PigskinPreview2018

Knights embrace challenge of loaded schedule MATT KING Daily Journal

FARMINGTON – Without factoring numerous injuries into a 6-5 record that lacked sizzle, last season could be misconstrued as average or mediocre by Farmington football standards.

But in reality, the Knights were agonizingly close to defeating the top two rivals in their district – if only lastminute leads had not slipped against Cape Central in week 3 and Hillsboro in week 11.

The district semifinal showing – a 48-42 loss to the eventual champion Hawks in Jefferson County – was encouraging for a depleted roster that previously allowed 77 points at home to Jackson.

“Things get skewed when you look at a game like Jackson last year, facing a Division I quarterback and missing five of our 11 defensive starters,” said head coach Erik Kruppe, who enters his sixth season at Farmington. “That’s why we don’t always use statistics for the be all and end all [to judge] how we did.”

Farmington is motivated to parlay its bumps, bruises and learned lessons into a higher degree of success this fall while adjusting to a substantial number of personnel changes.

Several assistant coaches are new to either their responsibilities or the program altogether. But they are working with a refreshed roster that has endured its share of bad luck.

Veteran assistant Josh Hoehn is the new offensive coordinator, and a battle is ongoing between junior Carson Sutton and sophomore Kaden Files to engineer the squad as quarterback.

“I really like how our staff has come together,” Kruppe said. “It’s a great group of guys, and they have all been able to insert themselves into what we do. It’s been a very smooth transition.”

The primary target is likely to be two-sport senior star Tycen Gray, whose height, strength and downfield athleticism has already attracted at least one Division I offer from Morehead State.

An intriguing subplot for Farmington will be the distribution of passes to its skilled receivers within the flexbone, a formation that stresses ball control and a deceptive rushing attack.

Royce Harris returns as an explosive slot back opposite Gray after breaking his arm in the jamboree and missing last season. Junior wide receiver Eli Lamb can stretch defenses vertically.

Ryan Barnes “We’re going to find different ways to get Tycen the football. He will definitely be a focal point of the offense,” Kruppe said. “Having Royce on the field with him at the same time forces other teams to not lock down on just one man. Being able to line them up in different positions within the flexbone makes each of them a threat on every snap.”

Establishing balance from the backfield will be imperative in the triple-option look.

Junior Tyler Barber returns after being featured prominently at fullback as a necessity last fall.

He can be spelled by sophomore Ryan Barnes – who showed tremendous promise when called upon at line-

FARMINGTON KNIGHTS Head Coach – Erik Kruppe (6th year) 2017 Record – 6-5 (1-3) Key Returning Players: Tycen Gray, sr., WR/OLB; Andrew Obenauer, sr., OT/DL; Ryan Barnes, soph., FS/FB; Dalton Berg, sr., OL/DT; Carson Sutton, jr., OLB; Rothman Harris, jr., DE 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 – Union Aug. 31 – at North County Sept. 7 – at Hillsboro Sept. 14 – Cape Central Sept. 21 – at Poplar Bluff

Sept. 28 – at Jackson Oct. 5 – Sikeston Oct. 12 – Lutheran North Oct. 19 – at Central

Tycen Gray backer as a freshman – or junior Gaven Earley.

“With any program, you want to develop as much depth as you possibly can,” Kruppe said.

“In 2016, we were able to sus-

tain some injuries, and the next man up was able to step in and do the job. In 2017, we got caught with a rash of injuries that

See KNIGHTS / Page 12

Raiders regroup after losing several starters MATT KING Daily Journal

BONNE TERRE – The North County football program is taking another step toward a goal of establishing long-term stability, despite facing massive changes to its varsity roster.

The entire coaching staff of the Raiders remains together from a previous season for the first time since 2010, a fact that gives second-year head coach Brian Jones a sense of encouragement.

“I think that I’ve been part of four or five head coaching transitions at North County, and last season I went from not being affiliated with the football program to becoming head coach,” he said. “Since 2004, this is

Kolten Poorman

the smoothest transition I have been a part of. Coach [Dave] Dallas left things in good shape and was good to me and forthcoming with information about any questions that I had.”

The Raiders finished 8-3 and snapped a three-year drought in first-round district games last fall.

Only Hillsboro stood between them and the MAFC Red Division title.

That effort from mostly seasoned players was noticeably devoid of the turbulence away from the field that had haunted the program in previous seasons.

“We had a big senior class and guys with a ton of football experience,” Jones said. “Some were playing varsity as true freshmen in late 2014. Many of them were three-year starters last year. They were ready to work when we got there. All we had to do was lay down some boundaries that we expected from them in terms of classroom stuff or character and citizenship standards.”

North County coaches are bound to render more instruction over the next three months as several players are propelled into a much brighter spotlight.

Overall size is down, the schedule has become tougher, and secondstring depth is sketchy. When the Raiders score, two-point conversions are the plan without a reliable kicking game in place.

But enough talented pieces remain in the equation to make North County a threat that should not be overlooked, and Jones is ready to extract the most from their abilities.

“I think we have a good idea of who our starters we be, but don’t yet know how they are going to perform. You could say they are not as battle tested as last year’s group,” he said. “The only film we really have on some players is from the second halves of games where we [had big leads]. To see them going against No. 1 units from other teams will be good to help evaluate them accordingly.”

Senior Kolten Poorman brings creativity, intelligence and a strong throwing arm into his third season as starting quarterback, and may need to rely on those qualities more than ever.

He was named to the MAFC Red Division First Team last year after compiling more than 2,900 yards of total offense as a passing and scrambling threat from the shotgun.

With two-time all-conference pick and speed burner

See RAIDERS / Page 15

Cole Ziegler NORTH COUNTY RAIDERS Head Coach – Brian Jones (2nd year) 2017 Record – 8-3 (3-1) Key Returning Players: Kolten Poorman, sr, QB/LB; Cole Ziegler, sr., WR/CB; Pacen DeClue, sr., OG/DL; Jaelen Reed, sr., FB/LB; Noah Mecey, sr., WR/CB; Carson Hughes, sr., WR/S 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 – at Cape Central Aug. 31 – Farmington Sept. 7 – at Festus Sept. 14 – De Soto Sept. 21 – Kennett Sept. 28 – at Hillsboro Oct. 5 – Windsor Oct. 12 – Potosi Oct. 20 – at John Burroughs

Rebels place trust in much younger roster MATT KING Daily Journal

PARK HILLS – A string of six consecutive district championships by the Central football team may appear vulnerable at the surface this season.

Five players with all-state accolades and other main contributors moved on from a state quarterfinalist squad that posted the third 12-1 overall record in five years.

But the Rebels are gearing up to refute that notion in the face of a demanding schedule that includes four Class 4 opponents and several improved foes within the MAFC White Division.

A grand total of three starters return to their same

Tanner Friend

offensive positions – albeit elite players in the area – so matching the optimum group of 11 with a conducive scheme is an ongoing task.

“High school football is so much different than college or the pros, because you can recruit or draft people that fit your system at those higher levels,” 15th-year head coach Kory Schweiss explained.

“People who have watched us play football, from an offensive standpoint, have seen us change quite often; from three backs with hardly any passing to spread with hardly any running to mixing it up like last year. It really just depends on the personnel you have. We hope to [have balance], but I’m the type of coach who wants to find what works and stick with it.”

Will Hopkins enjoyed a massive junior season with more than 900 yards receiving at tight end, and had 136 total tackles as a linebacker and safety combo. He recently announced a commitment to Division I FCS program Southern Illinois.

Fellow all-state performer and guard Tanner Friend is back to anchor the otherwise green lines, and senior Jake Casey brings his speed and sharp instincts at receiver and safety.

While Central would be elated with an overdue breakthrough to the state semifinals once November arrives, not even a conference or district title can be

Let us prove it.

Will Hopkins taken for granted.

“Our kids are used to winning now, but if you go back just a little while, it had been a long time before Central could overcome that Ste. Genevieve bug, something like 25 years. Hopefully, it won’t take that many chances to get past the quarterfinals.”

Schweiss joked.

See REBELS / Page 11

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Trojans face fewer variables than last year MATT KING Daily Journal

POTOSI – Ed Haar perhaps inherited an unfair amount of uncertainty in July 2017 when being promoted to Potosi football head coach less than a month before the start of preseason practice.

Not only did the Trojans have just three players returning with significant varsity snaps on each side

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of the field, but shoulder surgery had also sidelined rising quarterback Noah Jacobsen.

After limping to a 3-7 final mark, capped by a fivegame-losing streak, Potosi figures to enter the 2018 campaign healthy while hoping to seize an opportunity for vast improvement.

“It’s been a much, much easier process this season,” Haar said. “We’ve had a lot of months to train physically while preparing the kids mentally.

“We feel very good going into the season, not necessarily based on our schedule, but instead because of how our kids have progressed throughout the summer.”’

Despite their obstacles, the Trojans stunned state-ranked Owensville in the season opener, and challenged the MAFC White Division front-runners to the wire.

The combination of much greater roster depth and a year of collective experience at key positions has ushered in an optimistic outlook toward better results.

“We want to become one of the top teams in our conference,” Haar said. “Last year, against Central and Ste. Genevieve, we lost to both of them by a touchdown or less.”

One glance at those who pave the way indicates that the need to establish a more physical presence has been addressed. Potosi will average somewhere near 265-270 pounds across the offensive line.

Logan Kirby is shifting to center while fellow returning juniors Hunter Moon and Jed Weir are stationed as tackles. Senior Kalub Evans, sophomore Keke Ortiz and junior Blake Buckley – a converted tight end – are poised to share snaps between the two guard spots.

Logan Kirby Arguably their paramount responsibility is pass protection for junior Andrew Coleman, who returns for a second year as the starting QB. Jacobsen elected to trim football from his three-sport resume, and gave a recent verbal commitment to play baseball at Southeast Missouri State.

“This will be the biggest line that we’ve had in many years,” Haar said. “We feel like we have a

See TROJANS / Page 14

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Valle returns weapons from state finalist squad MATT KING Daily Journal

STE. GENEVIEVE – The second half may be viewed by some as a simple formality during typical football games

once Valle Catholic builds a comfortable lead.

But the opportunity to feature a multitude of secondstring talent against opponents’ starting units last season should now reveal its full

Chase Dunlap

value for the decorated Class 1 power.

Many of those players are now filling graduation vacancies after the Warriors marched to another Show Me Bowl and a second-place finish while going 12-2 overall.

Valle Catholic is adjusting to a smaller lineup this season – especially near the line of scrimmage – but hopes to counter the size differential with physical play and an abundance of team speed.

“Over the years, one of the hallmarks of Valle football has been the ability to win with some undersized linemen up front, as long as they play fast and with a lot of knowledge and heart,” said 15th-year head coach Judd Naeger, who has guided the heralded program to five of its 14 state titles since winning one as a player.

“That’s what we’re expecting out of them again this year.”

The pure athleticism and 6foot-3 stature of Ryan Grein and Tyler Blum easily provide Valle the most productive receiving tandem in Class 1, along with a dangerous pres-

Ryan Grein ence in the secondary.

While both current seniors have already attained all-state honors in football, their impact is felt across other sports.

Grein was a four-time state track medalist last May, and Blum helped lead the Warriors to their fifth state baseball crown less than three weeks later as a shortstop.

Owen Viox is another receiver who can be inserted

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at safety or cornerback, further tilting the balance of varsity experience toward the back portion of the defense.

Senior Carter Roth flanks junior inside linebacker Collin Grass in the second level.

They also ranked first and second on last year’s team, respectively, in number of carries by running backs.

See WARRIORS / Page 13

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Blackcats develop team around senior leadership ALAN KOPITSKY Democrat News

FREDERICKTOWN – The 2017 Fredericktown football team posted just one victory under first-year head coach Chuck Ford.

Now in his second season at the helm of the Blackcats,

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Ford has a combination of experienced leaders and young, hungry players.

“I just think in a lot of places that you don’t notice, we’ve gotten a lot better,” Ford said.

“And hopefully that transfers to the field. Freshmen (through) seniors, they care.

We’ve seen the difference in practice. Our kids really bond with each other better than they ever have.”

The team has 46 players, a slight increase from the 42 that finished last fall. The roster includes 27 returning players, 14 of whom started at least some games last year.

Among the 46 current Blackcats, there are 14 seniors – compared to five last year – and just seven juniors, so the remaining 25 are ninth and 10th graders.

“We have a bigger senior class than we normally have, which is a good thing with this group,” Ford said. “They have really taken a leadership role and we’re really happy with them. That was one of our goals. We have got to teach kids to be leaders. We’ve got

to do whatever we can to do that.”

Ford says the leadership shows in a lot of little things, like calling kids to make sure they’re going to be at practice.

“Like the other day, it was super hot, and we were doing our conditioning, and some of the seniors were trying to pump the younger kids up,” Ford said. “It’s little things, but they’re very noticeable in the grand scheme of things.”

Eleven of the seniors will be starting for the Cats this season, as fewer players will be playing both offense and defense in 2018.

“We came in with a platoon system,” Ford said. “And we were going to stay with it, because we knew we were going to be young. We’re bound and determined to go as far as we can with 11 separate kids.”

Ford was quick to add that they will all “filter in” on special teams and play some on the opposite side of the ball “as relief.” He noticed the platoon system has made practice go smoother, because the play-

Noah Korokis ers are not as tired.

The exception to the system will be on the offensive and defensive lines. A shortage of linemen has caused the need for two to play on both sides of the ball.

On offense, Ford said sophomore “Evan (Burrows)

is the quarterback, right now, and the backups are Noah Korokis and Ethan Flanagan, and we’re pretty happy with both of them.”

The Blackcats will operate from the “I” formation.

See BLACKCATS / Page 12

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Dragons want to avoid another slow start MATT KING Daily Journal

STE. GENEVIEVE – Four losses in a span of five games left the Ste. Genevieve football team teetering on the cusp of an incorrigible plight last season.

But a more forgiving stretch of the schedule arrived just in time. Players became more accustomed to their respective roles, and the Dragons responded by rattling off five straight victories.

The ultimate result was a winning campaign at 6-5 with

only Central blocking the path to conference or district supremacy. Ste. Genevieve aims to start faster and further close that gap this fall.

“We gave up a lot of points in those first four losses last year, and those were some quality opponents,” fourthyear Ste. Genevieve head coach Ken Weik said. “But when our kids turned that corner and stopped giving up those big numbers, it was huge for our confidence.”

Versatility at the skill positions and improved funda-

mentals in the trenches give the Dragons a solid chance to continue their upward trend.

Weik anticipates having a surplus of two-way players, but hopes that he can avoid pressing them into double duty too often should Ste. Genevieve manage to avoid widespread injuries.

“We have some depth across the board. Several players are multi-talented and multi-sport athletes,” he said.

“When you get several of those guys together, you can move

See DRAGONS / Page 13

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STE. GENEVIEVE DRAGONS Head Coach – Ken Weik (4th year) 2017 Record – 6-5 (3-1) Key Returning Players: Isaac Boyd, sr., DT/FB; Chad Donze, sr., QB/FS; Darien Brown, soph., RB/CB; Clayton Vaughn, sr., OG/DT; Ty Brown, sr., LB/FB; Brady Boyer, sr., WR/CB 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 – Dexter Sept. 28 – at Perryville Aug. 31 – at Valle Cath.

Oct. 5 – Fredericktown Oct. 12 – De Soto Sept. 7 – at Kennett Sept. 14 – Potosi Oct. 19 – at Brentwood Sept. 21 – at Central

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Rebels Continued From Page 4 “We’re at a place this year where we can’t worry about the past. It’s a totally different team, so we really have to stay focused week to week.”

The entire Central backfield is comprised of junior quarterback Dylan Corcoran and a likely committee of hopefuls notching their first varsity starts at running back in week 1 against St. Clair.

Senior Tyler Murray has seen extensive action at receiver, but Gage Manion and Trevor Johnson picked up their carries late in lopsided games last fall.

Jeremy Jones has rejoined the football program after two years away, and can inject an immediate burst after earning all-state track honors in hurdles just a few months ago.

Friend will undertake a huge leadership role up front, but has some senior help with the conversion of Evan Sidebottom from fullback to left tackle.

The other starting spots are being contested by at least eight other candidates – Clayton Stanfill, Jacob Landolt, Jakob Murray, Hunter Francis, Eli Ford, Nate Gremminger, Gage Sisk and Bradey Clark.

“The biggest competition we have right now is probably on our offensive line. Right now we’re looking at about 10 deep,” Schweiss said. “I’m not saying all 10 are varsity ready yet, but they have been getting varsity reps. From that group, we’ll hopefully have our starting five ready for week 1.

Corcoran follows the legacy of two highly decorated quarterbacks. Jake Bridges enters his third year at Missouri Valley, while last year’s signal caller Jace Bland took 2,259 passing yards and 34 combined touchdowns from last year to MacMurray College in Illinois.

He backed up Bland during the fourth quarters of several convincing wins. Time will tell whether or not Corcoran will be asked to duplicate their sizable throwing workload.

“There were times last year when I thought he was the second-best quarterback in the conference, even though we couldn’t use him in that spot,” Schweiss said. “He has the tools to be really good.

It’s going to require game experience. This first year as a starter is going to be a learning curve for him.”

The Rebels face fewer questions on the defensive side. Sidebottom and Murray hold down line-

backer roles, while safety and special teams standout Dawson Day will be available in week 2.

Others making an impression include newcomer Braydon Scherffius along with Toby Cash, Blake Bolin, Isaiah Welch and Johnson with secondary prospects.

Will Dickenson steps in at middle linebacker while Derontae Martin and Jake Randall can rotate into the defensive line. Sophomore Justin Bridges continues to improve in the kicking game.

While many faces are different, certain standards of the Central blueprint remain unchanged. Even with less size heading into this fall, setting the tone by packing a wallop is imperative.

“Anyone who has watched us play over the past decade can say that the Central Rebels play with maximum effort,” Schweiss said. “Anything less is going to be an issue, not just with the coaches, but also with our team leaders. We play the physical brand of football that is needed to be successful.

“Our players are usually in the right position to make plays, and execute from there. Younger kids have grown up watching how it all works, and I believe it shows. We have an outstanding freshman class this year – probably one of the best we’ve ever had.”

The new scheduling cycle enabled Central and Farmington to renew an old MAAA rivalry in the regular season finale. The Rebels’ last two battles with MICDS have been settled by a combined six points.

Ste. Genevieve and Potosi again appear to be the main contenders to dethrone the Rebels in the district or conference. Both were in a rebuilding stage last season due to heavy graduation losses.

“Keeping MICDS was a priority because they have given us two great games. They have the kind of athletes that we may see down the road in a district championship or playoff game,” Schweiss said.

“Our conference is steadily getting better, and it’s great to have Farmington back on the schedule.

People in the community want to see that game, and I think it’s a win-win situation for both of us.”

CENTRAL REBELS Head Coach – Kory Schweiss (15th year) 2017 Record – 12-1 (4-0) Key Returning Players: Will Hopkins, sr., TE/FS; Tanner Friend, sr., OG/DT; Jake Casey, sr., WR/S; Evan Sidebottom, sr., LT/LB; Dawson Day, sr., WR/CB; Tyler Murray, sr., WR/S 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 – at St. Clair Sept. 1 – at MICDS Sept. 7 – at Fredericktown Sept. 14 – Confluence Prep Sept. 21 – Ste. Genevieve Sept. 28 – Potosi Oct. 5 – at Perryville Oct. 12 – at Dexter Oct. 19 - Farmington

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Knights Continued From Page 2 you can’t really explain. And ultimately, we just ran out of bodies”.

One of the more reliable groups on the team could be its collection of linemen. The scenario could arise where all five members of the offensive front on a given play are seniors.

Andrew Obenauer, Austin Phelps and Hunter Patterson provide ample size as possible bookend tackles with Ethan Buerck somewhere in between.

Wrestling standout Dalton Berg makes an impact in the pass rush as a three-year varsity defensive tackle.

Elsewhere on defense, Sutton and Files are slated for action, regardless of which man lands the starting quarterback job.

Sutton and Gray give Farmington two solid outside linebackers, and Rothman Harris became a premier performer at defensive end during the latter half of last season.

Adam Khtiri stepped up at cornerback and wide receiver.

Kael Krause is back after an excellent freshman campaign as the place kicker, giving the Knights another key scoring

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Blackcats Continued From Page 7

dimension.

“It comes down to alignment assignments and not having any mental errors,” Kruppe said.

“We do have some youth in the secondary, so that’s something that we’re continuing to coach up.”

Farmington is not resting solely on the SEMO North to provide stiff competition. Only local rival North County remains among its five non-conference opponents.

Three teams on the new schedule – Central, Hillsboro and Lutheran North – combined for 33 wins last season while achieving top-10 rankings within their respective enrollment classes.

“Without a doubt, it’s a challenge and we’re excited for it.

We play as tough of a schedule as anybody does here in Southeast Missouri,” Kruppe said. “Obviously, we want to stay healthy enough to make a district run, but we will definitely be prepared.”

The Knights claimed the SEMO North title before reaching the Class 4 state semifinals back in 2011, but have since

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posted an unsightly 4-20 conference mark.

They have been decisively handled by Class 5 programs Jackson and Poplar Bluff while beating Sikeston in each of the last two years. Breakthrough wins against Cape Central have been within reach.

“We’ve been one play from beating Cape two years in a row, and that one kind of sticks in my craw,” Kruppe said. “It’s about time that the last play of the football game goes our way.

The SEMO North – playing Cape Central, Jackson, Poplar Bluff and Sikeston four weeks in a row – is a meat grinder.”

Of greater importance is securing a district crown that now seems highly attainable.

The journey toward that goal begins with a home contest against Union.

“Our players understand that we have a chance to be a good football team. They are going to make that determination by how they play on Friday nights,” he added. “They have worked hard and are hungry to win. Their eyes are on the prize.”

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Running backs in that set will be Tristan Casby and Malachi Kyle, in addition to defensive starters Logan Bowling and Braeden Stockmann. The fullback is C.J. Lord, who will also serve as a linebacker.

They will run behind a young offensive line with three sophomores, including center Mason Adams and tackles Brayden Lee and Seth McDowell. The guards are senior A.J. Orman and junior Trevon West.

Receivers will be Flanagan and Korokis along with Bret Chitwood and Alex Sikes.

Ford expresses a little more uncertainty on defense.

Linebackers will be a combination of Bowling, Joseph Price and Peyton Francis with Jeffrey Couch and Kyle

See BLACKCATS / Page 13 FREDERICKTOWN BLACKCATS Head Coach – Chuck Ford (2nd year) 2017 Record – 1-9 (0-4) Key Returning Players: Noah Korokis, sr., WR/S; Ethan Flanagan, jr., WR/CB; Colten Jordan, sr., K/P; Cade Ethington, sr., WR/CB; Holden Sikes, sr., DE; Malachi Kyle, jr., RB/OLB 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 – at Kennett Aug. 31 – Herculaneum Sept. 7 – Central Sept. 14 – Perryville Sept. 21 – at Potosi

Sept. 28 – De Soto Oct. 5 – at Ste. Gen. Oct. 12 – Doniphan Oct. 19 – at E. Prairie

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Dragons Continued From Page 10 them around, and that makes things better for us coaches and more fun for the kids.”

Even when the Dragons were struggling last September, defensive tackle Isaac Boyd remained a force by making several big stops against the run in opposing backfields.

Boyd – the reigning MAFC White Division most valuable defensive lineman – returns to anchor the front four after earning Second Team all-state honors, and has attended several camps and showcase events to gain exposure amid collegiate scouts.

“He has a low center of gravity and is so strong. That’s probably what helps him the most,” Weik said. “Hopefully, he’ll find a college that [recognizes] that. On paper, someone might think he doesn’t have the height (5-foot-8) to play at a certain level. But I think that playing close to the ground might be his best asset. He gets underneath blocks and is hard to move.”

Although the starting quarterback position had not been officially solidified through the second week of preseason practice, senior Chad Donze figures to be an obvious frontrunner to keep that role.

With the strong arm of a baseball pitcher and ability to emerge from the pocket, Donze should have an array of receiving targets lining up in various looks within a given formation.

“Expectations for our quarterback are always high,” Weik said. “He has to be a leader, not only on the field but off it, in the huddle or on the sideline. I don’t know if we’ve penciled anyone in yet. We have some guys in the mix, and competition is a good thing. Chad would be the first to tell you that.”

Ste. Genevieve sustained a crushing blow last fall when star running back Luke Brewster suffered a season-ending knee injury, as the depth chart appeared thin behind him.

But a standout emerged in his absence when speedy freshman Darien Brown provided multiple 100-yard efforts. His second varsity season may actually involve a less strenuous workload.

Warriors Continued From Page 6 Junior Austin Kuehn has healed from right knee surgery after missing all of the 2017 campaign, and could be utilized as a wild-card back or receiving threat.

Right guard Clayton Vaughn has likewise recovered from an MCL tear, and will be the lone senior along an offensive line that previously had to mask some technical and experience issues.

Coy Flieg and Clayton Kreitler have added some size along with left guard Gauge Wiegand, and left tackle Hunter Lorance has impressed with his energy level.

“We have more size and experience there.

We had to start two sophomores on the offensive line last year,” Weik said. “This was a group that really needed to improve. We had too many penalties that killed drives or caused others to stall out. Hopefully, we will get away from that and have more consistency in our offense.”

Vaughn will line up alongside Boyd at defensive tackle, and Tyler Jenkins is projected to excel after starting at defensive end as a junior.

Luke Goodwin and Jacob Kamadulski help Kreitler and Lorance widen the rotation up front.

Returning senior Ty Brown is arguably the most punishing hitter within the second level.

Koby Hatfield and Kuehn appear to have nailed down other starting linebacker spots.

The secondary includes cornerback Brady Boyer along with fellow senior Grant Staffen at strong safety, while Logan Gegg and Bryce Trollinger also enter into the mix. Each of those players is also likely to see extensive snaps as receivers.

Donze may continue to kick extra points on special teams, but sophomore Bryce Barley has also been sharing that task in practice.

Gegg is a leading candidate at punter.

The season opener against Dexter and week 2 showdown with Valle Catholic offer immediate tests for the Dragons, who will then measure their progress in the conference against Potosi and Central during back-toback September clashes.

Blackcats Continued From Page 12 patrolling the outside. Corners are Stockmann and Cade Ethington, and the two safeties are Hunter Hennen and Reece Francis.

Ford said, right now, the two defensive ends are Holden Sikes and Brett Seper. Orman and McDowell will also be used there. Brycen Buchanan, Lee and West man the interior spots.

Colten Jordan, who drilled a school record

47-yard field goal at Central, will handle all kicking and punting duties. Leading kick return candidates are Korokis, Flanagan and Kyle.

Ford said last year, the team worked a lot on the passing game, but “this year, our big push has been the run game and play action pass off it.”

See BLACKCATS / Page 14

The Warriors, who narrowly fell to Monroe City 12-7 at Faurot Field, held 10 of 14 opponents to two scores or less, including back-to-back shutouts against Herculaneum and St. Pius.

“Last year, all of our returners on defense were up front, but now, we’ve kind of flipped that scenario,” Naeger said. “From a pass rush perspective, I still think we’ll be in good shape.

“Our success may come down to how well we develop our defensive line for stopping the run. With our speed on the back end, we should have a good chance to slow down teams that want to throw the ball.”

Carter Roth scored the lone Valle Catholic touchdown in Columbia – although another was potentially missed by officials in the fourth quarter – and offers yet another all-state option within the offense.

He may line up all over the formation since Kellen Blum and Cory Stoll are available to bolster backfield depth along with Grass.

Chase Dunlap takes over the quarterback duties from twoyear starter Mason Skaggs, who passed for more than 2,900 yards in 12 games.

When Skaggs was banged up during a quarterfinal game at Thayer, Dunlap stepped in after halftime to help punctuate a 33-10 triumph in hostile territory.

“The receivers that we have give Chase some easier options on some certain plays, and he’s beginning to understand where he has an outlet to find one of those guys on the outside. We can still develop a good play with a short throw,” Naeger said. “It’s up to the coaching stuff to put him in good situations that [emphasize his strengths].”

Valle Catholic has enacted a fast offense without huddling for a while, but might consider using more of the play clock to shorten games if offensive line depth becomes thin.

The lone returner within that starting group is Kyle Roth, who moves from guard to center after playing alongside three all-state linemen as a sophomore.

“When you have someone that solid in the middle, he becomes a natural choice to build around,” said Naeger, who may surround Roth with at least one or two newcomers to the program.

See WARRIORS / Page 15 VALLE CATHOLIC WARRIORS Head Coach – Judd Naeger (15th year) 2017 Record – 12-2 (5-0) Key Returning Players: Ryan Grein, sr., WR/CB; Tyler Blum, sr., WR/CB; Carter Roth, sr., RB/LB; Collin Grass, jr., RB/LB; Kyle Roth, jr., C/DT; Kellen Blum, RB/LB 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 – St. Vincent Sept. 28 – at Jefferson Aug. 31 – Ste. Genevieve Oct. 5 – Bayless Sept. 7 – at Caruthersville Oct. 12 – Herculaneum Oct. 19 – at St. Pius Sept. 14 – at Crystal City Sept. 21 – Grandview

Trojans Continued From Page 5

Blackcats Continued From Page 13

good rotation of guys to start out.

Although most starters for Potosi will see extensive action

on both sides of the football, there appears to be more players capable of spelling them. That could factor heavily in fourth quarters of POTOSI TROJANS close games.

Head Coach – Ed Haar (2nd year) Senior Zach 2017 Record – 3-7 (2-2) Haynes holds crucial roles for Key Returning Players: Potosi, no matter Zach Haynes, sr., WR/DB/P; Demond Guthrie, jr., RB/CB; Kalub Evans, sr., DE/OG; where he finds himself on a parLogan Kirby, sr., C/DE; Seth Shadrick, jr., ticular play. He DB/TE; Ethan Brown, sr., RB/CB was the team’s top receiver and a 2018 Schedule: fixture in the secondary last year.

Aug. 24 – Owensville But his powerAug. 31 – St. Clair ful right leg creatSept. 7 – Perryville ed the greatest Sept. 14 – at Ste. Genevieve buzz in terms of Sept. 21 – Fredericktown postseason Sept. 28 – at Central recognition.

Oct. 5 – New Madrid Haynes earned a First Team Class Oct. 12 – at North County 3 all-state selecOct. 19 – at De Soto tion after punting

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See TROJANS / Page 15

The coach said the team showed some ability to run the football effectively during the offseason.

“And last year’s linemen have grown up a little bit,” Ford said. “They’re so much more aggressive right now. I think Coach (Brenden) Jones and Coach (Gavin) Krueger have done a heck of a job with them, and they’ve really responded. They’re short on numbers, but they work hard. They do what lineman always do. They’re not in the limelight, but they work hard.”

The Blackcats have some continuity among the coaching staff. The only change is the addition of Jones, who joins Krueger in guiding the offensive and defensive lines.

Ford will handle the defensive coordinator duties. Jason Mills returns as the offensive coordinator and associate head coach. Jon Clauser coaches special teams, and Riley Bumgardaner in in charge of wide receivers and defensive backs.

Fredericktown begins the season at Kennett, and draws Herculaneum for their home opener in week 2. The next five opponents — Central, Perryville, Potosi, De Soto, and Ste. Genevieve — are familiar.

Changes loom in week 8 with North County and St. Mary’s gone from the schedule. In their places, the Blackcats host first-year varsity program Doniphan before traveling to East Prairie.

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for a stellar average of 43.6 yards.

An array of talented running backs hope to shine. Demond Guthrie enters his third season as a starter after earning substantial carries as a freshman.

Tristan Murdick rushed for more than 100 yards last year against Fredericktown, and Ethan Brown also earned multiple starts in the backfield.

Seth Shadrick returns at tight end, and Austin Wilson is being considered for time at receiver.

Junior Kyle Miller and sophomore Brayden Isgriggs have breakout potential as flexible playmakers.

Haar has discussed the importance of avoiding the unnecessary setbacks that negated positive progress at pivotal moments last season.

“What really killed us was some mental mistakes, where we either started a drive backed up or maybe

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Raiders Continued From Page 3 Cole Ziegler leading a solid group of receivers, it may not be necessary for Poorman to force difficult throws amid an expanded playbook.

“I don’t really know that he has to take chances,” Jones said.

“One of the things we talk about is taking what the defense gives us.

He is really good at finding that and taking advantage of it.”

Noah Mesey provides a second returning starter at receiver, and Carson Hughes made several nice catches last year. Tyler Murphy should also see plenty of offensive snaps.

Backfield success next to Poorman may depend on two powerful sources. Senior Jaelen Reed and junior Layton Mallow are arguably more suited to run over defenders than scamper around them, which may serve the Raiders well in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Ziegler and Hughes are fixtures in a secondary that highlights the North County defense, while Reed keeps his role as a leading linebacker.

The Raiders have been richly blessed at tackle over the past five years. Drew Forbes, a 2015 graduate and possible NFL

prospect, is beginning his senior campaign at Southeast Missouri State. Two-time all-state selection Brenden McClure just moved on to Division II Missouri Western.

Senior captain Pacen DeClue shines among the best interior linemen at North County during that span, both as a run stopper at defensive tackle and a pulling blocker or pass protector as guard. His prowess in the weight room has been achieved despite dealing with a nagging hamstring.

But inexperience and the lack of a consistent pass rush at other positions have caused concern. DeClue now claims the lone starting pedigree up front for the Raiders.

Juniors Paul Roper and Ben Dunlap hope to learn quickly under pressure at tackle, while Briley Dickerson patrols right guard and sophomore Grant Eaton debuts as center.

“We feel that these guys have the potential to be good offensive tackles,” Jones said. “The areas where they are behind would be less experience and slightly less athleticism.

They are strong, but we’re still working on footwork and the confidence of being No. 1 at their positions as opposed to backing up.”

Trojans Continued From Page 14 Karter Kekec has grabbed a two-way starting role at receiver and defensive back, and fellow sophomore Devin Seastrand is competing for a linebacker spot.

Other contributors along the defensive line include seniors Grant Bockman and Kaleb Dickens plus junior Joshua Wolo.

The North County schedule dropped three teams that combined to finish 3-27 last fall. Cape Central, this year’s week 1 roadblock, has won five district titles in six years.

Farmington will offer another formidable test in the week 2 home opener, and ensuing opponent Festus is hoping to end a threegame slide against the Raiders.

“We haven’t talked a whole lot this year about wins and losses,” Jones said. “We have focused more on improving our game and having guys as ready to play as possible, being intense and playing a full 48-minute game.”

“To be real honest, we don’t set lofty goals in terms of winning conference or district championships Based on our opponents and the success of those schools, that would be really arrogant and borderline ignorant.”

Warriors Continued From Page 13 Jacob Oliver and Cody Basler have locked up the first-string tackle positions in practice. Zach Wolk will also start while Collin Parmer and Peyton Tucker compete for the opposite guard spot.

Those players also inherit a gaping defensive void, as the Warriors benefited from more than 20 sacks by its edge rushers alone.

Tyler Blum and Kellen Blum join Carter Roth and Grass within a superb crew of linebackers.

Brendan Meyer powered that unit with 134 tackles last season.

Moving Tyler Blum forward creates an opportunity at free safety for Bryce Palmer, Trenton Linderer or Jayden Gegg to gain

significant snaps.

The Valle kicking game should remain in good shape for the long term after Kolten Naeger excelled on extra points last fall as a freshman.

The two-year experiment of challenging reigning seven-time Class 2 state champion Lamar has passed, resulting in a less formidable non-conference schedule.

But cross-town rival Ste. Genevieve figures to be much improved along with several teams within the I-55 Conference, most notably Jefferson.

No matter how the season transpires from week to week, the Warriors seem to handle any result with their expected calm

and focused demeanor.

While they appear firmly entrenched among the leading state contenders, Naeger likes to emphasize appreciating the hard work and camaraderie that bring a team to that level.

“We take a lot of pride in that,” Naeger said. “Our players understand that the game is what occurs after the important stuff takes place; how you work throughout the week; how you treat your teammates and everyone around you. Losing is always hard, but it’s easier to take when you know that you did everything possible to give yourself a chance.”

had a good drive stopped by some type of penalty,” Haar said. “We’ve focused on being mentally tough in practice over the past couple of weeks.”

If the surrounding cast can mesh properly, Coleman could be set to take significant strides forward in his development under center.

Keeping Coleman upright in the pocket is imperative for the Trojans to develop a deep threat that never fully came to fruition against most 2017 opponents.

“That year of experience was huge for him. We kept a lot of things simple since we were changing pretty much everything so late in July,” Haar said.

“It was a growing experience, and this year, we’re looking to expand his role within the offense.”

Up to six players are considered ready for regular varsity snaps in the secondary, but some questions exist regarding depth and experience among the defensive front seven.

Murdick does return at middle linebacker, but the challenge is replacing the production of graduates Colin Govero and Ryan Osia. That task will likely be delegated to Devan Marler and Isgriggs.

“Our linebacking corps might be the biggest concern right now,” Haar said. “We’re rolling through a committee of people, just trying to figure out who fits where.”

The schedule throws an early advantage to the Trojans with three consecutive home games to begin – against Owensville, St. Clair and Perryville.

September conference showdowns with Central and Ste. Genevieve will occur on visiting turf, along with a week 8 battle against North County.

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