETS starters and two other players with The Comets are led by three considerable varsity experience. all-conference selections as well as Marionville opens its season at four honorable mentions following Pleasant Hope on Aug. 28. a 4-6 season and fifth-place finish in MILLER CARDINALS the SWC. Junior running back Dakota WilThe Cardinals return two starters son ran for more than 1,000 yards and from last year’s team that went 9-2 scored 17 touchdowns en route to his and finished second behind Pierce second-team all-conference honor, City — a team that beat Miller twice while junior wide receiver and senior — in the SWC standings. tight end Kyle Brattin also earned “My coaching philosophy for this second-team all-conference honors. team is to take it one day at a time All-conference honorable menand to improve every single day,” tions included junior wide receiver second-year Miller coach Jerrad Jacksen Smith, senior offensive line- Hansen said. “We have several new man Adam Phillips, senior defensive starters and people playing new po-

Rehagen inherited a veter this year while Bergmann will line up in various places eran group of skill position in an attempt to create a mis- players from last year’s offense that averaged 27 points match. and 352 yards per game.

“It should be a fun offense Quarterback Will Squibb to watch with those two leadpassed for 508 yards and ing the way,” Talbert said.

The defensive line returns rushed for 326 yards despite missing half the season Voss, Calvin Chainey and because of injury. All-conferNoah Carrow. ence running back Matthew “It’s a very aggressive Schmitting ran for 1,546 group,” Talbert said. “We yards and 14 touchdowns, also have a lot of size at our and his 31 solo and 48 total outside linebacker position tackles are tops among the with Bergmann and Drew Cornelison. With this defen- defensive returnees.

Ryan George was firstsive front, we are better preteam all-conference at ofpared to stop the ridiculous fensive line, and tight end running attacks that this conference will throw at you Thomas Headley made the second team. every week.”

“Our players have been SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC motivated in their trainFIGHTIN’ IRISH ing and in learning a new Springfield Catholic also scheme,” Rehagen said. “We has a new coach in Richard will focus on fundamentals, Rehagen, who was head playing with great effort coach at Nixa the previous 12 and trying to improve each seasons. week.”

sitions who need to embrace the new roles and offensive and defensive concepts and strive to be the best possible at all aspects of the game.”

Key returners for the Cardinals include senior quarterback and linebacker Jeff Lung, senior wide receiver and defensive back Joel Kleeman, junior tight end and linebacker Logan Nield, and junior wide receiver and defensive back Brenden Thom.

Miller kicks off the season on Aug. 28 at Cabool.

PLEASANT HOPE PIRATES The Pirates still seek their first win since 2016. But from a culture standpoint, last year was a step in the right direction, according to second-year coach Josh Evans.

“Last year was a big year of growth for us,” Evans said. “Although we struggled on the field, the culture of our team became 100 times healthier. This offseason, we had better attendance and buy-in than we ever have had, and we hope to continue that into this season.”

The team will be led by its four returning seniors in offensive and

defensive lineman Preston Carpenter, offensive and defensive lineman Matthew Burdette, quarterback and defensive back Brendle McDaniel, and running back and linebacker Cody Mitchell.

SARCOXIE BEARS The Bears return three all-conference performer’s from last year’s team that went 5-5.

Junior Drake Acheson was a second-team honoree at linebacker, while senior Colbe Lee was an honorable mention at offensive line and senior Dylan Heckmaster was an honorable mention at running back and linebacker.

“Our team should be competitive in every game we play,” Sarcoxie coach Russell Ellis said. “Our main goal is to get better every week and develop young men into positive role models. If we can do these things, we should put ourselves in a situation to capture a conference title.”

Sarcoxie has 10 returning starters overall. The Bears kick of their season at home on Aug. 28 against Houston.

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WESTERN MISSOURI CONFERENCE

Jasper joins WEMO 8-man football

WEMO ROSTERS JASPER EAGLES

COACH: Joey Ballard (first year).

ASSISTANTS: Courtney Roth, J.D.

Jackson, Walter Coleman, Gabe Haddock, Chad Karr.

RETURNING STARTERS

Kyler Flenniken, 154 sr. WR-DB; Weston Vonier, 202 sr. QB-DL; Cooper Caffin, 150 jr. WR-S; A.J. Etcheson, 210 jr. OL-DL; Hayden LeMasters, 178 jr. OL-DL; Xander Metcalf, 185 jr.

RB-LB; Braden Rush, 155 jr. WR-DB; Cody Flenniken, 126 so. WR-DB.

OTHER LETTERMEN

Aiden Hartgrave, 145 sr. RB-LB; Tanner Pankratz, 125 sr. WR-DB; Seth Haddock, 210 jr. OL-DL; Qwenshaun Smith, 217 jr. TE-DE; Mitchel Avalos, 164 so. RB-DB; Collin Furr, 181 so.

DL; James Near, 211 so. OL-DL; Noah Near, 197 so. DE; Brycen Pankratz, 155 so. LB; Austin Taylor, 310 so. OL.

LIBERAL BULLDOGS

COACH: Matt McKee (fifth year).

ASSISTANTS: Luke Rainey, Jody Pryor.

RETURNING STARTERS

Davis Braker, 150 sr. WR-DB; Gunner Miller, 160 sr. QB-LB; Riley Spurling, 270 sr. OL-DL; A.J. Banwart, 190 jr. OL-DL; Gavin Cox, 180 jr. TE-DB; Sam Weaver, 190 jr. OL-DL; Payton Morrow, 150 so. RB-DB.

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

The Western Missouri Conference definitely has a new look in football.

With rosters getting smaller at most of the schools in recent years, there are now seven conference members playing 8-man football this season.

Jasper and Archie are new to 8-man this year, joining Liberal, Rich Hill, Osceola, Drexel and Appleton City.

Traditional powers Adrian and Midway are the only 11-man football schools left. They have filled their schedules with teams from the I-70 Conference and others. They still will compete in the WEMO in other sports.

LIBERAL BULLDOGS It took time for Liberal to adjust to the 8-man game last season.

The Bulldogs lost their first two games but rebounded to win seven of their last nine contests and finish 7-4.

“Although the fundamentals are the same, the schemes are very different (in 8-man),” coach Matt McKee said. “It took us a lit-

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Quarterback Gunner Miller throws a pass during drills last week at Liberal High School.

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tle while to get there. Even though it’s different, it was fun to coach, and our kids enjoyed playing.

“We had several new faces in new positions, and we all had to learn 8-man football. I was blessed to have a

group of unselfish kids who never cared what position they played or who got the credit. They just wanted to win.”

Gunner Miller, 160-pound senior linebacker, was the WEMO defensive player of the year and second team all-state at linebacker. Also the quarterback, he was first team all-district as an all-purpose back.

Riley Spurling, 270 senior lineman, was first team all-district on defense, and A.J. Banwart, 190 junior, was second team all-district as an offensive lineman.

“Gunner Miller is a returning captain who provided great leadership for us last year,” McKee said.

“I look for him to continue being our leader on and off the field.

“Riley Spurling will anchor our offensive and defensive lines, and I expect him to provide leadership in those areas with the loss of Wyatt Pearson. I think we have several other kids who will step up once the season gets here. We have a good core of younger players who I think are just waiting for their opportunity.”

SEE WEM0, 43

309 n 6th street jasper, MO 417-394-2368

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

WEMO

JASPER EAGLES

Eight-man football isn’t the only thing new this fall FROM 42 at Jasper.

The Eagles have a new Other returning starters football coach in Joey Balfor the Bulldogs are senior lard, former football and wide receiver-defensive back baseball standout at MissouDavis Braker, juniors Sam ri Southern.

Weaver (lineman) and Gavin “I am excited,” said BalCox (tight end-defensive lard, who was an assistant back) and sophomore Payton for the Eagles last season.

Morrow (running back-de“It’s going to be different, fensive back). obviously, going to 8-man.

“I believe our strength The X’s and O’s you see that this year will be experimay work for 11-man may ence,” McKee said. “We not work so well for 8-man.” have several starters back And the Eagles will have who have started a lot of a new quarterback this fall. games in their career. We Weston Vonier, 202-pound also have several younger senior, moves behind center players who got valuable after making 14 pancake experience last year. I’m ex- blocks and being second pecting those guys to build team all-conference as an offrom last year’s experience fensive lineman last season. and give key contributions “Weston Vonier is our to our team.” strongest senior leader,”

New Jasper head coach Joey Ballard addresses his team last week after a practice at Jasper High School. GLOBE | JIM HENRY

Ballard said. “He has progressed quickly at quarterback during summer workouts. He has tremendous size, strength and speed for the position and possesses all the intangibles you want from a leader.”

Jasper returns two first team all-conference per-

formers in junior wide receiver Cooper Caffin (22 catches for 242 yards and four touchdowns plus 179 yards on 20 rushes) and junior defensive end A.J. Etcheson (71 tackles, 3 quarterback sacks).

Senior Kyler Flenniken moves to wide receiver after

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being the quarterback last year. He threw for 828 yards and seven touchdowns and ran for 414 yards and two scores.

Junior linebacker Xander Metcalf was second team all-WEMO after making 83 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions. Lineman Hayden LeMasters and wide receiver-defensive back Braden Rush, both juniors, and wide receiver-defensive back Cody Flenniken, a sophomore, are more returning starters.

“Xander Metcalf will lead our defense,” Ballard said.

“He is as tough as they come and has great football instincts.”

The Eagles are looking to turn things around after last year’s 1-9 season.

“We are versatile and deep offensively at the skill positions,” Ballard said.

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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2020 PREP FOOTBALL SLATE CENTRAL OZARK CONFERENCE Willard, Ozark at Carthage, Republic at Neosho, Nixa at Branson.

SEPT. 4 — Joplin at Nixa, Neosho at Webb City, Carthage at Carl Junction, Willard at Republic, Branson at Ozark.

SEPT. 11 — Ozark at Joplin, Webb City at Republic, Carl Junction at Branson, Neosho at Carthage, Nixa at Willard.

SEPT. 18 — Joplin at Carl Junction, Carthage at Webb City, Branson at Neosho, Republic at Nixa, Willard at Ozark.

SEPT. 25 — Joplin at Willard, Carl Junction at Webb City, Branson at Carthage, Neosho at Nixa, Ozark at Republic.

OCT. 2 — Republic at Joplin, Webb City at Branson, Carl Junction at Neosho, Carthage at Willard, Nixa at Ozark.

OCT. 9 — Joplin at Carthage, Nixa at Webb City, Republic at Carl Junction, Ozark at Neosho, Willard at Branson.

OCT. 16 — Branson at Joplin, Webb City at Ozark, Carl Junction at Nixa, Carthage at Republic, Neosho at Willard.

OCT. 23 — Joplin at Neosho, Willard at Webb City, Ozark at Carl Junction, Nixa at Carthage, Republic at Branson.

at Lamar, Cassville at Rogersville, McDonald County at Monett, Mount Vernon at Aurora, Hollister at Marshfield, Springfield Catholic at Reeds Spring.

SEPT. 25 — Lamar at Cassville, Seneca at McDonald County, East Newton at Marshfield, Monett at Nevada, Rogersville at Mount Vernon, Aurora at Springfield Catholic, Reeds Spring at Hollister.

OCT. 2 — Nevada at Seneca, McDonald County at East Newton, Lamar at Mount Vernon, Cassville at Monett, Hollister at Aurora, Springfield Catholic at Rogersville, Marshfield at Reeds Spring.

OCT. 9 — Seneca at Cassville, Monett at Lamar, East Newton at Nevada, McDonald County at Reeds Spring, Mount Vernon at Springfield Catholic, Aurora at Marshfield, Rogersville at Hollister.

OCT. 16 — Lamar at Seneca, Cassville at East Newton, Nevada at McDonald County, Monett at Springfield Catholic, Reeds Spring at Aurora, Hollister at Mount Vernon, Marshfield at Rogersville.

OCT. 23 — Seneca at Monett, East Newton at Lamar, Nevada at Aurora, McDonald County at Cassville, Mount Vernon at Marshfield, Springfield Catholic at Hollister, Rogersville at Reeds Spring.

BIG 8 CONFERENCE

SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE

AUG. 28 — Webb City at Joplin, Carl Junction at

AUG. 28 — Cassville at Mount Vernon, East

Newton at Reeds Spring, Seneca at Marshfield, Monett at Hollister, Lamar at Springfield Catholic, Nevada at Rogersville, McDonald County at Aurora.

SEPT. 4 — Mount Vernon at East Newton, Reeds Spring at Lamar, Rogersville at Seneca, Marshfield at Cassville, Hollister at Nevada, Springfield Catholic at McDonald County, Aurora at Monett.

SEPT. 11 — Monett at East Newton, Seneca at Hollister, Lamar at McDonald County, Cassville at Nevada, Reeds Spring at Mount Vernon, Aurora at Rogersville, Marshfield at Springfield Catholic.

SEPT. 18 — East Newton at Seneca, Nevada

AUG. 28 — Ash Grove at Diamond, Houston at

Sarcoxie, Lockwood at Pierce City, Miller at Cabool, Marionville at Pleasant Hope.

SEPT. 4 — Diamond at Pierce City, Sarcoxie at Lockwood, Pleasant Hope at Miller, Marionville at Willow Springs, Trinity Catholic at Ash Grove.

SEPT. 11 — Diamond at Greenfield, Pierce City at Sarcoxie, Lockwood at Marionville, Miller at Strafford, Pleasant Hope at Ash Grove.

SEPT. 18 — Miller at Diamond, Sarcoxie at Pleasant Hope, Pierce City at Ash Grove, Lincoln at Lockwood, Greenfield at Marionville.

SEPT. 25 — Marionville at Diamond, Sarcoxie at Springfield Central, Sweet Springs at Pierce City, Pleasant Hope at Lockwood, Ash Grove at Miller.

OCT. 2 — Sarcoxie at Miller, Pierce City at Mari-

onville, Lockwood at Ash Grove, Pleasant Hope at Greenfield.

OCT. 3 — Diamond at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic.

OCT. 9 — Diamond at Pleasant Hope, Sarcoxie at Marionville, Miller at Lockwood, Ash Grove at Greenfield.

OCT. 10 — Unity at Pierce City.

OCT. 16 — Diamond at Sarcoxie, Miller at Pierce City, Lockwood at Greenfield, Marionville at Ash Grove, Forsyth at Pleasant Hope.

OCT. 23 — Lockwood at Diamond, Ash Grove at Sarcoxie, Pleasant Hope at Pierce City, Marionville at Miller.

OCT. 16 — Lockwood at Greenfield.

OCT. 23 — Greenfield at Stockton.

CNC LEAGUE SEPT. 3 — Girard at St. Mary’s Colgan.

SEPT. 4 — Riverton at Baxter Springs, Frontenac at Columbus, Galena at Commerce (Okla.).

SEPT. 11 — Galena at St. Mary’s Colgan, Baxter

Springs at Girard, Riverton at Quapaw (Okla.), Columbus at Coffeyville, Coweta (Okla.) at Frontenac.

SEPT. 18 — Galena at Riverton, Jayhawk-Linn at Baxter Springs, Girard at Columbus, St. Mary’s Colgan at Frontenac.

SEPT. 25 —Parsons at Galena, Columbus at Baxter Springs, Neodesha at Riverton, Frontenac at WESTERN MISSOURI CONFERENCE Iola, St. Mary’s Colgan at Fredonia, Anderson 8-MAN County at Girard.

AUG. 28 — Chilhowee at Jasper, Liberal at OCT. 2 — Cherryvale at Columbus, Baxter Archie, Drexel at Concordia, Osceola at Albany, Springs at Parsons, Riverton at Erie, Galena Appleton City at Stanberry. at Caney Valley, Frontenac at Burlington, St. SEPT. 4 — Concordia at Liberal, Osceola at JasMary’s Colgan at Southeast, Prairie Viewper, Archie at Rich Hill, Appleton City at Drexel.

LaCygne at Girard.

SEPT. 11 — Drexel at Liberal, Archie at Osceola, OCT. 8 — Neodesha at St. Mary’s Colgan.

OCT. 9 — Columbus at Galena, Southeast at RivJasper at Appleton City.

SEPT. 18 — Liberal at Appleton City, Jasper at erton, Baxter Springs at Cherryvale, Anderson Archie, Rich Hill at Drexel, Stanberry at Osceola.

County at Frontenac, Burlington at Girard.

SEPT. 25 — Liberal at Jasper, Appleton City OCT. 16 — Cherryvale at Galena, Fredonia at at Rich Hill, Osceola at Drexel, Archie at St. Riverton, Caney Valley at Baxter Springs, Joseph LeBlond.

Parsons at Columbus, Frontenac at Prairie OCT. 2 — Norborne at Liberal, Decatur (Ark.) View-LaCygne, St. Mary’s Colgan at Erie, Girard at Iola. at Jasper, Rich Hill at Pattonsburg, Drexel at OCT. 23 — Baxter Springs at Galena, Riverton at Archie, Osceola at Appleton City.

OCT. 9 — Liberal at Osceola, Jasper at Rich Hill, St. Mary’s Colgan, Columbus at Caney Valley, Concordia-St. Paul at Drexel, Appleton City at Girard at Frontenac.

Archie.

KANSAS INDEPENDENTS OCT. 16 — Drexel at Jasper, Liberal at Concordia-St. Paul, Rich Hill at Osceola, Appleton City SEPT. 4 — Labette County at Pittsburg, Parsons at Anderson County. at Pattonsburg, Archie at Kansas City (Kan.) SEPT. 11 — Pittsburg at Chanute, Parsons at Iola.

East Christian.

OCT. 23 — Rich Hill at Liberal, Jasper at Santa Fe SEPT. 18 — Pittsburg at Washburn Rural, Prairie (Alma, Mo.), Kansas City (Kan.) East Christian View-LaCygne at Parsons. at Drexel, Orrick at Appleton City, Concordia at SEPT. 25 — Fort Scott at Pittsburg, Galena at Parsons.

Archie.

MISSOURI INDEPENDENT OCT. 2 — Baxter Springs at Parsons.

OCT. 9 — Lansing at Pittsburg, Caney Valley at AUG. 28 — Greenfield at Forsyth.

Parsons.

SEPT. 4 — Greenfield at Cabool.

OCT. 16 — Kansas City Turner at Pittsburg, SEPT. 11 — Diamond at Greenfield.

Parsons at Columbus.

SEPT. 18 — Greenfield at Marionville.

OCT. 23 — Basehor-Linwood at Pittsburg, SEPT. 25 — Clever at Greenfield.

Parsons at Cherryvale.

OCT. 2 —Pleasant Hope at Greenfield.

OCT. 9 — Ash Grove at Greenfield.

SEE SLATE, 45

Carthage, MO locations Proud Supporters of All Area Schools Baxter springs, KS 202 E 12th Street 201 E Central 2816 Hazel Ave Carl Junction, MO 102 n. main 301 W Central 1224 W Central Lamar, MO 101 E. 12th street

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GREENFIELD WILDCATS

Veteran linemen to lead Greenfield

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

A veteran and big group of linemen will pave the way for Greenfield this season.

The Wildcats return all five offensive linemen — seniors Antonio Anaya (240 pounds), James Dardenne (230), Jacob Freezell (290), Arron Matthews (260) and sophomore Jimmy O’Neal (250).

“Most of them, this will be

SLATE FROM 44

SOUTHEAST KANSAS LEAGUE SEPT. 4 — Labette County at Pittsburg,

Summit Christian (Mo.) at Fort Scott, Towanda Circle at Chanute, Independence at El Dorado, Coffeyville at Augusta.

SEPT. 11 — Labette County at Winfield, Springfield Central (Mo.) at Fort Scott, Pittsburg at Chanute, Columbus at Coffeyville.

SEPT. 18 — El Dorado at Labette County, Fort Scott at Independence, Jefferson West at Chanute, Coffeyville at Valley Center.

SEPT. 25 — Labette County at Wellington, Fort Scott at Pittsburg, Chanute at Ulysses, Independence at Coffeyville.

OCT. 2 — Labette County at Fort Scott, Chanute at Independence, Mulvane at Coffeyville.

OCT. 9 — Coffeyville at Labette County, Fort Scott at Chanute, Independence at Towanda Circle.

OCT. 16 — Independence at Labette County, Fort Scott at Wamego,

their third year starting,” coach Justin Breedlove said. “We hope to play to our strength up front and control the clock. We have been wide open in the past, but we will need to dial way back to meet this team’s strengths. I’m excited to see how this team buys into something different from what we’ve done in the past.”

By contrast, the Wildcats’ skill positions lack experiChanute at Coffeyville.

OCT. 23 — Labette County at Chanute, Coffeyville at Fort Scott, Rose Hill at Independence.

THREE RIVERS LEAGUE 11-MAN SEPT. 4 — Jayhawk-Linn at Northeast,

Southeast at Uniontown, Christ Prep Academy at Pleasanton.

SEPT. 11 — Southeast at Jayhawk-Linn, Northeast at Northern Heights, Pleasanton at Lyndon, Uniontown at Wabaunsee.

SEPT. 18 — Northeast at Southeast, Uniontown at Pleasanton, Jayhawk-Linn at Baxter Springs.

SEPT. 25 — Southeast at Erie, Central Heights at Northeast, Pleasanton at Troy, Wellsville at Jayhawk-Linn, Olpe at Uniontown.

OCT. 2 — St. Mary’s Colgan at Southeast, Northeast at Lyndon, Olpe at Pleasanton, Jayhawk-Linn at Osage City, Northern Heights at Uniontown.

OCT. 9 — Southeast at Riverton, Uniontown at Northeast, Pleasanton at Northern Heights, Humboldt at Jayhawk-Linn.

OCT. 16 — Neodesha at Southeast, Northeast at Pleasanton, Jayhawk-Linn at West Franklin, Central Heights at Uniontown.

ence. Freshman Tyler Howard steps in at quarterback, and senior Dustin Harmon and junior Brad Reid move up to bigger roles at running back.

The linemen are also expected to set the tone on defense.

“We will have some youth at the linebacker positions and in the secondary,” Breedlove said. “So we will rely on our big guys up front to chew up double-team blocks and create penetration.”

OCT. 23 — Southeast at Fredonia, Olpe

COACH: Justin Breedlove (third year).

ASSISTANTS: Jonathan Nash, Matt McCarthy, Jordan Bryant.

RETURNING STARTERS/LETTERMEN Antonio Anaya, 240 sr. OL-DL; James Dardenne, 230 sr. OL-DL; Jacob Feezell, 290 sr. OL-DL; Dustin Harmon, 165 sr.

RB-LB; Arron Matthews, 260 sr. OL-DL; Brad Reid, 170 jr. RB-LB; Jimmy O’Neal, 250 so. OL-DL.

TOP PROSPECTS Tyler Howard, 150 jr. QB-S; Matt Booth, 150 fr. RB-CB; Alex Pickett, 150 fr. RB-LB; Xander Vaughn, 210 fr. TE-DE.

Paul at Chetopa, Yates Center at Marmaton Valley, Colony Crest at Southern Coffey County, Waverly at Altoona-Midway.

8-MAN OCT. 23 — Cedar Vale-Dexter at OsSEPT. 4 — Oswego at Chetopa, wego, Chetopa at Waverly, Southern Sedan at St. Paul, Colony Crest at Coffey County at St. Paul, West Elk Yates Center, Marmaton Valley at at Yates Center, Altoona-Midway Altoona-Midway. at Colony Crest Marmaton Valley at SEPT. 11 — Oswego at St. Paul, ChetoSedan. pa at Bluejacket (Okla.), Yates Center OKLAHOMA DISTRICT A-5 at Altoona-Midway, Marmaton AUG. 28 — Chouteau at Quapaw, Valley at Colony Crest.

SEPT. 18 — Altoona-Midway at OsWyandotte at Westville. wego, Chetopa at Marmaton Valley, SEPT. 4 — Galena (Kan.) at Commerce, Quapaw at Dewey.

St. Paul at Yates Center, Marais des SEPT. 11 — Riverton (Kan.) at Quapaw, Cygnes Valley at Colony Crest.

SEPT. 25 — Yates Center at Oswego, Commerce at Chelsea, Fairland at Altoona-Midway at Chetopa, St. Paul Liberty, Colcord at Afton, Chouat Colony Crest, Cedar Vale-Dexter at teau-Mazie at Wyandotte.

SEPT. 18 — Commerce at Keifer, SaliMarmaton Valley.

OCT. 2 — Oswego at Sedan, na at Fairland, Wyandotte at Colcord, Southern Coffey County at Chetopa, Hulbert at Afton.

SEPT. 25 — Wyandotte at Quapaw, Altoona-Midway at St. Paul, Yates Pawhuska at Commerce, Ketchum at Center at Cedar Vale-Dexter, Colony Fairland, Afton at Oklahoma Union.

Crest at Waverly, West Elk at MarmOCT. 2 — Quapaw at Ketchum, Comaton Valley.

OCT. 9 — Marmaton Valley at merce at Afton, Fairland at PawhusOswego, Chetopa at Colony Crest, ka, Oklahoma Union at Wyandotte.

OCT. 9 — Pawhuska at Quapaw, Waverly at St. Paul, Sedan at Yates Wyandotte at Commerce, Afton at Center, Altoona-Midway at Southern Fairland.

Coffey County.

OCT. 16 — Oswego at West Elk, St. OCT. 15 — Quapaw at Afton, at Northeast, Pleasanton at Central Heights, Eureka at Jayhawk-Linn, Uniontown at Lyndon.

Commerce at Ketchum, Fairland at Wyandotte.

OCT. 23 — Oklahoma Union at Quapaw, Fairland at Commerce, Ketchum at Wyandotte, Afton at Pawhuska.

OCT. 30 — Quapaw at Fairland, Commerce at Oklahoma Union, Wyandotte at Pawhuska, Ketchum at Afton.

NOV. 6 — Quapaw at Commerce, Oklahoma Union at Fairland, Afton at Wyandotte.

OKLAHOMA LARGE SCHOOLS AUG. 28 — Jay at Adair.

SEPT. 4 — Grove at Vinita, Miami at Jay.

SEPT. 11 — Jay at Grove, Verdigris at Miami.

SEPT. 18 — Pryor at Grove.

SEPT. 25 — Oologah at Grove, Miami at Bristow, Verdigris at Jay.

OCT. 2 — Grove at Catoosa, Cleveland at Miami, Inola at Jay.

OCT. 9 — Grove at Bristow, Miami at Oologah, Jay at Berryhill.

OCT. 15 — Skiatook at Grove, Wagoner at Miami, Jay at Vinita.

OCT. 23 — Grove at Cleveland, Miami at Catoosa, Holland Hall at Jay.

OCT. 30 — Grove at Wagoner, Skiatook at Miami, Jay at Mannford.

NOV. 6 — Miami at Grove, Tulsa Central at Jay.

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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GALENA BULLDOGS

Galena returns seven two-way starters

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

2019 RECORD: 6-4 (3-2 Class 3A district).

COACH: Beau Sarwinski.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 19.

YEARS AT GALENA: 14.

RECORD AT GALENA: 106-37.

ASSISTANTS: Derik Hunt, J.C. Dawes, Jacoby Martin, Zach Shockey.

BASE OFFENSE: Wing-T. BASE DEFENSE: 4-4.

RETURNING STARTERS Deacon Henson, 180 sr. RB-LB; A.J. Holmes, 180 sr. RB-LB; Randy Cockerell, 160 jr. WR-DB; Brett Sarwinski, 170 jr. QB-FS; Isaiah Dunaway, 220 so. OL-DL; Tyler Little, 220 so. OL-DL; Koby Myers, 220 so. OL-DL.

OTHER LETTERMEN Matthew Hardee, 160 jr. WR-DB; Garrett Lawson, 170 jr. WR-DB; Kobe McGlothlin, 180 jr. TE-DE; Trenton Tucker, 160 jr. RB-LB; Evan Turner, 160 jr. RB-LB.

TOP PROSPECTS Dakoda Caron, 190 jr. OL-DL; Jacob Waggoner, 180 jr. OL-DL; Adam Wammack, 300 jr. OL-DL; Dawson Mooney, 160 so. RB-DB.

Seven two-way starters return to lead Galena.

And the Bulldogs still have a young roster as their top 12 players include only two seniors.

“We were young last year, and we are going to be young this year,” coach Beau Sarwinski said. “We had some freshmen last year who by the end of the year were starting. Youth is always a concern, but our backfield has a lot of big-game experience, and we have three or four linemen with biggame experience too.”

The most experience is in the skill positions, with seniors A.J. Holmes and Deacon Henson (both running back-linebacker) and juniors Brett Sarwinski (quarterback-free safety) and Randy Cockerell (wide receiver-defensive back).

Three returning linemen are all sophomores — Tyler Little, Koby Myers and Isaiah Dunaway — and all weigh around 220 pounds.

Five more junior lettermen are running backs Evan Turner and Trenton Tucker, wide receivers Matthew Hardee and Garrett Lawson, and tight end Kobe McGlothlin.

“We have good team speed,” Sarwinski said. “I also think our kids are going to play hard. They’ve worked really hard since June 1 in the weight room and conditioning. The thing I’m really excited about this group is they are not real flashy, but they are coachGalena’s Brett Sarwinski warms up on Aug. 18 during football practice at Gaable and work extremely hard.” lena (Kan.) High School.

GLOBE | ROGER NOMER SEE GALENA, 47

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GALENA FROM 46

Galena’s AJ Holmes runs the ball during practice on Aug. 18 at Galena (Kan.) High School.

GLOBE | ROGER NOMER

And the Bulldogs will run the football.

“That’s been our identity: play physical and run the football,” Sarwinski said.

“But we’re not afraid to throw it either. We’re going to take what the defense will give us. If it means throwing it, we’ll throw it. But it’s no secret we want to run the ball. We have some inexperienced positions, but we have some kids who have waited for their time, and now it’s their time. They’ve worked hard. They get a week or two under their belt, they’ll be just fine. They are kids who will learn from their mistakes and get better.

“It is time for some of our juniors to step up and some sophomores will have to as

well. Our kids understand it’s a process of hard work and playing for each other.

It’s about our community, school and team. Pride plus determination equals glory.”

2020 SCHEDULE SEPT. 4 — at Commerce, Okla.

SEPT. 11 — at St. Mary’s Colgan SEPT. 18 — at Riverton SEPT. 25 — Parsons OCT. 2 — at Caney Valley OCT. 9 — Columbus OCT. 16 — Cherryvale OCT. 23 — Baxter Springs

2019 RESULTS Galena 58, Riverton 8 Galena 48, Girard 14 Prairie View-LaCygne 28, Galena 0

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Frontenac 27, Galena 14 Galena 38, Caney Valley 30, OT Galena 61, Baxter Springs 13 Columbus 21, Galena 0 Galena 38, Parsons 0

STATE PLAYOFFS

Galena 44, Burlington 34 Frontenac 20, Galena 6

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CELLTRON 1110 W. 7TH GALENA, KS 620-783-1333

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RIVERTON RAMS

Experienced players to lead Rams

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

2019 RECORD: 6-4 (4-1 Class 2A district).

COACH: Johnny Mallatt.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 49.

YEARS AT RIVERTON: 6.

RECORD AT RIVERTON: 22-24.

ASSISTANTS: Danny Weaver, Adam Babcock, Blake Arehart, Steve Wells.

RETURNING STARTERS Kaylb Allen, 175 sr. RB-DB; Austin Anderson, 210 sr. OL-DL; Jayden Faircloth, 210 sr. WR-DL; Titan Grieshaber, 255 sr. OL-DL; Josh Lynn, 250 sr. OL-DL; Walker Mallatt, 175 sr. WR-DB; Domanick Rooks, 215 sr.

QB-DE; Will Shawver, 185 sr. RB-LB; Hunter Crowder, 150 jr. RB-LB; Garin Gilmore, 230 jr. OL-DL; Derek Larison, 195 jr. RB-LB; Zayne Shireman, 235 jr. OL-DL.

OTHER LETTERMEN Clayton Garrett, 190 jr. TE-LB; Derek Price, 150 jr. WR-DB; Kayden Allen, 150 so. RB-LB; Walker Terry, 150 so.

QB-DB; Leiam Tyree, 140 so. RB-DB.

Riverton is coming off a 6-4 season and a second-round appearance in postseason play.

“It was the first winning season for Riverton in a long time,” coach Johnny Mallatt said. “We found out what it takes to play football.

Football is a tough game, and not everyone can play it. We lost key players early in the season, but the main backups stepped up and played well for us. We learned to not make mistakes and play like champions. ... We had to grow up fast and show people that football does matter.”

Senior running back Will Shawver was a second team all-CNC League running back last season, and the backfield also returns quarterback Domanick Rooks and running back Kaylb Allen, both seniors, and Derek Larison, a junior. Senior wide receivers Jayden Faircloth and Walker Mallatt also return. The Rams have size along the offensive and defensive lines, with seniors Titan Grieshaber, Josh Lynn, Austin Anderson and juniors Garin Gilmore and Zayne Shireman tipping the scale at 210 pounds or higher.

“We return some very

Riverton’s Austin Anderson runs through a blocking drill on Aug. 18 at Riverton (Kan.) High School.

GLOBE | ROGER NOMER

experienced players on both sides of the ball,” Mallatt said. “We also will have more depth at every position, especially in the offensive backfield. We will be more balanced on offense. Defensively, we will be very physical and run to the ball well.

The teams that can run the football and stop the run are usually the teams that have good seasons. We will also play teams with much more confidence, which will make us better.

“We will need to be more

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physical on both sides of the ball,” Mallatt continued. “We also need to play better on special teams. The offense will need to sustain drives and pick up first downs.

Defensively, we will need to stop drives and create more turnovers.”

2020 SCHEDULE SEPT. 4 — at Baxter Springs SEPT. 11 — at Quapaw, Okla.

SEPT. 18 — Galena SEPT. 25 — Neodesha OCT. 2 — at Erie OCT. 9 — Southeast

OCT. 16 — Fredonia OCT. 23 — at St. Mary’s Colgan

2019 RESULTS Galena 58, Riverton 8 Riverton 30, Baxter Springs 21 Lighthouse Christian (Mo.) 52, Riverton 35

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Riverton 50, Erie 12 Riverton 48, Northeast 18 Humboldt 20, Riverton 14 Riverton 40, Southeast 6 Riverton 49, Jayhawk-Linn 16

STATE PLAYOFFS

Riverton 44, Oskaloosa 14 Silver Lake 62, Riverton 21

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COLUMBUS TITANS

Line play to set tone for Titans Coach: ‘We have to continue to develop’ 2019 RECORD: 8-2 (4-1 Class 3A district).

COACH: Blake Burns.

TOTAL YEARS IN COACHING: 17.

YEARS AT COLUMBUS: 2.

RECORD AT COLUMBUS: 8-2.

ASSISTANTS: Matt Crain, Troy

Haraughty, Heath Perry, Cody Murdock, Taylor Spear.

BASE OFFENSE: Multiple.

BASE DEFENSE: Multiple.

RETURNING STARTERS Lynn Shallenburger, 150 sr. WR-DB; Sylas Stone, 160 sr. LB; Jaxson Haraughty, 140 jr. QB-WR-DB; Gabe Martin, 165 jr. RB-LB; Kody Schalk, 245 jr. OL-DL; Trent Smith, 160 jr. RBLB; Cole Minor, 150 so. LS-WR-LB.

OTHER LETTERMEN Hector Fontanez, 210 sr. RB-DL; Raef Gonzalez, 200 sr. DL; Tanner Hodges, 160 sr. LB; Caleb Murillo, 280 sr. OLDL; Landon Proffitt, 155 sr. WR-DB; Nathan Stice, 170 jr. OL-DL; Rydge Delmont, 170 so. OL-DL; Jake Eddington, 265 so. OL-DL; Brett Hamilton, 200 sr. QB-LB; Landin Midgett, 160 so. WR-LB; Jaspen Tanner, 160 so.

RB-LB-K.

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

After winning one game in 2018, Columbus made a big leap in 2019, finishing 8-2 and reaching the second round of postseason play.

“We came together as a team, improved in so many facets of the game and had so many players contribute to the team success,” coach Blake Burns said. “We didn’t respond well in big games regarding our execution and technique. We have to continue to develop and mature.”

The Titans return four juniors who received all-CNC League recognition.

Gabe Martin was second team all-conference at two spots after rushing for 552 yards and four touchdowns and making 81 tackles as a linebacker.

Defensive back Jaxson Haraughty (21 solo tackles among 30 stops) and defensive lineman Kody Schalk (24 tackles, three quarterback sacks, two fumble recoveries) also were second-teamers, and linebacker Trent Smith (78 tackles, two fumble recoveries) received honorable mention.

The Titans also return senior linebacker Sylas Stone (62 tackles, three sacks), senior wide receiver-defensive back Lynn

Columbus quarterback Jaxson Haraughty warms up during practice on Aug. 18 at Columbus (Kan.) High School.

GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

Shallenburger (eight catches for 204 yards and five touchdowns plus 15 tackles) and freshman wide receiver-linebacker-long snapper Cole Minor.

“We will look for seniors Lynn Shallenburger, Sylas Stone and Caleb Murillo (two-way lineman) to continue to set the example for us daily on how to work and be a positive teammate,” Burns said. “We also have a strong group of junior leaders such as Gabe Martin, Jaxson Haraughty and Trent Smith who will do their part each day to help set the standards in our program.

“If these players can do those things for us consistently each day, we will be

able to count on their leadership on game days.”

In addition to Murillo, other veteran linemen for the Titans include seniors Hector Fontanez and Landon Proffitt, junior Nathan Stice and sophomores Rydge Delmont and Jake Eddington.

“We will win or lose with the way our offensive and defensive line performs,” Burns said. “They will set the tone for us on both sides of the ball. We return starters in several key positions and have a number of players with varsity experience.

Our senior group works hard as a whole, and we have a solid group of younger players who will push for playing time.”

2020 SCHEDULE SEPT. 4 — Frontenac SEPT. 11 — at Coffeyville SEPT. 18 — Girard SEPT. 25 — at Baxter Springs OCT. 2 — Cherryvale OCT. 9 — at Galena OCT. 16 — Parsons OCT. 23 — at Caney Valley

2019 RESULTS Columbus 21, St. Mary’s Colgan 14 Columbus 53, Coffeyville 28 Columbus 41, Girard 19

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Columbus 21, Caney Valley 7 Columbus 46, Baxter Springs 0 Columbus 42, Parsons 13 Columbus 21, Galena 0 Frontenac 21, Columbus 0

STATE PLAYOFFS

Columbus 33, Anderson County 20 Prairie View-LaCygne 35, Columbus 0

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BAXTER SPRINGS LIONS

Baxter Springs hires new head coach

BY JIM HENRY | jhenry@joplinglobe.com

2019 RECORD: 0-9 (0-5 Class 3A district)

COACH: Matt Mims.

YEARS IN COACHING: 8.

YEARS AT BAXTER SPRINGS: 1.

RECORD AT BAXTER SPRINGS: 0-0.

ASSISTANTS: Russell Burr, Cord Bald-

win, Chase Johnston, Jeff McCoy, Austin Williams.

BASE OFFENSE: Wing-T (Delaware and shotgun).

BASE DEFENSE: 4-4.

RETURNING STARTERS Brayden Barnard, 255 sr. T-DL; Dasan Deringer, 140 sr WR-DB; Peyton Herrenbruck, 200 sr. C-DL; Kain McCully, 225 sr. TE-LB; Gage Pickering, 185 sr.

G-DL; Garrett Paxson, 135 jr. RB-FS; Braden Rector, 160 jr. RB-LB; Jackson Deringer, 155 so. QB; Landon Fisher, 165 so. LB; Lane Fisher, 165 so. LB; Logan Gess, 162 so. RB-LB; Devin Taft, 215 so. T-DL.

TOP PROSPECTS Javeon Alexander, 185 fr. TE; Trevor French, 180 fr. G.

PARTNERS DELIVERING GROWTH

Matt Mims, a native of Alabama who was offensive coordinator last season at Nowata (Oklahoma) High School, is the new head coach at Baxter Springs.

“I took the job to help instill a culture inducive to winning,” he said.

“Our goal is to let people know when they see our name on the schedule that we play for four quarters and will constantly hit someone in the mouth, pick them up and do it again.

“We are bringing a new sense of swagger to our team. Me being from the South, I want to instill within our team the way I am used to doing things and bringing that mentality with them into the games.”

The Lions have a handful of senior returning starters — wide receiver-defensive back Dasan Deringer, tight end-middle linebacker Kain McCully, and linemen Brayden Barnard, Gage Pickering and Peyton Herrenbruck.

Junior returning starters are running backs Braden Rector and Garrett Paxson, who also play defensively at outside linebacker and free safety, respectively.

Jackson Deringer, a sophomore, is the quarterback. Others who received extended varsity time as freshmen last season include running back-linebacker Logan Gess, lineman Devin Taft and linebackers Landon Fisher and Lane Fisher.

“Garrett Paxson will be a strong leader for us on the field,” Mims said.

“He holds his brothers accountable and will be able to help us in the

100 N. Youngman Rd. Baxter Springs, KS 66713 620-856-3020 alphia.com

New Baxter Springs head coach Matt Mims goes over plays with his team during practice on Aug. 18 at Baxter Springs (Kan.) High School. GLOBE | LAURIE SISK

secondary tremendously. Brayden Barnard will be another up front on the offensive and defensive line who knows what everyone is doing and can really be a second coach on the field for us.

“Jack Deringer will be an on-thefield general for us at the quarterback spot. He has worked with me since Day 1 on implementing this offense and will really help us on the field.”

Mims is looking for more physical play from the Lions.

“We really need to hit the weight room and conditioning sessions hard,” he said. “We have to be more physical up front and in better condition across the board with everyone to sustain a four-quarter game.

“Our kids are disciplined. We preach being sound technically and with our mind, and our kids do a really good job of that.”

2020 SCHEDULE SEPT. 4 — Riverton SEPT. 11 — at Girard SEPT. 18 — Jayhawk-Linn SEPT. 25 — Columbus OCT. 2 — at Parsons OCT. 9 — at Cherryvale OCT. 16 — Caney Valley OCT. 23 — at Galena

2019 RESULTS Girard 32, Baxter Springs 7 Riverton 30, Baxter Springs 21 St. Mary’s Colgan 34, Baxter Springs 7

DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

Parsons 40, Baxter Springs 0 Columbus 46, Baxter Springs 0 Galena 61, Baxter Springs 13 Frontenac 55, Baxter Springs 6 Caney Valley 43, Baxter Springs 0

DISTRICT CROSSOVER

Osawatomie 26, Baxter Springs 14

GOOD LUCK to all teams!

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

53

CNC LEAGUE

Frontenac Raiders feature strong defense ST. MARY’S COLGAN PANTHERS COACH: Shawn Seematter (fourth year).

ASSISTANTS: Wayne Cichon, Nick Dellasega, Joey Caskey.

RETURNING STARTERS Domenic Bevilacqua, 230 sr.

RB-DL; Blaise Dawson, 195 sr. RB-DB; Kannon Keller, 215 sr. TE-LB; Gianni Piccini, 150 sr. QB-DB; Taylor Torrance, 260 sr. OL; Will Glover, 170 jr.

LB; Jalen VanBecelaere, 180 jr. RB-LB.

OTHER LETTERMEN Doug Brown, 170 sr. WR-DB; Lucas McKain, 175 sr. WRLB; Blake Normand, 190 sr.

OL-DL; JayJoe Tenry, 225 sr.

OL-DL; Brice Wood, 165 sr.

RB-LB; Aidan Fleming, 175 jr.

RB-DB.

FRONTENAC RAIDERS COACH: Mark Smith (ninth year).

ASSISTANTS: John Palumbo, Bill Sullivan, Brady Hill, Jesse Wall.

RETURNING STARTERS Ty Gates, 180 sr. CB; Alex Storey, 210sr. TE; Cruz Blair, 240 jr. OL-DL; Landon Dean, 230 jr. DE; Lane Franklin, 220 jr. DT; Collin McCartney, 185 jr. DE.

OTHER LETTERMEN Bennie Adarr, 150 sr. WRDB; Dylan Ensch, 190 sr.

OL-LB; Gustavo Herrera, 180 sr. OL-DL; Trenton Hes-

song, 210 sr. OL-DL; Clay Jameson, 180 sr. OL-LB; Jay Karliskint, 280 sr. OL-DL; Storm Niegsch, 180 sr. RBSS; Griffin Souder, 190 sr.

OL-DL; Conner Taylor, 175 sr. WR-SS; Parker Beckmann, 155 jr. WR-DB; Dylan Bollinger, 205 jr. FB-LB; Justice Compton, 175 jr.

RB-LB; Kaston Fields, 140 jr.

WR-DB; Trentyn Harris, 200 jr. OL-DL; Dawson Lapping, 155 jr. QB-WR-SS; Brady Stanley, 175 jr. RB-SS; Chris Stewart, 180 jr. OL-DL; Peyton Wilderman, 150 jr.

WR-SS; Mario Menghini, 180 so. RB-DB.

GIRARD TROJANS COACH: Neal Philpot (fourth year).

ASSISTANTS: Jeremiah Hud-

son, Ben Niggeman, Jacob Towery, Jeff Leslie, Chris Beard.

RETURNING STARTERS Zach Davis, 170 sr. RB-CB; Kaden Harrison, 185 sr. TE-LB; Mason Hubener, 170 sr. RBLB; Caden Lallemand, 185 sr.

QB-LB; Zack Shendo, 210 sr.

OL-DL; Gabe Shireman, 180 sr. OL-DL; Logan Thomas, 180 sr. WR-S; Eli Tucker, 270 sr.

OL-DL; Dee Wideman, 250 sr.

OL-DL; Brecken Troike, 210 jr.

TE-LB; Josh Boone, 210 so.

OL-DL.

OTHER LETTERMEN Conner Olivera, 160 sr.

RB-SS; Ethan Merrell, 180 jr.

RB-LB; Alex Coester, 170 so.

RB-FS; Luke Niggeman, 165 so. QB-FS; Adam Shireman, 185 so. RB-DL.

key for the Trojans this season.

“We have a large group of Defense is a strong suit at seniors who have all played Frontenac, just as it was during a significant role in our prothe Raiders’ 10-1 season last year. gram,” coach Neal Philpot “We bring back seven or eight said. “We need them all to be guys who have a lot of expeleaders. We lost a few seniors rience last year on defense,” from last year, but those secoach Mark Smith said. “We niors led by example with expect to have a very strong their practice work ethic. We defense, especially with our en- need some of (this year’s setire defensive line returning as niors) to carry that on and add juniors this season.” to it.”

Cruz Blair, 6-foot-1, 240-pound Four Trojans earned alljunior two-way lineman, and CNC recognition. Senior tight Landon Dean, 6-4, 230 junior end-linebacker Kaden Harridefensive end, earned first team son, senior lineman Dee Wideall-state honors last season. man and junior tight end-lineCollin McCarthy, 185 junior backer Brecken Troike were defensive end, was honorable named to the second team, and mention all-state and first team senior quarterback-linebacker all-conference, and senior corCaden Lallemand received nerback Ty Gates received hon- honorable mention. orable mention all-CNC. Six more seniors are returnLane Franklin, 220 junior, ing starters — linemen Eli returns at defensive tackle, and Tucker, Zack Shendo and Gabe senior Alex Storey is back at Shireman, wide receiver-safetight end. ty Logan Thomas, running “Players like Storm Niegsch, back-linebacker Mason HuTy Gates, Griffin Souder, Dylan bener and running back-corEnsch and Alex Storey come nerback Zach Davis. back with a lot of playing time “Our experience and our from last year,” Smith said. team speed are improvements “They will need to set the tone from a year ago,” Philpot said. during fall camp. We have a “We need to buy in as a whole strong junior class that will also and understand each individuprovide great leadership on and al’s role as part of the team. off the field.

“Last year, we got better “I believe that we will have from week to week. It was solid depth at a majority of obvious from a coach’s standpositions. We will have a lot of point. We had young guys and competition for some starting a new system, and we got betspots on both sides of the ball, ter week to week.” which should bring out the best ST. MARY’S COLGAN in our kids and help our team in PANTHERS the long run.”

A six-game winning streak GIRARD TROJANS after a 1-3 start highlighted the Senior leadership holds a Panthers’ 7-4 season last year.

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

This year, the Panthers will be led by some seniors who have accumulated loads of varsity playing time.

“We will have a large senior class who has been a part of the success the past three years (26-10 record),” coach Shawn Seematter said. “All of them will have to be leaders on the field in their various roles.

“Particularly guys like Gianni Piccini, Kannon Keller, Domenic Bevilacqua and Blaise Dawson, who have seen significant playing time since their sophomore and even freshman seasons. They understand the work that it takes to be successful, but they also understand the adversity that inevitably comes along with each game and each season. We will look to their experience to guide our less experienced players through the everyday ups and downs.”

Keller, a linebacker, made 80 tackles last season, forced two fumbles, recovered three fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown. He also caught nine passes for 147 yards and two scores as a tight end.

Quarterback Piccini accounted for 759 yards and a dozen TDs — 252 yards and five scores rushing and 507 yards and nine TDs passing. Bevilacqua had 535 yards and nine touchdowns rushing, and junior Jalen VanBecelaere added 332 yards and four TDs on the ground.

“We need to get better in the execution on both sides of the ball,” Seematter said. “Not just understanding assignments, but understanding how to complete those assignments successfully.”

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

54

PITTSBURG PURPLE DRAGONS

Pittsburg offense heavy with returning starters niors for effort and attitude.”

The Purple Dragons will have to fill the void of last season’s dominant defensive front. Pittsburg returns no starters on the defensive line, but it will have four seniors to help pick up the slack in Xander Drenick, Dakota Puffinbarger, Caleb Redd and Zane Decker.

“Replacing those players up front will be a challenge,” Nickelson said. “We have capable athletes who have been waiting for their opportunity. Now, it is up to them to make the most of it.”

In total, Pittsburg’s defensive unit returns just three players with starting experience in Butcher (defensive back), junior Matt Smith (DB) and junior Grant Roelfs (linebacker). “(Our expectations are) to improve every day, to represent our school and community with class and to have fun,” Nickelson said.

BY JARED PORTER jporter@joplinglobe.com

2019 RECORD: 4-5.

COACH: Tom Nickelson.

YEARS IN COACHING: 23.

YEARS AT PITTSBURG: 10.

RECORD AT PITTSBURG: 60-28.

ASSISTANTS: Leroy O’Bray, Matt

Butler, Matt Vaughn, Trevor Elliott, Andrew Brennon, A.J. Terry, Jose Speer, Kip Whiteley.

BASE OFFENSE: Multiple.

BASE DEFENSE: 4-3.

RETURNING STARTERS L.J. Butcher, 170 sr. WR-DB; Matt Cicero, 240 sr. OL; Blake Harrison, 260 sr. OL; Logan Kunkler, 245 sr.

OL; Haiden McCoy, 165 sr. WR; Cooper Hayden, 175 jr. QB; Grant Roelfs, 200 jr. LB; Matt Smith, 165 jr. DB.

OTHER KEY RETURNERS Zane Decker, 200 sr. DL; Xander Drenick, 190 sr. DL; Malachi Gatewood, 140 sr. RB-DB; Shamarrae Hardick, 255 sr. OL; Ethan Light, 145 sr. DB-QB; Matthew Moore, 175 sr. TE-DE; Dakota Puffinbarger, 255 sr. DL; Caleb Redd, 225 sr.

DL; Chris Saman, 235 sr. OL-DL; Christiane Stover, 165 sr. WR-LB; Tyson Wiemers, 165 sr. K; Caiden Barber, 180 jr. RB.

The Pittsburg Purple Dragons won four of their first five games before closing out the 2019 season with a fourgame losing streak.

“We had a small but tough group of seniors that battled through injuries all season,” 10th-year head coach Tom Nickelson said. “They prepared well and played hard and helped a lot of underclassmen get valuable Friday night experience. We did not get as many wins as they wanted, but they represented their family, school and community well all season long and continued to fight until the end. We played a lot of underclassmen in key positions last fall, and that varsity experience will be invaluable this season.

“We played several sophomores at key positions. It is a very tough transition from freshman football straight to varsity. They played hard and continued to improve as the season progressed, and we will look for big things from them this fall.”

Experience will certainly be a strength for Pittsburg on its offensive unit, which has six starters back as well as a handful of other key players returning.

“We return three starting offensive linemen and six starters overall on offense,” Nickelson said. “We hope to be much improved and faster offense. We have an experienced quarterback back and very explosive running backs in the backfield.”

2020 SCHEDULE Pittsburg quarterbacks Cooper Hayden (left) and Jackson Turnbull work on the passing game during a preseason practice.

GLOBE | JIM HENRY

Junior Cooper Hayden returns as the Purple Dragons’ starting quarterback, while junior Caiden Barber and and senior Malachi Gatewood are listed as key running backs who return for the Purple Dragons.

Up front, the Pittsburg offensive front is anchored by a trio of returning starters in seniors Matt Cicero, Logan Kunkler and Blake Harri-

son. Seniors L.J. Butcher and Hayden McCoy headline the team’s core of wide receivers.

“We will always look to our seniors for leadership on and off the field,” Nickelson said.

“They are all our tone setters in the weight room, film room and practice field. Whether they are a multiyear starter, special teams player or a backup, everyone looks to se-

SEPT. 4 — Labette County SEPT. 11 — at Chanute SEPT. 18 — at Washburn Rural SEPT. 25 — Fort Scott OCT. 2 — Wichita South, canceled OCT. 9 — Lansing OCT. 16 — KC Turner OCT. 23 — Basehor-Linwood

2019 RESULTS Pittsburg 40, Labette County 0 Pittsburg 41, Chanute 27 Blue Valley North 27, Pittsburg 3 Pittsburg 28, Fort Scott 0 Pittsburg 42, Ulysses 3 Mill Valley 31, Pittsburg 0 Olathe East 49, Pittsburg 14 DeSoto 28, Pittsburg 14 Spring Hill 17, Pittsburg 13

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SOUTHEAST KANSAS LEAGUE

SEK LEAGUE ROSTERS LABETTE COUNTY GRIZZLIES

COACH: Sean Price (fifth year).

ASSISTANTS: Bradley Argabright, Broc Wolfe, Da-

vie Brown, Mike Hayward, Jeremy Branch, Joe Royer, Jason Storm, Joe Paige, T.J. Mayhue, Richard Pierce.

RETURNING STARTERS/LETTERMEN

170 sr. WR-CB; Spencer Morgan 137 sr. WR-DB; Nicholas Morris 230 sr. OL-DL; Devon Reeves 155 sr. WR-CB; Matthew Redden 190 sr. OL-DL; Arthur Rutherford 156 sr. QB-S; Jacobi Sharpe 167 sr. RB-DL; Brady White 160 sr. WB-CB; Nathan Rippe 160 jr. WR-CB.

FORT SCOTT TIGERS COACH: Bo Graham (second year).

ASSISTANTS: Alvin Metcalf Jr., Adam Clements, Josh Messer, Matt Glades, Dame Cummings, Jared Martin.

Trent Brock 175 sr. RB-SS; Evan Flatt 140 sr. CB; Noah Grady 180 sr. TE; Andrew Jameson 205 sr.

LB; Tyler Lewis 220 sr. DL; Joel Mathes 165 sr.

OL; Chandler Moore 225 sr. OL; Kooper Peak 155 sr. QB; Noah Simmons 265 sr. OL; Robert Tobel 180 sr. DE; Noah Yeoman 150 sr. WR; Mitchell House 210 jr. OL; Derek Jones 145 jr. WR; Andon Searles 165 jr. OLB; Griffon Eaton 150 so. QB; Kail Smith 145 so. SS; Kaieson Vanatta 250 so. OL-DE; Tray Vinson 150 so. WR.

Miles Bowman 215 sr. TE-DL; Trey Brown 190 sr. WR-DB; Nick Emerson 160 sr. WR-DB; Jamar Franks 160 sr. RB-DB; Donald Harper 160 sr. WRDB; Greyson Quick 260 sr. OL-DL; Syllvin Roark 260 sr. OL-DL; Will Wunderly 170 sr. QB-DB; Kaden Connor 260 so. OL-DL; Jacob Stinnett 150 jr. RB-LB.

CHANUTE BLUE COMETS

INDEPENDENCE BULLDOGS

COACH: Clete Frazell (second year).

ASSISTANTS: Kent Frazell, Rusty Emling, Luke Hall,

COACH: John Black (second year).

ASSISTANTS: Michael Rose, Lance Fabrizius, Derek

Kurt Sizemore, Bradley Campbell, Kip Keely.

RETURNING STARTERS

Pearson, Tyler Elison.

RETURNING STARTERS

RETURNING STARTERS

Garrett Almond sr. WR-DE; Brayden Dillow sr.

OL-DL; Ryker Donovan sr. RB-LB; Garrin Golay sr. OL-DL; Curtis Harris sr. DB; Kolten LaCrone sr.

DL; Tyson Lucas sr. K; Tuker Davis jr. OL-DL; Kam Koester jr. WR.

Jaxon Jarnigan sr. OL-DE; Evan Knight sr. OL; Zach Moses sr. RB-DB; Ian Oliver sr. OL-DL; Ian Pralle sr.

DB; Travareus Wilson sr. RB; Sir Grant jr. OL.

COFFEYVILLE GOLDEN TORNADO

COACH: Jeff Schibi (first year).

ASSISTANTS: Jaran Dixon, Rob Barcus, Anthony

COACH: Deonta Wade (first year).

ASSISTANTS: Mark Andrews, Corey Turner,

Jeremy Nuenschwander, Doug Billingsly, Dave Harlin, Mario Grant, Matt Washburn, Mike O’Connor.

RETURNING STARTERS

Ethan Camp 185 sr. TE-LB; Jaden Erne 190 sr.

RB-OLB; Darell Jones 170 sr. WR-DB; Tariq Logan

PARSONS VIKINGS Houk, Raheeme Dumas, LaKaito Barr-Miller.

RETURNING STARTERS Tanner Barcus 175 sr. WR-DB; Landon Collins 225 sr. LB; Ricky Ellis 225 sr. OL-DL; Joey Goldsmith 220 sr. OL-DE; Ethan Houk 185 sr. QB; Yusef Kindrick 205 sr. RB; Matt Ray 170 sr. DB; Gavin Salyers 160 sr. DB; Julius Smith-Reece 180 sr.

WR-DB; Cooper Woodworth 225 sr. OL-DL-LB.

WELCH • MIAMI • SOUTH COFFEYVILLE

Grizzlies look for bounce-back season

BY JARED PORTER | jporter@joplinglobe.com

Labette County had its share of adversity to overcome in the 2019 campaign that saw the Grizzlies finish 3-6 overall and 3-1 in Southeast Kansas League play.

“Losing our starting quarterback in the jamboree made us face adversity fast,” fifth-year Labette County coach Sean Price said. “We played some very young players, and as the season went on, they matured and showed that they are capable of being very good players for us in the future.”

The Grizzlies are primed for a bounce-back season with 13 returning starters and five other players who saw extensive varsity action.

Quarterback Kooper Peak returns for his senior season after passing for 951 yards and five touchdowns in 2019. Two familiar targets at wideout are junior Derek Jones and senior Noah Yeomen.

Joining Peak in the backfield is senior running back Trent Brock, who also starts at strong safety.

Brock had 127 carries for 657 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.

The offensive line is anchored by four returning starters in seniors Chandler Moore, Noah Simmons, Joel Mathes and junior Mitchell House. Senior Noah Grady also brings starting experience at tight end.

Defensively, the Grizzlies return starters at five positions.

Linebackers Andon Searles, a junior, and Andrew Jameson, a senior, were among the team’s

top tacklers last season with 55 apiece. Other returnees are senior cornerback Evan Flatt and senior defensive end Robert Tobel.

CHANUTE BLUE COMETS The Blue Comets return nine starters from last season’s squad that went 9-2 under first-year coach Clete Frazell.

Among the returners is senior offensive and defensive lineman Brayden Dillow, who was an allstate and first-team all-SEK selection last year as a junior. Other key returners include all-SEK performers Garett Almond (senior WR-DE) and Ryker Donovan (senior RB-LB).

FORT SCOTT TIGERS Ten returning starters headline this year’s Fort Scott team that looks to bounce back from a 1-9 campaign.

All 10 of the Tigers’ returning starters play both sides of the ball — seniors Greyson Quick, Syllvin Roark, Miles Bowman, Will Wunderly, Try Brown, Nick Emerson, Donald Harper and Jamar Franks, junior Jacob Stinnett and sophomore Kaden Connor.

PARSONS VIKINGS Senior leadership is Parsons’ biggest strength heading into 2020 with 10 upperclassmen making up its group of returning starters.

Key returners for the Vikings include senior running back Yusef Kindrick, senior quarterback Ethan Houk and senior wide receivers Tanner Barcus and Julius Smith-Reece.

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57

THREE RIVERS LEAGUE TRL ROSTERS

Brandon Favazzi, 185 jr. OL-DL; Cooper Hamblin, 180 jr. RB-LB; Nate Jacobs, 168 jr. QB-LB; NORTHEAST VIKINGS Cullen Mutz, 150 jr. RB-LB; Cash Windsor, 180 jr. RB-LB; Ryan COACH: David Pitts (second year). Wilkins, 235 jr. OL-DL; Damion ASSISTANTS: Randy Adams, Woods, 218 jr. OL-LB. Anthony Scholes, Tanner Pitts.

RETURNING STARTERS/ LETTERMEN

OTHER LETTERMEN

Quintonn Lungsford, 155 jr.

RB-LB; Matthew Martinie, 177 Allen Adelman, 150 sr. TE; Brajr. RB-DB; Blayn Renn, 288 jr. den Broyles, 160 sr. RB-CB; Gage OL-DL. Cronister, 250 sr. C; Zach Cronister, 230 sr. T-NG; Karter Dugan, CHETOPA 170 sr. RB-FS; Noah Hammers, GREEN HORNETS 150 sr. RB; Cole Richard, 145 sr.

COACH: Rick Aldridge (second QB-LB; Garrett Walker, 125 sr. year).

RB; James Claffey, 145 jr. RB; ASSISTANT: Jack Vanatta.

D.J. Dohle, 220 jr. T; Dominick Neary, 150 jr. RB-LB; Ethan RETURNING STARTERS Neary, 145 jr. FB-DT; Eric Smith, Charley Cook, 195 sr. WR-TE-DE; 135 jr. RB-LB; Jevon Allen, 175 Caiden Duggan, 180 sr. QB-WRso. QB-CB; Brendan Alters, 166 DB; Brayden Kepner, 190 sr. so. TE; Seth Boley, 185 so. TE; Braydon Bolton, 235 so. G; Wade WR-LB; Dakota Pease, 195 sr.

WR-RB-DB; Wyatt Vanatta, 210 Carden, 165 so. G; LaBraden Clemens, 140 so. TE; TayShawn sr. QB-RB-P-LB; Tyler Johnson, Gaynor, 140 so. RB; Cayden Hill, 195 jr. TE-DB; Blake Bryant, 212 135 so. TE; Brock Nunn, 148 so. so. OL-DL; Corven Walker, 225 so. OL-DL. C; Brandon Sigmon, 156 so. TELB; Dawson Troth, 150 so. QB; Damien Willard, 150 so. G. OSWEGO INDIANS

SOUTHEAST LANCERS COACH: Nick Cheney (first year).

ASSISTANTS: Ryan Wydick, Nick Cheney.

RETURNING STARTERS Kyan Applegate, 169 sr. WR-DB; Ty Cummins, 210 sr. OL-DL; Kaden Fox, 155 sr. WR-DB; Zaden Hendricks, 175 sr. RB-LB; Hunter Newcomb, 180 sr. OL-DL; Micah Uber, 285 sr. OL-DL;

COACH: Matt Fowler (third year).

ASSISTANTS: Steve McBrien, J.D. Walker, Jeff Schreppel, Nathan Collins.

RETURNING STARTERS Isac Elkins, 190 sr. TE-LB; Isaac Elliott, 195 sr. RB-LB; Tristan Gray, 230 sr. OL-DL; Mayson Mills, 185 sr. OL-DL; Lance Teal, 160 sr. RB-LB; Jesse Blumer, 165 jr. TE; Jace Landes, 150 jr.

RB-LB.

Oswego seeks another league title to the victories our athletes saw in coming together as a team, playing every game hard and Oswego has posted back-tono matter the score playing the back 6-3 seasons and shared entire game. Seeing our team the Three Rivers League 8-man fight for each other, and with football championship with having no seniors, the younger St. Paul after both teams went athletes stepped up to lead. undefeated and did not play one Chetopa has versatility on another during the season. its roster. Four senior returnLed by a battle-tested senior ing starters — Wyatt Vanatta, class, the Indians are poised to Caiden Duggan, Dakota Pease make a run at another league and Charley Cook — are listed crown. at three positions. Vanatta also “Our senior class has played a was the all-conference punter. lot of football over their years,” Other returning starters — coach Matt Fowler said. “Some all two-way performers — are of them started as freshmen, senior Brayden Kepner, junior and all of them started as sophTyler Johnson and sophomores omores and juniors. They have Blake Bryant and Corven Walka big opportunity to lead us er, who was honorable mention forward.” all-league at offensive tackle.

Five seniors were two-way starters last year — linemen 11-MAN Tristan Gray and Mayson Mills, tight end-linebacker Isac Elkins NORTHEAST VIKINGS and running back-linebacker The Vikings have a longer Isaac Elliott and Lance Teal. roster this season, led by eight Juniors back after starting last year are running back-line- senior returning starters.

Northeast has size along the backer Jace Landes and tight line with seniors Zach Cronisend Jesse Blumer. ter (230 pounds), Gage Cronister CHETOPA GREEN HORNETS (250) and sophomore Braydon The Green Hornets went 1-7 Bolton (235). last year, but first-year coach Other seniors: quarterRick Aldridge saw a culture back-linebacker Cole Richard, change. running back-free safety Karter “We were able to get the kids Dugan, running back Garrett to come back out to play and Walker, running back-cornersee the incredible change in the back Braden Broyles, running classroom,” he said. “Our wins back Noah Hammers and tight on the field could not compare end Allen Adelman.

BY JIM HENRY jhenry@joplinglobe.com

“Our strengths will be our senior leadership and our depth,” coach David Pitts said. “Last year, the players came together to promote the unified team concept. Many stepped forward into leadership roles both on and off the field.”

SOUTHEAST LANCERS

After three winless seasons, Southeast went 4-5 in 2018.

The Lancers took another step forward last year, finishing 7-3, winning the Three Rivers League 11-man division and winning at Osage City 12-6 in two overtimes in the playoffs.

“We as a team learned how to win,” said first-year coach Nick Cheney, who has been the team’s defensive coordinator the past four years. “We hope to keep working and improve as a team in all phases of the game.”

The Lancers return four seniors who earned all-conference honors last year, led by first-teamers Zaden Hendricks at running back (1,311 total yards) and Micah Uber at offensive and defensive lineman (55 tackles). Tight end Hunter Newcomb and defensive lineman Ty Cummins received honorable mention.

Other senior starters are Kyan Applegate and Kaden Fox, both running backs and defensive backs.

“We are growing and learning as a team,” Cheney said.

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MIAMI WARDOGS

Wardogs return 11 starters

2019 RECORD: 1-9 (0-7).

CLASS: 4A. DISTRICT: 3.

HEAD COACH: Zach Gardner.

YEARS IN COACHING: 14.

YEARS AT MIAMI: 3.

ASSISTANTS: Brad Homer, Rick

Simpson, Matt LeFay, Patrick Billings, Pete Overman, David Gilstrap, Zach Henry.

BASE OFFENSE: One back.

BASE DEFENSE: 3-4/4-3.

RETURNING STARTERS

Carson Folks, 155 sr. OLB; Clay McCormick, 230 sr. C-LB; Ulicas Mora, 140 sr. C; Trenton Spunangle, 285 sr. OL-DL; Josh Thronebury, 190 sr. RB-SS; Keaton Jinks, 190 jr. WR-DB; Keagan Kamama, 230 jr. OL-DL.

OTHER KEY RETURNERS

Cole Horn, 205 sr. LB; Jacob Bebee, 285 jr. OL-DL; Brian Cox, 220 so. OL-DL; Zach Hayburn, 160 so. WR-DB; Karson Jinks, 170 so.

QB-DB.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Jonah Redden, 150 jr. WR-DB; Kim Chura, 300 fr. OL-DL; Braylon Riley, 160 fr. QB-DB; Garrett Walls 145 fr. WR-DB.

‘If we are going to get the kids back and do a traditional five days a week like we’ve decided to do as a district, then we need to be traditional in all aspects.’

(offensive and defensive line).

Sophomore Karson Jinks The Miami Wardogs and freshman Braylon Riley opened the 2019 season with will battle for the starting a convincing 38-7 win over quarterback job heading Claremore-Sequoyah beinto the season opener. fore they lost nine straight Other key players returngames. ing for the Wardogs include Miami’s biggest hurdle? senior linebacker Cole Youth and inexperience, Horn, junior lineman Jacob as well as a plethora of inBebee, sophomore lineman juries it had to deal with in Brian Cox and sophomore the latter half of the season. defensive back Zach HayThird-year head coach Zach burn.

Gardner noted that the team “We’ve had a typical sumlost all three of its games mer as far as preparation,” that were decided by one Gardner said. “I feel we are Zach Gardner touchdown or less. ready. It’s better for the kids Miami Wardogs head coach “We were capable of winfrom an education standning more games than what point. Routine is better than we did,” Gardner said. “We are expected to take on nonroutine. If we are going couldn’t find ways to win leadership roles because of to get the kids back and do a 75 %of the winnable games, “the examples they’ve set traditional five days a week and that kind of spoke to on and off the field” since like we’ve decided to do as a our youthfulness. The good the start of the offseason, district, then we need to be thing is that those young according to Gardner. traditional in all aspects.” athletes got some needed McCormick is a 230-pound The Wardogs open the seaexperience in key positions. center and linebacker for son at home with Dewey on We hope that improvement the Wardogs, while Spunan- Aug. 28. shows up more in the wingle is a 285-pound offensive Other nondistrict games loss column this year.” and defensive lineman and are Sept. 4 at Jay and Sept.

While the District 4A-3 Folks is a 155-pound outside 11 at home with Verdigris.

Wardogs remain relatively linebacker.

After a bye week, Miami young in 2020, they do reMiami also has returning heads into district play Sept. turn starters at 11 different seniors Ulicas Mora (center) 25 at Bristow and then has positions. and Josh Thronebury (runits homecoming and home Three seniors — Clay Mc- ning back-strong safety), as opener against Cleveland on Cormick, Trenton Spunanwell as juniors Keaton Jinks Oct. 2.

Not having spring footgle and Carson Folks — are (wide receiver-defensive returning starters who back) and Keagan Kamama ball the pandemic has set

BY JARED PORTER jporter@joplinglobe.com

things back some.

“Inexperience at the skill positions and with not getting those extra reps (during spring ball), we are going to have to be ready to play early,” Gardner said.

“The way our schedule fits, our most winnable games are some of our non-district games. If we can have some success there, I can see it carrying over to some of the other games.

“We’ve got to have success early.”

2020 SCHEDULE AUG. 28 — Dewey SEPT. 4 — at Jay SEPT. 11 — Verdigris SEPT. 25 — at Bristow OCT. 2 — Cleveland OCT. 9 — at Oologah OCT. 15 — Wagoner OCT. 23 — at Catoosa OCT. 30 — Skiatook NOV. 6 — at Grove

2019 RESULTS Miami 38, Claremore-Sequoyah 7 Jay 30, Miami 7 Tahlequah-Sequoyah 28, Miami 21 Grove 28, Miami 21 Catoosa 26, Miami 20 Wagoner 76, Miami 6 McLain 36, Miami 29 Oologah 58, Miami 6 Cleveland 52, Miami 19 Bristow 43, Miami 23

2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

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OKLAHOMA A-5 A-5 ROSTERS AFTON EAGLES COACH: Corey Henry (second year).

ASSISTANTS: Jerry Springer, Dusty Henry, Magnum Mustain.

RETURNING STARTERS Weston Amos, 190 sr. WR-CB; Eli Carr, 275 sr. OL-DL; Brandon Coombes, 210 sr. OL-DL; Kohl Gaines, 270 sr. OL-DL; Gavin Herman, 155 sr. WR-LB; Keven Thomas, 145 sr. LB; Ryan Williams, 154 sr. OL.

COMMERCE TIGERS COACH: Steve Moss (10th year).

ASSISTANTS: Logan Cawyer, John Medlin, Terry Tyree, Matt Poteet.

RETURNING STARTERS Trysten Bundy, 190 sr. WR-DB; Kolby Dean, 195 sr. G-DE; Austin Hart, 240 sr. G-DE; Ethan Myers, 185 sr. G-LB; Junior Ramirez, 160 sr.

WR-DB; Eric Cunningham, 180 jr. QB-DB; Seth Hailey, 190 jr. FB-LB; Roger Hernandez, 170 jr.

WR-DB; Jonah Ray, 265 jr. T-DT; Levi Rhinehart, 190 jr. TE-LB; Gage Smith, 230 jr. C-DT.

OTHER LETTERMEN Hunter Bissell, 220 sr. G-LB; Kooper Blunk, 160 jr. WR-DB; Marcus Howard, 190 jr. WRLB; Aiden Vanatta, 190 jr. TE-DE; Brandon Cochran-Mackin, 240 so. T-DT.

FAIRLAND OWLS COACH: Bruce Munden (first year).

ASSISTANTS: Craig Hood, Keenan Webb, Aaron Bland, Austin Buchanan.

RETURNING STARTERS Andrew Barker, 230 sr. TE; Avery Brown, 165 sr. OL; Brion Padberg, 200 sr. DE; Jayden Anderson, 220 jr. OL; Andy Bradbrook, 150

Go Wardogs!

jr. RB; Jacoby Jackson, 215 jr. LB; Jeremiah Mattingly, 145 so. WR.

QUAPAW WILDCATS COACH: Chris Cawyer (fourth year).

ASSISTANTS: Jake Manning, Aaron Thomasson, Trey Dawson, Trenton Stand, Mike Richardson, Kirk Myrick.

RETURNING STARTERS Jonathan Green, 215 sr. RB-LB; Jacob Gregory, 170 sr. WR-CB; Matt Lovell, 245 sr. TE-DE; Ethan Mate, 150 sr. WR-CB; Anthony Moreno, 200 sr. RB-NG; Taylor Roher, 175 sr. RB-LB; Kale Thomasson, 165 sr. WR-DB; Koen Myrick, 175 jr. QB-LB; Brannigan Ray, 295 jr. OL-DL; Zayne Suman, 170 jr. C-DE; Preston Thomasson, 165 jr. RB-LB; Corben Cunliffe, 160 so.

RB-LB; Seth Johnston, 145 so. QB-FS.

OTHER LETTERMEN Hunter Sappington, 230 sr. OL-DL; Racen Smith, 170 sr. OL-DL; Grant Crawford, 275 jr.

OL-DL; Gunner Freeman, 200 jr. OL-DL; Garrett Williams, 155 jr. TE-DE; Blayden Hart, 230 so. OL-DL; Alex Lovell, 245 so. OL-DL; Xavier Roberts, 180 so. TE-DE; Deacon Shapp, 155 so.

WR-DB; Peyton Shapp, 155 so. WR-CB.

WYANDOTTE BEARS COACH: Dylan Terry (first year).

ASSISTANTS: Charles “Choo” Thomas, Scott Morton, Daniel Chamberlain.

RETURNING STARTERS Casey Chasteen, 180 sr. G-DL-K-P; Collin Eulitt, 230 sr. TE-DL; Gage Hollingshead, 270 sr. G-DT; Mike Lawson, 220 sr. FB-TE-LB-K; Cade Lofland, 255 sr. T-DT; Calvin Tanner, 250 sr. T-DT; Daxtor Baker, 150 jr. RB-LB-KR; David Carver, 170 jr. OL-DE; Hunter Smith, 170 jr. FB-DE.

OTHER LETTERMEN Jevon Parmley, 220 jr. C-DT; Clayton Pugh, 160 jr. WR-SS; Malachi Epperson, 165 so. WR-FS.

Wyandotte has new district, coach trenches, that’s fine with the Eagles.

“Our strengths will be up front on There’s quite a bit of new surboth sides of the ball,” coach Corey rounding Wyandotte’s football seaHenry said. “We have linemen reson. turning who for the most part are The Bears are in Class A-District 5 three-year starters.”

Those senior linemen include this year after playing a 2A district Brandon Coombes (210 pounds), Eli schedule in recent seasons. That Carr (275) and Kohl Gaines (270). produces some new opponents on Ryan Williams, 165 junior, is anoththe schedule. And Wyandotte has a er veteran lineman. new head coach in Dylan Terry.

Coombes had 69 tackles and six “We are looking to be competitive with strong senior leadership,” he sacks last year, and Carr and Gaines said. had 47 and 32 tackles, respectively.

Linebackers Keven Thomas and The Bears have seven returning Gavin Herman, both seniors, made two-way starters — linemen Cade 55 and 51 stops, respectively. Weston Lofland, Casey Chasteen, Calvin Amos, another senior, had four Tanner and Collin Eulitt, fulltouchdown receptions and made 22 back-linebacker Mike Lawson, fulltackles in the secondary. back-defensive end Hunter Smith “We will look heavily on this and running back-linebacker Daxtor senior group to show maturity and Baker. All are seniors except Smith leadership,” Henry said. “This and Baker, both juniors. Also back group has been a part of success in the lineup are senior guard Gage (2018 Class A state championship) Hollingshead and junior defensive and will need to set the example to end David Carver. get us back to that level. Experience Freshman Brady Lofland steps in in the skill positions will be our at quarterback. biggest challenge. Only playing time “Our strong points are our offencan aid in that. We have to keep a sive and defensive lines as well as our offensive backfield,” Terry said. positive attitude and keep competing.”

“We are expecting to be physical up front with both lines, relying on COMMERCE TIGERS them to set the tone for our team.”

Commerce finished second in its

BY JIM HENRY | jhenry@joplinglobe.com

AFTON EAGLES

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A-5 FROM 60 Class A district last season despite having to replace 14 starters.

And with many of those players back this year, the Tigers could make a run for their first district championship since 2013.

“We want to chase a district championship and make as deep of a run as possible into the playoffs,” coach Steve Moss said. “These young men have had success at the youth and middle school levels, and they’re ready to show they can do it at the high school level as well.”

Linebacker Kolby Dean returns for his senior season.

He made 68 solo and 247 total tackles during the past two

years, playing defensive end as a sophomore and nose guard last season before being moved to linebacker this season.

Austin Hart, another senior defensive end, has 137 tackles in his career. Junior linebacker Seth Hailey has 109 tackles, and junior defensive tackle Gage Smith has 92 stops.

Junior quarterback Eric Cunningham had 150 rushing yards and passed for 508 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019. Hailey had 74 carries for 381 yards from the fullback position, and the line returns Smith at center, Dean, Hart and Ethan Myers at guard, Jonah Ray at tackle and Levi Rhinehart at tight end.

“We must find a running back who will carry the tradition of so many great Commerce running backs,” Moss

said. “Our running backs the last two years have been the district MVP.”

FAIRLAND OWLS New coach Bruce Munden knows what he is inheriting at Fairland.

“I accepted this position because of my experiences coaching against Fairland,” he said. “They were an aggressive, hard-hitting team that never quit. I hope to bring a sense of culture and discipline to a young team of talented boys.”

Brion Padberg, 200-pound senior defensive end, earned all-district recognition, and offensive lineman Avery Brown and tight end Andrew Barker are two more senior starters. Junior veterans are running back Andy Bradbrook, linebacker Jacoby Jackson and offensive lineman Jayden Anderson, and

61

sophomore Jeremiah Mattingly at wide receiver.

“Jacoby Jackson looks to take the mantle of leadership,” Munden said. “With a strong summer and youth on the team, he has taken the lead as a vocal and visual leader. We are a young and hungry team that wants to be better and leave a mark.”

QUAPAW WILDCATS Quapaw’s 5-5 record last season marked the most victories for the Wildcats since 2014 when they finished 5-6 and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

And with last year’s roster dominated by underclassmen, the Wildcats’ victory total could climb again.

“We have more experience at every position,” coach Chris Cawyer said. “We have great leadership with the upper classmen.”

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The Wildcats are led by seven senior returning starters — wide receiver-defensive backs Kale Thomasson, Jacob Gregory and Ethan Mate, tight end-defensive end Matt Lovell and running backs Taylor Roher, Anthony Moreno and Jonathon Green.

Moreno plays nose guard on defense, and Roher and Green line up at linebacker.

Quarterback-linebacker Koen Myrick is one of four junior returning starters along with center-defensive end Zayne Suman, lineman Brannigan Ray and running back-linebacker Preston Thomasson.

“Playing hard for all four quarters was our biggest challenge last season,” Cawyer said. “We need to still learn how to win the games we need to win — district games. We need to learn to finish games.”

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2020 FOOTBALL FANFARE

62

GROVE RIDGERUNNERS COACH: Ron Culwell (fourth year).

ASSISTANTS: John Henry Ward, Dustin Crowder, Ken Kimmel, Matt Barnhart, Justin Teel.

RETURNING STARTERS Wesley Downing, 170 sr. LB; Kadian Forbes, 175 sr. RB-DB; Marco Gonzales, 215 sr. OL; Hank Hacker, 170 sr. WR-DB; Malachi McClure, 185 sr. WRDB; Jimmy Phillips, 225 sr. OL; Braden Pittman, 165 sr. DB; Josh Wright, 240 sr. OL; Nick Allsup, 165 jr. K; Matt Bush, 165 jr. WR; Nick Jackson, 250 jr. OL; Ben Johnston, 250 jr. DL; Carter McCarthy, 195 jr. P; Jace McPhetridge, 160 jr. DB; Kade Sharp, 215 jr. LB; Emmanuel Crawford, 170 so. RB; Carson Trimble, 170 so. QB.

Grove Ridgerunners return 17 starters right now,” said coach Ron Culwell. “These kids have The young and green Grove grown up. We were young team that went 5-6 and made last year, and now we have a Oklahoma’s Class 4 state lot of starting positions complayoffs a year ago isn’t so ing back..” young and green anymore.

Grove will be led by sophExperience is now a omore quarterback Carson strength for the Ridgerunners Trimble and the running as they boast 17 returning back duo of senior Kadian starters and six others who Forbis and sophomore Emhad considerable playing manuel Crawford. Trimble time. made a handful of starts last Grove has nine returning year and went 31-of-75 passing starters on offense and eight for 364 yards and five touchon defense, as well as a redowns, while Forbis and turning kicker and punter.

Crawford rushed for more “We’ve got a lot of weapons than 900 yards each and 17

BY JARED PORTER | jporter@joplinglobe.com

combined touchdowns.

Grove’s receiving core features Greg McCurdy, Malachi McClure, Hank Hacker and Matt Bush..

All but two starters on the offensive front return, with senior Jimmy Phillips at center, senior Josh Wright at right guard and senior Marco Gonzales at right tackle.

“We really think we’re going to be solid up front on offense,” Culwell said.

We’ve got some good kids there with experience. It might have been our biggest team strength this season,

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but we had one kid (6-foot-2, 250-pound junior Nick Jackson) break his leg this summer in a car wreck. So he’s not going to be able to play. ” The Grove defense will be led by linebacker Wesley Downing, a senior who totaled 96 tackles last season.

Fellow senior linebacker Kade Sharp tallied 80 tackles.

Defensive backs Braden Pittman, a senior, and Jace McPhetridge, a junior, had 47 and 38 tackles, respectively.

Ben Johnston, a 250-pound junior, is the lone returning starter on the defensive line.

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