Thursday, August 18, 2016 | B1
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B2 | Thursday, August 18, 2016
Daily Journal
Rebels face task of replacing leaders MATT KING 573-518-3637
PARK HILLS – Central was expected by some to face a modest decline last season after graduation had claimed eight starters on each side of the football. Yet the Rebels delivered a huge road performance to defeat MAFC White division rival Ste. Genevieve 35-28, securing their fourth consecutive district title and 10-win campaign. Although Central carries the target as a premier program in the area, the internal challenge remains to finally advance past the difficult Class 3 state quarterfinal round. “As far as the course of the season and the record we’ve had over the last four years go, the kids should be confident,” 13thyear head coach Kory Schweiss said. “I don’t see a reason why they wouldn’t come in with high expectations. We’re getting closer to having the program where we want it, but every year is a work in progress.” One primary task this fall is replenishing the production and leadership left behind by two allstate performers – quarterback Jake Bridges and linebacker/running back Drew Harlow. The offense faces numerous changes in personnel with the purpose of putting the most gifted athletes in a position to maximize touches. Central looks to establish a heavy emphasis on rushing as juniors Triston Campbell and Tyreece Welch move from receiver positions to starting backs. Both players bring an explosive quality as members of the Rebels’ recent state-qualifying 4x100 relay team. They will carry the ball along with new quarterback Jace Bland, who impressed throughout the summer despite exclusively playing on the defensive side last fall. “We probably will not throw the ball as much as we have in the past,” Schweiss said. “Going back to a run-oriented offense means that we had to move some guys to the backfield.” Success on the ground is needed to open up big-play potential downfield. The Rebels still have depth there with seniors Nick Haney and Matt Richardson returning as primary targets, and junior Tanner Smith could emerge as a breakout receiver. Tackle and 2-way player Kyle Halter is the lone senior on the offensive line until Dallas Coleman returns from a military commitment, but several underclassmen have previously
Matt King, Daily Journal
Tyreece Welch (12) will shift from receiver to a running back position along with Triston Campbell for the Central offense this season. The Rebels are seeking their fifth consecutive district championship.
earned varsity starts. Korbin Kemp, Holden Mayberry and Tanner Friend line up by center Ethan Weiss. The coaching staff is also considering Aaron Dooley as a blocking tight end. The Central defense has periodically been burned by allowing yards after contact, but a bolstered crew of linebackers should reduce that number. Sophomore Evan Sidebottom has emerged in that aspect after getting offensive snaps as a freshman, and junior inside linebacker Jake Glenn has healed after an injury-riddled season. “We struggled a bit more defensively last year, just because there weren’t as many
good tacklers on the field,” Schweiss said. “But were going to keep a similar scheme.” Campbell appears to have solidified a defensive end spot, and Central hopes to use a sizable committee of interior linemen. Luke Manion returns at safety while Garett Bowen and Ethan Branch contend to fill multiple roles. On special teams, Haney and Smith are featured in return situations. Garrett Winkler may inherit some kicking duties after recovering from a recent health scare. Central has upgraded its nonconference schedule in the latest 2-year cycle. A Saturday showdown against MICDS in week 2
directly precedes a tough league opener against Potosi. Solid tests against Dexter and Sikeston complete the regular season. “When you’re having success, some teams don’t want to play you anymore,” Schweiss said. “But with Sikeston, I’m familiar with Coach (Kent) Gibbs from his time at Fredericktown. He said he felt like his junior class was his best, and I feel that way about our team. For the next two years, that might be a really good
matchup. Win or lose, it helps us get ready for district time.” The Rebels are fully aware that opponents carry an extra level of motivation when facing them. Schweiss recalls being on the opposite end of that spectrum. “You get a mental edge when you’re on top. It’s hard when a team has had a consistent run like we have locally,” he said. “Our kids go into every game expecting to win. That’s a lot different around here than it was 10 years ago.
CENTRAL REBELS 2015 Record: 10 3 (3 1 MAFC White) HC: Kory Schweiss (13th season) Key Returning Players: Jake Glenn, jr., LB; Nick Haney, sr., WR/CB; Triston Campbell, jr., RB/DE; Matt Richardson, sr., WR/OLB; Kyle Halter, sr., OT/DT; Tyreece Welch, jr., RB/DB TEAM SCHEDULE
8/19 Sullivan 8/27 at MICDS 9/2 Potosi* 9/9 Confluence Prep 9/16 Ste. Genevieve*
9/23 at Perryville* 9/30 at Fredericktown* 10/7 at Dexter 10/14 Sikeston * Conference Game
TEAM ROSTER
Matt King, Daily Journal
A healthy Jake Glenn (38) at linebacker and senior Kyle Halter (71) along the line are among six returning starters for the Central defense.
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Thursday, August 18, 2016 | B3
Daily Journal
Raiders ready to take another step forward MATT KING 573-518-3637
BONNE TERRE – North County boasts its most athletic football team since the arrival of third-year head coach Dave Dallas, and that physical quality alone can mask some youthful mistakes. A healthy influx of skilled underclassmen are fueling optimism for a bright future within a program that once graced the state playoff landscape with regularity. The Raiders rebounded from
a 1-win campaign to finish an even 5-5 last fall, and are poised to again join the MAFC Red Division and Class 4, District 1 contenders. “I think that competition breeds success,” Dallas said. “We’re a more athletic team, and now have three really good classes back to back. We don’t have many seniors, but they are talented kids.” North County recorded its lone defensive shutout of 2015 in week 1 against floundering Roosevelt, and held three other
NORTH COUNTY RAIDERS
2015 Record: 5 5 (2 2 MAFC Red) HC: Dave Dallas (3rd season) Key Returning Players: Eli Turnbough, sr., OLB/RB; Devon Scott, sr., NT; Matt Black, sr., SS/WR; Garrett Smith, sr., S;Tucker Smith, jr., LB; Kolten Poorman, soph. LB/QB TEAM SCHEDULE
8/19 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 3 6 7 8 9 10 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 29 30 32 34 44 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56
9/23 at Hillsboro* 9/30 Windsor* 10/7 Potosi 10/14 at Fredericktown * Conference Game
at Seckman Farmington at Festus* De Soto* St. Charles
TEAM ROSTER
57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 88
Matt Black Layton Mallow Bryan Chandler Noah Umfleet Blake Decker Jaelen Reed Will Dickenson Garret Wencker Kolten Poorman Bobby Moore Jason Mahurin Briley Smith Joe Hulsey Jase Odle Ethan Hernandez Cole Ziegler Sebastion Boley Sean Pruneau Garrett Smith Eli Turnbough Tucker Smith Dywayne Lucas Terry Stokes Carter Dunn Devon Mason Ryann Propst Pecen DeClue Matt Ortmann Kenny Mahurin Briley Dickerson
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Matt King, Daily Journal
Senior Eli Turnbough (32), who posted a team-high in tackles for loss last season, and sophomore Kolten Poorman (17) give North County an experienced group of starting linebackers.
opponents to 14 points in victories. But struggles arose when trying to contain faster opponents, and sacks were difficult to obtain on the pass rush. Eli Turnbough and Tucker Smith are top returning tacklers, and lead a deeper crew of linebackers that also includes sophomore Kolten Poorman and a healthy Kenny Mahurin. Senior interior lineman Devon Scott and junior end Karson Kekec anchor a fourman front attempting to control the trenches and intensify pressure. Safety Garrett Smith and two-way senior Matt Black return to the secondary. “Consistency and maturity are keys, but also staying away from injuries,” Dallas said. “Some guys have been in the weight room for three or four years now. Some of our current seniors were out there playing as sophomores, but they really weren’t ready. Since then, they’ve gotten stronger and faster.” No member of the Raiders’
Dragons reload after 15 leave MATT KING
current roster rushed for more than 100 varsity yards last season, and only Black registered double-digit receptions. The battle for starting roles continued throughout preseason practice, including the quarterback spot between Poorman and junior Jason Mahurin, who called signals in last year’s district game. Briley Smith seeks to make an immediate impact in the backfield after an injury nixed his sophomore season, and will log a majority of carries as sophomore Jaelen Reed provides support. There are likewise high expectations on the edge from speedy sophomore Cole Ziegler, while Tyler Johnston, Sean Pruneau, Garret Wencker and Bryan Chandler add more capable targets. North County faced significant losses as right guard and right tackle, but the offensive line appears to be reinforced and could be among the most pleasant surprises entering the sea-
son. Brenden McClure started eight games last season at left tackle, and Devon Mason saw action at center. Pecen DeClue, Joe O’Hara, Eli Claywell and Scott are all vying to line up alongside them. “Our receiving corps is pretty good, and we feel blessed with where we’re at there,” Dallas said. “And we’re more athletic, by far, on the offensive line than we have been.” North County will crave revenge during its week 2 home opener against rival Farmington, but cannot afford to overlook its opening contest against a Class 6 opponent. “We’ll just focus on being prepared for Seckman,” Dallas said. “They will be a much improved football team. That’s the main concern right now.” Hillsboro and Festus toppled the Raiders during conference play last year, and will host rematches in weeks 3 and 6, respectively.
STE. GENEVIEVE DRAGONS
2015 Record: 10 2 (4 0 MAFC White) HC: Ken Weik (2nd season)
573-518-3637
STE. GENEVIEVE – Personnel decisions were mostly obvious last year when Ken Weik was promoted to head coach of the Ste. Genevieve football program from an assistant position. Season two presents a different set of circumstances, however, following the graduation of 15 seniors and the resulting need to replenish talent from a 10win squad and MAFC White Division champion. With several starting roles left open to spirited competition,Weik views the opportunity for newcomers to make a lasting impression as something positive. “We lost a lot of quality players, and as coaches, you see it coming but wait for your kids to react,” Weik said. “So far, it’s been a real pleasant summer, especially with our new seniors stepping up and taking over the leadership roles. We’re pretty optimistic about it.” Senior quarterback Wyatt Lalumandier was seen as the stabilizing force and a 3-year starter amid so much uncertainty, but a recent knee injury suffered in Legion baseball has jeopardized his season. Lalumandier did not participate in last Friday’s jamboree scrimmage, and is reported to be considering surgery that could sideline him through the fall. Brandon Hinson will likely call the signals in his
Key Returning Players: Dalton Giesler, sr., TE/LB; Wyatt Lalumandier, sr., QB; Brandon Hinson, sr., WR/CB; Logan Rhinehart, sr., WR/CB; Levi Gonz, sr., DE/T TEAM SCHEDULE
8/19 Dexter 8/26 at Valle Catholic 9/2 at Hillsboro 9/9 Fredericktown*
Matt King, Daily Journal
Ste. Genevieve senior quarterback Wyatt Lalumandier may be sidelined for the entire season should he choose to have surgery on a recently injured knee. The Dragons lost 15 players to graduation over the summer, including their entire offensive line.
absence after filling in as a back-up quarterback last season. Sophomore Chad Donze may also be considered for the role in an offense that features new wrinkles following the retirement of longtime coordinator Bobby Weiler. Varsity experience for the Dragons is heavily
See DRAGONS / Page 6
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B4 | Thursday, August 18, 2016
Daily Journal
Knights hope steady rise reaps winning season MATT KING 573-518-3637
FARMINGTON – Marked progress was evident last year for a Farmington football program that fell one victory shy of clinching its first winning season since making a Class 4 state semifinal run in 2012. Although a lesser degree of depth and experience had paralleled a brief downturn in terms of wins and losses, the Knights consistently tested themselves with a highly challenging schedule. A road victory over Class 5 Ladue and wins over local rivals North County and Central highlighted the 2015 regular season before Farmington pounded top seed Hillsboro in Class 4, District 1. “Those games were all very important in terms of getting our kids to understand what they could accomplish,” said fourthyear head coach Erik Kruppe. “Beating Ladue at their place after they were a Class 5 semifinalist the year before gave us confidence. The North County game was affirmation that we
could be pretty darn good.” An obvious goal is sustaining the recent upward trend. But the Knights lost dynamic star Brayden Krause, quarterback Brandt Busenbark and several key fixtures to graduation. The most notable void must be filled within the trenches, where senior Chase Fischbeck represents the lone returning lineman in a two-way role. Farmington may find itself outsized up front, so the need for sound technique is imperative as Kruppe hopes to maximize an array of potential playmakers. “There is depth and the younger players are coming along. I think a second year in the scheme is helping them out,” he said. “Blocking assignments are different when you run the spread concept. The kids are now more comfortable with what they’re being asked to do.” Farmington hopes to alleviate the sting of its vacancies by offering a greater number of weapons, all while maintaining a reasonable balance between
the run and pass. Senior Cody Friedmeyer has the inside track to take the reins at quarterback. Kruppe credits his ability to execute the option game and knowing where to distribute the ball. Three-year starter Gavin Duncan gets the call at fullback while speedy and dangerous kickoff returner Donovan Howard could share time in the backfield. Sophomore Tycen Gray provides a big outside receiver with Brett Miller, Alex Greco or Teddy Bankhead on the opposite side. Brayden Moon and three-year starter Tappan Westbrook return as inside targets. “Regardless of which offense you run, you want to establish the run game and make a statement on the line of scrimmage,” Kruppe said. “Our passing game may be more predicated on play-action and rolling out – things that play into the strength of our quarterback.”
See KNIGHTS / Page 6
Matt King, Daily Journal
Speedy senior Donovan Howard (28) brings an explosive quality on special teams for Farmington as a kick returner.
FARMINGTON KNIGHTS
2015 Record: 6 6 (0 4 SEMO North) HC: Erik Kruppe (4th season) Key Returning Players: Tappan Westbrook, sr., SS/WR; Brayden Moon, sr., WR/FS; Gavin Duncan, sr., RB/LB; Donovan Howard, sr., RB/KR; Chase Fischbeck, sr., OT/DT; Cody Friedmeyer, sr., QB/DL TEAM SCHEDULE
9/23 Sikeston* 9/30 at Potosi 10/7 Clayton 10/14 Parkway West * Conference Game
8/19 at Fox 8/26 at North County 9/2 Cape Central* 9/9 at Poplar Bluff* 9/16 at Jackson*
TEAM ROSTER
Matt King, Daily Journal
Three-year varsity starter Tappan Westbrook (5) will again see extensive action at receiver and safety for the Knights.
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Deeper roster, diverse offense benefit Trojans MATT KING 573-518-3637
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POTOSI – Mark Casey is no stranger to placing trust in a sophomore quarterback, and seems to possess the necessary weapons this season to easily validate that decision. The 9th-year head football coach at Potosi returns most starters and all but seven graduated seniors, presenting a realistic chance to challenge for conference and district titles. The Trojans stamped a 3-0 start with a thrilling victory against Fredericktown on the final play, then faltered down the stretch to finish last season at 5-6. “We played some pretty good teams down the stretch,” Casey said. “I think it was our fourth game of the season when our top offensive lineman went down. The injury bug hit us really hard, and we never really snapped out of it and reached the potential that we thought we could.” A potential resurgence could be attributed to restoring players into their natural positions. Zach Price moves from quarterback to halfback, and fellow senior Tristan Brown has more of a ‘wild card’ role. Noah Jacobsen has emerged as frontrunner to take snaps under center, and restores the dimension of a deep threat against teams that have regularly stacked the box. “He has grown a lot over the last year, and did an
See TROJANS / Page 6
Matt King, Daily Journal
Kyle Allison (28) was the leading rusher for Potosi during his junior season.The Trojans are expecting to have more offensive versatility this year.
POTOSI TROJANS
2015 Record: 5 6 (2 2 MAFC White) HC: Mark Casey (9th season)
1 2 3 Key Returning Players: Dylan Wright, sr., 4 DE/OG; Kyle Allison, sr., RB/MLB; Ethan Roland, 5 sr., OT/DE; Brendan Hovis, jr., CB/WR; Zach 6 Price, sr., RB/MLB; Tristan Brown, sr., WR/DB 9 10 TEAM SCHEDULE 9/23 at Ste. Gen.* 11 8/19 Owensville 14 9/30 Farmington 8/26 at St. Clair 10/7 at North County 15 9/2 at Central* 18 10/14 De Soto 9/9 Perryville* 20 9/16 Fredericktown* * Conference Game 21 Over 30 Years 22 23 HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC in Business! 24 28 • Vinyl, Aluminum or Steel Siding 30 • Soffits, Facia and Trimwork • Replacement Windows 31 • Storm Windows & Doors 33 • Shutters 34 • Guttering and Insulation • Now Members of the BBB 36 42 FREE ESTIMATES! 314-640-2808 or 573-431-2373
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Thursday, August 18, 2016 | B5
Daily Journal
Warriors stress basics to sustain dominance MATT KING 573-518-3637
STE. GENEVIEVE – Despite winning five Class 1 state championships over the past six years, the Valle Catholic football program is careful not to stray too far from fundamentals. That approach can often go unnoticed by fans when they read another lopsided score in favor of the Warriors, but a humble foundation has been established throughout the remarkable run. “We spend a lot of time during camp and even our first two weeks of practice focusing on the first few steps,” 13th-year head coach Judd Naeger said. “Sports are supposed to be fun, and we try to make it that way for our kids. But it’s also important to focus on details and learn that
some things may be difficult and still necessary to get from point A to point B.” The pursuit of a fourth consecutive undefeated season faces a healthy share of obstacles. The Warriors displayed their grit during back-to-back playoff wins over Thayer and Marceline, each of which required a thrilling defensive stand in the final minute. Valle Catholic brings a 45-game win streak into week 1 against St. Vincent. The annual Old Settlement showdown with Ste. Genevieve arrives the following Friday. The search for a local week 7 opponent – including an inquiry with Class 3 power Central – eventually resulted in an enormous opportunity to face current Class 2 state champion Lamar. “We’ve been able to win quite a few
VALLE CATHOLIC WARRIORS
2015 Record: 15 0 (6 0 I 55) HC: Judd Naeger (13th season)
Key Returning Players: Cole Wood, sr., WR/OLB; Tristan Huck, sr., RB/LB; Cole Keeley, sr., RB/WR/LB; Brendan Meyer, jr., T/LB; Tristan Rollhaus, sr., WR/CB; Jacob Friend, sr., OL/DL TEAM SCHEDULE
8/19 St. Vincent* 8/26 Ste. Genevieve 9/2 at Caruthersville 9/9 at Crystal City* 9/16 Grandview*
9/23 at Jefferson* 10/1 Lamar 10/7 Herculaneum* 10/14 at St. Pius* * Conference Game TEAM ROSTER
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 24 27 32 33 34 35
Owen Viox Chase Dunlap Cole Wood Tristan Rollhaus Carter Roth Jack Drury Chris Loida Mason Skaggs Kyle Gielow Ryan Grein Clayton Drury Bryce Gegg Zach Wolk Bryce Palmer Tyler Blum Trenton Linderer Trey Huck Blake Pennell Collin Grass Cole Keeley Kellen Blum Collin Parmer Peyton Tucker
36 40 44 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 59 62 64 65 70 72 76 78 81 85 99
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Matt King, Daily Journal
Cole Keeley (32) was an all-state selection at tight end last fall as the Valle Catholic Warriors captured their third consecutive Class 1 state championship and 14th overall.
games in a row, but during that time period, you could point to about five to eight different games that we could have lost had one play gone differently,” Naeger said. “Anytime you make it through those close ones, you learn a little more from them.” The Warriors will again tweak the offensive scheme to fit their personnel. Tremendous shoes must be filled following the graduation of record-setting quarterback Connor Basler. Mason Skaggs moves under center with an accurate arm after serving in a back-up role. A package of plays will also be designed for outside receiver Cole Wood to take snaps. Wood posted a team-high 13 touchdown catches last year, and joins senior Cole Keeley as returning all-state receivers. Both are also major fixtures in the defense at safety and linebacker, respectively. Tristan Huck returns as the team’s top rusher despite having his sophomore and junior seasons slashed by playoff injuries. His presence is also felt as a three-year starting outside linebacker. “People sometimes forget how good he is, because he didn’t get a lot of carries and was hurt down the stretch in each of the last two years,” Naeger said. “He’s one of the toughest kids I have coached.” The creative play-calling and ability to
Blackcats’ success starts within trenches ral position as a receiving tight end, while freshman FREDERICKTOWN – Ethan Flannigan and Although the effort was sophomore Noah present, traction was diffiKorokis line up wide. cult to gain throughout Ball security not most of the 2015 football only helps in dictatseason at Fredericktown. ing field position, but The Blackcats picked up is also magnified on a rejuvenating wins over club that benefits North County and New from the powerful leg Madrid, but only following of place kicker Colten a 0-7 start that included Jordan. three separate setbacks by “We’ve had a few margins of six points or less. turnovers in the past The current roster numcouple of years, and ber is slightly depleted upon that’s been our the graduation of star tackle Achilles’ heel,” Sauer Dalton King and several key said. “It changes the two-way players, but whole complexion of a opportunity is knocking for game when you can’t several young hopefuls. “We have to finish Al Kopitsky, Democrat News hold on to the footgames out,” head coach Senior Matthew Williams (24) returns as the most prolific offensive ball.” Preseason compePaul Sauer said. “We were weapon for Fredericktown, making plays from the backfield or lined tition for some startone play away in several up as a receiver. ing roles includes games last year, and it will take a concentrated effort to cor- Williams as the only man return- other freshman candidates. ing to the starting secondary. Sophomore Kenny Couch is prorect our mistakes.” “Those guys up front come jected to lock down a spot someFredericktown does have its standout offensive weapon back in back with the most experience, where along the offensive line. Fredericktown made four elusive senior Matthew Williams, especially on the defensive line,” who easily became the leading said Sauer, who decided to com- notable changes to its schedule in rusher while also providing a mand the defense amid a reshuf- the latest cycle, picking up fling of coaching assignments. “At Herculaneum, De Soto, Hillsboro receiving threat from the slot. Avoiding injuries will be espe- other positions, we’ll have to gain and St. Mary’s. The Blackcats will host their cially imperative along the lines, some valuable experience starting final three games of the regular where back-up options are limit- in week 1.” The Blackcats will introduce a season after playing three straight ed. The nucleus looks solid, however, led by interior run stoppers new quarterback to the mix, turn- on the road. Conference action Austin Harbison and Winthie ing to sophomore Colton Rehkop begins in week 3 against Perryville. for his dual-threat potential and “We’re looking for bigger and Couch. better things this year,” Sauer said. Austin Dowd inherits a key intelligent decisions. That move shifts 6-foot-4 “There’s no good reason to dwell leadership role as the best Fredericktown linebacker, as does senior Cody Smith to a more natu- on the past.” MATT KING
573-518-3637
stretch opposing defenses are further bolstered by junior running back Chris Loida and senior receiver Tristan Rollhaus. The tradition of strong linemen also seems intact for the Warriors. Bookend tackles Brendan Meyer and Garrett MacMillan have each added approximately 30 pounds in the weight room. Jacob Friend will line up at either center or guard, and two vacant starting spots are being chased by Evan Grein, Jacob Bieser and Dalton Kertz. Valle Catholic has relied on two superb kickers spanning the past eight years. Sophomore Ryan Grein takes over that job, and figures to be extremely busy. Four experienced linebackers highlight a defense that held 10 opponents to single digits and notched four shutouts last season. To further illustrate an abundance of depth, seniors Cody Stoll and Josh Bader will be plugged into the lineup at certain times along with Carter Roth and Owen Schweigert. Naeger guides a program that owns 14 state championships, more than any other Missouri high school, but credits his team’s ability to dwell on the present rather than potential accolades. “When you start to look at what might happen down the road, it’s easy to take your eyes away from what you need to do today,” he said. “Our kids don’t really think about that stuff.”
FREDERICKTOWN BLACKCATS
2015 Record: 2 8 (0 4 MAFC White) HC: Paul Sauer (3rd season)
Key Returning Players: Matthew Williams, sr., WR/CB; Austin Harbison, sr., DL; Winthie Couch, sr., T/DT; Cody Smith, sr., TE; Austin Dowd, sr., MLB TEAM SCHEDULE
8/19 at Kennett 8/26 Herculaneum 9/2 Perryville* 9/9 at Ste. Genevieve* 9/16 at Potosi* 9/23 at De Soto
1101204.1
* Conference Game
TEAM ROSTER
2 4 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 21 22 24 26 28 32 35 44 45 48 50
Zack McFadden Chase Laut Joey Yoder Cody Smith Ethan Flannigan Seth Laut Jeffrey Couch Grant Shankle Colton Rehkop Levi Burns Klayton Biesemeyer Brett Chitwood Matthew Williams Enoch Fischer A.J. Orman Gunther Brunk Josh Kielholz Colten Jordan Isaak Starkey Noah Korokis Michael Cowling
Chris Morrison, Agent 316 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Bus: 573-756-1900 chris@chrismorrisonagency.com 00 1
9/30 Central* 10/7 St. Mary s (STL) 10/14 North County
State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL
52 54 59 64 65 66 67 68 71 72 77 78 79 81 82 83 84 85 86 88 89
Dakota Sutton Clark Penuel Holden Sikes Austin Harbison Kenny Couch Chris Lord Parker Brown Brian Fingers Adam Carver Trevon West Austin Dowd Winthie Couch Kolt Biesemeyer Logan Bowling Skylar Holland Reese Francis Brayden Mullins Joseph Price Cade Ethington Dalton Berry Breaden Stockmann
B6 | Thursday, August 18, 2016
Daily Journal
Dragons Continued From Page 3 slanted toward defense. Gabe Greminger, Luke Brewster, Logan Rhinehart and Hinson return to the secondary in more prominent capacities. Senior two-way standout Dalton Giesler leads an otherwise green crew of linebackers, and rushing end Levi Gonz is easily the most familiar face along the front four. “We want to be aggressive and physical, and get to the ball in a hurry,” Weik said. “We have better overall team speed this year. If we can plug the middle and make teams run sideways, that may play into our strength.” Camden Roe has forcefully emerged as the leading candidate at running back, and could see most of the carries that were split more evenly last fall. Drew Toombs, Greminger and Giesler should see their chances increase as receivers, but success may hinge upon the progression of a completely new starting offensive line and
Trojans Continued From Page 4 blocking tight end. Daniel Vaeth may be utilized as a two-way lineman, and Dakota Evers has elevated his stock from the weight room. Austin Carron, Nick Robinson and Tyller Arnold are also battling for positions. “The kids are excited to get started,” Weik said. “We have Dexter in week 1, and there are questions to answer since they have a new coach. We know what awaits us with our crosstown rival (Valle Catholic) in week 2. We’re not looking too far ahead, but our goal is always to do better than before.” Ste. Genevieve previously enjoyed the luxury of having most starters specialize on one side of the football. Stamina will be greatly tested against a schedule that offers no rest. The Dragons face back-to-back conference showdowns in September, starting with a road trip to Central before hosting improved Potosi.
Knights Continued From Page 4 The back seven on defense presents the most stability heading into the season opener against at Class 6 opponent Fox, highlighted by Duncan at middle linebacker and Westbrook at free safety. The challenge exists in finding the correct combination of linemen. Friedmeyer and Greco could see increased reps at defensive end with Fischbeck along the interior. Cody Wright joins Moon in corner coverage, and Gray takes over at strong safety. Colby Barnes and Tanner Murphy fit as outside linebackers, and Nathaniel Link is pushing for a secondary role. The Knights endured a 0-4 blemish in the
stiff SEMO North conference last year, but that competition seemed to prepare them for a subsequent strong finish. Their last three regular-season opponents – Potosi, Clayton and Parkway West – are also new additions to the schedule. The marquee clash with North County remains in week 2. “The Hillsboro win allowed us to play in a district championship game. Now our kids can reasonably say, ‘Hey, we need to take the next step,’” Kruppe said. “It’s an achievable goal. “Cape Central has been district champion each of the last 3 years that I’ve been here. Is what we’re doing enough to reach that level? That’s really what it all comes down to.”
extremely good job with our J.V. last year,” Casey said. “He has good arm strength and accuracy. Last year, we found ourselves in situations where the running game was good, but teams didn’t really fear our passing game at all.” Stretching the field offensively serves to create more space for top returning rusher Kyle Allison. Zach Haynes, Brady Finch, Jake Casey and Brendan Hovis are all ready to fill receiver slots. The three strongest players on the roster – Ethan Roland, Gabe Smith and Dylan Wright – are fixtures along the offensive line. That trio will also patrol an experienced defensive front with Wright and Smith situated as bookends. A unit that yielded an average of 31 points in six losses should also be bolstered by overall depth as key contributors deal with less fatigue late in close games. “We have probably eight guys coming back on defense that started at some point last season, along with six or seven on the offensive side. We’re excited about where we’re at right now.” Perhaps the greatest preseason uncertainty lies at middle linebacker. Colin Govero and Doug Brand are competing there as Ryan Coleman, Ryan Osia and Allison are most suited to play the outside. Senior captain and free safety Jarod Portell anchors a tested secondary. Four different 2-way players could see regular action at cornerback.
Special teams are highlighted by the excellent range of kicker Kyle Osia, who will likely start alongside Roland at defensive tackle. Ethan Brown has an extensive role in the kickoff and punting units. Even in their 2015 defeats, the Trojans were often either tied or within one possession at halftime. Closing out games will be imperative with added lineup flexibility. “It seemed like the second half was where we had some of our breakdowns. This year, we’re a little bigger, stronger and more mature,” Casey said. “In the past, we’ve gone into some games feeling like we were overmatched. One thing about this group – they truly feel that they can play with everybody on our schedule.” Potosi has replaced Valle Catholic, Carnahan and Pacific on its non-conference schedule with Owensville and Class 4 foes St. Clair and Farmington. A major obstacle awaits in week 3 when The Trojans travel to fourtime defending district champion Central. That game also begins a string of four straight within the MAFC White Division. “Ste. Genevieve will always be good, and Central is the top dog until somebody beats them,” Casey said. “It doesn’t really matter how many seniors they may have lost. Our guys respect them and what they’ve done, and look forward to matching up against them.”
Fire Up Your Team Spirit Before the Game
Come Back to Celebrate the Victory After the Game Farmington – 756-1503
221 W Karsch Desloge – 431-6190 401 N. State St. Fredericktown – 783-6474 126 E. Main
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