2013 Prep Football Preview: Cover Story
THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND Du Quoin coach Al Martin wrapping up historic career BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
A
l Martin’s head coaching career at Du Quoin High School probably couldn’t have gone much better. The numbers are all there: Two state championships, four runner-up finishes and 247 wins in 25 years. The Indians also enjoyed a remarkable streak of making the playoffs for 23 consecutive seasons under Martin’s tutelage. His 26th year as head coach of the Indians is expected to be his last. The man is a living legend in high schools sports, but he’s so much more than that. “My faith helps me a lot, and it got me through a lot of stuff, and that’s what I relied upon,” Martin said. “I always tried to convey to the kids that the most important things don’t always happen on Friday nights. The important things are working hard together as teammates and working to become better people.” Martin became Du Quoin’s head coach in 1988 after a stint as an assistant coach in Carbondale. He previously coached Du Quoin’s underclassmen and also went back to work at a coal mine in the early 1980s. “You better believe I consider myself very fortunate to have been here all this time,” Martin said. “I was a little rough around the edges when I first started teaching and so I got out of it. I made some mistakes, and I was lucky to get a second chance to come back to Du Quoin. I feel really lucky that I got through those years.” In his first year as head coach, 1988, Martin’s Indians won the
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Du Quoin coach Al Martin is pictured Sept. 8 during the Indians’ game against Tigers in Herrin.
state championship. Du Quoin did it again in 1992. These long runs of success don’t happen without a consistent and talented coach staff. “Keith Ellis, John Gross and Bob Shaw have been with me for a long time,” Martin said. “I’ve had a lot of great coaches to work with over the years. I’m really close to the coaching staff, and they’ve allowed me to enjoy what I do even more because they’ve done such a good job for our program.” Martin is usually busy working with his offense near the bench while the defense is on the field. As a result, he’s missed seeing some of Du Quoin’s biggest hits and greatest tackles over the years. “One of the neatest things
Page 2 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
about coaching football for me is being able to pull the offense to the sideline,” Martin said. “Sometimes I don’t even see how our defense played until we watch the film.” It’s no secret that Martin doesn’t like to talk about himself and isn’t all that comfortable doing interviews. But several opposing coaches and former players were more than willing to talk about him. “Any time we play Du Quoin we knew their kids would always be fundamentally sound,” said Anna-Jonesboro coach Brett Detering. “Sometimes people get caught up in schemes or Xs and Os, but a lot of wins or losses come down to blocking and tackling. I’ve always thought the Du Quoin kids
probably do that as well as anybody. I think that’s a result of Coach Martin and the importance he places on those things.” One of Du Quoin’s newest rivals is Carterville, which became a member of the SIRR Mississippi Division in 2010. The two teams competed in a few great playoff games over the years, but now they meet up annually. “When you look at the longevity, the success and the professionalism he’s displayed over the years, it really speaks for itself,” said Carterville coach Dennis Drust. “His great success on a statewide level is also really important, and his teams are not going to beat themselves. They are always well-coached. He has
stood alone at the top of Southern Illinois football since 1988.” Martin always cared about his players, particularly off the field. Many of those former Du Quoin athletes appreciate having been around him. “He’s got a record that will probably never be matched in high school sports around here, and you’ll probably never hear him talk about any of that,” said Carbondale coach Nick Hill. “Growing up in Du Quoin, he’s somebody that you always wanted to make proud and always wanted to play for. He is just respected by everyone because of the kind of person he is. Now that I’m a first-year head coach, I’m always thinking what would Coach Martin do right here. I think about how he would run this practice or discipline this player.” The last great Du Quoin football team was the 2008 state runner-up squad. That year, the Indians were basically one first down away from winning it all. Nick Hill’s younger brother, A.J. was the quarterback. He reflected on Martin’s lighter side. “He does have a pretty good sense of humor, and it’s one of those that will catch you off guard,” said A.J. Hill, who plays for the SIU football team. “He’ll tell you a joke and you won’t realize he’s telling you a joke. The punchline comes, and it hits you a little bit later. He’s not really a gruff guy.” It really is incredible how many kids a school of Du Quoin’s size gets out for football on a yearly basis. The program has been doing quite well since Bob Karnes became head coach in 1968. SEE MARTIN / PAGE 3
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division
Du Quoin Indians BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
There will be plenty of new faces for the Du Quoin football team after losing nearly all of its starters from last season’s quarterfinal squad. But this scenario has happened before, and it usually turns out just fine for the Indians. “We just don’t have many coming back,” said Du Quoin coach Al Martin. “But we feel like we have some good football players.” The Indians do have three starters returning, including Spencer Cook, a first team all-conference selection at linebacker a year ago. “He’s a good one, and he’s worked really hard even though he’s been slowed down by a knee problem this summer,”
Martin said. “We hope he’ll be recovered from it and be okay. He’s got good size and speed and has a real good nose for the ball.” Taron Cocke is back as well. As a junior, he was a first team all-conference choice on the offensive line. At 6-foot-3 and nearly 300 pounds, he’ll be a load for opposing defensive linemen to handle. “He has really gotten quicker and stronger,” Martin said. “He’s moving around well for a 300pound kid. We’ve got a small senior class, but they’ve been enjoyable to work with.” Camden Youngman returns as the team’s best and most experienced running back. He should be able to gain plenty of yards running behind Du Quoin’s large offensive line. “He is a strong running back for us, and he ran in
some big games last year,” Martin said. “He picked up some tough yardage for us last year, and he’s got good speed, too. Camden is just a good athlete overall.” A.J. Smith will be the starting quarterback, and he can throw it around a little bit. Obviously, the inexperienced offense will be a work in progress during the early stages of the season. “A.J. is a very reliable athlete, and he’s one of those kids that will be there for you on every play,” Martin said. “He’s very consistent, and we know he’ll execute everything we need him to do. The best thing about him is that he’s a very sound athlete.” If Du Quoin can get through a brutal four-game stretch to start the season in decent shape, it could be poised for another good year.
MARTIN: Du Quoin coach wrapping up career FROM PAGE 2
humble coach and man that I’ve ever met. He has Martin took it to another impacted thousands of level beginning in the late lives.” 1980s. It can certainly be “There has been some stressful coaching in a talent at Du Quoin, but tradition-rich football there have been a lot of paradise like Du Quoin. years where the talent has The fans expect the Indians been down in the last 20 to win every single year. years,” said Herrin coach “Sometimes I did feel Jason Karnes, who was the that pressure, but I guess I quarterback on Du Quoin’s kind of learned to handle last state title team in 1992. it,” Martin said. “I just “But he and his staff went to work, did the best I always had the kids could, went home and prepared for any kind of went to bed.” situation. Sometimes I Although he was don’t even have an answer approached by a few and don’t know how he did schools to coach elsewhere it so well for so many years. over the years, Martin said He is probably the most he’s always been happy to
stay in Du Quoin. He also said he’ll help out the program in future seasons if he’s asked to do so. “I’ve always been happy right where I’m at with a home in the country and good neighbors, and this has been very rewarding for me,” Martin said. “We’ve lost big games, and it hurts, but we’re about working hard as well as developing relationships and character. I’ve been blessed to be able to work with so many young people in the classroom and on the football field.”
DU QUOIN INDIANS Coach: Al Martin Career Record: 247-55 2012 Record: 9-3 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 2A) Returning Starters (3): Spencer Cook (LB), Taron Cocke (OL), Camden Youngman (RB). Schedule Aug. 30 At Highland Sept. 6 At Harrisburg Sept. 13 HERRIN Sept. 20 At Carterville* Sept. 27 PINCKNEYVILLE* Oct. 4 At Sparta-Steeleville* Oct. 11 At Anna-Jonesboro* Oct. 18 NASHVILLE* Oct. 25 MURPHYSBORO *conference game Seniors Kody Hess Zach Meyer Grant Ruffing Cody Cavins Camden Youngman Spencer Cook Dalton Bigham Justin Morgan Cole Cobin Trystin Mansfield Taron Cocke Juniors Nolan Showalter Logan Patalas
Ht. 5-10 6-0 5-7 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-9 6-2 Ht. 6-0 6-0
Wt. 185 145 140 165 185 225 180 170 195 210 300 Wt. 145 155
Pos. RB/LB WR/DB DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB TE/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/DB WR/DB
A.J. Smith Tyler King Hunter Farmer Lane Valier Jacob Hunziker Marlon Morgan Carter Leake Austin Ford Austin Frech Coleton Kearbey Luke Lombardo Riley Dunmyer Leland Dunmyer Chance Gilliam Isaiah King Spencer Kuhnert Koty Lemmons Ben Morefield Jon Harsy Sam Manning Tevin Martin Sophomores Tristen Presswood Alijah Mitchell Brock Bullar Cole Hopkins Reggie Dixon Charlie Gaines Antonio Aguiniga Nolan Flint Hunter Behm Derek Cooper Freshmen Jarred Thomas Caleb Vogel Devin Jones
5-10 5-10 6-0 5-8 6-1 5-6 5-11 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-7 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-1 5-7 Ht. 5-10 5-6 5-10 5-2 5-5 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-10 Ht. 6-1 6-2 6-3
170 180 165 175 160 141 165 180 185 180 160 200 185 275 350 245 305 160 210 165 140 Wt. 140 145 145 115 155 230 155 245 210 275 Wt. 165 140 195
QB TE/LB RB/DB FB/DB TE/LB RB/DB LB FB/LB TE/LB FB/LB OL/DL FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE RB/DB Pos. RB/LB FB/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. QB/DB QB TE/DE
Go Indians! Mathis & Sons Inc.
Crane & Excavating Service 659 Quillman Rd., Du Quoin
618.542.8024
scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 3
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division ANNA-JONESBORO WILDCATS Coach: Brett Detering Career Record: 116-59 2012 Record: 6-4 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (10): Damian Reed (RB/LB), Jay Kemp (QB/DB), Zane DeWitt (DL), Josh Merriman (RB/DB), Brandon Stewart (OL/DL), Derek Massey (OL/DL), Taylor Anderson (DB), Jared Rendleman (OL/DL), Dustin Ryan (OL/DL), Dallas Marks (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 30 At West Frankfort Sept. 6 MURPHYSBORO Sept. 13 MASSAC COUNTY Sept. 20 At Nashville* Sept. 27 CARTERVILLE* Oct. 4 At Pinckneyville* Oct. 11 DU QUOIN* Oct. 18 At Sparta-Steeleville* Oct. 25 HERRIN *conference game Seniors Jay Kemp Wyatt Goddard Josh Merriman Austin Mixen Damian Reed Brandon Stewart
Ht. 6-2 5-7 5-6 5-9 6-2 5-7
Wt. 210 140 160 150 205 175
Pos. QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL
Nathan Sadler 5-10 Derek Massey 6-4 Juniors Ht. Noah Fuller 6-1 Will Wright 5-6 Jon Merriman 5-10 JD Johnston 6-1 Derek Grass 5-11 Taylor Anderson 5-7 Zane DeWitt 6-1 Colton Jerolds 5-8 Trevor Smith 5-11 Jacob Brush 5-6 C. Frankland-Searby6-1 Teddy Albert 5-8 Jesse Awbrey 5-10 Jared Rendleman 6-4 Dustin Ryan 6-0 Dallas Marks 6-2 Sophomores Ht. Collin Prather 5-8 Isaac Pender 5-7 Freddy Morse 5-11 Dakota Earnhart 6-3 Jake Stark 6-0 Jacob Albert 5-6 Kiefer Stull 6-0 B. Benefield 5-8 Ryan Hileman 5-11 M. Hoedebecke 6-2 Jose Flores 5-7 Garrett Nimmo 5-10
Nashville Hornets BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
It’s been a lot easier for Tim Kuhn to prepare for his second season as Nashville’s head football coach than it was last year. The Hornets finished just 2-7 last year, but Kuhn, a Nashville native, is more comfortable this time around. “Coming home was great, but the biggest thing was getting the program back to where I think it belongs,” Kuhn said. “To me, from an outsider’s perspective, it dropped off
225 295 Wt. 170 150 130 145 145 150 200 130 175 140 195 185 190 275 200 250 Wt. 160 165 145 180 170 180 165 160 230 205 275 155
OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB DL WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB TE/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB RB/LB WR/DB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB
Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
The Wildcats have been one of the area’s most successful programs since the turn of the century, making the playoffs every year. Brett Detering’s squad has 10 players back who started at some point last year. Anna-Jonesboro started 6-1 last season, but lost its final three games, including a playoff contest to Greenville. “I’m excited about the kids we have coming back this year,” Detering said. “I think we have a good mix of kids who have experience, and I look forward to some kids who are going to step into some varsity starting roles, both seniors and juniors.” Damian Reed (running back) and Jay Kemp (quar-
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Anna-Jonesboro quarterback Jay Kemp looks for a receiver.
terback) return at the skill are two of the conference’s spots. Reed was a first team most talented offensive all-conference selection at threats. both running back and linebacker in 2012. Both players SEE A-J / PAGE 6
NASHVILLE HORNETS
a little. They had a little run with a core group of guys, but I think it dropped off from what I had been and what it should be.” Nashville returns nine starters, including a bunch of physical linemen. The Hornets were always known for having quality linemen, and Kuhn plans on keeping it that way. “The difference between last year and this year is huge,” Kuhn said. “We’ve been able to have an offseason and develop relationships this time. SEE NASHVILLE / PAGE 5
Page 4 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Coach: Tim Kuhn 2012 Record: 2-7 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (9): Austin Grabowski (OL), Chase Hagene (LB), Jeremy Gibson (OL/DL), Peyton Renken (OL/DL), Isaiah Guinzy (OL), Nick Wolf (OL/DL), Cody Rhine (LB), Colby Aussieker (OL), Quayd Novak (LB), Royce Newman (TE/DE). Schedule Aug. 30 At Carlyle Sept. 6 At Breese Mater Dei Sept. 13 WEST FRANKFORT Sept. 20 ANNA-JONESBORO* Sept. 27 At Sparta-Steeleville* Oct. 4 At Carterville* Oct. 11 PINCKNEYVILLE* Oct. 18 At Du Quoin* Oct. 25 COLUMBIA *conference game
Seniors Blake Kasten Kyle Jasper Christian Spenner James Jablonski Chase Hagene Garrett Guest Tyler Meier Luke Jablonski Austin Grabowski Jeremy Gibson
Ht. 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-11 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-2
Wt. Pos. 160 WR/DB 175 WR/DB 185 WR/DB 180 TE/DE 250 RB/LB 175 RB/DB 185 WR/DB 205 RB/LB 260 OL/DL 240 OL/DL
Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Hunter Cooper 6-2 215 QB/DB Dylan Mueller 6-3 190 QB/DB Quayd Novak 6-1 195 TE/DE Chandler Reid 5-7 170 RB/DB Brayden Barnett 5-11 165 RB/DB Cody Rhine 5-9 200 RB/LB Colby Aussieker 6-1 215 OL/DL E. Solis-Garcia 5-10 250 OL/DL Isaiah Guinzy 5-9 245 OL/DL Nick Wolf 6-1 285 OL/DL
Peyton Renken 6-2 255 OL/DL Austin Blumhorst 5-10 175 TE/LB Josh Blumenstock 5-10 175 TE/LB Sophomores Ht. Wt. Kyle Schnitker 5-8 170 Joe Kirchner 5-7 130 Hunter Schultze 5-9 155 Tyler Kirchner 5-6 125 Josh Byrd 5-6 100 Nick Brown 5-10 185 Jaris Dalman 5-11 200 Joe Blumenstock 5-8 145 Chase Stanowski 5-9 175 Bryce Paszkiewicz 5-6 130 Jacob Showmaker 5-10 160 Brandon Roberts 5-10 170 Ethan Evans 6-0 235 Gable Evans 6-0 230 Kyle Hake 5-7 210 Matthew Straughter5-8 195 Tyrik Hopkins 6-0 260 Royce Newman 6-6 240
Pos. RB/DB QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DE
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division CARTERVILLE LIONS Coach: Dennis Drust Career Record: 94-26 2012 Record: 8-4 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (11): Michael Aschmann (QB/DB), Phillip Frangello (RB/LB), Joe Behan (RB/LB), Blaine Burk (DB), Dalton Hoch (WR/DB), Cam Lenzini (OL), Brock Miller (DL), Brayden Bisaillon (OL), Michael Dennison (OL), Gavin James (OL/DL), Dylan Samuel (LB). Schedule Aug. 30 At Benton Sept. 7 ST. JOE-OGDEN Sept. 13 At Salem Sept. 20 DU QUOIN* Sept. 27 At Anna-Jonesboro* Oct. 4 NASHVILLE* Oct. 11 SPARTA-STEELEVILLE* Oct. 18 At Pinckneyville* Oct. 25 WEST FRANKFORT *conference game Seniors Peter Bonvillain Austin Snuffer Mike Aschemann Zack Ury Dalton Hoch Blaine Burk Phillip Frangello Nick King Joe Behan Braden Walker Josh Gutierrez Ian Tacderas Chris Pearson Brock Miller T. Beggs-Harvel Jackson Holmes Grant Mills
Ht. 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-7 6-0 5-8 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-11 5-9 6-1
Wt. 157 152 181 144 158 151 194 152 187 194 143 195 163 194 201 174 172
Pos. RB/LB TE/LB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB
Julian Martin Ben Williams Donnie Dawson Leyton Bush Cam Lenzini Matt Bigelow Juniors Dusty Brown Caden Thueson Jake Turner Bryce Schiff David Luper Dylan Samuel Nathan Lieber Dylan Church Reece Hundley Brayden Bisaillon Gavin James Jay Denham Ethan Mathes Mike Dennison Shane Kemp Griffin Thueson Sophomores Kestutis Lazdinis J. Parson-Nalley Blake Hicks Caleb Hayes Colt Wilkey A. DeRousse Jeff Giffey Blake Vaughn B. Wojciechowski Derek Mann Brennan Lentz Grant Krumrey Travis Hunsaker Madison McCain Michael Zarnoth Michael Segner Gavin Zimbro Austin Swalls
5-11 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-4 Ht. 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-7 5-7 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 5-6 5-7 6-1 5-11 5-9 Ht. 5-9 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-11 5-6 6-1 5-7 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-8 6-1
174 160 206 197 258 182 Wt. 162 149 155 144 140 215 165 196 196 215 264 184 220 261 147 153 Wt. 131 175 156 148 143 136 164 146 227 229 170 342 225 180 163 228 129 154
OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB Pos. RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB TE/LB OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB Pos. WR/LB TE/LB QB/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Carterville quarterback Michael Aschemann steps through the Greenville defense as he carries the ball for a touchdown during against Greenville in the Class 3A quarterfinal Nov. 10 in Carterville.
Carterville Lions BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Eleven starters return from a team that made the Class 3A quarterfinals last year, so the expectations in Carterville are obviously high this season. The Lions were a young team in 2012, starting four sophomores, and the
squad looked completely different by the end of the year. “It’s definitely an exciting time for us after the way we finished last year and considering the number of returning starters we have,” said Carterville coach Dennis Drust. “But it’s a new season, and it’s going to be a challenge for
us each week. We have to continue to stay focused.” Carterville has almost its entire offensive unit back with the exception of a few wide receivers. Gavin James and Michael Dennison earned allconference awards as sophomores on the SEE CARTERVILLE / PAGE 6
NASHVILLE: Looking for some improvemnt FROM PAGE 4 They didn’t really know who I was last year or what I stood for.” Nick Wolf earned allconference selections on both the offensive and defensive lines last year. He returns along with along with five other offensive linemen, so that’s a good place to start. “This is the first year we’ve had more linemen than skill guys that we can
count on,” Kuhn said. “To have as many skilled linemen as we do is really good for us. Nick really came on at the end of the year. He’s a tremendous worker. We have a couple kids that could reach that level this year.” Hunter Cooper is likely to be the starting quarterback, but Kuhn said Cooper is being pushed by Dylan Mueller. “Both kids have good size for a quarterback,” Kuhn
said. “It’s a nice luxury to have a 1A and 1B at that position.” Quaid Novak and Chase Hagene could do damage running the ball. Hagene was an all-conference linebacker last season. Garrett Guest and Royce Newman will be catching the passes, among others, at wide receiver and tight end, respectively. “We think we’ll be a better football team,” Kuhn said.
Roar LIONS Roar!
Ike Honda Marion, IL
618-997-4000 www.ikehonda.com
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 5
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division
CARTERVILLE: Hoping for another solid season FROM PAGE 5 offensive line last year. Brayden Bisaillon and Cam Lenzini had good seasons and are back up front as well. “Having the offensive line back, you’ve got a great starting point there,” Drust said. “Offensively, we’re looking for some big things this year.” Drust and his coaching staff will have to make sure the players don’t get overconfident, despite the expectations that others are placing on them. “We will continue to push them in practice and not let them get caught up in themselves,” Drust said. “It’s not what you read in
the paper or on the Internet or what people are saying about you, it’s all about how you perform on Friday night. It’s not about potential, it’s about performance.” Dalton Hoch returns as one of the team’s most versatile players. Hoch was an all-conference selection at kicker and defensive back. He’s also the team’s only experienced wide receiver. Matt Bigelow, one of the fastest players in the conference, will play football for the first time and try to contribute at the receiver spot as well. Joe Behan, second team all-conference, and Dylan Samuel will give Carterville a solid core at
the linebacker spot. The one-two punch of Michael Aschemann, an all-state selection at quarterback, and Phillip Frangello, a first team allconference running back, is what could set the Lions apart this year. “Those two complement each other real well,” Drust said. “There is no animosity between them as far as who is getting the yards or carries. They really respect each other and root for each other to be successful. Their work ethic sets them apart. When your two best players are your hardest workers, that usually leads to success for the rest of the team as well.”
A-J: Wildcats bring consistency to the table FROM PAGE 4 Zane DeWitt returns to the defensive line after a second team all-conference selection a year ago. “Jay and Damian both have big play capability, and if we get the play blocked right they can take it all the way to the end zone,” Detering said. “You can keep them bottled up for a quarter or two, but there can be that explosive play that can kind of change the
tempo of the game.” Josh Merriman returns at running back/defensive back, and he can do some damage as well. “Josh is an undersized kid, but he is hard nosed,” Detering said. “We get a lot of mileage out of him on both offense and defense.” One of the biggest problems Anna-Jonesboro faced last year was turnovers and just fumbles in general. It seemed to snowball at times, and that obviously
has to be corrected. “It wasn’t like it was something that happened to us late in the season,” Detering said. “I think the difference was that early in the season we put the ball on the ground, but we got back on it. It wasn’t a turnover necessarily so it doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet. But it shows up when you watch the film. We’ve made ball security and taking care of the football a high priority this year.”
Go Panthers! Wishing you a Great Season!
Lodge of the Four Paws 2942 Fairgrounds Rd., Pinckneyville
618.357.8627 Page 6 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
PINCKNEYVILLE PANTHERS Coach: Todd Thomas 2012 Record: 4-5 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 2A) Returning Starters (8): Colton Nelson (QB), Chase Lazenby (RB/P/LB), Dalton Bathon (WR/DB), Justyn Rushing (WR/DB), Colin Hagene (LB), Zach Hagene (DL), Jacob Schmidt (OL), Zach Hester (DB). Schedule Aug. 30 RED BUD Sept. 6 At West Frankfort Sept. 13 At Benton Sept. 20 SPARTA-STEELEVILLE* Sept. 27 At Du Quoin* Oct. 4 ANNA-JONESBORO* Oct. 11 At Nashville* Oct. 18 CARTERVILLE* Oct. 25 DUPO *conference game Seniors Colton Nelson Chase Lazenby Justyn Rushing Brayden Cowley Lucas Carter Zach Hester Dalton Bathon
Ht. 6-1 6-0 5-8 5-10 5-7 5-8 6-1
Wt. 200 190 160 150 135 170 160
Pos. QB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB
Colin Hagene C. Wyciskalla Nick Bauersachs Andrew Huggins M. Daugherty Juniors Jacob Downard Adam Banach Tristan Fisher Trent Hicks Chris Hagan Jakeb Jackson Zach Hagene Nolan Bruns Jake Schmidt Travis Laird Richard Jones Quinin Baker James Davidson Hayden Swain Sophomores Jackson Brand Caulden Lazenby C. Houghland Dalton Peradotto Sam Simpson Andrew Kelly Peyton Emling Dakota Hinkle Hunter Hicks
6-1 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-10 Ht. 5-9 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-6 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-8 5-8 5-7 5-11 Ht. 5-8 5-8 6-2 5-9 6-3 6-0 5-7 5-8 6-2
205 210 260 210 275 Wt. 155 195 155 180 140 165 210 150 235 265 180 190 185 215 Wt. 155 145 190 165 210 210 130 220 215
OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DL WR/LB WR/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB RB/LB WR/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Pinckneyville Panthers BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Todd Thomas takes over heading coaching duties for the Pinckneyville Panthers football program. Thomas replaces Tod Rushing, who was not rehired. Thomas previously served as an assistant coach on the staff. Pinckneyville finished 4-5 last year after a conference championship season in 2011. “It’s been whirlwind, but that’s kind of the way it happens your first year,” Thomas said. “We’ve had a good summer and gotten a lot done. The kids have been very focused and
‘It’s been a whirlwind, but that’s kind of the way it happens your first year.’ TODD THOMAS FIRST-YEAR PINCKNEYVILLE FOOTBALL COACH
committed. We’ve had to bring on new staff people, and that’s kept us busy getting them ready to go. But all in all, we had a very productive summer.” The Panthers suffered some key injuries last year, including starting quarterback, Colton Nelson, who was probably on his way to an all-conference selection. “We do have some pieces back,” Thomas said.
“There is no question our strength is our skill kids. Colton threw for 750 yards last year in only four games. Our offensive line is doing pretty well, and we’ve gotten stronger, too.” Dalton Bathon, defensive back, Chase Lazenby, punter, and Justyn Rushing, wide receiver, earned all-conference SEE PANTHERS / PAGE 7
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division
Sparta Bulldogs BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
The Sparta Bulldogs won their final football game of the 2012 season, and hopefully, they can add on to that this season. Joe Bevis returns for his second season as head coach, which is a positive considering what’s gone on in previous years. “I had to teach myself patience last year, that’s for sure,” Bevis said. “I had to make the transition from something where there’s not much expected of the kids. That is different from where I come from, where high expectations are the standard. I tried to convey that message to the kids and get them to believe in those high standards.” Sparta, which has a co-op with
Steeleville, is never short on athletes, and the squad has to replace two good ones in Sharvel Austin and Phil Lockhart, both of whom were first team all-conference selections in 2012. “I feel really good about this group,” Bevis said. “But we are young and don’t have a lot of the older and experienced players. We do have a lot of younger guys who have played a lot of football coming up through the Red Bud Muskets program. “They do have a little more experience than some of our older guys did in previous years, and I do think that will translate to the field. It may not be in wins and losses, but it will translate to more competitiveness than other years.” Colin Hawkins and Justin
Schedule Aug. 30 At Dupo Sept. 6 BENTON Sept. 13 At Murphysboro Sept. 20 At Pinckneyville* Sept. 27 NASHVILLE* Oct. 4 DU QUOIN* Oct. 11 At Carterville* Oct. 18 ANNA-JONESBORO* Oct. 25 At Red Bud *conference game Seniors Robbie Harris Devante Garrett Jon Reinhardt Cody Hummert Josh Baue Juniors Logan Roberts Anthony Carter Jase Jordan
Ht. 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-4 5-10 Ht. 6-0 5-9 5-11
Wt. 185 185 310 205 165 Wt. 165 150 170
Pos. RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB
Shaun Rogers Seth Ferguson Josh Bulliner James Poenetski Cody Jacobsen Collin Hawkins Justin Reinhardt Gailen Hall Sophomores Devin Brown Alyze Nesbit Gabe Yearian Clayton Wilhelm Hunter Naas Drew Kordys Octavion Connor Trei Greer Caleb Moore Austin Brothers Bradley Kellerman Alex Hagene Will Price Ethan Gwin Tyler Markley Brady Hess Kody McConachie Avery May Sean Renner Micah Bradshaw Matt Bockhorn Will Monroe
6-0 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-3 5-11 Ht. 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-3 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-4 5-9 6-3
170 165 160 165 165 225 300 190 Wt. 165 150 165 150 145 170 155 165 165 225 225 200 200 210 150 165 235 165 165 175 150 200
FROM PAGE 6
Reinhardt return up front. Shaun Rogers, Anthony Carter and Seth Ferguson are back at the skill positions as well. “Lockhart and Austin had the potential to hit a home run every time last year, and we don’t necessarily have that this season,” Bevis said. “But I do think we have weapons at every spot this year. If other teams could stop a couple of guys then we were in a world of hurt last year. It’s going to be important that we stick with our base so the kids get some consistency” Bevis believes his squad is stronger and more physical than last year, too. “Our weight room is starting to pay dividends,” Bevis said. “That’s a place where we’ve been behind in the past.”
SPARTA BULLDOGS Coach: Joe Bevis Career Record: 1-9 2012 Record: 1-9 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (5): Shaun Rogers (WR/DB), Anthony Carter (DB), Seth Ferguson (RB/LB), Colin Hawkins (OL/DL), Justin Reinhardt (OL/DL).
PANTHERS: Have new coach
WR/DB RB/LB WR/LB WR/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/LB QB/DB RB/DB QB/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL WR/DL OL/DL OL/DL
honors last year. Those players should play major roles again this season. Having Nelson healthy at quarterback for an entire season will likely make a huge difference for Pinckneyville. Nelson can beat teams with his arm or his legs. “He’s not real fast, but he’s an elusive runner,” Thomas said. “We don’t plan on running him a ton, but if he can get on the edge he can make some people miss. Obviously, having him as a threat to throw the ball should open up our run game more.” Lazenby and Rushing will likely carry a decent
chunk of the load out of the backfield. Zach Hester, Adam Banach and Trent Hicks will be in the mix as well. The SIRR Mississippi Division should be highly competitive this season. The Panthers might be considered the wild card as a team capable of making some noise. “I feel like if you can compete in our conference you can compete at a statewide level in 2A and 3A,” Thomas said. “Carterville is the obvious favorite with what they have coming back. But we want to have a winning season and challenge to be one of the top teams in our league.
! m a e T e t i r o v a F r u o Y t Suppor
ools, high sch. a e r a L L for A esigns availableany exclusive d l e r a p p A gm ery includin embroid & n ig s om de e in cust z li elry ia c e p rel • jew a we s p es p a s t ess quot por s in s • u s b t e & k jac • team available t n a f in including PAW PRINTS All sizes,
SPORTSWEAR
Students receive 10% OFF with school ID
112 E. Plaza Drive • Carterville 618-985-1111 • Tues-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-2 • Closed Mon
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 7
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division WEST FRANKFORT REDBIRDS Coach: Brian Beery Career Record: 26-24 2012 Record: 2-7 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 3A) Returning Starters (7): Noah Drone (QB/DB), Dalton Williams (WR/DB), Ethan Sisk (OL/LB), Jon Gasper (OL/DL), Reid Talluto (OL/DL), Colton Allen (RB/DB), Garrett Mahan (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 30 ANNA-JONESBORO Sept. 6 PINCKNEYVILLE Sept. 13 At Nashville Sept. 20 At Harrisburg* Sept. 28 BENTON* Oct. 4 At Murphysboro* Oct. 11 At Herrin* Oct. 18 MASSAC COUNTY* Oct. 25 At Carterville *conference game Seniors Colton Allen Ian Davidson Noah Drone Levi Flute Jon Gasper Kyle Law Sean Sevenski Ethan Sisk
Ht. 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-9 5-11 5-7 6-2 6-0
Wt. 180 175 170 160 230 140 160 210
Pos. RB/DB WR/LB QB/DB RB/LB OL/DL WR/LB WR/DB OL/LB
Reid Talluto 6-2 260 OL/DL Dalton Williams 5-10 160 WR/DB Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Jacob Bartoni 6-2 200 WR/LB Reno Harrawood 5-8 220 OL/DL Logan Hartley 6-2 200 RB/LB Cody Johnson 6-0 230 OL/DL Braxston Koehl 5-8 180 RB/LB Collin Krivanko 5-10 200 OL/DL William Lenzini 6-0 165 RB/DB Nelson Lindhorst 5-10210 OL/DL Mason Osterhout 6-0190 OL/DL Austin Swan 6-1 210 OL/DL Payton Taylor 5-11 150 WR/DB Jeremiah Teal 6-1 190 OL/DL Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Ethan Arview 5-8 185 OL/DL Garrett Green 5-11 240 OL/DL Gaven Gunter 5-7 145 RB/LB Kenneth Jacobs 5-11 255 OL/DL Cole Lamar-Cockrum 5-11 130 WR/DB Garrett Mahan 5-8 230 OL/DL Cody Mash 5-10 260 OL/DL Josh McReynold 5-7 170 RB/LB David Morris 6-0 220 OL/DL Hunter Pulley 6-2 170 QB/DB Brett Reiger 6-3 170 WR/LB Kyle Sailiez 5-11 165 RB/DB John Sopko 5-6 140 OL/DL Jason Spears 6-1 150 WR/DB Jesse Wiggins 5-10 175 RB/LB Stephen Wilkerson 5-8 210 OL/LB
BentonRangers BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
A year ago, Benton coach Jeremy Clodfelder was faced with the task of replacing seven starters on defense. The 2012 Rangers took that challenge in stride and finished 9-2, losing to Carterville in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. Fast-forward a year and Benton returns just two starters in defensive back Tyler Owens and linebacker Blaze Dorchincez on the defensive side of the ball.
West Frankfort Redbirds BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
The rebuilding effort enters Year 3 at West Frankfort, which hasn’t made the playoffs since 2007. The Redbirds are looking for their first season with more than two wins in the Brian Beery era. Beery lost his quarterback, Hadin Restivo, and a significant chunk of his backfield to graduation after a 2-7 season in 2012, but will have seven returning starters to continue the initiative this season. “I think the key for us is that our line has a good year,” Beery said. “Out of our seven starters, four are linemen. We need to be strong up front so that our young backfield has a chance to get going.”
‘I think we’ll see more progress in the program this year. We are trying to rely on more upperclassmen at the varsity level. BRIAN BEERY WEST FRANKFORT FOOTBALL COACH
Noah Drone is in the mix to replace Restivo at quarterback, while halfback Dalton Williams adds some experience on offense. After a couple of years with low numbers, the team is expected to field close to 70 players freshmen through seniors. “I think we’ll see more progress in the program this year,” Beery said. “We are trying to rely on more upperclassmen at the varsity level and we hope that we won’t be losing as many sophomores to the varsity and our freshmen won’t be
playing twice a week and get beat up so bad.” Defensively, West Frankfort is working with a new linebacker core this year after graduating both its starting linebackers. Better team discipline without the ball is another area of focus. “We’re not making some of the mental mistakes that hurt us last year,” Beery said. “The kids seem to have a good grasp of who their man is or what their zone is.” SEE REDBIRDS / PAGE 9
BENTON RANGERS
“We filled (2011’s) experience with older guys and we’re going to depend on some sophomores this season,” Clodfelder said. “We’ve got some move-ins that will help our cause as well.” Benton will look to Mat “Spike” Buntin, Charles Fisher and Dorchincez to anchor a 15-member senior class that has seven returning starters. Buntin was selected to the Southern Illinois Coaches Association All-South team in 2012, throwing for 1,129 yards with SEE BENTON / PAGE 10
Page 8 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Coach: Jeremy Clodfelder Career Record: 30-28 2012 Record: 9-2 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 3A) Returning Starters (8): Mat Buntin (QB/DB), Keegan Dawson (WR/DL), Blaze Dorchincez (RB/LB), Charles Fisher (OL/DL), Nathaniel Higgins (WR/DB), Tyler Owens (WR/DB), Matt Pemberton (OL/DL), Dustin Minton (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 30 CARTERVILLE Sept. 6 At Sparta-Steeleville Sept. 13 PINCKNEYVILLE Sept. 20 HERRIN* Sept. 28 At West Frankfort* Oct. 4 HARRISBURG* Oct. 11 MASSAC COUNTY* Oct. 18 At Murphysboro* Oct. 25 At Carlyle *conference game
Seniors Ht. Lars Allen 6-1 Mason Bolen 5-7 Mat Buntin 6-1 Keegan Dawson 6-2 Blaze Dorchincez 5-10 Andrew Einspahr 5-9 Charles Fisher 6-0 Nathaniel Higgins 6-2 Kyle Nelson 6-0 Tyler Owens 5-10 Matt Pemberton 5-8 Tyler Williams 6-2 Juniors Ht. Gary Allan 5-8 Michael Allan 5-9 Dakota Casey 5-7 Mitch Dinn 5-8 Josh Goodwin 5-9 Trevor Johnson 5-7 Trey McDaniel 5-9 Dustin Minton 6-1 Jesse VanHoorebeke 5-11
Wt. Pos. 165 WR/DB 140 WR/DB 170 QB/DB 220 WR/DL 195 RB/LB 180 RB/LB 255 OL/DL 165 WR/DB 195 OL/LB 175 WR/DB 178 OL/DL 255 OL/DL Wt. Pos. 175 OL/DL 180 OL/DL 135 WR/DB 185 OL/LB 225 OL/DL 260 OL/DL 145 WR/DB 280 OL/DL 150 WR/DB
Dakota Walker 5-8 150 WR/DB Dalton Yates 5-5 240 OL/DL Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Nick Goffinet 5-7 155 WR/LB Kruz Hayes 6-0 205 WR/DL Clay Kelley 5-8 150 RB/DB Jordan Kulich 5-6 160 RB/LB Tylor Marler 5-10 180 RB Dallas Martin 5-11 200 RB/LB Tyler Ore 6-0 200 Q/W/LB Chase Owens 5-8 145 WR/DB Benjamen Pankey 6-0 175 OL/DL Jordan Piercy 6-2 280 OL/DL Cole Richardson 5-7 135 WR/DB Caleb Rock 5-10 160RB/Q/LB Scott Rose 5-10 195 OL/DL Tanner Short 6-0 190 DL Devon Sieveking 5-9 225 OL/DL Peyton Smith 5-7 145 RB/LB Raymond Smothers 5-9 200 OL/DL Tristan Swigonski 5-7 170 RB/LB Marc Torres 6-1 175 WR/DB Bryden Picklesimer 5-10215 OL/DL
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division MURPHYSBORO RED DEVILS Coach: Gary Carter Career Record: 74-103 2012 Record: 3-6 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Returning Starters (12): Austin Reed (QB), Eric Finders (RB/LB), Kaleb Jarrett (RB/DB), Aeian Baird (RB/DL), Justin Stilley (OL), Shane Favier (DL), Jordan Landewee (OL/LB), Drew Hopkins (OL/DL), Sheldon Klaus (OL/DL), Da’Shon Battles (RB/LB), Austin Helfrich (RB/DB), Taylor Streeter (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 30 CARBONDALE Sept. 6 At Anna-Jonesboro Sept. 13 SPARTA-STEELEVILLE Sept. 20 MASSAC COUNTY* Sept. 27 At Herrin* Oct. 4 WEST FRANKFORT* Oct. 11 At Harrisburg* Oct. 18 BENTON* Oct. 25 At Du Quoin *conference game Seniors Austin Reed Eric Finders Kaleb Jarrett Cody Mifflin Aeian Baird Justin Stilley Shane Favier Jordan Landewee Drew Hopkins Sheldon Klaus Logan Roe Caleb Lewis Dakota Fenton
Ht. 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-11 6-4 5-8 6-0 6-3 5-9 6-5 6-1
Wt. 165 160 165 165 180 205 235 165 210 205 225 285 220
Pos. QB RB/LB RB/DB RB RB/DL OL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL OL
Cody Meade 5-10 Juniors Ht. Da’Shon Battles 5-10 Patrick Stanton 6-4 Daniel Bower 5-11 Chase Murray 5-6 Caleb Clover 6-0 Austin Hoppenstedt 5-10 Austin Helfrich 5-7 Brandon Roe 5-10 Luke Russell 5-9 Lance Anders 5-11 Nick Maurer 6-0 Jacob Woolridge 6-4 Madison Moore 5-11 Taylor Streeter 6-0 Jakob Guetersloh 6-1 Dejon Williams 6-1 Sophomores Ht. Zach Easton 6-2 Staci LaBranche 5-10 Aaron Wyatt 5-10 Marshall Grammer 5-11 Noah Baird 5-8 Braden Miller 5-10 Brock Barnes 5-8 Justin Pelcher 5-7 Dustin Smith 5-6 Kane Toliver 5-11 Josh Cowley 5-9 Clay Rendleman 5-8 Devin Taylor 5-9 Dehan Mulrooney 5-8 Ryan Chrum 6-0 Jesse Stilley 6-1 Zach James 6-3 Zach Berger 6-2 Ronald Gaston 6-0 Dylan Stoops 5-6 Charles Cunningham 5-7
285 Wt. 170 170 155 145 155 170 150 205 270 220 220 165 180 210 185 215 Wt. 150 140 170 150 125 150 160 135 130 160 145 185 170 185 190 200 225 240 275 250 130
OL Pos. RB/LB WR/LB QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB TE OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL OL/DL OL TE/LB Pos. Q/W/D WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB W/D/K QB/DB RB/DL RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL WR/DB
REDBIRDS: Beery to rely on upperclassmen FROM PAGE 8 Overall, Beery is pleased with the direction the program is heading. “I was really happy with my first year (in 2011),” Beery said. “I know we only won one game, but we were in all of them. “Last year, we caught the
fumbling bug and that’s what hurt us and I blame that on a lack of discipline more than anything.” West Frankfort spends the first two weeks of the season at home against Anna-Jonesboro and Pinckneyville in crossSIRR conference play. The Redbirds begin Ohio
Division action in Week 4 at Harrisburg before returning home to face Franklin County rival Benton on Sept. 28. “At West Frankfort, we’re the smallest school in our conference, so we’ll always be the underdog going into conference play,” Beery said.
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Murphysboro’s Kaleb Jarrett twists in the air as he drags down Anna-Jonesboro quarterback Jay Kemp during the second half of their game Sept. 1 in Anna.
Murphysboro Red Devils BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
It is the dawn of the blue-collar era in Murphysboro this season, as the Red Devils are still looking for their first playoff berth since 1996. Gone are Southern Illinois Coaches Association All-South selections Diamante Bradley and Kevin Gude, but the team has a solid nucleus of 12 returning starters to build on in 2013.
“We’ve had athletes in the past, but lacked in other areas and this year I think it’s the other way around,” said Gary Carter, in his third year as head coach. “We’re going to be blue collar with a noname offense. “It’s going to be the Red Devils defense or offense and not just one guy.” Bradley led Murphysboro with 997 yards rushing and nine touchdowns in 2012, earning a SIRR all-conference nod for the second straight
year. Gude had 53 tackles, three fumble recoveries and was a first-team allconference selection as a defensive end. “The key for us is to play as a team and have guys playing for each other and not for themselves,” Carter said. “We’ve got a few sophomores that will have to play some key positions for us and this is, from top to bottom, probably the strongest team I’ve had.”
SEE MURPHYSBORO / PAGE 13
Go Red Devils
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 9
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division
HerrinTigers BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
After a transition year in 2012, the Herrin Tigers are back in familiar territory as the preseason favorite for the Ohio Division crown. Coach Jason Karnes is looking at 13 returning starters to improve on last season’s 5-5 finish, which included a 44-6 loss to division rival Harrisburg in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. “It was a unique situation last year, but we’ve got a lot of kids back with experience and it’s still going to be a young team with 11 seniors, 14 juniors and 16 sophomores,” Karnes said. “We lost Austin Butler and some key seniors, but we’ve got a lot back.” Butler was the Tigers’ lone returning starter in 2012 and earned himself a Southern Illinois Coaches Association All-South selection after a season in which he had 33 catches for 741 yards and nine touchdowns. He also added 477 yards and six scores on the ground and
was a unanimous choice for first team all-SIRR Conference. Senior Nick Hays and sophomore Gavin Pickel have been competing for the starting quarterback job, while SICA All-South kicker Josh Haynes returns for his junior year. The team’s No. 1 emphasis this summer was on defense, an area that needed to be addressed after Herrin allowed an average of 35.5 points per game in 2012. “We’ve got to get better on the defensive side of the ball,” Karnes said. “We felt we didn’t tackle well last season.” Karnes is not shy about putting his best athletes on the field regardless of class and has a talented sophomore group that went 8-1 as freshmen last season. “The last couple of years, it’s been a situation where the sophomores get to move up (to varsity) and play a little extra,” Karnes said. “We try to get the best athletes out there and let athletes be athletes.” Herrin opens the season on the road against
HERRIN TIGERS Coach: Jason Karnes Career Record: 46-26 2012 Record: 5-5 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Returning Starters (13): Nick Hays (QB/DB), Devante Branch (WR/DB), Patrick McCowen (RB/DB), Jayvon Yarbrough (FB/LB), Joseph Hawkins (DL), Benjamin Abney (OL/LB), Corey Vaughn (OL/DL), Josh Haynes (K/WR/DB), Chase Merrill (RB/DB), Brent Milner (RB/LB), Roger Foss (TE/DE), Quinn Groutage (OL/DL), Trey Stevenson (RB/DB).
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Herrin running back Chase Merrill breaks through the Anna-Jonesboro defense.
Waterloo, a Class 4A team with an enrollment of 138 more students than the Tigers. Herrin will return home to face Carbondale in Week 2 before traveling to face Du Quoin in Week 3. “We’ve gotten so much better at tackling and blocking, things that have been around for 100 years in football,” Karnes said. “After last year, (the players) thought it was uncharacteristic for a Herrin team to be 5-5 and they want to get back to proving we are the best football team around.”
Page 10 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Schedule Aug. 30 At Waterloo Sept. 6 CARBONDALE Sept. 13 At Du Quoin Sept. 20 At Benton* Sept. 27 MURPHYSBORO* Oct. 4 At Massac County* Oct. 11 WEST FRANKFORT* Oct. 18 HARRISBURG* Oct. 25 At Anna-Jonesboro *conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Nick Hays 5-9 180 QB/DB Kolton Lannom 6-2 185 WR/DB Devante Branch 6-0 175 WR/DB Patrick McCowen 6-1 190 RB/DB Jayvon Yarbrough 5-10 210 FB/LB Joseph Hawkins 5-7 190 DL Benjamin Abney 5-9 190 OL/LB Trent Ladd 6-2 225 OL/DL
Jeff Brown 6-0 Brett Green 5-11 Corey Vaughn 6-2 Juniors Ht. Josh Haynes 5-11 Roger Foss 5-11 Chase Merrill 5-10 Chris Butler 5-8 Nick Camarato 5-9 Donoven McCarthy 5-7 Brent Milner 5-11 Gregory Antoine 6-0 Dylan McRoy 5-10 Trae Modlin 5-8 Terence Farrell 5-10 Zach Bowling 5-6 Alex Milner 5-8 Quinn Groutage 6-7 Sophomores Ht. Gavin Pickel 5-8 Kolton Lannom 6-2 Ethan Stowers 5-11 Adam Salmo 5-8 Gavyn Gosha 5-9 Trey Stevenson 5-7 Dylan Young 5-8 Gavin Jordan 5-6 Taylor Davie 5-6 Tristan Houseworth 5-10 John Ladd 6-0 Keire Jefferson 5-10 Caleb Culbreath 6-2 Keiman Jefferson 6-1 Austin Bennett 5-10 Travis Davie 6-2
180 OL/DL 250 OL/DL 255 OL/DL Wt. Pos. 150K/WR/DB 235 TE/DE 180 RB/DB 180 RB/LB 150 RB/DB 180 RB/LB 190 FB/DE 205 OL/DL 205 OL/DL 185 OL/LB 195 OL/LB 185 OL/DL 240 OL/DL 350 OL/DL Wt. Pos. 155 QB/DB 185 WR/DB 155 RB/LB 175 QB/DB 170 RB/LB 165 RB/DB 150 WR/DB 160 RB/DB 125 RB/DB 205 OL/LB 230 OL/DL 165 OL/DL 215 OL/DL 175 OL/DL 260 OL/DL 180 WR/DB
BENTON: Rangers are reloading on defense FROM PAGE 8 seven touchdowns, while adding 1,019 yards rushing and 11 scores on the ground. As for Fisher, the Benton lineman has played in 22 straight games while Dorchincez is the team’s weight room leader. “I think our leadership will still come from our senior class,” Clodfelder said. “We have some guys that have played in some huge games for us.” One of those games was the team’s 33-23 win over Carlyle in Week 9 last year, a contest that saw
Buntin come into his own as a leader while recovering from an injury. He went 5-for-8 for 94 yards after replacing Owens at halftime, sparking the offense to 19 straight points. “I think he was always content in his role as being a junior quarterback with 15 seniors,” Clodfelder said. “We were down a couple of scores to Carlyle and he was in a boot. “He took the boot off at halftime and played and won a lot of people over.” Benton opens the season at home against Carterville in what could
be an intense contest and starts the Ohio Division season against preseason favorite Herrin in Week 4. Clodfelder is hoping for a short learning curve as the Rangers’ youth movement gets under way. “I think the key for us is to grow up fast,” Clodfelder said. “We’re going to play some young guys, and I don’t know how fast we’ll have to grow up, but I think we’ll get better as the experience develops. “I think we’ve got to stay healthy and develop as we get experience throughout the season.”
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division
Massac County Patriots BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
A new generation has taken over at Massac County. John Warren, a 1997 Fairfield High School graduate, takes over for Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame coach Kelly Glass, who left
the school in April to take the associate head football coach position at the new McCracken County (Ken.) High School. Glass spent 27 years as coach/athletic director for the Patriots, compiling a 132-129 record, but the team is three years removed from its last playoff appearance in 2009.
Massac County has gone 4-23 since then. “I knew (Massac County) had a good football background, but unfortunately, they went through some peaks and some valleys and now we’re in the bottom of the pit,” Warren said. “(The players) work extremely hard and are a resilient bunch and I
MASSAC COUNTY PATRIOTS Coach: John Warren Career Record: 0-0 2012 Record: 0-9 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Returning Starters (10): Israel Cherry (OL/DL), David Dominguez (OL/DL), Austin Kendall (WR/DL), Cameron Koch (QB/LB), Michael Marutz (TE/DL), Jacob Myers (WR/DB), Jacob Pengram (WR/DB), Ethan Ramage (OL/DL), Eli Rose (WR/DB), Quinton Fisher (WR/LB). Schedule Aug. 30 FREEBURG Sept. 6 At Charleston Sept. 13 At Anna-Jonesboro Sept. 20 At Murphysboro* Sept. 27 HARRISBURG* Oct. 4 HERRIN* Oct. 11 At Benton* Oct. 18 At West Frankfort* Oct. 25 BALLARD COUNTY (Ky.) *conference game Seniors Tristen Ablet Mason Bremer Eric Brown Israel Cherry David Dominguez Matt Fascht Chris Flach Peyton Hall Brice Hayden Randy Holmes Austin Kendall Cameron Koch Brandon Looper Mike Marutz
Ht. 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-6 5-10 6-1 6-4
Wt. Pos. 175 RB/LB 205 OL/DL 170 OL/DL 194 OL/DL 210 OL/DL 170 K 145 WR/DB 290 OL/DL 170 LB 165 WR/DB 210 WR/DL 175 QB/LB 195 TE/DL 190 TE/DL
Jordan Medlin 5-10 140 RB/DB Dalton Mitchell 5-11 170 WR Chris Morse 5-10 180 LB Jacob Myers 5-10 160 WR/DB Jacob Pegram 5-10 180 WR/DB Ethan Ramage 6-0 280 OL/DL Eli Rose 6-2 190 WR/DB Reed Scheve 5-7 135 DB Chase Wilson 6-4 170 WR Josh Wrye 5-5 173 RB/DB Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Nick Ablett 5-6 140 RB/DB Anthony Barnato 6-4 275 OL/DL Kobe Blye 6-1 285 OL/DL Henry Bundren 5-9 210 OL/DL Austin Cherry 5-10 170 RB/DB Quinton Fisher 6-2 175 WR/LB Braden Fritch 6-1 175 QB/DB Miguel Gutierrez 5-5 140 RB/DB Austin Klotz 5-7 140 RB/DB Jacob Lott 5-5 155 RB/DB Ryan Looper 5-10 190 OL/DL Brice McCellan 5-11 260 OL/DL Caleb Parks 6-2 165 WR/DB Chris Smith 6-2 225 OL/DL Dillon Stoner 5-10 180 RB/LB Johnny Towery 5-6 165 RB/LB Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Sidney Adams 5-9 195 OL/LB Aaron Boyd 5-8 140 DB James Bradley 5-7 160 OL/DL Ty Copley 5-8 210 OL/DL Zach Donaldson 6-5 270 OL/LB Connor Farley 5-10 210 OL/DL Austin Little 6-3 300 OL/DL Ashton McDuffee 6-1305 OL/DL Malik Miller 5-10 195 RB/LB Bohdi Morris 5-7 200 OL/DL Tyler Nugent 5-9 210 OL/DL
couldn’t be happier with the work ethic right now.” Warren coached one year at his alma mater before moving to Texas, spending five years as an assistant at Cypress Christian School in Houston. From there, it was a stop at Southeast High School in Bradenton, Fla., before taking the Massac County job, his first as a head coach. “The biggest change I see is that it’s nice to have the final call,” Warren said. “That’s something that’s driven me from the very beginning to be a head coach.
“There’s several things I firmly believe in that should or should not be done and getting to make that decision means a lot to me.” Warren will have 10 returning starters to build his program around, including senior quarterback candidate Cameron Koch, who ranked among the region’s passing leaders in 2012. “Cameron started a few games last year and is in the running to be the starting quarterback,” Warren said. “He’s probably been one of the best leaders I’ve
ever been around.” Junior linebacker Quinton Fisher is the only returner who isn’t a senior for Massac County, which opens the season at home against Freeburg before playing the next three games on the road. “We have to gel as a unit,” Warren said. “We have to believe in the person next to us and that’s key at any level. “We have almost 20 seniors and these kids are hungry, want to win and the leadership is impressive for the new guy coming in.”
CUSTOM BLING
FOR YOUR
FAVORITE TEAM!
Adult, Kid, All Sports, All Mascots, All Area Teams Customize Your Design • Sizes 3 mos. - 4XL
Spirit Sleeves Team Hair Bows Jewelry • Purses • Jeans Gift Certificates
Bling it On!
110 West Cherry • Herrin, IL • 618-988-6085 11am-5:30pm Tues.-Fri. • 10am-2pm Sat. Find us on @ blingiton2u
The Glitz, The Glam, The Fun
Bring in to Boutique
$5 Off any Hoodie with this coupon. Expires 10/31/13
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 11
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division
Harrisburg Bulldogs BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
Coming off their best season since winning the Class 3A state title in 2000, the Harrisburg Bulldogs have had some holes to fill. Quarterback Ryne Roper, University of Illinois baseball, tight end Dakota Upchurch, SIU football, wide receiver Capel Henshaw, Lewis University basketball, and three other SIRR Ohio Division first team allconference selections in Dylan Hathaway, Jordan Quertermous and Issac
Ingram are all gone. The departures leave Bulldog fans asking who is left and the answer to that are five returning starters in seniors Daniel Lewis (RB/DB), Daniel Martineau (OL/DL), Tyler Owens (OL/LB) and Devin Reeder (TE/DL), with junior Cooper Thompson (RB/LB) completing the set. “We’re looking at a pretty good mix of juniors and seniors and our sophomore class isn’t bad,” said Harrisburg coach Jason Roper. THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
SEE HARRISBURG / PAGE 13
Harrisburg's Daniel Lewis brings down Alton Marquette's Michael Ford during the Bulldogs' win over the Explorers on Nov. 10
Page 12 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
2013 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division
HARRISBURG: Coming off a terrific 2012 season
HARRISBURG BULLDOGS Coach: Jason Roper Career Record: 42-30 2012 Record: 11-2 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Returning Starters (5): Daniel Lewis (RB/DB), Daniel Martineau (OL/DL), Tyler Owens (OL/LB), Devin Reeder (TE/DL), Cooper Thompson (RB/DB). Schedule Aug. 30 At Mount Carmel Sept. 6 DU QUOIN Sept. 13 MARION Sept. 20 WEST FRANKFORT* Sept. 27 At Massac County* Oct. 4 At Benton* Oct. 11 MURPHYSBORO* Oct. 18 At Herrin* Oct. 25 At Carbondale *conference game Seniors Ross Bergman Jarren Goldman Nick Davis Jacob Conkle Blake Buchanan Michael Forrester Zach Perkins Daniel Lewis Brennan Street Abraham Triston
Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-8 150 WR/DB 6-1 200 RB/LB 5-10 170 WR/DB 6-3 180 LB 5-11 165 WR/DB 5-9 175 LB 5-9 170 RB/LB 5-10 180 RB/DB 6-0 220 OL/DL 6-2 275 OL/DL
Daniel Martineau 6-1 Garrett Betts 5-8 Bryant Bennett 5-10 Jaxon Karnoski 5-9 Tyler Owens 6-0 Thai Brandon 6-3 Cole Adams 5-9 Ryan Dennison 6-0 Dylan Luce 6-11 Devin Reeder 5-11 Juniors Ht. Sykes Thompson 5-9 Cooper Thompson 5-10 Aaron Johnson 6-2 Michael Victoria 5-10 Logan Boon 5-10 Austin Lowry 5-8 Sean Crisenbery 5-10 Kyle Heavener 5-11 Tyler Salus 5-10 Dakota Barker 5-7 Brandon Hale 5-11 Jason Smock 5-9 Carter Rice 5-10 Jonathon Brannam 5-6 Cody Stoffel-Curry 5-6 Sophomores Ht. Dustin Lane 5-10 Noah Vallette 5-11 Corbin Crim 6-3 Lucian Hicks 5-10 Kane Carrigan 5-11 Jared Barger 6-4
285 175 225 200 215 280 200 250 175 205 Wt. 180 180 175 160 180 145 165 200 230 165 226 190 265 225 220 Wt. 150 170 170 170 170 285
OL/DL LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE TE/DL Pos. QB/DB RB/DB WR/LB DB TE/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL LB OL/DL DL DL Pos. WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB TE/LB RB/LB OL/DL
FROM PAGE 12 “They gave us a lot of depth last year, even though we’re not bringing back a lot of starters. “We’ve got some other kids who saw some playing time when we had big leads.” Junior Sykes Thompson and sophomore Noah Vallette have been in competition to replace Roper, which isn’t an easy task on a leadership front. Roper led the Bulldogs to a Class 4A semifinal appearance in football, a Class 2A state title in basketball and a Class 2A sectional semifinal appearance in baseball all in the span of a year. “Maybe the expecta-
tions are a little too great there,” Roper said. “Last year, I thought our coaches could not have been at practice and our kids would have gotten things done. “That’s the leadership you’re looking for and I think it’s there in some guys, but it comes down to work ethic.” Other than the battle at quarterback, pretty much all other positions have been in open competition for Harrisburg, which still has large participation numbers at all levels. “We’re always open to anybody taking anybody’s position,” Roper said. “Competition creates a level of intensity that you
need and we’ve got pretty good numbers, which helps.” Harrisburg traditionally plays one of the toughest schedules in the region and 2013 is no exception. The Bulldogs open the season on the road against Mount Carmel before coming home for three straight games at Taylor Field. “They should be very talented,” Roper said of Mount Carmel. “They have a junior in Levi Laws who has been starting since he was a freshman. “They have their quarterback (Reece Metcalf) back and he threw for more than 2,400 yards last year.”
JALC STUDENTS now have more options!
MURPHYSBORO: Still reaching for playoffs FROM PAGE 9 In the backfield, Murphysboro will feature returning starters Aeian Baird, Kaleb Jarrett and Eric Finders, while the offensive line returns everybody with the exception of one tackle. “If we get a group of five-to-seven kids to take ownership of the offense and make sure things are done right, then that’s as good of a place to start,” Carter said. “We’ve got some good running backs coming back. “We’re not going to have Diamante, but we’ve got some good options in
the backfield.” Carter is changing things off the field by naming captains this year. Finders, Jarrett, Baird and Sheldon Klaus will take on that responsibility. “Those guys are all smart kids who understand the team concept and those guys will be the liaison between the coaches and the players,” he said. Murphysboro has also experimented with changing its defensive front and spent its summer contact days getting back to basics. “I think defense will be our strength and the kids understand what we’ve
been doing the last couple of years,” Carter said. “We had a good summer where we worked on our tackling and fundamentals.” The Red Devils open the season at home against their Jackson County rival in Carbondale and will spend three of the first four weeks of the season inside the friendly confines of Doc Bencini Field. “I think Herrin’s got everybody back and you don’t know what’s going to happen with Massac and their new coach,” Carter said. “Most likely, it would have to be on Herrin as the team to beat.”
John A. Logan College has brought back Friday classes which means more class offerings for you!
www.jalc.edu JALC now has more options to help you get the flexible schedule you need to balance work, school, family, and other obligations.
Contact the Admissions Office today
to get started on your tomorrow!
Wishing all area sports teams Good Luck on the field and in the classroom this Fall! The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 13
2013 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference HAMILTON COUNTY FOXES Coach: Mark Beitler Career Record: 0-9 2012 Record: 0-9 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returnees: Levi Chapman (RB/LB), Dylan Cottanaro (QB/DB), Blade Potter (WR/DB), Balee Gay (WO/LB), Tyler Potter (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 30 CHESTER* Sept. 6 FAIRFIELD* Sept. 14 At Vienna-Goreville* Sept. 20 SESSER-VALIER* Sept. 27 ELDORADO* Oct. 4 At Carmi-White County* Oct. 11 CHRISTOPHER* Oct. 18 At Elkville* Oct. 25 At Johnston City* *conference game Seniors Dylan Cottanaro Logan Billington Blade Potter Wesley May Balee Gay Devene Nalley
Ht. 5’11 5’11 5’9 5’9 5’10 6’0
Wt. 180 170 165 175 165 235
Pos. QB/DB TE/LB WR/DB RB/LB WO/LB OL/DL
Tyler Potter Travis Stevens
6’1 330 OL/DL 6’2 210 OL/DL
Juniors Levi Chapman Tyler Kelly Logan Kanady Madison Wilkerson Brandon Craddock Anthony Mauser Lucas Stover Taylor Digby Austin Cravens Logan Cross Daniel Hart Trace Smith Scott Jenkins Dakota Morgan Tucker Braden
Ht. 5’9 5’8 6’3 5’10 6’4 5’8 5’9 5’10 6’3 5’10 5’7 5’11 5’10 5’9 6’1
Wt. 190 150 200 170 185 150 150 135 235 190 150 210 175 205 155
Pos. RB/LB WR/DB WR/DE RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL WO/LB
Sophomores Tyler Morrison Sawyer Lueke Nathan Marquardt Isaiah Snowden Damian Pike Matt Anselment Brytan Musgrave Issac Norris Colton Bond
Ht. 5’10 5’9 6’0 5’10 5’10 6’3 5’9 5’9 5’9
Wt. 150 150 145 155 180 200 180 180 160
Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Fairfield Mules BY MICHAEL ASHBY THE SOUTHERN The third time around should be the charm. After six state playoff appearances in a seven-year stretch, the Fairfield Mules have had two consecutive seasons resulting in a disappointing 4-5 record. “We lost several games last year by a touchdown or less,” said coach Justin Townsend. “We had key injuries to key players, but we’re looking to rebound this
year and make the playoffs.” Townsend is entering his 13th season at Fairfield. Despite losing 10 seniors from last year’s squad, Townsend has 41 players on the varsity roster. The group includes seven starters from last year’s defense, and six from the offense. “The biggest difference in this year’s team is the depth that we have,” he said.
Hamilton County Foxes BY MICHAEL ASHBY THE SOUTHERN
Coming off an 0-9 campaign in 2012, the Hamilton County Foxes and coach Mark Beitler are looking for a turnaround this season. “One of the things that’s different this year, is that the players are used to my system now,” Beitler said. “They’re used to the way I do things and what I expect from them.” Beitler took over a struggling program last season. The Foxes are just 4-23 since the 2010 season. Despite losing several key linemen, as well as wide receiver and leading tackler Levi Lueke to graduation, Hamilton County is returning a number of key players of last year’s
group. Among them is junior running back Levi Chapman, as well as seniors Dylan Cottanaro at quarterback, Blade Potter at wideout, and Balee Gay in the backfield. All four are also starters for Hamilton County’s defensive secondary. Beitler was pleased with the leadership being displayed by his senior group in the offseason. He believes it will play a big factor in the team’s discipline and overall success this season. “One thing that I noticed right away is that a lot of our older players are stepping up and leading the team,” he said. “When we had guys that weren’t showing up, the older players wanted to know why. I would tell them who, and,
not in a bad or negative way, they’d call them and let them know that they needed to show up.” The Foxes will open the season with two consecutive home games, and have already begun prepping for first week opponent Chester. Beitler believes things are looking up in Hamilton County. “Our focus for the season right now is to get better every day,” he said. “We have to improve our football knowledge, and come out playing hard every night. “If we do the things we’re supposed to do, we have a lot of potential. Coming off of last year, we have a lot to prove, but I think if we can work hard and stay together, we can make an improvement.”
FAIRFIELD MULES Coach: Justin Townsend Career Record: 55-60 2012 Record: 4-5 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returnees: Joseph Rodgers (QB/DB), Anthony Thomas (TE/LB), Cody Simpson (OL/DL), Derek Greifzu (RB/DB), Nathan Coomer (TE/DB).
SEE ARTICLE / PAGE 21
Page 14 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Schedule Aug. 30 CHRISTOPHER* Sept. 6 at Hamilton County* Sept. 13 ELVERADO* Sept. 20 VIENNA-GOREVILLE* Sept. 27 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Oct. 4 At Eldorado* Oct. 11 SESSER-VALIER* Oct. 18 At Johnston City* Oct. 25 At Chester* *conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Joseph Rodgers 6’0 160 QB/DB
Nathan Coomer Derek Greifzu Josiah Carter Skylar Esmon Marek Sedlak Corey Youell Anthony Thomas Thomas Toombs Cody Simpson Race Wolf
6’3 5’8 5’10 6’2 5’10 5’6 6’0 6’0 6’3 5’10
160 160 150 200 200 120 200 195 230 205
TE/DB RB/DB FB/LB FB/LB K/DL RB/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Juniors Martin Segita Collin Koker Orry Boles Kyle Thompson Devon Davis Micah Hall Jagger Wolf Connor Scott Jamie Buchanan Tyler Tubbs Jake Pollard
Ht. 5’9 6’0 5’10 5’10 6’0 5’9 5’8 6’0 5’10 5’9 5’9
Wt. 170 150 155 150 160 175 190 180 180 180 190
Pos. TE/DB QB/DB RB/DB TE/DB RB/DB FB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL
Alec Wood Jonathan Scarbrough Caemyn Featherling
5’9 190 OL/DL 5’10 190 OL/DL 6’2 200 TE/LB
Sophomores Ht. Colton Land 6’0 Brendan Mitchell 6’2 Austin Wilkerson 5’10 Harley Reynolds 5’8 Aaron Clark 5’11 Scott Esmon 6’0 Ryan Estheimer 5’11 Dyllan Toombs 5’11 Emilio Esquivel 5’9 Dalton Dickey 5’10 Robert Debenport5’11 Anthony Like 6’0 Adam Brown 5’8 Curtis Barnfield 5’9 Devan Simpson 6’0 Sky Kollack 6’2
Wt. 165 170 160 205 130 160 185 195 165 215 230 180 160 300 210 185
Pos. RB/LB QB/DB TE/LB TE/DL TE/DB RB/DB FB/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL TE/DB
2013 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
Elverado-Trico Falcons BY JACK CAVANAUGH
ELVERADO-TRICO FALCONS
THE SOUTHERN
As he enters his inaugural season as head coach for the Elverado-Trico Falcons, Mike McElroy knows what he wants to get started and what he wants to accomplish. After going through a head coaching carousel, with four head coaches in the past four years, McElroy wants to bring stability to the program. “I want to give these kids a little sense of security,” McElroy said. “This might be a lifetime job, and it might not be, but for the time being I want to build some trust with these kids. I want to build something together.” McElroy, who played safety at SIU, knows he has a lot of hard work ahead him, and that nothing will come easy following a 1-8 season. “As a team we need to improve every game and stay competitive,” he said. “We want to still be in it late so that we have a chance to win some football games.” McElroy and the Falcons will also face another problem in the form of roster depth. “We do not have a lot of depth, some guys played a lot of minutes last year and pulled double duty,” he said, noting his five seniors will likely see significant playing time. Offensively, McElroy said he wants to institute a change of culture from previous years. “I want to get the ball to our guys in space and let
Coach: Mike McElroy Career Record: 0-0 2012 Record: 1-8 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 3A) Key Returnees: Luke Jones (QB/LB), Christian Kistner (RB/LB), Tyler Pierson (OL/DL), Seth Olsen (RB/LB), Jacob Owens (WR/DB), Seth Barnes (RB/LB), Jacob Bowlin (WR/DB), Austin Davis (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 30 At Carmi-White Co.* Sept. 6 CHRISTOPHER* Sept. 13 At Fairfield* Sept. 20 At Eldorado* Sept. 28 At Vienna* Oct. 4 JOHNSTON CITY* Oct. 11 At Chester* Oct. 18 HAMILTON COUNTY* Oct. 25 SESSER-VALIER* *conference game Seniors Jacob Bowlin
Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 160 WR/DB
Seth Olsen Christian Kistner Tyler Pierson Seth Barnes Juniors St. Stevenson Roger Languth Drake Olsen Luke Jones Brendan Garcia Skylar Olmsted Austin Baker Mykol Major Justin Sarensen Sophomores Braden Tuthill Austin Hester Donald Snowden Keaton Tyner Hunter Havens Jake Hicks Alec Valerius Tyler Pierson Chris Sarensen Dalton Olmsted
5-5 5-11 5-11 5-11 Ht. 5-10 5-11 5-7 5-10 5-9 5-11 6-3 5-9 6-2 Ht. 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-10 5-7 5-8 6-1 5-11 5-7 5-10
185 190 260 200 Wt. 140 150 130 170 145 150 175 230 200 Wt. 135 160 165 175 150 200 220 260 175 285
RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL RB/LB Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/LB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB QB/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/LB Ol/DL
Go
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Falcons!
Elverado-Trico Head Coach Mike McElroy leads a drill during the Falcons’ first practice Aug. 14.
them make plays,” he said. “I want to set a tempo, and I want us to go fast.” On the defensive side, McElroy’s specialty, he kept it pretty simple. “We have to attack the quarterback and stuff the run,” he said. “We are going to have to make good
tackles and cause turnovers. “Basically I just want to find holes for our offense to get through. I expect to see things that work, things that don’t work, and we’ll make changes accordingly and continue to compete.”
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 15
2013 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference JOHNSTON CITY INDIANS Coach: Dan Mings Career Record: 75-63 2012 Record: 7-3 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returnees: Jake Davison (TE/DB), Levi Tanner (QB), Caleb Burns (OL), Blake Casey (RB/LB), Jordan Blankenship (WR/DB), Bradley Hobson (OL/DL), Brady Barnett (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 30 At Vienna* Sept. 6 SESSER-VALIER* Sept. 13 At Carmi-White Co.* Sept. 20 CHRISTOPHER* Sept. 27 At Chester* Oct. 4 At Elverado* Oct. 12 ELDORADO* Oct. 18 FAIRFIELD* Oct. 25 HAMILTON COUNTY* *conference game Seniors Levi Tanner Blake Casey Keith Franklin J. Blankenship Derek Smith Jake Davison Cody Clark A. Montgomery Colson Myers Caleb Burns Brady Barnett Bradley Hobson Dyllen Shelby Zack Kellemeier Juniors Dakota Edwards
Ht. 6-1 5-6 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-4 5-10 6-3 5-7 6-8 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-10 Ht. 6-0
Wt. 160 150 145 160 160 190 150 160 150 330 280 280 160 210 Wt. 170
Pos. QB RB/LB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/DB
Austin Street Austin Todd Jeremy Gregge Andy Ward Dalton Cobb Brett Dixon J. Thompson Garron Sherrod Jordan Smith Dylan Jeffords Mychal Gibbens Tim Campbell Eli Claunch Brandon Brunk Jake Suitt Cosmos Bullock Tyler Grider
5-7 6-0 6-1 5-8 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-2 5-8 6-0 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-5 6-5 5-9 6-0
165 155 210 140 170 145 155 190 130 175 180 185 220 200 235 285 280
WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR?DB WR/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Sophomores B. Crawford Brandon Shelton Esdon Boyd Keith Galbraith Dustin Long Tyler Donahue Michael parker Darick Davis Andrew Friess A. Thompson Nick Summers Nicolai Gualdoni Nathan Payne Tyler Haley Cody McCune Dakota Hoffard Dakoda Freeney Logan Essary Trent Johnson Paul Dixon
Ht. 5-10 5-9 5-7 5-10 6-1 5-6 5-4 6-2 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-4 5-5 6-0 6-0 5-7 6-2 6-2 5-5
Wt. Pos. 135 WR/DB 125 WR/DB 155 WR/LB 150 QB 160 WR/DB 175 RB/LB 110 WR/DB 175 WR/LB 145 WR/LB 175 RB/LB 205 RB/DL 160 W/D/K/P 185 WR/LB 150 OL/DL 210 OL/DL 250 OL/DL 205 OL/DL 280 OL/DL 250 OL/DL 125 RB/DB
WE DELIVER! GET ANY
X-LARGE ONE TOPPING PIZZA FOR ONLY
8
$
50
INCLUDES DINE IN, CARRY OUT, AND DELIVERY
Please present this coupon prior to ordering.
618-997-6736
309 N Market, Marion IL 62959 www.benniesitalianfoods.com
www.thesouthern.com z www.thesouthern.com Page 16 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Johnston City Indians BY JACK CAVANAUGH THE SOUTHERN
After a 7-2 season that ended with a first round playoff loss to Du Quoin, Johnston City Indians coach Dan Mings has his sights set on returning to play “Johnston City football” again this season. Following a senior class last year that started as sophomores and won 25 games in a three year period, Mings knows it will be a challenging task. “We lost a lot a great senior class that played very well,” he said. “They started as sophomores and went to the playoffs three years in a row.” It may be a challenge, but it is one Mings is prepared to take on. “Sure, we lost a great group of kids, but we’re not rebuilding at all,” he said. “It’s just a different group of kids this year, and we’ve all come out to roll up our sleeves and get to work.” Mings does have some key returners to work with, however. Jake Davison, a 6-foot-4, 193 pound tight end and Caleb Burns, a 68, 342-pound offensive linemen will be available to help put that Johnston City toughness to work. Also returning is senior quarterback Levi Tanner. “Levi is a good kid,” Mings said. “He is the team captain and he is really fitting into his leadership role on the team.” Mings also noted that he has plenty of first year players, with an expected total roster of around 7072 players. “The numbers are up,” he said. “That can run into
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Johnston City’s Levi Tanner drops back for a pass during the Indians 47-6 win over C-Z-R on Sept. 8.
repetition and time issues in practice, but we’re making necessary changes and we’ll see how it goes.” Within the conference, Mings noted the number of quality athletes and coaches they must compete against. “This is going to be a dogfight,” he said. “The BDC competition is getting better with each and every year, so it’s going to be a crapshoot, really.” Dogfight or not, Mings just wants his kids to come
out and work hard and do their best. “What we do, it will either be enough, or it won’t be,” he said. “I just want these guys to come out and play hard and play tough, to really play that Johnston City style of football.” Mings and the Indians will get their chance to show their grit in the season opener against Vienna-Goreville, who they beat last year with a last-second field goal.
2013 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference VIENNA-GOREVILLE EAGLS Coach: Mike Rude Career Record: 204-150 2012 Record: 7-4 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returnees: Christian Dahncke (QB/FS), Will Dahlmer (SB/DB), Kyfer Cavins (SB/DB), Tyler Bishop (WR/DE), Connor Seavers (TB/LB). Schedule Aug. 30 JOHNSTON CITY* Sept. 6 At Chester* Sept. 14 HAMILTON COUNTY* Sept. 20 At Fairfield* Sept. 28 ELVERADO* Oct. 4 At Sesser-Valier* Oct. 12 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Oct. 19 At Christopher * Oct. 26 ELDORADO* *conference game
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Vienna-Goreville’s Connor Seavers carries the ball for a touchdown last season.
Vienna-Goreville Eagles BY MICHAEL ASHBY THE SOUTHERN
In only their fourth season, the Vienna-Goreville Eagles finished with a 7-4 record and a first-round win in last year’s state playoffs over conference rival Sesser-ValierWaltonville- Woodlawn. Now for season five, coach Mike Rude is looking to get better. “Last year was a monumental team for us,” Rude, who has coached the Eagles from the beginning, said. “To make the state playoffs and win a game in just our fourth year was very memorable.” Vienna-Goreville enters this season having graduated 15 seniors from last year’s team, including an offensive line that helped running back Connor
Seavers rush for more than 1,000 yards and more than 20 touchdowns. “This year we’re not as big or physical,” Rude said. “We’re not going to be able to run over teams like we did last year. We’re going to work more on finesse, and really vary our offense to help (Seavers) do as well as he did last year.” Along with Seavers, the Eagles will also see another year of action from thirdyear quarterback/defensive back Christian Dahncke, tight end/lineman Brandon Pyle, and Dallas Melot, who doubles as an offensive lineman and linebacker. Along with confidence in his offense, Rude is also proud of his defense, stating that Seavers and Melot are two of the best linebackers he’s ever coached. Rude believes his Eagles
have what it takes to return to where they were last year, and even beyond. “In all of my years coaching, the goals have never really changed,” he said. “First you want to have a winning season. Winning another playoff game is also a major goal, but we’ve got to just take the season one game at a time.” Rude is hoping this team builds on the success of last year’s squad. “We got to the playoffs faster than I thought we would,” he said. “Our group last year carried us to that level, and I think right now with this group of kids, a lot of them played on that team and fed off of the seniors, and I don’t think they’re going to be happy with anything other than getting (back to the playoffs) again.”
Seniors Christian Dahncke Blake Crain Zeke Snell Justin Tanner Will Dahlmer Kyfer Cavins Daniel Lanham Tyler Bishop
Ht. 5’10 5’9 6’3 5’9 5’10 5’10 5’8 6’2
Wt. Pos. 150 QB/FS 145 WR/DB 180 WR/DE 140 WR/DB 145 SB/DB 165 SB/DB 140 SB/DB 155 WR/DE
Adam B. Lawler
Connor Seavers Travis Head Dylan Baggett Colten Skelcher Jacob Hosier Darek Maier Dallas Melot Corey Painter Ben Large Austin Frassato Brandon Pyle Colten Schultz Jamie Paisley Juniors Austin Krelo Edmund Massie Zach Kolb Adam Ketelsen Tom Meier Josh Belcher Ethan Childers Tylour Daubert Jerrett Blackmon Chance Brown Gerardo Blanco Sophomores Quinn Colson Jace Ennis Freshmen Alec Gold
5’8 6’2 5’10 5’11 5’9 5’10 5’11 5’10 5’11 6’0 6’0 5’9 5’8 Ht. 5’9 5’6 5’9 5’11 6’2 5’10 5’10 5’9 5’11 6’0 5’10 Ht. 5’9 6’0 Ht. 5’9
175 TB/LB 190 OL/DL 175 OL/DL 175 OL/DE 165 OL/DE 165 RB/DE 195 OL/LB 175 OL/DL 185 OL/DL 160 WR/DB 190 OL/DL 170 OL/LB 160 OL/DL Wt. Pos. 145 QB/DB 135 WR/DB 145 SB/LB 210 OL/DL 215 OL/DL 170 OL/LB 150 SB/DB 150 SB/DB 140 WR/DB 215 OL/DL 150 RB/DE Wt. Pos. 155 RB/LB 170 OL/DE Wt. Pos. 145 SB/DB
David W. Lawler
(618) 993-2222 www.adamblawler.com
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 17
2013 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
Carmi-WhiteBulldogs Co.
CARMI-WHITE COUNTY BULLDOGS Coach: Kurt Simon Career Record: 103-58 2012 Record: 6-4 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returnees: Chase Sailer (QB/DE), Lucas Mercer (WR/DB), Brandon Pollard (RB/DE), Stephen Quitugua (RB/LB), Schedule Aug. 30 ELVERADO* Sept. 6 At Eldorado* Sept. 13 JOHNSTON CITY* Sept. 20 At Chester* Sept. 27 At Fairfield* Oct. 4 HAMILTON COUNTY* Oct. 12 At Vienna-Goreville* Oct. 18 SESSER-VALIER* Oct. 25 At Christopher* *conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Dylan Kuykendall 5’10 170 RB/DB Lucas Mercer 5’10 160 WR/DB Dakota Jolley 5’10 135 WR/DB Chase Sailer 6’1 210 QB/DE Brodie Brown 6’0 175 WR/DB Alex Hall 5’10 130 WR/DB Brandon Pollard 5’9 195 RB/DE Stephen Quitugua5’9180 RB/LB Jon Lees 6’1 180 OL/DE Nik Brown 6’1 285 OL/DL Cody Nelson 5’9 205 OL/DL Alan Murphy 6’3 210 OL/DL Brady Willis 5’10 215 OL/DL
Eli Allen 6’0 225 OL/DL Ray Smock 6’0 250 OL/DL Quinton Chambliss6’1215 OL/DL Hunter Welch 6’0 175 WR/DE Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Clay Vaught 6’0 180 WR/DB Logan Weller 5’8 170 WR/DB Jordan Large 6’5 200 QB/DB Austin Hunsinger 6’0 180 TE/DE Tyson Russell 5’9 200 RB/LB Codi Cross 5’10 185 RB/LB Randall Essary 5’9 140 TE/DE John Lamp 5’11 215 OL/DL Griffin Hart 5’9 280 OL/DL T.C. Headlee 6’1 210 OL/DL Daniel Mathews 6’1 190 OL/DL Logan Deig 6’3 300 OL/DL Joe Matz 6’4 180 TE/DE Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Drew Lucas 5’10 160 TE/DB Draven Davis 5’8 170 RB/LB Wad Marshall 5’8 150 WR/DB Wyatt Nelson 5’7 150 WR/DB Tyler Barbre 6’1 180 RB/DB Joseph Rulo 5’8 170 RB/LB Braeden Masterson5’10 175 TE/DE Drew Marshall 5’9 215 OL/DL Michael Anderson6’1 210 OL/DL Trae Smith 5’9 205 OL/DL Dakota Hays 5’9 205 OL/DL Zach Chambers 6’0 240 OL/DL Bryce Prince 6’0 230 OL/DL Kristian Newman 6’1 215 OL/DL Tony Jackson 6’0 200 OL/DL
S-V-W-W Red Devils BY JACK CAVANAUGH THE SOUTHERN
Entering his second year at the helm of the SesserVa l i e r - Wa l t o n v i l l e Woodlawn Red Devils football program, coach Johnny Hollis hopes to build off of the success from last season to make a run in the playoffs this year. The Red Devils started 1-3 last year, but they righted the ship and finished 6-3 to qualify for the
playoffs. Although a firstround playoff loss to Vienna-Goreville cut their postseason short, Hollis has high hopes for the team this year. “I think that we are talented and we should be able to compete in every game,” he said. “We just need to stay focused on the task ahead, and be mentally sharp,” he said.
BY MICHAEL ASHBY THE SOUTHERN
There are plenty of high hopes this year for CarmiWhite County football. Coming off of three consecutive first-round playoff exits, coach Kurt Simon is trying to get his Bulldogs back to the postseason and into the second round. Simon is entering his 17th year at Carmi. “We struggled with some big injuries,” Simon said. “Towards the middle of the season, we were playing a lot of younger kids. We were relying heavily on [running back] Dylan Rankin to keep us in the game. Realistically, by the end of last season we were hanging on to win six and get into the playoffs.” Along with Rankin, last year’s leading rusher for the Black Diamond Conference, the Bulldogs
lost five other seniors. However, the pool of this year’s seniors is the deepest Simon has seen in his time on the sideline. Among them are Brandon Pollard, Lucas Mercer, Stephen Quitugua and quarterback Chase Sailer. Sailer is returning from a seasonending injury last year. They are among a class of players that has gone to the state playoffs every season. Junior returnees include Tyson Russell at lineman and backup quarterback Jordan Large, who will see a lot more reps this season after stepping up in Sailer’s absence. “Right now we have no injuries, and we’re crossing our fingers on that,” Simon said. “Obviously, you’ve got to work hard and do things right, but there’s a lot that goes into it also. The biggest part of that luck is just having the kids
stay healthy.” Other than the upperclassmen, Carmi will return several players who earned their minutes last season. “We’ve got good leadership,” Simon said. “A lot of those kids that got a chance to play last year, now they’ve got experience under them, and that should be good for us.” Simon is hopeful that this year’s campaign can take the Bulldogs past their first-round playoff jinx. “The first goal we always set forth is to win enough games to get us to the playoffs,” he said. “The next goal would be to win a conference championship, and of course if you do both of those and get a chance in the playoffs, our goal would be to get past the quarterfinals. We’ve been there a few times, and we’d like to get beyond that.”
SESSER-VALIER-WALTONVILLE-WOODLAWN RED DEVILS Coach: Johnny Hollis Career Record: 11-8 2012 Record: 6-3 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 3A) Key Returnees: Brandon Cockrum (RB/LB), Nick Nosalik (OL/LB).
SEE S-V-W-W / PAGE 21
Page 18 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Schedule Aug. 30 ELDORADO* Sept. 6 At Johnston City* Sept. 13 CHESTER* Sept. At Hamilton County* Sept. 27 CHRISTOPHER* Oct. 4 VIENNA* Oct. 11 At Fairfield* Oct. 18 At Carmi-White Co.* Oct. 25 At Elverado* *conference game
Seniors Jordan Gunter Dustin Payne Tyler Baxter Clayton Hoffard B. Cockrum Nick Nosalik H. Richardson Kyle Britton Zach Webb Nathan White Jake Robinson Juniors Dylon Kelly Nick Marlo Trey Bruce Kaleb Miller Jacob Hunsell Braden Heck Bryson Sanders
Ht. 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-6 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-3 Ht. 5-7 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-1
Wt. 175 160 170 170 175 205 180 195 250 165 200 Wt. 135 165 155 220 215 240 225
Pos. DB/WR DB/WR DB/RB DB/RB LB/RB LB/OL LB/OL DL/OL DL/OL DB/WR DL/TE Pos. DB/WR DB/QB DB/WR DL/RB DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL
Kyle French 6-5 Zach Bryant 6-1 Chase Watson 6-0 Brian Krominga 6-1 Sophomores Ht. Ross Owens 6-3 Taylor Coggins 5-10 Austin Garrison 5-7 Logan Miller 6-0 Dustin Kemp 5-10 Kody Hodge 5-10 Garret minks 6-2 Drake Horn 5-10 Holden Storey 5-6 Blake Dorris 5-10 Brett Hall 5-8 Jake Styve 6-0 Tyler Smart 6-0 Beau Jones 6-2 Matthew Downes 5-11
230 300 170 250 Wt. 165 150 140 165 150 160 165 160 180 185 185 215 190 280 165
DL/OL DL/Ol DB/WR DL/OL Pos. DB/WR DB/QB LB/RB LB/RB DB/WR LB/RB LB/TE DB/QB DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL LB/RB
2013 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
EldoradoEagles BY MICHAEL ASHBY THE SOUTHERN Bogged down by injuries last year, Eldorado is looking to come back stronger in 2013. “For us, we got off to a good start, but then we had to deal with a lot of injuries, so it was a disappointing year,” said coach Brandon Hampton. “But the silver lining in that is last year some guys got to play that probably would not have been counted on a year ago. That will give us some dividends this year, as they’re now varsity players.” Hampton is looking forward to seeing his seniorstudded roster in action. “This year we have a really good group of seniors,” he said. “A solid core that’s provided great leadership. Any time you play with seniors in high school football, you’ve got a chance to have a good year.” Among the group is a strong offensive line led by Austin Miller and Tristen Morse. They will lead the way for backs Tyler Deaton, who amassed 900 total yards last year, and Dylan Roberts, who has racked up over 2,000 total yards in his career as an Eagle. “Our offense begins and ends with the fullback at the core,” said Hampton. The defense for the Eagles will return nine starters, led by two-time all-conference linebacker Derek Mitchell, who Hampton called the “quarterback of (the) defense.” Hampton believes that Eldorado’s hard work around the clock will
ELDORADO EAGLES Coach: Brandon Hampton Career Record: 17-30 2012 Record: 4-5 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returnees: Tyler Deaton (RB/DB), Dylan Roberts (RB/LB), Derek Mitchell (RB/LB), Austin Miller (OL/DL), Tristen Morse (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 30 At Sesser-Valier* Sept. 6 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 13 At Christopher* Sept. 20 ELVERADO* Sept. 27 At Hamilton County* Oct. 4 FAIRFIELD* Oct. 12 At Johnston City* Oct. 18 CHESTER* Oct. 25 At Vienna-Goreville* *conference game Seniors Tyler Deaton Blaine Duffee Ty Duncan Colton Edwards Austin Miller Derek Mitchell Tristen Morse Dylan Roberts Nick Schimp Tre Turner
Ht. 5’10 6’0 6’2 5’10 6’2 5’10 6’0 6’0 5’11 5’7
Wt. Pos. 165 RB/DB 300 OL/DL 350 OL/DL 140 RB/DB 225 OL/DL 175 RB/LB 265 OL/DL 200 RB/LB 160 E/LB 200 OL/DL
Kaleb Williams 5’11 165 Justin Wiseman 6’0 300 Evan Zacovic 5’11 200 Juniors Ht. Wt. Nathan Burnett 6’2 160 Christian Dalton 5’8 165 Cameron Denbo 6’2 325 Christian McNabb 5’9 180 Dillion Parker 6’1 165 Braxton Roberts 6’0 175 Braydon VanZant 5’11 170 Kasey Wells Sophomores Ht. Wt. Keaton Baird 5’5 140 Logan Bowen 5’11 250 Austin Cantrell 5’8 170 Levi Cantrell 5’9 140 Jayden Emmons 5’11 190 Stanton Hathaway6’1200 E/LB Trevor Martin 5’11 210 Dustin Miller 6’0 140 Alex Molinarolo 6’2 200 Adam Ninness 5’11 155 Brett Plunkett 6’1 150 Teton Prather 6’2 240 Dillon Quertermous6’0 200 Gage Quertermous5’11 235 Denzel Smith 5’10 300 Lucas Wargei 5’5 120 Drew Woolcot 5’11 145 Freshmen Ht. Wt. Gage Fuller 5’7 135
Foot Problems? THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Dylan Roberts runs the with ball last season.
pay off. “The limited practice schedule before the season starts really forces you to have a great summer,” he said. “We’ve gotten a lot done this summer because of great leadership. For us now, the focus is daily improvement.” Th Eagles open the season againstSesserValier/Woodlawn/Walton ville. Hampton is hoping to break his winless streak against the Red Devils. “We’ve got a challenge
with Sesser,” he said. “It’s a team we haven’t beaten, but we’ve had some good games and I anticipate week one to be the same way. “Our goals don’t change. We want to compete for a conference championship. Year in and year out, we want to put out a product that can compete and win, and our kids understand that if you do that, then you put yourself in the opportunity for the postseason.”
Dr. Mindy Moore welcomes the opportunity to bring comfort to one of your most valuable assets. • hammertoes • heel pain • Nail fungus • Diabetic foot issues • and more
E/LB OL/DL E/DL Pos. QB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB E/LB RB/LB DB/RB Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB RB/DB OL/LB E/LB E/LB QB/DB E/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB RB/DB Pos. RB/LB
Family Foot & Ankle Center of Southern Illinois
618-942-3334 3022 S. Park Ave, Herrin, IL 62948 Seeing patients in Herrin & Pinckneyville
Dr. Mindy Moore
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 19
2013 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
Chester Yellow Jackets BY JACK CAVANAUGH THE SOUTHERN
Although the Chester Yellow Jackets went undefeated last season and won their conference, lady luck was not on their side in the postseason. Chester lost to Belleville-Althoff in the first round of the playoffs. An early exit from postseason was a bit disheartening, but coach Bryan Lee said he wants to take that negative and turn it into a positive for the 2013 season. “This year I am really stressing to my guys that they play disciplined football, and that they are well-conditioned for games,” Lee said. “We may be smaller in size, but we are tough, scrappy competitors and we want to let our opponents know that when we take the field.” Tough and scrappy might be an accurate way to describe the Yellow Jackets, but there is anoth-
er way Lee described his 2013 team — young. Specifically, Lee mentioned the fact Chester will be much younger up front on the offensive and defensive lines. Young up front or not, Lee knows exactly what he wants to do on the offensive side of the ball. He wants to continue to pound the ball on the ground, and thanks to a cadre of returning backs, he should be able to accomplish just that. One of Chester’s key returners is senior running back Joel Clendenin. Last season, Clendenin rushed for more than 700 yards and more than 1,500 yards the two seasons before that. Three out of the four starting running backs from last season will also return to help carry load. Running isn’t the only thing Chester intends to do offensively, however. Lee said he is hoping to utilize the passing game. Another
Enjoy Pizza after the Game! High School Students $3 off any large double decker pizza with HS ID.
key returner, senior quarterback Jake Lochhead, should be able to help in that regard. “Jake is a great athlete, and he has had a great summer and offseason working to get ready and continue his leadership role,” Lee said. All of Chester’s players will need to step up if they hope to mimic their success from the previous season. Last year, the Yellow Jackets averaged 40 points a game on the way to a 9-0 season. Lee noted that Chester THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO might have a target on its back this year as fellow Chester quarterback Jake Lochhead passes the ball in 2011. conference members look to usurp the Yellow CHESTER YELLOW JACKETS Jackets as champions. Coach: Bryan Lee K. Eggemeyer 5-9 170 TB/LB “This is a tough conferCareer Record: 33-16 Justin Marks 5-8 175 G/DL ence with teams that are 2012 Record: 9-1 Chris Burris 6-0 210 G/DL very well coached,” Lee Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Chase McArty 5-9 165 T/DL said. “From a mental Key Returnees: Jake Lochhead (QB), Austin Redeker 6-2 200 T/DL aspect, we prefer to be Joel Clendenin ((RB/LB), Austin Redeker Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. underdogs, but we know (OL, K), Justin Marks (OL),Brenton CharlesMorefield 5-9 150 WB/LB that other teams might be Atchison (DB) Garret Alms (DB), Andrew Wyatt Ruehling 5-10 170 QB/DE gunning for us this year Frazer (RB/LB). Hunter Howier 5-9 145 SE/S and we should be able to Andrew Frazer 5-11 180 WB/DE compete hard.” Schedule David Lutman 5-7 130 TB/CB Aug. 30 At Hamilton County* Issiac Wingerter 5-11 160 TE/DE Sept. 6 VIENNA* Cody Eggemeyer 5-8 180 G/LB Sept. 13 At Sesser-Valier* Danny Simmons 5-8 170 G/DL Sept. 20 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Josh Yow 5-9 150 T/DL Sept. 27 JOHNSTON CITY* Trevor James 5-11 235 T/DL Oct. 4 At Christopher* Zach Poe 6-0 190 C/DL Oct. 11 ELVERADO* A. Morefield 5-10 200 G/DL Oct. 18 At Eldorado* Eli Hasemeyer 5-8 155 G/DE Oct. 25 WEST FRANKFORT* Tristen Junger 5-8 155 G/DL *conference game B. Saurhage 6-2 300 T/DL Aiden Savage 6-1 250 T/DL Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. James Jonse 5-8 145 SE/DB Caleb Golding 5-11 160 TE/S Matt Myer 6-2 145 TE/DE Jacob Long 6-3 190 OL/DE Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Alex Yankey 5-8 160 SE/S Jordan Berner 6-5 210 TE/LB Garret Alms 5-8 160 SE/CB Luke Hartman 5-10 150 WB/DB Jake Lochhead 6-2 180 QB/S Blake Eggemeyer 5-8 160 FB/LB Joel Clendenin 5-8 205 FB/LB Lucas Rock 5-9 150 TB/DB Lane Gibbs 5-8 170 TB/LB Noah Franklin 5-9 210 G/DL Brad Asselmeier 5-9 150 WB/CB Garett Hoffman 5-10 210 T/DL BrentonAtchison 5-9 150 FB/CB Tyler Redeker 6-2 275 C/DL
Page 20 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
2013 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton BY JACK CAVANAUGH THE SOUTHERN
Coach Josh McCurren enters his third year with the Christopher-ZeiglerRoyalton Bearcats and is hoping his system and senior leadership will help churn out a successful year. “We’ve got close to 20 seniors returning this year, as well as a good group of underclassmen,” McCurren said. “If we can stay healthy, come out and be competitive, I really feel like we can accomplish some good things out on the field this year.” McCurren wasn’t exaggerating when he talked about all of his returning seniors. A quick look at this year’s roster confirms that 18 seniors and 13 juniors will be returning. Among these returners are several key players. Senior quarterback and team captain Jacob Towers, who started four games last season, will be returning to
‘These kids are out here hustling, have a great attitude and a great work ethic.’ JOSH MCCURREN C-Z-R FOOTBALL COACH
take offensive snaps, and McCurren is confident in the young man’s ability to take on a leadership position. “Jacob is doing great so far,” McCurren said. “He is a very smart kid and his technique has improved since last season. He’ll be able to step in there and get things done.” Other key returners include senior linebacker and guard Dakota Gregge. Gregge was all-conference last season. Senior tight end Ethan Conner returns as well. He was an all-conference honorable mention selection. McCurren said the total number of kids coming out
to the team this season was around 75. “I’m hoping to platoon the team a little bit, having that many kids come out to play,” McCurren said. “But I expect we will have a couple guys here and there playing both sides of the ball, that’s something we’ll hammer out in practices.” So far McCurren has liked what he’s seen in practice. “These kids are out here hustling, have a great attitude and a great work ethic, so things are coming along and we are getting into the groove,” he said. The Bearcats will start the season in a different kind of groove, however. Four out of their first five games this season are on the road, but McCurren isn’t overly concerned about that. “It shouldn’t be that big of a deal,” he said. “Road games can be a way to get away from distractions at home or school.”
CHRISTOPHER-ZEIGLER-ROYALTON BEARCATS Coach: Josh McCurren Career Record: 5-13 2012 Record: 2-7 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 3A) Key Returnees: Dakota Gregge (LB), Ethan Conner (TE), Jacob Towers (QB), Austin Williams (G), Keegan Greer (C). Schedule Aug. 30 At Fairfield* Sept. 6 At Elverado* Sept. 13 ELDORADO* Sept. 20 At Johnston City* Sept. 27 At Sesser-Valier* Oct. 4 CHESTER* Oct. 11 At Hamilton County* Oct. 19 VIENNA* Oct. 25 CARMI-WHITE CO.* *conference game Seniors Zach Boehl Luke Burkitt Maurice Brown Ethan Conner Keegan Grear Dakota Gregge Nick Eisenhauer Jake Jablonski
Ht. 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-10
Wt. 150 305 145 175 185 185 145 210
Pos. RB/DB OT/DT RB/DB TE/LB C/DT G/LB RB/DB G/DE
Jake Logsdon Mark Massie Garrett Nikolich Jake Overton Andrew Reece Chris Richard Jacob Towers Josh Webb Eric Young Juniors Mead Dennison Brice Franklin Brad Gouge Isiah Hall Josh Hutchison Derek Lane Sam Leach Caleb Miner Austin Risley Tyler Russell Jeff Saddler Luke Saeger Kody Steadman Sophomores Dustin Barnett Josh Bays Trevon Brown Josh Calloni Luke Winget Hunter Wheeler
5-8 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-8 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-3 Ht. 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-4 6-1 5-7 5-8 6-4 5-10 Ht. 5-7 5-10 5-6 6-2 6-0 5-9
210 150 180 145 145 165 155 180 185 Wt. 175 290 165 185 235 180 215 305 165 130 165 150 170 Wt. 180 260 130 170 210 165
OT/DT RB/DB RB/DB TE/DE RB/DB OT/DE QB/DB TE/LB TE/DE Pos. R/LB OT/DT OG/DT TE/DE C/DT OG/LB OG/DT OT/DT TE/DE TE/LB RB/DB QB/DB OG/LB Pos. RB/LB C/DT RB/DB TE/DE OG/DT QB/DB
S-V-W-W: Red Devils going for postseason
FAIRFIELD: Returning many quality players
FROM PAGE 18
FROM PAGE 14
“We have several juniors on the squad this year, and we may not be as big as we have been in the past, but we are very fast. Hopefully our speed can help us win some football games this year.” Hollis wasn’t sure what to make of the scheduling changes this year, either. “The scheduling as far as this year has just been a little weird,” he said. “I’m not sure that the kids are used to starting school and football at the same time just
yet, so because of that I don’t think we’ve been as mentally and physically sharp as we could be, but it’s a work in progress.” Potential injuries were also on his mind, noting that because of depth concerns any injury has the potential to change the dynamic of any team within the conference. “The Black Diamond Conference is a competitive one, and with injuries happening that can affect a team immediately,” he said. “A starter going down can easily cost a team two or
three wins, and thankfully we avoided the injury bug last season for the most part.” With the preseason goal of making the playoffs for the second time in a row as head coach, Hollis will certainly address any issues or concerns in before the season begins. “I feel good about practices so far, the kids are excited and energetic,” he said. “We have several guys coming back with quality playing time, so we just need to tie up some loose ends.”
“We have guys who can play. We have the most players I’ve had in my time here. We even have some younger guys that I feel like can contribute, and an injury to a player this year won’t hurt us as much as it has in the past.” Among those gone from last year is 1,000-yard rusher Dyllan Bailey, along with fellow backfield member Robby Hite. Key returning players are all-conference seniors
Joseph Rodgers, Anthony Thomas, Cody Simpson, and Derek Greifzu. Fairfield will open the season against the Bearcats of ChristopherZeigler-Royalton. “With Week 1, you never know, so you just have to prepare for everything and make sure you’re ready to go,” Townsend said With this year’s deep roster and returnees, Townsend is hopeful that his Mules can break their sub-.500 spell.
“We need to get back in the playoffs,” he said. “We want to be able to run the football and play good defense. “Our first priority is to be able to run the football, regardless of who we’re playing. We’re excited, and I think we have a good shot at getting back to the playoffs, and that on any given night we can compete with anyone on our schedule. I think our kids have every intentions of trying to get back there.”
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 21
2013 Prep Football Preview: South Seven Conference CARBONDALE TERRIERS Coach: Nick Hill Career Record: 20-27 2012 Record: 4-5 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (4): Justin Hoffmann (QB), Shamarc Bursey (WR/S), Kyle Turner (C), Mitch Lauder (LB). Schedule Aug. 30 At Murphysboro Sept. 6 At Herrin Sept. 13 WATERLOO Sept. 20 At Centralia* Sept. 27 CAHOKIA* Oct. 4 At Mount Vernon* Oct. 11 At Belleville Althoff* Oct. 18 MARION* Oct. 25 HARRISBURG *conference game Seniors Ht. Michael Lewis 5’8 Shamarc Bursey 6’0 Mykel Gary 5’7 Derrick Bishop 5’10 Justin Hoffman 6’1 Dom Johnson 6’2 Jalin Williams 6’3 Linell Gaston 5’10 Mitch Lauder 6’0 Devontavius Payne6’3 Michel Andre 6’0 Anthony Day 6’4 Jermanine Pryor 5’8 Tyrell Robison 6’3
Wt. 148 190 165 195 180 205 185 205 200 180 180 200 155 225
Pos. DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB QB TE/LB WR RB/DB RB/LB WR WR TE/DB DB RB/LB
Brad Wood 6’0 Domink Meyerhoff 6’4 Deanthony Gamble6’0 Rashad Johnson 5’8 Kyle Turner 6’2 Mickey Jung 6’0 Juniors Ht. Nick Whitbeck 6’2 Allen Billinger 6’1 Luke Brunaugh 5’11 Steven Lambert 6’1 Matt Earl 6’0 Steven Gobert 6’3 Thomas Snyder 6’3 Nils Hoffman 6’5 Matt Doss 6’4 Brandon Rishel 6’1 Abed Ibrahim 6’2 Jordan Kelly 6’6 Isaac Flores 6’2 Jalen Jackson 6’0 Sophomores Ht. Shahere Lark 6’0 Michael Rochman 5’9 Khilan Vaughn 5’8 Tyler McCormick 5’9 Sam Agbeh 6’0 Sam Brunaugh 5’11 Dalton Vanavery 5’10 Jordan Roseman 6’1 Lucien Dreux 6’3 Sean Scally 6’1 Octavious McCloud6’0 Paul Wood 5’10 Hayden Snyder 5’9 Trenton Peyton 6’2
Go Terriers Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes, & Hoke LLP
Go Terriers 100 N. Illinois Ave. Carbondale
618.457.0437
Page 22 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
250 220 220 185 305 175 Wt. 215 170 180 210 240 200 265 215 245 180 240 240 215 175 Wt. 180 175 165 145 160 180 165 260 220 215 220 215 205 195
OL/DL TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K Pos. TE/LB DB WR/DB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DB OL/DL TE OL/DL WR/DB Pos. WR/LB QB DB WR/DB DB TE/LB LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Carbondale coach Nick Hill gives instructions to players during the Terriers’ first practice Aug. 14.
Carbondale Terriers BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Last year the Terriers got off to a fast start winning their first three games. Unfortunately, Carbondale one just one of the final six games. The Terriers only win down the stretch came at the expense of winless Mount Vernon. Coach Dan Koester unexpectedly resigned in July. Former record-setting Du Quoin and SIU quarterback Nick Hill, who had been hired in the spring to serve as offensive coordinator, was elevated to his first head coaching job. Hill has a winning background having taken the Indians to a second place finish his senior year and
the Salukis to the Football C h a m p i o n s h i p Subdivision semi-finals his senior year. “My coaching philosophy is to put the kids in the best position to succeed,” Hill said. “I’ve played in all kinds of different offenses as a player. We want to spread the field, but we want to run the football too, so we’ll be a pretty multiple offense. “We’ll do whatever it takes to win.” Hill has seniors Justin Hoffmann at quarterback, Kyle Turner at center and Shamarc Bursey to build his offense around. Bursey is moving from running back to wide receiver. “Bursey is the kind of kid you want on the field,” Hill said. “He can play everywhere, including starting
at safety on defense, too.” Junior Thomas Snyder has locked down a starting spot on the line and a transfer from Georgia, senior Lynell Gaston, will be the starter at running back. Seniors Michel Andre and Jalen Williams will join Bursey at wide receiver. Hill won’t be changing defensive philosophies this year sticking with the 3-4. Junior Allen Billinger and senior Michael Lewis are the top candidates at cornerback. Sophomore Ivory Clark is a probable starter at safety. “We have a lot of athletes in the program, so we’re going to be a defense that’s going to create turnovers,” Hill said. “Every position we feel pretty good about.”
2013 Prep Football Preview: South Seven Conference MARION WILDCATS Coach: Kerry Martin Career Record: 163-76 2012 Record: 7-3 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (10): Brant Hill (QB), Jared Dorris (RB), John Dalton (RB), Olympus Graham (G), Travis Wright (C), Dontiel Taylor (DT), Tyrone Maples (ILB), Hunter Odum (OLB), Justin Nicholson (OLB), Jordan Bradford (CB/WR). Schedule Aug. 30 At Granite City Sept. 6 MATTOON Sept. 13 At Harrisburg Sept. 20 At Cahokia* Sept. 27 At Mount Vernon* Oct. 4 BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF* Oct. 11 CENTRALIA* Oct. 18 At Carbondale* Oct. 25 ST. LOUIS NORMANDY *conference game THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Marion’s Brant Hill makes a touchdown catch over Harrisburg’s Daniel Lewis during the Wildcats’ game against the Bulldogs on Sept. 8 in Marion.
Marion Wildcats BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Last year the Marion Wildcats extended their streak of playoff appearances to eight straight. However, the Wildcats’ streak of conference titles snapped at two. Marion lost to conference champion Centralia and Cahokia to finish tied with Cahokia and Belleville Althoff for the runner-up spot. Coach Kerry Martin returns six starters on an offense that averaged 32 points a game last year. Five players return on the defense that gave up 26 points a game during the regular season and 59 in the playoff loss to Glenwood. “That last ballgame left
a bad taste,” Martin said. “We put in a lot of effort to get to the second season and we want it to last more than one game, so we used that playoff loss as a motivator this off-season.” On offense six seniors return with Brant Hill moving from wide receiver to replace Matt Lewis at quarterback and Jordan Bradford back at wide receiver. “Brant was our starter at wide receiver and our backup quarterback last year,” Martin said. “He’s got some talent. He’s a big strong kid with a good arm and good speed, so we can use him in a lot of different ways.” John Dalton and Jared Dorris return at running back as well as guards Olympus Graham and
Travis Wright, who will be moved guard to center this year. “We feel like we’ve got some good skill kids, so we hope we have some firepower,” Martin said. “We don’t have a lot of stars returning, so it’s truly going to be a team effort and be more of a blue collar team. “We’ve had teams like this in the past and have had a lot of success.” Defensively Martin has three linebackers back with senior Tyrone Maples inside and junior Justin Nicholson on the outside with senior Hunter Odum moving from safety to outside linebacker. Junior Dontiel Taylor returns at defensive tackle and Bradford is back at cornerback.
Seniors Mitchell Bartle Ryan Bayer Zac Bingman Jordan Bradford Justin Bradford Sam Brown John Dalton
Ht. 5’8 5’10 6’1 6’1 5’11 6’1 6’0
Wt. 185 155 175 180 235 220 190
Pos. RB/LB WR/DB WR WR/DB OL OL/DL RB/LB
Jared Dorris Olympus Graham Brant Hill Chase Hughart Tyrone Maples Logan Null Hunter Odom Tristen Reid Axson Rothschild Ben Smart Travis Wright Juniors Zach Absher DeRae Andrews Mike Bradshaw Jordan Evans Drake Grinnel Jaxson Harris Conner Hughart Hunter Lincoln Matt McAuliffe Justin Nicholson Brandon Osborne Josh Parrish Thomas Shafer Tyler Shirley Dontiel Taylor Paul Waddy Killian White Mitchell Wilkie Sophomores Braden Ziegler
5’7 5’11 6’3 6’1 6’0 5’7 5’10 5’10 5’9 5’11 6’0 Ht. 5’10 6’3 5’8 6’0 6’0 5’7 6’1 5’11 5’10 6’1 6’2 6’2 5’8 5’11 5’10 6’0 6’2 5’10 Ht. 5’8
160 215 185 175 205 150 170 170 170 215 280 Wt. 185 185 160 185 175 155 220 165 175 215 185 220 165 190 190 190 180 165 Wt. 170
RB/DB OL QB WR/DB RB/LB WR RB/dB WR/LB WR OL/DL OL Pos. RB/LB WR WR/DB QB/DB WR/DL RB OL/LB WR/DB RB/DB OL/LB WR/DB OL RB/DB WR’LB OL/DL RB/LB WR/DL K Pos. RB/LB
Go Wildcats
Ike Honda Marion, IL
618-997-4000 www.ikehonda.com
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 23
2013 Prep Football Preview: South Seven Conference
Centralia Orphans
CENTRALIA ORPHANS Coach: Ray Kauling Career Record: 85-42 2012 Record: 9-1 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (7): Chase Alcorn (WR), Matese Scott (RB), Calvin Miley (OT), Tyler Ashby (DT), Matt Steward (DL), B.J. Smith (ILB), Ryan Shipley (DB). Schedule Aug. 30 At Salem Sept. 6 BETHALTO CIVIC MEMORIAL Sept. 13 At Effingham Sept. 20 CARBONDALE* Sept. 27 At Belleville Althoff* Oct. 4 CAHOKIA* Oct. 11 At Marion* Oct. 18 MOUNT VERNON* Oct. 25 MASCOUTAH *conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Ryan Shipley 5’10 140 WR/DB Tripp Kessler 5’11 160 WR/DB Chase Alcorn 6’3 190 WR/DB Jordan Williams 6’0 245 OL/LB Tyler Ashby 5’11 250 OL/DL Jake Wood 6’2 225 OL/DL Parker Weathersby 6’3 245 OL/DL Matt Steward 6’3 210 OL/DL Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Nick Neubauer 5’8 140 WR/DB D’Shaun Groff 5’11 180 QB/LB Riley Madrey 5’7 160 WR/DB
Matese Scott 5’10 Tyler Maas 5’10 Aaron Moore 5’7 Hosea Harris 5’10 Tim Reider 5’5 B.J. Smith 5’11 Kameron Mayoral 5’9 Justin Gregory 5’5 Ben McConnaughhay5’10 Mason White 5’10 Joe Loera 5’11 Calvin Miley 6’3 Doug Alexander 6’0 Sophomores Ht. Brodric Green 6’1 Dorian Reeves 6’0 Deven Toennies 6’2 Shandon Webster 5’10 Damon Weathersby 6’0 Parker Lane 6’0 Octavis Keeler 5’5 Jerome Johnson 5’8 Seth Edmonson 6’1 Jacob Brothers 5’6 Colton Kracht 5’11 Austin Eckhoff 5’9 Tanner Murray 5’7 Dakota Jones 5’7 Treyton Jansen 5’10 Freshmen Ht. Will Henegar 5’9 Dawson Berry 5’11 Caleb Shipley 5’10 Ben Alli 5’10
Cahokia Comanches BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Since the final game of the 2012 season financial woes caused a lot of uncertainty around Cahokia’s entire athletic department. It was just a month ago coach Antwyne Golliday found out he was coming back, and the delay caused him to lose more than just the 10 starters that graduated. “They just hired me back as coach and I don’t have any (paid) assistants yet,
but I have a couple volunteers,” Golliday said. “By the time they agreed to have all the sports again we lost a lot of kids to transfers and things like that. “My job is coach the kids and that’s what I’m going to do. We still have our three goals — win the conference, make the playoffs and win state. I don’t care who shows up.” Golliday only has four senior starters returning to build his 2012 squad around.
165 170 145 170 160 230 175 155 185 180 245 225 170 Wt. 165 150 170 170 165 160 175 145 145 195 210 190 160 140 160 Wt. 140 130 130 230
RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB Pos. QB/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DL RB/LB WR/DB WR/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/LB QB/DB QB/LB OL/DL
BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Last year the Centralia Orphans finished the regular season 9-0 and won the South Seven Conference for the first since the conference was reshaped in 1993. “We had a good senior group,” said coach Ray Kauling. “We weren’t a dominant team, but we just found ways to win.” Last year the Orphans earned their second straight playoff berth, but for the second straight year bowed out in the first round. So this year if the Orphans look to jump that next hurdle, but Kauling will have to do it with only seven returning starters. “It’s obviously going to be a rebuilding year any time you lose a quarterback (Dyman Sodsaikitch) and a running back/wide receiver (Rashad Campbell) that
‘It’s obviously going to be a rebuilding year any time you lose a quarterback and a running back/ wide receiver that started for three years.’ RAY KAULING CENTRALIA FOOTBALL COACH
started for three years,” Kauling said. “Our kids have worked hard in practice and have a great attitude.” Kauling also has to replace the majority of his offensive line with only junior tackle Calvin Miley returning. “Sophomore Brodric Green will be taking over at quarterback and we have good competition for the open spots on the line,” Kauling said. “Green started half the year on the freshman team before breaking his left collarbone.” Senior wide receiver
Chase Alcorn and junior running back Matese Scott return to help with the transition to Green. Defensively, Kauling has seniors Tyler Ashby and Matt Steward back on the line, junior B.J. Smith back at inside linebacker and senior Ryan Shipley at defensive back. “We have eight people vying for the two spots on the line,” Kauling said. “We have decent depth on the line and at linebacker and are just waiting for the competition to sort itself out. In the backfield we’re probably going to lean on a couple sophomores.”
CAHOKIA COMANCHES Coach: Antwyne Golliday Career Record: 70-37 2012 Record: 4-5 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (5): Darby Perry (QB), Antoine Stevenson (WR), Romeion Moore (MLB), Stacy Minor (OLB/WR), Daniel Akins (OL/DT).
SEE CAHOKIA / PAGE 25
Page 24 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Schedule Aug. 30 O’FALLON Sept. 6 At Alton Sept. 13 ST. LOUIS MILLER Sept. 20 MARION* Sept. 27 At Carbondale* Oct. 4 At Centralia* Oct. 11 MOUNT VERNON* Oct. 18 BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF* Oct. 25 NORMAL UNIVERSITY *conference game Seniors Keenan Hogan
Ht. Wt. Pos. 5’10 180 RB/DB
Demetrius Harris 5’6 Antione Stevenson5’11 Romeion Moore 6’0 Stacy Minor 5’11 Darby Perry 5’8 Darren Roberson 5’8 Dontrell Flowers 5’10 Cameron Grinston5’11 Shelton Pippen 5’9 Darrion Perry 5’10 Travion Gayden 5’10 Jamarco Wiley 5’10 Juniors Ht. Komon Session 5’8 Jerrick Fisher 5’10 Teontae Winter 5’7 John Evans 5’8 Keveion Akins 5’6 Jeremy Gatlir 6’0 Chris Griggs 5’11 Marcell Scurlark 5’10 Daniall Akins 6’0 Jakari Howard 6’0
125 200 205 185 160 155 195 170 230 245 210 250 Wt. 145 165 140 175 135 175 195 195 285 225
WR/DB WR/LB WR/LB WR/LB QB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL Pos. WR/QB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB WR/LB RB/LB WR/LB OL/DL OL/DL
Anthony Prude 5’11 200 Robert Mosby 6’0 240 Darryl Williams 5’10 210 Kevion Roberson 6’0 240 Sophomores Ht. Wt. Robert Jackson 5’11 160 Darrius McClatchery5’7 135 Tyron Lyons 5’5 135 Chrishawn Crosby5’4 155 Teran Hill 5’6 150 Antez Stevenson 5’7 145 Kentrell Drummond5’8 170 Erin Dukes 5’6 130 Deante Tally 5’7 125 Nate Hardaway 5’11 165 Reggie Wilson 5’11 215 Courtney Hoffman5’10 270 Cornelius Moore 5’4 118 Leo Stewart 5’11 155 Arlandis Henderson6’2 190 Freshman Ht. Wt. George Smith 5’10 130
OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB Pos. WR
2013 Prep Football Preview: South Seven Conference
Belleville-Althoff Crusaders BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
If it weren’t for a third quarter fumble at the fiveyard line that went the other way for a 95-yard touchdown, the Belleville Althoff Crusaders would be the defending Class 2A champions. “We had a great group of kids and a great group of seniors,” coach Ken Turner said. “We got everything out of them we could.”
Turner returns six key members of an offense that averaged 26 points during the playoffs, but has to replace nearly his entire defense. “We have a lot of good things coming back on offense in the right spots,” Turner said. “We like our skill and we like where our line is heading.” Eric Mertens returns as a four-year starter at quarterback with senior Dennis Jackson back at running back.
“Eric is very smart and has a big arm,” Turner said. “We also have another running back sophomore Malik Easley, who is going to be a good one for us.” Also back are senior Luke Frazier and sophomore Keenan Young at wide receiver and senior Erik Krause and junior Rodney Baker on the line. “We will have to solidify our line, which we are doing by moving Krause and Baker to tackle,”
BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF CRUSADERS Coach: Ken Turner Career Record: 28-24 2012 Record: 10-4 Conference: South Seven (Class 2A) Turner said. “Juniors Aaron Medina and Maurice Williams III will be taking over at guard and senior Ryan Ord will be our center.” Krause at defensive tackle, Medina at middle linebacker and junior Bret
Silvestri at weak side linebacker are the only starters returning on defense. Junior Connor O’Dell takes over at strong side linebacker with Williams III and freshman Christian Wills at defensive end and Baker at
defensive tackle. Frazier and Austin Mueller will start at safety with senior Collin McClellan, a transfer from Virginia, and Jackson at cornerback. Easley will rotate at both cornerback and safety.
CAHOKIA: Facing some uncertainty FROM PAGE 24 Back is Darby Perry at quarterback, Antione Stevenson at wide receiver, Romeion Moore at middle linebacker, and Stacy Minor at outside linebacker. Junior Daniel Akins is also back on both guard and defensive tackle. “I don’t know who my starters are, I’m still piecing things together,” Golliday said. “I lost a bunch of athletes, but I’ve got a bunch of athletes and I had a pretty successful JV team. We’re going to put 11 out there and play ball.”
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Belleville Althoff quarterback Eric Mertens hands off to Kameron Harris during a 2010 game in Carbondale.
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 25
2013 Prep Football Preview: South Seven Conference
Mount Vernon Rams BY GEARY DENISTON
MOUNT VERNON RAMS
FOR THE SOUTHERN
Coach: Jared Shaner Career Record: 13-50 2012 Record: 0-9 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Key Returners: Doug Gardner (RB/S), C.J. Lloyd (RB), Demontez Miller-Grey (HB), Jacobee Marshall (WR/S), Enrique Lam-Vaughn (OG), Josh Bourland (OG), Tyler Bradley (C), Eli Phillips (OT), London Marler (OT), Tyler Knutson (DE), Graham Henken (ILB), Robert Grider (OLB). Schedule Aug. 30 At Rochester Sept. 6 At Mascoutah Sept. 13 TRIAD Sept. 20 At Belleville Althoff* Sept. 27 MARION * Oct. 4 CARBONDALE* Oct. 11 At Cahokia* Oct. 18 At Centralia* Oct. 25 MT. CARMEL *conference game Seniors Ht. Jacobee Marshall 5’11 Doug Gardner 5’10 Illando Watson 6’1 Luke Keip 5’7 Robert Grider 6’0 C.J. Lloyd 5’10 Jacob Williamson 5’9 Tyler Knutson 6’0 Matt Morton 5’7 Myles Tate 5’7 Enrique Lam-Vaughn5’6 Josh Bourland 6’1 Tyler Bradley 6’3 Cody O’Neal 5’8 Eli Phillips 6’4 Juniors Ht. Derek Waithe 5’10 Xavier Tyus 5’7 Dylan Reeves 6’1 Jordan Mullen 5’8
Wt. 185 190 190 135 175 185 170 185 200 195 200 185 230 240 315 Wt. 145 150 165 125
Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB RB/DL RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB
Demontez Miller-Gray5’10 Andrew Hiner 5’11 Graham Henken 5’9 Kevantae Parker 5’7 JaQuinn Nesbitt 6’1 Tim Wyant 6’2 Max Visser 5’9 Sam Arcuri 6’0 Alex Hopkins 5’11 Caleb Ward 6’1 Harry Heitmeyer 6’0 London Marler 6’3 Bryton Steele 6’1 Matt Mollett 5’8 Aaron Jones 6’0 Korvea Meredith 6’1 Austin Ullery 6’0 Sophomores Ht. Braden Fitzjerrells 5’7 Darius Johnson 5’9 Austin Presley 5’7 Reed Millwood 5’8 Omar Jackson 5’8 Thomas Spanbauer 6’0 Jailon Rush 5’8 Logan Kulinski 6’1 Drew Hester 6’2 Jesse Green 5’10 Trevontae Wilborne 5’8 Tristan Houser 5’11 Remington Paris 5’6 Lucas Savage 5’3 Xavier McClain 5’5 Dakota Harris 5’9 Tyler Barciszweski 6’1 Ryan England 5’9 Brytan Bowers 5’11 Alex Bourland 5’10 Adam Tate 6’0 Dereke Waithe 5’8 Trevor Schubert 6’0 Mason Balsover 5’6 David Fix 6’3 Conner Dent 5’7 Kenzell Rudd 5’11 Cameron Sargent 6’3
170 180 190 150 185 185 205 165 210 210 220 270 320 230 215 160 165 Wt. 150 155 130 160 130 160 145 150 190 155 140 160 160 155 150 145 165 165 200 210 210 170 225 230 250 150 145 150
RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DL WR/DB Pos. RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB
www.thesouthern.com Page 26 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Two highlights of last season came when the Mount Vernon Rams hit the road and lost by a point to Marion, 29-28, followed by a 35-28 loss to Carbondale. But that was a close to victory as the Rams would come. Mount Vernon went 0-9 in Jared Shaner’s second season at the helm. “We were pretty young last year with only six seniors that played significant time,” Shaner said. “We took our lumps along the way, but I felt we competed well in the conference. “We had the lead in the second half against Centralia and we were up 21 in the third quarter against Carbondale. We just couldn’t get things to go our way for a whole game.” The silver lining from last season is that nine starters return on offense and five on defense. “We gained some confidence knowing we can play with anyone on our schedule and the kids have worked hard during the off-season,” Shaner said. “The future looks bright. Our JV went 7-1 and our freshmen were 9-0.” Shaner lost quarterback Clayton Reeves, but he has his entire offensive line back along with three running backs senior Doug Gardner, senior C.J. Lloyd and junior Demontez Miller-Grey and senior wide receiver Jacobee Marshall. “Right now (junior) Dylan Reeves will take over at quarterback for his older brother,” Shaner said.
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Mount Vernon's Demontez Miller-Grey runs the ball last year.
“He’s a little bit faster and should do well.” Defensively Gardner and Marshall return at safety with senior Robert Grider at outside linebacker and senior Tyler Knutson moving from inside linebacker to defensive end. Junior
Graham Henken will take over for Knutson. Moving into the starting lineup will be junior Bryton Steele at defensive tackle with junior Andrew Hiner at outside linebacker and sophomore Braden Fitzjerrells at cornerback.
2013 Prep Football Preview: Season Schedule Friday, Aug. 30
Mount Vernon at Cahokia Centralia at Marion Christopher at Hamilton County S-V-W-W at Fairfield Du Quoin at Anna-Jonesboro Sparta at Carterville Pinckneyville at Nashville
Sparta at Dupo Chester at Hamilton County Carbondale at Murphysboro Elverado-Trico at CarmiWhite County Carterville at Benton Harrisburg at Mount Carmel Herrin at Waterloo Freeburg at Massac County Anna-Jonesboro at West Frankfort Collinsville at BellevilleAlthoff O’Fallon at Cahokia Centralia at Salem Marion at Granite City Mount Vernon at Rochester Christopher at Fairfield Eldorado at S-V-W-W Du Quoin at Highland Nashville at Carlyle Red Bud at Pinckneyville
Saturday, Oct. 12 Eldorado at Johnston City Carmi-White County at Vienna-Goreville
Friday, Oct. 18
Saturday, Aug. 31 Johnston City at ViennaGoreville Fans watch Carbondale and Marion square off in 2012.
Friday, Sept. 6
Waterloo at Carbondale Johnston City at Carmi-White County Pinckneyville at Benton Marion at Harrisburg Herrin at Du Quoin Massac County at AnnaJonesboro Sparta at Murphysboro West Frankfort at Nashville Mascoutah at BellevilleAlthoff St. Louis (Miller) at Cahokia Centralia at Effingham Troy at Mount Vernon Eldorado at Christopher Elverado-Trico at Fairfield Carterville at Salem
S-V-W-W at Johnston City Benton at Sparta Vienna-Goreville at Chester Carbondale at Herrin Carmi-White County at Eldorado Du Quoin at Harrisburg Carbondale at Herrin Massac County at Charleston Murphysboro at AnnaJonesboro Pinckneyville at West Frankfort Belleville-Althoff at Belleville West Cahokia at Alton Bethalto at Centralia Mattoon at Marion Mount Vernon at Mascoutah Christopher at Elverado-Trico Fairfield at Hamilton County Nashville at Breese Mater Dei
Hamilton County at ViennaGoreville
Saturday, Sept. 7
Friday, Sept. 20
St. Joseph at Carterville
Friday, Sept. 13 Johnston City at Carmi-White County Sparta at Murphysboro Chester at S-V-W-W
Saturday, Sept. 14
Christopher at Johnston City Sparta at Pinckneyville Carmi-White County at Chester Carbondale at Centralia Herrin at Benton West Frankfort at Harrisburg Massac County at
Murphysboro Mount Vernon at BellevilleAlthoff Marion at Cahokia Elverado-Trico at Eldorado Vienna-Goreville at Fairfield S-V-W-W at Hamilton County Anna-Jonesboro at Nashville Du Quoin at Carterville Sparta at Pinckneyville
Friday, Sept. 27 Nashville at Sparta Cahokia at Carbondale Carmi-White County at Fairfield Harrisburg at Massac County Murphysboro at Herrin Harrisburg at Massac County Centralia at Belleville-Althoff Cahokia at Carbondale Marion at Mount Vernon Christopher at S-V-W-W Eldorado at Hamilton County Carterville at Anna-Jonesboro Pinckneyville at Du Quoin Nashville at Sparta Prep Football Benton at West Frankfort Elverado-Trico at ViennaGoreville
Fairfield at Johnston City Anna-Jonesboro at Sparta Chester at Eldorado Marion at Carbondale S-V-W-W at Carmi-White County Benton at Murphysboro Harrisburg at Herrin Massac County at West Frankfort Belleville-Althoff at Cahokia THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO Mount Vernon at Centralia Hamilton County at ElveradoTrico Friday, Oct. 4 Carterville at Pinckneyville Nashville at Du Quoin Johnston City at ElveradoHarrisburg at Herrin Trico Du Quoin at Sparta Chester at Christopher Carbondale at Mount Vernon Hamilton County at CarmiWhite County Harrisburg at Benton Herrin at Massac County West Frankfort at Murphysboro Belleville-Althoff at Marion Cahokia at Centralia Fairfield at Eldorado Vienna-Goreville at S-V-WW Anna-Jonesboro at Pinckneyville Nashville at Carterville Du Quoin at Sparta
Friday, Oct. 11 Sparta at Carterville Elverado-Trico at Chester Carbondale at Althoff Massac County at Benton Murphysboro at Harrisburg West Frankfort at Herrin Massac County at Benton Carbondale at BellevilleAlthoff
Saturday, Oct. 19 Vienna-Goreville at Christopher
Friday, Oct. 25 Hamilton County at Johnston City Sparta at Red Bud Fairfield at Chester Harrisburg at Carbondale Carmi-White County at Christopher Benton at Carlyle Herrin at Anna-Jonesboro Barlow (Kentucky) at Massac County Murphysboro at Du Quoin West Frankfort at Carterville Belleville-Althoff at Troy Mascoutah at Centralia St. Louis (Normandy) at Marion Mount Carmel at Mount Vernon S-V-W-W at Elverado-Trico Columbia at Nashville Dupo at Pinckneyville Sparta at Red Bud
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 29, 2013 Page 27
ALL AVAILABLE FROM Page 28 Thursday, August 29, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
pepsimidamerica.com • 1.800.827.7020