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PAGE P2
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Promising junior class expected to boost Central MATT KING
a familiar surname as Jett Bridges takes over for graduated two-year starter Dylan Corcoran. Bridges has the arm strength to thrive from the pocket, and protection will be key to avoid making him scramble in ways that faster brother and former all-state QB Jake had become accustomed. “Jett puts a lot of pressure on himself, and I try to tell him not to be Jake,” Schweiss said. “He’s a smart kid and can make a lot of the same reads, but won’t escape pres-
mking@dailyjournalonline.com
PARK HILLS – The Central football team entered last season with tempered yet optimistic expectations while facing a number of personnel changes on the field. The Rebels were able to overcome turnovers, penalties and youthful mistakes, in many cases because of a reliable rushing attack, and salvaged a 7-4 overall record. Three of those losses were delivered by state-ranked opponents, and the Rebels rebounded from a 0-2 start to rattle off six consecutive victories. “I felt like the first two games last year against St. Clair and MICDS were ones that we could have won. I think inexperience kind of hurt us a little bit,” 17th-year head coach Kory Schweiss said. “Everyone knew that we weren’t as stacked as we had been in previous years. But as we got into conference season, we kind of picked things up.” Although Central is counting on a number of seniors, a dynamic junior class will typify the engine that powers the majority of its statistical production. Running back Dayshawn Welch highlights that group as a returning all-state honoree after breaking the single-season school mark with 1,477 rushing yards in just 11 contests.
See CENTRAL page 3
Dayshawn Welch
CENTRAL REBELS
Head Coach: Kory Schweiss – 17th year 2019 Record: 7-4 (4-0 MAFC White) Key Returners – Dayshawn Welch, jr., RB; Jake Murray, sr., OG/DT; Ethan Gammon, sr., WR/FS; Colton Ketcherside, OL/DL; Ruger Sutton, jr., RB/SS; Justin Bridges, sr., K; Jason Pyatt, jr., OL/DL
2020 Schedule: 8/28 – St. Vincent 9/5 – Open 9/11 – at Perryville* 9/18 – Cuba 9/25 – Potosi*
sure the same way. Jett will have to rely on getting rid of the ball in a good spot and not taking a big sack.” Bridges will have plenty of help bringing aerial balance to the offense. The initial challenge for Central coaches is finding the best combination within a plethora of receivers. Ruger Sutton and Levi O’Dell will also see snaps in the backfield while Grant Manion, Brett Richardson, Korbyn Pratt, Slade Schweiss, Ethan Gammon and Ty Schweiss figure to line up wide.
10/2 – Ste. Genevieve* 10/9 – at Fredericktown* 10/17 – at University City 10/23 – Farmington
He eclipsed triple digits on nine occasions before the blocking struggled during a last-minute, season-ending loss to rival Ste. Genevieve in the district semifinal round. “I was disappointed because I felt like we ran the ball really well the first time we played them. Ste. Gen. played a lot harder the second time against us,” Schweiss said. “We’re using that for incentive this year, and hopefully, our running game can pick up where it was for most of the season.” The Rebels will feature a new starting quarterback with
Jett Bridges
Colton Ketcherside
The offensive line remains a work in progress. Left guard Jake Murray and center Colton Ketcherside provide solid building blocks as returning starters. Jason Pyatt will move from tight end to a tackle spot, likely opposite Jacob Coale. That starting crew of five is not yet finalized, but Triston Stewart and Tanden Burns are also candidates. Dylan Holifield, Eli Dice and perhaps Xander Burke are competing for the vacancy at tight end. All three will be crucial newcomers to the defensive side of the ball, along with Holifield at linebacker. Central surrendered an average of 17.6 points per game last fall, enhanced by a couple of late-season shutouts against struggling Dexter. With the exception of Pyatt along the interior, the Rebels should have enough capable contributors to avoid relying too heavily on two-way linemen. Burke should hover between outside linebacker or an adjacent end position with Tanner Muse and Michael Weinhold rounding out the front four. The depth at receiver is comparable to the secondary with similar faces involved. Sutton is projected to anchor that effort at free safety, where Gage Manion landed all-state recognition last year. “The back end of our defense should be really solid. We’ll be able to use some different personnel packages
Ruger Sutton in the secondary,” Schweiss said. “The key is going to be our linebackers. We’re going to be young at those positions.” Kicker and punter Justin Bridges brings the extra weapon of his booming leg for a fourth season. He connected on two fourth-quarter field goals against Fredericktown, and drilled 37-yarders against both MICDS and Potosi as a junior with range to threaten well beyond 50. Central is the reigning MAFC White Division champion, and the league schedule appears favorable with Ste. Genevieve and Potosi visiting Park Hills on back-to-back weeks. The non-conference portion originally retained two dangerous Class 4 opponents with
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MICDS in week 2 and nearby Farmington in week 9, along with a Saturday trip to University City in mid-October. MICDS, located in suburban St. Louis County, has since canceled due to health concerns relating to COVID-19. The Rebels are actively seeking a suitable replacement as of press time. “With Kennett and possibly Valle in our district, the chances of them going undefeated for the regular season is pretty strong,” Schweiss said. “If we lose one or two games, then we’re probably looking at a No. 3 seed at best. “But at the same time, I like to schedule good teams and try to get those wins. It can really help from a psychological standpoint, knowing that you can play with teams like that.”
PAGE P3 Wednesday, August 26, 2020
explosive than the others.” Welch was no stranger to notching 25 to 30 carries in a given game last fall. Steady improvement by the new varsity receivers should lighten his workload and the resulting amount of punishment. “He had big-play potential last year when we were footto-foot splits and running up the middle,” said Schweiss. “I can only imagine what it would be like for him to have a little more space.”
To further bolster the edges, Mason Williams, Hakin Liddell and freshman Jobe Bryant – already rising stars with the Rebels’ basketball program – offer even more athleticism. “I feel like I have about nine guys who I’m confident will make the catch and get extra yards when our quarterback throws the ball to them,” Schweiss said. “You can run them in and out and they shouldn’t get tired. With that said, two or three are probably a little more
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CENTRAL From Page 2
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PAGE P4
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
North County moves forward after two-win season MATT KING
mking@dailyjournalonline.com
BONNE TERRE – North County football coach Brian Jones expected his young team to face a substantial learning curve during the 2019 season. The Raiders certainly faced their share of on-field adversity during a bumpy 2-8 journey last fall, further stymied by a number of crucial injuries. “From the time we started the season to the time we played Cape Central in week 10, we were without four starters,” said Jones, who enters his fourth year guiding the program. While the coaching staff spent the ensuing month to six weeks evaluating tactical issues with personnel, some of the greatest frustration emerged separately from game action. Jones hopes that a collective year of playing experi-
ence for most starters can merge with an attitude change among several team members to spur a positive rebound. “If kids aren’t doing the right things at school and in the community, in the end, you’re going to struggle as a team and probably underachieve,” Jones said. “In 18 years of coaching at every level from seventh grade to being head coach, our practice attendance last year was the worst I’ve ever experienced,” he added. “It wasn’t just guys that stand on the sidelines on Friday nights. There was times when we were without three to four starters at a practice because they were in trouble, serving some sort of [disciplinary action] or couldn’t get to school on time.” Receivers highlight an athletic group of offensive threats for North County, highlighted
NORTH COUNTY RAIDERS
Head Coach: Brian Jones – 4th year 2019 Record: 2-8 (2-2 MAFC Red) Key Returners – Karter Kekec, sr., WR/DB; Blake Head, sr., RB/DB; Kaelen Lee-Bell, sr., RB/DL; Nolan Reed, jr., QB/ DB; Devin Seastrand, sr., FB/LB; Payden Allen, jr., DE/OT; Eric Ruess, jr., TE/LB; Jobe Smith, soph., RB/SS; Grant Eaton, sr., C/DL; Clayton Chandler, jr., WR/DB
2020 Schedule: 8/28 – Farmington 9/4 – at Francis Howell North 9/11 – De Soto* 9/18 – at Hillsboro*
9/25 – Agape 10/2 – at Festus* 10/9 – Windsor* 10/16 – Potosi 10/23 – at Sullivan
Karter Kekec by three-year starter Karter Kekec, whose junior campaign was shortened by a broken collarbone in week 6. He was able to recover in time to deliver a superb basketball season. Senior Wil Claywell and junior Eric Ruess were targeted more as last season progressed, along with junior Clayton Chandler and senior Devin Seastrand.
Chandler may shift to the backfield, however, as a committee of at least four candidates are vying for the vacancy left by leading rusher Layton Mallow and his 12 touchdowns. Seastrand moves from tight end to a different blocking role at fullback, and will also
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anchor the defense at middle linebacker for his third varsity season. Jobe Smith will likely earn increased carries after joining the lineup as a freshman, and Kaelen Lee-Bell returns healthy after being sidelined by a serious leg injury in week 3.
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North County offers about 10 offensive linemen from grades 10-12. Teagen Keller and Andrew Civey could bolster that effort while filling an opening at tight end.
Blake Head
Eric Ruess
Payden Allen and Devin Seastrand
“When you think about it, we’re only two deep at each line position compared to our skill position spots,” Jones said. “We’re three and sometimes four deep in those places.”
Despite dealing with significant roster overhaul, an average of 32 points allowed per game last season was only one point worse than the previous year. The current confidence level on defense almost mirrors the other side of scrimmage. North County has a fair abundance of speed in the secondary. Success will depend on the front seven and their ability to contain and stop opposing backs before they can reach the second level and accelerate downfield. Defensive end Joe Ortmann and tackle Allen are keys to the pass rush, while Triston Miller supplies more depth at corner. Smith and Chandler could be rising stars as safety and linebacker, respectively. “Just having a number of returners back should help us a bunch, playing a second year in the defense we run,” Jones said. “The guys are more comfortable with what we’re asking them to do.”
See NORTH COUNTY page 18
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The Raiders total four three-year starters – all in a two-way capacity – with Blake Head at running back and safety and Grant Eaton at center and defensive tackle. Junior Nolan Reed begins his second year as starting quarterback, and will be looked upon for greater patience and accuracy with plenty of options for distributing the ball. “I think Nolan better understands what we’re trying to do this year. We haven’t really changed a lot offensively,” Jones said. “He has another year under his belt, and has matured physically as well as mentally. He took a lot of time to study the game in the offseason, and he and several of our other players during the [coronavirus] shutdown in the spring spent time together repping plays and working out on their own. When we came into summer conditioning, those guys were already in good shape.” For a second straight year, the lingering question mark revolves around the blocking and pass protection up front, where only Eaton and Payden Allen have true varsity experience. The preseason battle for other regular roles is ongoing with Stevie Pryor, Christian Aubuchon, Mason Lay, Jaxon Nash and Bryan Brewster all showing potential.
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NORTH COUNTY From Page 4
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PAGE P6
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Farmington gearing up for district title defense MATT KING
mking@dailyjournalonline.com
FARMINGTON – Seven starters must be replaced on both sides of scrimmage by a Farmington football team basking in the aftermath of its first district championship since 2011. One of the indirect benefits of a 10-3 season was an opportunity for the coaching staff to steal an early glimpse of future fixtures once comfortable leads had been established. “With the success we had last year, we were able to give younger kids some live-action Friday night reps toward the ends of some games,” eighth-year head coach Erik Kruppe said. “I think that was invaluable for the kids we are counting on to be starters right now.” The Knights thrived behind a defense that allowed just 15.5 points per game and even shined in losing causes against eventual Class 2 state champion Lutheran North and Class 5 runner-up Jackson. An especially quick and ferocious front four matched up formidably against larger offen-
sive lines, and provided a blueprint for subsequent teams to study. “What we need now from each of our newcomers is to have that same mentality of doing my job, and understanding that sometimes I might make the play without actually making the play,” Kruppe said. “For example, if our defensive end needs to spill or wrong-arm a lead block so the ball can bounce laterally, then our split backer can make the tackle.” The defensive line is highlighted by senior ends Judd Cunningham, who earned all-conference honors from the interior, and four-year varsity player Kael Krause. An active Farmington secondary includes two dependable performers at magnified safety spots with three-year starter Wyatt Westbrook and dynamic junior Drew Felker. “We operate what I call a safety-driven defense,” Kruppe said. “They are the force defenders, making all of our coverage checks and making sure that people are aligned properly.” The Knights had some untapped depth at linebacker last year, thanks to the good fortune of avoiding any serious injuries. But three vacancies now have to be filled. Braden Botkin rushed for a team-high 1,370 yards as a junior, and now has a greater twoway role in the middle while flanked by strongside linebacker Brady Cook and sophomore Wyatt Skaggs. For a program that attempted only 28 passes in a 13-game season, it would be reasonable to anticipate a less lopsided balance this year in terms of play selection. The fulcrum of the flexbone offense is experienced with Botkin at fullback, Cunningham at center and senior quarterback Kaden Files calling signals for a third consecutive year. “There are multiple factors involved, but I think you’ll find that we will throw a little more this year,” Kruppe said. “Kaden has thrown a really accurate ball all summer, and he has some good targets. He understands our offense and his place within it. He knows how to take what the defense gives us.” Finding athletes who best accentuate the
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Head Coach: Erik Kruppe – 8th year 2019 Record: 10-3 (3-1 SEMO North) Key Returners – Judd Cunningham, sr., C/DE; Kaden Files, sr., QB/DB; Kael Krause, sr., OL/DE/K; Braden Botkin, sr., FB/LB; Carter Barnes, sr., RB/CB; Wyatt Westbrook, sr., SS/ RB; Drew Felker, jr., FS/RB
2020 Schedule: 8/28 – at North County 9/4 – Potosi 9/11 – Sikeston* 9/18 – at Hayti 9/25 – Cape Central*
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Kaden Files
option attack is a primary objective for the Knights, who feature a pair of new starters both at wingback and wide receiver. Carter Barnes projects to earn carries while also holding down a corner spot defensively, and Felker is on pace to be stationed at the opposite wing. Tyler Williams is ready to spell Botkin when needed. Right cornerback Jake Bishop and tall senior Isaiah Robinson present the top receiving threats along the outside. Westbrook and Cook should also bolster the running game. “We have kids on the perimeter who can do great things with the ball in their hands,” Kruppe said. “If we read the defense correctly, the ball will find the person who can have the most success on a play.” The blocking presence will rely on three promoted linemen along with the returning Cunningham and right guard Logan Maxson, who also lands an extra starting role as nose tackle. Junior right tackle Jaden Oyler will also draw a majority of snaps of both sides of scrimmage, while Grant Larkins enters the lineup at left guard. Krause will represent one of the more versatile Farmington contributors, stepping into an offensive line responsibility for the first time at left tackle. He is also crucial to special teams as an allstate kicker and punter, in addition to regularly booting his kickoffs into the end zone. Krause connected on a school record 45-yard field goal last fall. Opponents have rarely kicked deep to Farmington in recent years, knowing that explosive
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FARMINGTON From Page 6
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PAGE P8
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Ste. Genevieve resets following deep district push MATT KING
mking@dailyjournalonline.com
STE. GENEVIEVE – Enough motivation and senior leadership can spark a mid-season turnaround, as the Ste. Genevieve football team proved last fall. A last-minute scoring drive and district semifinal victory in a rematch against Central capped a 6-game win streak that included a perfect October before ending at the hands of unbeaten Kennett. “It had been a long time coming against Central. That’s a big rival for our kids,” Dragons sixth-year head coach Ken Weik said. “They’re a good program, and we liked being able to measure up to them. It was the first time that group of seniors had beaten them.” Ste. Genevieve turns the page from that 8-4 campaign with a much younger roster in 2020, and looks to restore a solid foundation with no more than four returning starters on either side of scrimmage. The secondary appears to be most established unit in relation to both experience and athleticism. Several of those players will also serve as key
offensive weapons. Senior Bret Bieser increased his physical strength independently once the coronavirus pandemic sent students home for the spring, and may rotate between safety and linebacker. Zach Boyer could line up at one corner opposite Anthony Nash, who saw numerous varsity reps in last year. Klayton Squires is primed to claim another safety position. “I don’t know where we’ll end
up record-wise, but these guys fly around, are fun to watch and can play some exciting football,” Weik said. “We have to tackle well, and that’s something we’ll keep working on all year.” Ste. Genevieve could further benefit in the defensive backfield from varsity newcomers Chaytin Lea and Landon Rose, both of whom have decided to play for the first time as seniors. The front seven or eight, depending on formation, face
See STE. GENEVIEVE page 9 STE. GENEVIEVE DRAGONS
Head Coach: Ken Weik – 6th year 2019 Record: 8-4 (3-1 MAFC White) Key Returning Players – Payton Matthews, sr., WR/FS; Zach Boyer, jr., RB/CB; Bret Bieser, sr., WR/SS; Dale Propst, jr., OT/DL; Anthony Nash, jr., CB
2020 Schedule: 8/28 – Festus 9/4 – at Valle Catholic 9/11 – at Kennett 9/18 – Potosi* 9/25 – Fredericktown*
10/2 – at Central* 10/9 – at Perryville* 10/16 – De Soto 10/23 – Open
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PAGE P9 Wednesday, August 26, 2020
a crucial overhaul. Both middle linebackers and both defensive ends have graduated among the team leaders in tackles and sacks. Thomas O’Brien is a natural fit at one linebacker spot, and Kaden Buatte will be in the mix for playing time while position battles continue across the defensive line. “We only go about two deep in every position, but there isn’t a lot of drop-off between them,” Weik said. “We’ll need to get a lot of kids on the field, especially in these early games.” Ste. Genevieve will receive an immediate glimpse into the future as three-sport sophomore Aiden Boyer becomes its third starting quarterback in as many years. Already a starter on the basketball and baseball squads as a freshman, Boyer understands the pressure of varsity action. Weik describes him as “about 6-3 or 6-4 with a big frame and strong arm.” Aiden Boyer will have some skilled playmakers at his disposal. Zach Boyer stepped in and finished his sophomore year as a primary rushing and receiving threat while spelling injured teammates. “You need to get the ball in his hands. He’s one of the best athletes on our team,” Weik said. “He’s strong and runs with a low center of gravity, but also has good vision and is deceptively quick.” Kaden Flye is expected to produce rushing yards as well with an ability to thrive around
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STE. GENEVIEVE From Page 8
Payton Matthews the edges. He was mostly featured on special teams last year as a freshman. Payton Matthews highlights the list of downfield targets for the Dragons, and could be utilized on kickoff returns. The senior made two spectacular catches in double coverage against Central during the regularseason match-up before
a shoulder injury dashed the remainder of his junior season. Protecting the quarterback exists as the paramount concern. Junior tackle Dale Propst is the lone man returning to the trenches, while senior Zach Burr is showing promise as the new center. “The offensive line is by far the biggest [void
See STE. GENEVIEVE page 19
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Valle Catholic faces tougher path to state glory MATT KING
mking@dailyjournalonline.com
STE. GENEVIEVE – Sustained success in Missouri high school football now comes with a penalty – at least for the storied Valle Catholic program. The Warriors vanquished four opponents ranked among the top five of Class 1 last year to secure their 15th state championship, capped by a 30-27 thriller over No. 1 Lincoln at Faurot Field. Six of those titles and nine Show-Me Bowl appearances have occurred within a dominant stretch of 11 years, a fact that has drawn criticism and allegations from some schools and their fans. “Our kids know what we face and don’t always need to be reminded about it,” 17th-year head coach Judd Naeger said. “They know it’s not right and that they’re cousins and have been friends their whole lives. It’s not like we’ve imported anybody. Our kids have always fed off of other teams saying we recruit and cheat or whatever else. “I’ve always thought the schools that beat us in the playoffs were the ones who never decided to go down that route. Hamilton-Penney never complained about us. Monroe City never complained about us, and didn’t let their kids. When the coaches complain, it gives the kids a built-in excuse. And when you give a built-in excuse to a 16- or 18-year-old, I think you’ve lost half the battle.” MSHSAA members voted in May 2019 to scrap the 1.35
enrollment multiplier that pertained to private and charter schools in favor of a new classification system. Beginning this academic year, those same schools are now subject to a “Championship Factor” points format that judges each sport individually, based on postseason wins over the previous six years. A composite total of eight points or more during that span automatically propels a team two classes higher than its raw enrollment. A state championship is worth four, and runner-up showing three. As a result, the Warriors head into uncharted Class 3 territory, likely migrating to a daunting district that already contains the likes of Kennett, Central and crosstown rival Ste. Genevieve once new assignments are made official in
September. But not all private schools are treated equally in one respect. Class 5 and 6 programs are mathematically incapable of being placed two classes higher. “I’ve been the biggest voice against it. The state knows where I stand, and there’s nothing else that I can say on it,” Naeger added. “The thing is that I have never received a coherent answer from anybody at the state level or anywhere else who can explain to me why we have to bypass a class that we never competed in. “If you find anybody who can give me an answer that makes any sort of sense, then I’d be happy to hear it so I can tell our kids and parents. It is what it is, and we’re going to roll the ball out there and play.”
See VALLE CATHOLIC page 13 VALLE CATHOLIC WARRIORS
Head Coach: Judd Naeger – 17th year 2019 Record: 14-1 (6-0 I-55 Conference) Key Returning Players – Aiden Heberlie, jr., WR/SS; Cory Stoll, sr., RB/DB; Joe Williams, sr., DT/OL; Chase Fallert, soph., QB; Drew Bauman, sr., WB/CB; Austin Burnett, sr., WR/LB; Kolten Naeger, sr., DE/K
2020 Schedule: 8/28 – Skyline 9/4 – Ste. Genevieve 9/11 – St. Vincent* 9/18 – at Bayless* 9/25 – at Grandview*
10/2 – at Jefferson* 10/9 – New Madrid 10/16 – Herculaneum* 10/23 – at St. Pius*
Cory Stoll
Kolten Naeger Over 60 Years of Service
on 8.5 yards per attempt as a freshman. “I think he was able to start about seven games for us at about 5-6, 125 pounds, and now he’s 5-8 and 150 pounds,” Naeger said. “There were times when I think some of our opponents would have said he was the best player on the field. He’s an extremely gifted kid. He can do it all.” Not only will Fallert have at least four proven targets available on a given play, he should also benefit from balance in the backfield with the top Valle rusher returning. Stoll compiled 861 yards and 15 TD on just 87 carries for a 9.9 average. Sophomores Bryce Giesler and Sam Drury are expected to shuffle around the formation. “We try to mix things up and make sure that different people are getting the ball, using every aspect of the offense. But when it comes down to a close game, we’re calling plays based on what the defense is giving us,” Naeger said. “I think we’ve proven over the years, whether it’s wrong or right, that if our quarterback has to carry the ball 30 times or throw to our No. 1 receiver eight to 10 times, then we’re willing to do that.” An early point of emphasis for the Warriors will revolve around the maturity and performance in the trenches, where four new offensive linemen join all-state two-way anchor Joe Williams. The D-line includes Noah Elbert and Tim Okenfuss along with senior end Kolten Naeger, who serves as the team’s place kicker for a fourth consecutive season. Naeger was likewise named all-state after hitting all three of his field goal attempts. A clutch 26-yarder in the closing minutes sealed the title triumph in Columbia. “We have a really good sophomore
Good Luck This Year!
class, and believe that maybe four or five of those guys will start on the offensive and defensive lines,” Coach Naeger said. “We also have some juniors who were right on the brink last year.” The first two weeks of the schedule offer solid tests as previous playoff acquaintance Skyline and Ste. Genevieve visit Ft. John Dempsey Field. Week 7 opponent New Madrid County Central is also new. The usual I-55 Conference opener against St. Vincent has been switched to week 3. Bayless, located in southern St. Louis County, has joined the league after Crystal City opted for independence. “Our kids are tough and always know what’s expected of them,” Naeger said. “It’s always a puzzle every year, and we’ll continue working to figure out where everyone fits.”
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Josh Bieser leads the list of firststring newcomers who should be fairly acclimated to increased action after spelling injured teammates several times last fall. “We had a whole new scheme last year, so we weren’t really comfortable with it until late in the year,” Naeger said. “What’s good is that we won’t have to reteach any of that… When you have guys on the edge who can guard, then you can try some different things with the other nine on the field.” The offense will be placed in the hands of sophomore quarterback Chase Fallert, who offers a quick dual threat and stepped forward when an ailing knee sidelined Chase Dunlap for more than a month. Fallert connected on 58 percent of his passes with 16 touchdowns and four picks. He also ran for five scores
Regardless of any challenges ahead, Valle Catholic remains highly skilled and dangerous with most of its prolific playmakers returning from a 14-1 squad. The entire starting secondary is back, and Aiden Heberlie, Drew Bauman, Cory Stoll and Jayden Gegg have already earned all-state honors in some capacity. Heberlie posted team highs as a sophomore with 727 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, while Gegg added seven more scoring catches. Bauman nabbed six interceptions to pace the Warriors. Five members of the defensive front seven have graduated, including the team’s four leading tacklers. Linebacker Austin Burnett moves from outside to middle after making 79 total stops and 58 solo.
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VALLE CATHOLIC From Page 12
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PAGE P14
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Blackcats relying on versatility with reduced roster ALAN KOPITSKY
akopitsky@democratnewsonline.com
FREDERICKTOWN – Due to a number of factors, the 2020 Fredericktown High School football team has a roster of 28 players, about a 20 percent drop from the end of 2019. “We ended up with 35 last year, but we were up around 40 at this time last year,” Head Coach Chuck Ford said. Of the 28, there are eight seniors, six juniors, and eight sophomores, most of whom saw playing time last season. Last year, the Blackcats averaged more than 26 points per game over their final nine games, following an opening shutout against Kennett.
“I think we have more weapons than last year, if we can protect,” Ford said. Getting the ball to those weapons will be senior quarterback Evan Burrows, who earned second team alldistrict and second team-allconference accolades as a junior. Up front, the Cats will have Brayden Lee at left tackle, Isaac Smith at left guard, Mason Adams at center, Jerry Couch at right guard, and Jake Williams at right tackle. Lee and Adams are returning starters. “Right now, our linemen are better than they have been in four years,” Ford said.
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Head Coach: Chuck Ford – 4th year 2019 Record: 3-7 (0-4 MAFC White) Key Returning Players – Malachi Kyle, sr., RB/LB; Evan Burrows, sr., QB/LB; Brayden Lee, sr., OL/DL; Hunter Hennen, sr., WR/DB; Cohlbe Dunnahoo, jr., WR/DB; Lane Sikes, jr., WR/DB
2020 Schedule: 8/28 – Jefferson 9/4 – at Hermann 9/11 – at Potosi* 9/18 – Perryville* 9/25 – at Ste. Genevieve*
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all summer long. “These kids, I wouldn’t trade any of them for anybody,” Ford said. “They work hard. They’re tough. They’re consistent. They’re all trying to get better. Right now, our conditioning is as good as it gets. We’re in better shape than we’ve ever been.” The Fredericktown coaching staff includes two newcomers, Terry Hennes and
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and Sikes and Hennen at free safety. On special teams, Kyle will be returning punts and kicks along with Dunnahoo. Hennen and Carter Cheaney will be handling punting duties, and Bowling and Smith will be kicking off and placekicking. With many of the starters playing on offense, defense and special teams, Ford said they have been working hard
Malachi Kyle
Receivers include Lane Sikes, Cohlbe Dunnahoo, T.J. Bowling, and Hunter Hennen. Ford said senior Dylan Menteer will be in the mix at receiver and can also play tailback. “He’s a good athlete,” Ford said. Tailbacks are Malachi Kyle and Kaidyn Mangold. Kyle was an all-conference (first team athlete) and all-district (second team running back) performer on offense last season. He was also second team all-state as a return specialist. He scored 19 total touchdowns in 2019. At the starting fullback position will be one of Hennen, Bowling, Menteer, or Levi Pirtle. On defense, the Cats will play a 3-5 formation with linemen Lee, Adams, and Smith. The three inside linebackers will be Bowling in the middle with Pirtle on the right side and Michael Akins on the left side. The outside linebackers will be Mangold and Kaleb Walker. In the defensive backfield will be corners Dunnahoo
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FREDERICKTOWN From Page 14
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Coaching change brings balance to Potosi offense MATT KING
mking@dailyjournalonline.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
PAGE P16
POTOSI – Although opposing defenses knew what to expect when lining up against the Potosi football team last year, getting stops was still a challenge. Behind a physical line that averaged close to 275 pounds, the Trojans offered a relentless rushing attack designed to consume the clock with sustained drives. That strategy helped generate a 6-5 record and the first winning season in five years. Potosi will hope to continue the upward trend under new leadership this fall. With Ed Haar heading up Highway 185 to Sullivan after three years leading the Trojans,
former all-state performer and 2010 graduate Dylan Wyrick is back home. Wyrick spent 2019 guiding the Salem program to a solid 7-4 season after serving four seasons as an assistant at Potosi. He was part of a 10-0 regular season as a player. “It’s never easy to leave a group of kids and a community that really supported me and my family, and when you get there, you start building something positive,” he said. “But when it comes to Potosi football, that’s what saved my life as a high school kid, and it’s everything to me. Going home and being close to family is everything to me as well. So
Andrew Coleman POTOSI TROJANS
Head Coach: Dylan Wyrick – 1st year 2019 Record: 6-5 (2-2 MAFC White) Key Returning Players – Andrew Coleman, sr., QB; Brayden Isgriggs, sr., RB/DE; Keki Ortiz, sr., OG/DT; Amondre McCaul, sr., OG/DT; Wade Mercille, sr., FB/LB; Devon Marler, sr., TE/LB; Bryce Reed, sr., TE/DE
2020 Schedule: 8/28 – Owensville 9/4 – at Farmington 9/11 – Fredericktown* 9/18 – at Ste. Genevieve* 9/25 – at Central*
10/2 – Perryville* 10/9 – St. Charles West 10/16 – at North County 10/23 – at De Soto
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Wade Mercille compiled 915 rushing yards as a junior, and three-year starter Brayden Isgriggs brings a bruising presence after netting five yards per carry. Blake Henson, who handles the kicking aspects of special teams, figures to provide a boost in production at tailback with Zane West and Blake Missey also picking up carries. “We have a good mix of backs, and we’re just trying to figure out how to get them all involved,” Wyrick said. “They can all play slot receiver roles. That’s not a bad problem to have.” Perhaps a chief indicator of passing confidence will be the involvement of receivers along the edges, where blocking has more often been the primary assignment. The previous offense featured tight ends as main targets on deceptive passing downs. Devon Marler – who caught the team’s only two touchdown tosses – and Bryce Reed are both back. The Trojans have experience up front, but depth could become a concern should injuries beset them. Senior guards Keki Ortiz and Amondre McCaul power the offensive line. Lonnie Clapp returns at center, and Brendon Burch has landed the right tackle spot. Colten Thompson leads a rotation of candidates to start at left tackle.
Bryce Reed
while it was a hard decision, it was also a no-brainer.” The arrival of Wyrick signals a more balanced approach with possession for a squad that threw a grand total of 69 passes last season, slightly greater than six per game. “We have to throw to keep the defense honest, spread them out and keep them out of the box. We’re working really hard at it right now, and it’s something the kids aren’t used to,” Wyrick said. “It’s a big learning curve for them, but they have adjusted to it well. I think they might surprise some people.” Potosi will feature the most experienced varsity quarterback in the region, as senior Andrew Coleman enters his fourth season as starter. Coleman averaged 17 yards per completion last season, and figures to throw with more regularity while also providing a viable threat on the ground. “He has grown leaps and bounds since we started,” Wyrick said. “[The offense] is a new concept, and he hasn’t gotten many live reps doing it. He’s completely different than he was at the beginning of camp. And if he continues to improve like he has, and we get into the groove of playing, then I think he’ll be just fine.” Two-way standout Isaac Gaghen graduated as the leading rusher and tackler, but the Trojans maintain some experienced skill in the backfield.
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POTOSI From Page 16
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PAGE P18
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
NORTH COUNTY From Page 5
Another concern arises on special teams, where the Raiders have scuffled mightily to establish a steady place kicker in recent years, often electing for two-point conversion tries instead. The schedule begins with the longstanding rivalry game against Farmington, but could become fluid and complicated once conference play looms in week 3. De Soto and Windsor will come to Bonne Terre, but local health regulations may jeopardize any chance of traveling to the other two MAFC Red Division opponents. “I’m concerned about the Hillsboro and Festus games,” Jones said. “Apparently, the Jefferson County Health Department is debating some mandates that might make playing sports there different than here. So I don’t really know how that is going to look.” North County was in discussions with six different programs regarding its week 5 slot, now occupied by independent Agape from Stockton, Mo. Columbia (Ill.) was forced to withdraw after its state postponed football until next spring. The Raiders clash with two other new foes – Francis Howell North and Sullivan – in road games. They will seek to avenge a loss to Potosi in week 8. “I think the key to the season is a good start,” Jones said. “If we’re in a good spot after three games, then things could get kind of exciting and these guys might gain some confidence in themselves and each other.”
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FREDERICKTOWN From Page 15 Jacob Whitener. Both have 10 or more years of experience coaching high school football, most recently at Farmington. “Terry has coached almost as long as I have,” Ford said. “He’s put in 30 years.” Hennes will serve as defensive coordinator and oversee the offensive and defensive lines. Whitener is the special teams coordinator and will handle the quarterback and outside linebacker positions. “The two new coaches have brought in a lot of discipline and accountability, and they’re football savvy guys,” Ford said. “They know the game.” Ford will be running the offense again this year. “I will call plays,” Ford said. “Hopefully, I will call them right. I’d like to think that after last year, I’ve learned a little bit more about when to run things and how to run things.’’ Returning for their second year with the Cats are Chad Dunnahoo and Cody Tipton. Jon Clauser is back for his seventh year. Dunnahoo coaches the inside linebackers and running backs. Tipton and Clauser coach the defensive backs and wide receivers. There are changes at the top of the Fredericktown schedule. The Blackcats dropped Kennett and Herculaneum and replaced them with Jefferson and Hermann. The rest is identical to 2019, with games against Potosi, Perryville, Ste. Genevieve, De Soto, Park Hills, and Doniphan, and East Prairie before the district playoffs.
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STE. GENEVIEVE From Page 9 to fill],” Weik stated. “We’ve got a total rebuild there, and one guy returning with experience. But they are aggressive and hard workers. “The nice thing about starting kids young in high school is that when they get to be seniors, you really get to reap those benefits. We’re on the other end of that spectrum right now.” Ste. Genevieve appears to have found a reliable kicker for extra points in freshman Bryant Schwent. The punting duties may go to Aiden Boyer or Zach Boyer, leaving an option to possibly throw on a fake. The schedule includes just one change, but
affords no easy transition into live competition. The reigning Class 1 state champion and Class 3 state runner-up await in early September. “We start off with a really tough schedule. We switched Dexter for Festus in the opener, and then follow up with Valle and Kennett,” Weik said. “When you play quality people, you obviously want to win. But if that doesn’t happen, then you want to learn and get better from it.” The Dragons will also travel in week 6 to Central, which claimed last year’s MAFC White Division title and remains the likely front-runner.
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not release fall district assignments until at least mid-September. If enough schools forego the fall, then Farmington is likely to be placed in a larger enrollment classification. “With COVID, everything is so fluid. How many of the St. Louis and Kansas City schools will or will not play?” Kruppe said. “It could be a situation where we could jump to Class 5, but at the same point in time, Jackson may jump to Class 6. “Right now, my No. 1 concern is hopefully getting through an entire season. Unfortunately, we don’t know if that’s a guarantee right now.” Three challenging road games await the Knights in October with back-to-back dates at SEMO North rivals Jackson and Poplar Bluff plus a short trip to face Central in week 9.
The Potosi defense will fill several vacancies after bidding farewell to its four tackling leaders, including right end Hunter Moon and his team-high eight sacks. Wyrick touts the front four as the backbone, as McCaul, Ortiz and Clapp share interior spots with ends Reed and Isgriggs anchoring the pass rush. The crew of linebackers includes a returning Marler while Wyatt Knapp made 52 stops last year. Even more youth is found in the secondary. Gavin Pinson had a key takeaway in the first-round district win over Perryville. Malachi Peppers and Tristan Beck likely move into corner positions. The presumed toughest tests within the MAFC White Division arrive to close out September as the Trojans travel in consecutive weeks to Ste. Genevieve and Central. “You want to reach your full potential, whatever that is,” Wyrick said. “If that looks like something where we have conference titles, district titles and making runs in the playoffs, then that’s awesome. We just want to make sure that these kids get out of football what they’re supposed to.” Potosi retains seven opponents to start the new twoyear scheduling cycle, including Owensville and De Soto to bookend the regular season. A road trip to Farmington replaces St. Clair in week 2 after both of those teams most recently posted 10 wins. St. Charles West now occupies the week 7 opening left by New Madrid County Central. “You always want to see your town excited about high school football,” Wyrick said. “Back when we played, it was something special, and the atmosphere of Friday night was something that nothing else can compare to. That’s what we want for our players.”
“A lot of it will ride on how many juniors can take that next step and be ready for Friday night,” Kruppe said. “They have done it at the junior varsity level. Now, can they do it at the varsity level? That’s what we’re getting ready to see.” The non-conference schedule is less daunting on paper with reigning Class 2 state champion Lutheran North among those teams removed for this cycle. Potosi, Festus and Hayti have been added, shifting the overall geographic scope southward. That could lessen the chance of canceled games since many programs in the St. Louis area are either opting out of fall competition or facing strict health restrictions due to coronavirus concerns. MSHSAA has extended its deadline for teams to choose an alternative spring season, and will
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