Kirksville tigers

After the 2022 Kirksville Tigers had a successful regular season, their playoff pursuits were cut short after a second-round loss to a strong Jefferson City team. Upon review of last year’s campaign Head Coach Kevin Krietemeyer said “We had an up and down season. Offense was not as consistent as it should have been. The offensive line seemed like we could never settle on the five guys. Defense was solid but was on the field more than it should have because of the offense. Solid season but it should have been a better season.” This upcoming season is an opportunity for the Tigers to improve on offense and make a strong run into the playoffs.

The Tiger’s spread offense last year produced an average of 30.9 points per game. They return with an experienced senior group and some great junior depth. Senior offensive linemen Michael Corbett (6-4, 255), Tanner Ferguson (5-11, 230), and Sean Payton (5-10, 190) all return to the trenches this year to help lead as the core of the line. Senior Logan Lehman (6-4, 170) is back at wide receiver after 3 receptions for 37 yards last year. He is a tall and lengthy target for the quarterback this year and will be important to exploit some height matchups this season. At tight end this season is senior Jack Thomas (6-1, 210) who got some time

Class: 4

Conference: North Central Missouri

Head Coach: Kevin Krietemeyer

Years at School: 4

Overall Record: 55-50

Returning Lettermen: 14

Offensive Returning Starters: 4

Defensive Returning Starters: 7

2022 Record: 6-5 in this position last year.

The Tigers are returning the bulk of their defense this year which will be a boon to their success. Many of their senior returning players have been accumulating varsity time since their sophomore year. They had solid defense last year, averaging 26 points per game allowed. Coach Krietemeyer is positive they will be even more formidable this season. Senior defensive ends Michael Corbett and Sean Payton return to do some damage for the Tigers. Corbett ended last year with 42 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. Payton also put in some work and totaled 34 tackles last year. Returning at defensive tackle is senior Conner Treasure (6-2, 230) who had 33 tackles and 2 sacks for loss. This defensive line core is certainly not afraid to get into gaps and cause havoc for the opposing team. Behind the line the Tigers are returning the hard nose senior linebacker Jack Thomas (6-1, 210) who had 84 tackles, 2 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss last season. Next to Thomas will be his fellow senior Steven Hudson (5-9, 215) who collected 74 tackles last year. The returning air defense for the Tigers are senior Logan Lehman at corner (6-4, 170) and junior Ryder Lions (6-3, 190) at free safety. Lehman used his length to grab 2 interceptions and make 24 tackles while Lions also reached out and snagged 2 interceptions and made 58 tackles.

Kirksville has a lot of newcomers from their strong junior class. Jumping into the trenches will be the imposing junior Andrew Williams (6-7, 260). Expect to see more of Williams this year as he finds a more permanent role as a linemen for both sides of the ball.

Also getting some snaps on both sides of the line will be junior Alex Semple (6-1, 240). He started twice last year for the Tigers and was able to fill in during several other competitions last year. Looking to add some depth is senior Tony Tibiri-Ramos (5-8, 170). Expect him to fill in at receiver and corner this year again. Familiar face Ryder Lyons may also get some snaps at quarterback as the Tigers decide who will fill their quarterback spot. Vying for the position as well will be the former junior varsity quarterback Hayden Davis (6-1, 190). The junior is expected to continue his success he brings from the JV level. Jace Kent (6-1, 185) is a junior running

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back and linebacker who started once last year and will fill in as needed this season. Junior wide receiver and running back Cole Kelly (6-1, 220) looks to bring his athleticism to the field this year. He will be interesting to watch as a solid sized tough runner for this Kirksville team. Rounding out the newcomers is junior Carter Pinkton (6-4, 180) who will be at receiver and linebacker this year. His size should be great to use in uneven matchups and some low throwing quarterbacks when he is in the linebacker spot.

The Tiger’s season is shaping up to be a promising one as long as they can find their offensive linemen group and go-to quarterback early. Their defense will be exciting to watch and a headache for their opponents. Coach Krietemeyer’s philosophy this year is “I am an up-tempo coach, I am want our kids to play fast and physical. I am looking forward to playing a lot of kids this year.” This is a maturing team that has the opportunity to make a deep playoff run and build upon their experience they have earned the past two seasons. This should be an exciting season to watch the Tigers this year as long as they lock down personnel early and roll with the punches.

Pigskin’s Pick: 5-4