PAGE P1 PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Aiden Heberlie
Brady Cook
Va l l e C at h o l i c
Farmington
P i g s k i n
Preview 2021
Dayshawn Welch Central
Payden Allen North County
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
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Pigskin Preview 2021
4 Central returns main pieces of highly dangerous offense
6 North County success may hinge on
10
18
24 Reality check: Which Top 25 teams
Whitener takes over as Blackcats head coach
Knights seek steady progress from much younger squad
12
20 Ste. Genevieve ready to roll with
26 Getting hot in here
22 Mizzou aims to gain ground on SEC in
27 Changes to Chiefs coaching staff could
avoiding injuries
Potosi relying on smaller, more athletic approach
8 Area team schedules
16 Valle Catholic beefs up independent
will flop?
new boss
schedule
reap big rewards
Drinkwitz’s second year
FROM THE COVER:
A
fter twice breaking the single-season rushing record for his school, all-state senior Dayshawn Welch hopes to propel Central back to the state playoffs. The Rebels have an abundance of senior experience and offensive weapons returning this fall as the defending MAFC White Division champions.
President Michael Distelhorst
B
rady Cook earned SEMO North all-conference honors as a junior linebacker while helping Farmington notch nine victories and maintain a Class 5 ranking throughout last season. The Knights are facing significant lineup changes following the graduation of three all-state players.
Editorial Staff Matt King Alan Kopitsky Teresa Ressel Inserra
V
alle Catholic senior and Mizzou baseball commit Aiden Heberlie provides a match-up headache for opposing secondaries as an allstate receiver. The Warriors remain dangerous entering their second season as a Class 3 program after capturing the Class 1 state title in 2019.
Creative Staff Rob Barnes
S
enior Payden Allen leads an experienced front four while also providing a key blocker for North County along the offensive line. The Raiders improved their scoring defense by 12 points per game last season.
Advertising Staff Michelle Menley Debbie Strange Dustin Holland
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
In de x
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Pigskin Preview 2021
Central returns main pieces of highly dangerous offense Dayshawn Welch
MATT KING matt.king@lee.net
P
ARK HILLS – The Central football program capped a superb 2020 regular season with a hard-fought and exhilarating 17-14 victory over neighbor and Class 5 power Farmington. But strange circumstances amid a most unusual year statewide put the Rebels in an unenviable position despite holding the top seed and home-field advantage for the district playoffs. Cardinal Ritter began its season later than usual due to COVID-19 restrictions in St. Louis, and was placed in Class 3, District 2 weeks after team assignments were originally established. The loaded Lions were headlined by 5-star prospect Luther Burden, Jr., who since transferred across the river to East St. Louis, and routed the top-seeded Rebels in week 11. Ritter started 0-3 against premium opponents Helias Catholic, Jackson and Francis Howell – the first two won subsequent state titles – but soon surged into the Class 3 semifinals. “If not for an unfortunate incident by MSHSAA placing and seeding Cardinal Ritter where they were, we should have had another double-digit win season,” 18th-year Central head coach Kory Schweiss commented in a released statement. “Because Cardinal Ritter started playing really late because of COVID, their schedule was all but in shambles. They could only get three
Ruger Sutton
Jett Bridges
teams to agree to play them … Because they lost all three of those games, we had to play them in our first district game since we had accumulated enough points to be the No. 1 seed. Unfortunately, our season ended with that Ritter game, but we did finish with a really good season again.” Although the Rebels cannot yet be certain which ob-
stacles await in the upcoming postseason, they are poised to present a more serious threat in Class 3. Nine offensive starters return from a squad that finished 8-2 overall, and a full collective year of increased physical strength and experience should only prove beneficial. Dayshawn Welch leads
a senior class that features capable weapons all over the field. The running back first made his varsity breakthrough during district play as a freshman. He went on to break the single-season rushing record at Central over each of the next two seasons, totaling 1,859 yards and 22 touchdowns last fall in only
10 games. And while Welch produced nearly 10 yards per carry as an all-state performer for the second time, the Rebels still managed to distribute valuable touches among a plethora of teammates. Four starting receivers are back with sophomore Jobe Bryant joining seniors Grant Manion, Slade Schweiss and Ruger Sutton, who will also relieve Welch at times in the backfield. Bryant notched 576 yards
with seven touchdowns, and also showed the ability to occasionally pass on the run once handed the ball on a receiver sweep. Manion chipped in six scoring catches. That gives opposing defenders at least three potential throwing threats to ponder, since Central already has a proven leader at quarterback plus a rising sophomore challenger. Jett Bridges assumed the starting reins last season, picking up all-MAFC and
Head Coach – Kory Schweiss (18th season) Key Returners – Dayshawn Welch, sr., RB/CB; Ruger Sutton, sr., S/RB; Jett Bridges, sr., QB; Dylan Holifield, sr., LB; Jobe Bryant, soph., WR/ DB; Grant Manion, sr., WR/ DB; Jason Pyatt, sr., OT/DE; Korbyn Pratt, sr., LB; Xander Burke, sr., DL; Brett Richardson, sr., DB/WR 2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at St. Vincent 9/3 – MICDS 9/10 – Perryville* 9/17 – Cuba 9/24 – at Potosi* 10/1 – at Ste. Genevieve* 10/8 – Fredericktown* 10/15 – University City 10/22 – at Farmington
all-district honors, and brings a strong arm plus the ability to gain ground through scrambling or designed runs. Sophomore Casen Murphy is once again providing ample competition in practice for Bridges at the QB role, leaving the Central coaching staff confident for the present and future. “Casen was a standout on the baseball team this past season as a freshman, and on the football field, led the underclassmen of the Rebels to a tremendous 7-1 record,” Schweiss said. “Either of those two young men will be more
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
2020 Record: 8-2 (3-0 MAFC White)
Korbyn Pratt
Jason Pyatt
a second season on the inside with fellow senior Korbyn Pratt, who has packed on extra muscle to parlay his already impressive speed in pursuit. Sutton became the latest in a fraternity of versatile all-state Central safeties, working with Bryant to help shut down opposing passing attacks. Richardson and Manion occupy the corner spots with help from Welch. The Rebels struggled with run defense in losses to Seckman and Ritter, but should thrive with four returners – Xander Burke, Tanner Muse, Stewart and Pyatt – manning a mature defensive line.
Austin Hassell, Eithan Lee, Evan Proffer, Matt Manion, Jaxon Jones, Troy Harris, Eugene Hites and Nathan Weinhold form a committee of likely reserve defenders. The greatest changes for Central revolve around special teams, where seven field goals and steady touchbacks from all-state kicker Justin Bridges must be replaced. Sophomore Gabe Wagganer leads the kicking push so far while Jett Bridges or Murphy will likely be tapped to punt. A home clash with MICDS in week 2 provides an early measuring stick for the Rebels, who have captured
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PAGE P5
Central REBELS
than capable to leading us where we need to go” The Rebels, who averaged 35 points per contest last season, can offer nine of more candidates for considerable snaps at four receiving spots. Brett Richardson, Hunter Pirtle, Ty Schweiss, and Kannon Harlow should all factor somewhere at receiver, along with either potential quarterback once that spot is decided. Should Central incorporate a tight end into the formation, then senior Korbyn Pratt could fill that role along with sophomore Zac Boyd or junior Triston Stewart. “We are returning all of our skill positions. We have high expectations this season as an offense to say the least,” Schweiss said. The offensive line faces only moderate changes, anchored by returning senior tackles Jason Pyatt and Jacob Coale. Evan Weiss and Richie DeClue stand to see greater reps – with one likely taking over at center – after sharing the right guard position. Schweiss is banking on a possible seven-man rotation up front with Tanden Burns, Sam Callaway and Stewart battling for the last starting nod. The optimism is also brimming from a defensive standpoint as an entire returning secondary and two standout linebackers lead the charge. Dylan Holifield was voted Defensive Player of the Year by coaches in the MAFC White Division, and will have
Jobe Bryant
a conference crown, district title or both in each of the last nine seasons. Rivalry games against Potosi, Ste. Genevieve and Farmington will each be contested on the road.
“We have to be ready for anybody and everybody,” Schweiss said. “We have the potential to make a run, but how deep that run is I don’t know.”
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Pigskin Preview 2021
North County success may hinge on avoiding injuries MATT KING matt.king@lee.net
B
ONNE TERRE – North County delivered a turnaround football season in 2020, and stood one score away from perhaps
tying the fourth quarter of the Class 4, District 1 final. An overall 6-4 record for the Raiders was achieved amid a slight downturn in personnel numbers, as fifthyear head coach Brian Jones continues to foster a culture of accountability.
Payden Allen
“Our program goal has always been to get better each week, and last year, I think we did that,” Jones said. “The more excited the kids are to play, the better your chances are for having success.” “I put some character and academic requirements on
the program at the end of the 2019 season,” he added. “I felt that we were in a position where something drastic had to be done. I don’t know if that helps or hurts us, and we may have lost some kids because of that.” Several current Raiders have thrived within those parameters, as evidenced by the high number of at least eight returners on each side of scrimmage. Senior lineman Payden Allen, quarterback Nolan Reed and running backs Clayton Chandler and Jobe Smith form a solid foundation of three-year starters. Their collective health will be an ongoing storyline throughout this season, as the North County roster offers minimal second-string depth and experience. The season opener implies even greater motivation with chief county rival Farmington standing across the field, but stamina could play a crucial role amid potential hot temperatures. “It would be nice to get off to a good start against Farmington, but we showed last year and in 2017 that a loss against them doesn’t nec-
Nolan Reed
linemen return t The n face mo but may a schedu
Clayton Chandler
essarily lead to a disastrous season,” Jones said. “In the end, it a rivalry game. “It’s important for the community. Where they land [in class size] will decide
whether or not it’s important for district seeding.” The Raiders should be among the top defensive clubs in the region, especially against the run as all four
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Head Coach – Brian Jones (5th season) Key Returners – Payden Allen, sr., OL/DL; Nolan Reed, sr., QB/DB; Clayton Chandler, sr., RB/LB; Jobe Smith, jr., RB/LB; Joe Ortmann, sr., TE/ DE; Mason Lay, jr., OL/DL; Jaxon Nash, sr., OL/DL; Bryan Brewster, jr., OL/DL; Andrew Civey, jr., TE/LB; Teagen Keller, sr., WR/LB 2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Farmington 9/3 – Howell North 9/10 – at De Soto* 9/17 – Hillsboro* 9/24 – Agape 10/1 – Festus* 10/8 – at Windsor* 10/15 – at Potosi 10/?? - Sullivan
linemen and three linebackers return to lead the charge. The new secondary will face more of a learning curve, but may actually benefit from a schedule filled mostly with
Joe Ortmann, Mason Lay and Bryan Brewster
varsity newcomers with Kooper Kekec, Isaac Easter and Grant Mullins expected as targets along with Keller and tight ends Civey and Ortmann. “We want to get the tight ends more involved in our offense other than just blocking. They are kind of inconsistent with catching the ball, but one of our philosophies is that practice makes perfect,” Jones said. “We have to practice our throwing and catching all the time to be good at what we want to do.” A chief concern with depth resides along the offensive
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
2020 Record: 6-4 (2-2 MAFC Red)
PAGE P7
North County RAIDERS
run-heavy opponents. Allen has emerged as a leading pass rusher on the interior. Mason Lay, Jaxon Nash and Bryan Brewster are each entering their second year along a sizable front four. Joe Ortmann will attack off the edge with Chandler and Smith pursuing from the second level. Andrew Civey and Teagen Keller also saw time at linebacker last season. “We have seven of our eight box players back from a team that improved our points-against average by 12 points from the previous year,” Jones said. “So that will definitely be a strength.” Chandler may not be cleared for competition from a summer baseball injury until week 2 against Howell North or week 3 at De Soto, leaving Smith to likely handle a majority of carries at the outset. Reed has added about 20 pounds of strength to his frame, enhancing an already strong throwing arm and increasing his presence as a powerful runner when keeping the ball. His receivers are mostly
Jobe Smith
line. Although four experienced starters make the unit stable on the surface, North County totals just eight linemen from grades 10-12. Isaac Gaugel saw considerable snaps near the close of last season, and fellow junior Blaine Holmes will serve in either a starting or prominent back-up capacity. The Raiders would welcome a breakout year from defensive back Dane McCoy or senior linebackers Jackson Reed or Ryan Hodges, who has made a renewed commitment to the program. In addition to occupying a
two-way role, Mullins will be featured on special teams as the kicker. North County has often elected for two-point conversions in recent years. Jones hopes that his tested squad can learn to finish stronger, and pinned much of the blame on himself after fourth-quarter leads were squandered in a couple of losses last fall. The Raiders averaged an impressive 48.6 points during its six victories. “I felt like in the Farmington and first Festus games, I got into a funk calling plays when the games were close,” Jones
said. “There was stuff that I didn’t use on my play sheet that maybe could have given us a chance to move the ball.” “Saying that it was more on me means that I need to be more focused and organized, and anticipate some things better this year compared to last year.” The road to a district or MAFC Red Division championship likely runs through Festus once again. Week 4 offers another familiar challenge when Hillsboro visits. North County won its most recent district crown in 2004.
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Area team schedules
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Pigskin Preview 2021
North County RAIDERS 2020 Record: 6-4 (2-2 MAFC Red) Head Coach – Brian Jones (5th season) Key Returners – Payden Allen, sr., OL/DL; Nolan Reed, sr., QB/DB; Clayton Chandler, sr., RB/LB; Jobe Smith, jr., RB/LB; Joe Ortmann, sr., TE/ DE; Mason Lay, jr., OL/DL; Jaxon Nash, sr., OL/DL; Bryan Brewster, jr., OL/DL; Andrew Civey, jr., TE/LB; Teagen Keller, sr., WR/LB 2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Farmington 9/3 – Howell North 9/10 – at De Soto* 9/17 – Hillsboro* 9/24 – Agape 10/1 – Festus* 10/8 – at Windsor* 10/15 – at Potosi 10/?? - Sullivan
Central REBELS 2020 Record: 8-2 (3-0 MAFC White) Head Coach – Kory Schweiss (18th season) Key Returners – Dayshawn Welch, sr., RB/CB; Ruger Sutton, sr., S/RB; Jett Bridges, sr., QB; Dylan Holifield, sr., LB; Jobe Bryant, soph., WR/ DB; Grant Manion, sr., WR/ DB; Jason Pyatt, sr., OT/DE; Korbyn Pratt, sr., LB; Xander Burke, sr., DL; Brett Richardson, sr., DB/WR 2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at St. Vincent 9/3 – MICDS 9/10 – Perryville* 9/17 – Cuba 9/24 – at Potosi* 10/1 – at Ste. Genevieve* 10/8 – Fredericktown* 10/15 – University City 10/22 – at Farmington
Potosi TROJANS 2020 Record: 5-5 (2-2 MAFC White) Head Coach – Dylan Wyrick (2nd season) Key Returners – Wyatt Knapp, sr., C/LB; Levi Courtney, sr., G/LB; Blake Henson, sr., RB/DB; Gavin Portell, jr., WR/DB; Zane West, RB/LB; Gavin Pinson, sr., DB; Hunter Kincaid, sr., LB/G 2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Owensville 9/3 – Farmington 9/10 – at Fredericktown* 9/17 – Ste. Genevieve* 9/24 – Central* 10/1 – at Perryville* 10/8 – at St. Charles West 10/15 – North County 10/22 – De Soto
Farmington KNIGHTS
Fredericktown BLACKCATS
2020 Record: 9-3 (3-1 SEMO North)
2020 Record: 1-7 (0-2 MAFC White)
Head Coach – Erik Kruppe (9th season)
Head Coach – Jacob Whitener (1st season)
Key Returners – Drew Felker, sr., WR/S; Brady Cook, sr., LB/ WR; Tyler Williams, sr., LB/RB; Jake Bishop, sr., WR/CB; Jaden Oyler, sr., OL/DL; Marshall Murphy, sr., OL/DL
Key Returners – Jerry Couch, sr., OL/DL; Cohlbe Dunnahoo, sr., WR/DB; Lane Sikes, sr., WR/ DB; Isaac Smith, jr., OL/DL; Carter Cheaney, soph., QB/ LB; Kaleb Walker, jr., WR; Levi Pirtle, sr., OL
2021 Schedule: 8/27 – North County 9/3 – at Potosi 9/10 – at Sikeston* 9/17 – Hayti 9/24 – at Cape Central* 10/1 – Poplar Bluff* 10/8 – Jackson* 10/15 – at Festus 10/22 - Central
2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Jefferson 9/3 – Hermann 9/10 – Potosi* 9/17 – at Perryville* 9/24 – Ste. Genevieve* 10/1 – at De Soto 10/8 – at Central* 10/15 – at Doniphan 10/22 – East Prairie
Ste. Genevieve DRAGONS
Valle Catholic WARRIORS
2020 Record: 4-5 (2-1 MAFC White)
2020 Record: 9-1 (4-0 I-55 Conference)
Head Coach – Jay Pope (1st season)
Head Coach – Judd Naeger (18th season)
Key Returners – Zach Boyer, sr., WR; Dale Propst, sr., OL/ DL; Jacob Johns, jr., LB; Aiden Boyer, jr., QB; Kaden Flye, soph., WR/DB; Thomas O’Brien, sr., LB; Klayton Squires, sr., WR/DB; Austin McBride, sr., RB; Anthony Bader, jr., OL; Landon Thompson, jr., OL/DL
Key Returners – Aiden Heberlie, sr., WR/CB; Chase Fallert, jr., QB; Josh Bieser, sr., LB/RB; Sam Drury, jr., WR/DB; Tim Okenfuss, jr., DL; Charlie Friedman, sr., OL; Collin Vaeth, sr., OL/DL; Bryce Giesler, jr., RB/LB; Noah Elbert, jr., OL/ DL; Jacob Calbreath, sr., OL
2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Festus 9/3 – Valle Catholic 9/10 – Kennett 9/17 – at Potosi* 9/24 – at Fredericktown* 10/1 – Central* 10/8 – Perryville* 10/15 – at De Soto 10/22 - Brentwood
2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Skyline 9/3 – at Ste. Genevieve 9/10 – at St. Vincent 9/17 – at St. Dominic 9/24 – St. Francis Borgia 10/1 – Jefferson 10/8 – at New Madrid 10/15 – Westminster 10/22 – St. Pius
PAGE P9 PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Pigskin Preview 2021
Whitener takes over as Blackcats head coach ALAN KOPITSKY alan.kopitsky@lee.net
F
REDERICKTOWN – New Head Coach Jake Whitener takes over a Fredericktown High School football program looking to improve. Whitener joined the Blackcats coaching staff last year and was special teams coordinator while also working with quarterbacks and linebackers. One of Whitener’s first tasks as head coach was to get players to come out for football and commit to the Fredericktown High School program. “When you come into a program, especially one that has not had a winning season since 2012, it is hard to build confidence,” Whitener said. “The No. 1 thing we have put into our athletes’ heads this offseason is to enjoy the process of change and commit to these three things: energy, effort and execute.” In 2020, the Cats began the season with 28 players, but by the time of their district loss to St. Mary’s last season they only had 17 healthy bodies. Going through the first week of practice this year, Fredericktown has 44 athletes on its roster. “We have tremendous buy-in from our kids this year, and they are enjoying the game of football,” Whitener said. “Last year, at this time, we were having issues with athletes getting to practice, whereas this year we are starting to grow into a football
Carter Cheaney
family and it is showing as kids won’t leave the locker room after practice. They are committed.” Among the 44 football players are 10 seniors. Six are returning juniors and four are new to the program. “We have a decent amount of returning starters or players that had a significant amount of varsity reps last season,” Whitener said. Whitener said up front, the Cats return junior Isaac Smith, who was a two-way starter last season, as well as senior Jerry Couch. “Jerry had some injuries last year that hindered reps, but he looks to be healthy to help us protect upfront, as
well as help out defensively at our end position,” the coach said. “We made a shift in positions with a few athletes to better suit our team’s needs. “Levi Pirtle, senior, took reps in a skill position at times last year when called upon, but was mostly a starting linebacker for us. We asked him to make a move to better the team this season so he will be a starter also on the offensive line.” Sophomore Carter Cheaney will be the Cats’ quarterback. He was a starter last year at outside linebacker and also filled in at quarterback due to some injuries. “Carter is improving every day with his arm strength
Cohlbe Dunnahoo
and ability to read a defense,” Whitener said. “Carter has put in the time in the weight room this offseason, as well as working to better his mental understanding of the game.” Fredericktown returns two seniors at wide receiver and defensive back who had major roles last season, according to Whitener. “Lane Sikes and Cohlbe Dunnahoo will be leading
our skill positions as well as making alignments and adjustments to our defense,” he said. “We also have Kaleb Walker, junior, returning as a starter from last season. “Kaleb unfortunately tore his ACL in the first half of our district loss to St. Mary’s but is back ready to go. He is a diverse athlete that can help us out defensively fitting into different roles. So we are
fortunate to have him back to full health for this season.” Along with Cheaney, the Cats’ backfield will have some new faces. Whitener said there is currently a good competition for the starting running back job between juniors Garrett Marler and Michael Akins. “Both of the athletes work hard in the weight room and have diverse skill sets in
Head Coach – Jacob Whitener (1st season) Key Returners – Jerry Couch, sr., OL/DL; Cohlbe Dunnahoo, sr., WR/DB; Lane Sikes, sr., WR/ DB; Isaac Smith, jr., OL/DL; Carter Cheaney, soph., QB/ LB; Kaleb Walker, jr., WR; Levi Pirtle, sr., OL 2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Jefferson 9/3 – Hermann 9/10 – Potosi* 9/17 – at Perryville* 9/24 – Ste. Genevieve* 10/1 – at De Soto 10/8 – at Central* 10/15 – at Doniphan 10/22 – East Prairie Lane Sikes
one being a power back and the other being a scat back,” Whitener said. Senior Vinny Brown is another running back who joins the team after having not played for a few years. Whitener said Brown will add depth to the backfield once he familiarizes himself with the offense. Also, Walker played some running back at the end of 2020, prior to his injury. On special teams, the Cats will have to make up for some big losses due to graduation. Malachi Kyle was an all-state returner. Brayden Lee was the team’s long snapper, and Hunter Hennen was an all-district punter.
“We are currently in the hunt to fill these positions, but with the amount of new athletes we have this year we are making sure we find the right kids for the positions,” Whitener said. The freshman class includes 16 players. “This group has had success at the middle school level, so we are looking forward to their four years with us in Blackcat Valley,” Whitener said. Coming off a 1-7 season and with several new players, the Cats are sure to have some growing pains.
“We have to be real with our young men and truly let them know that this year we will have struggling moments, and the way that they define success is totally different than mine,” Whitener said. “Even coming from successful programs, wins were never the say all, be all for me. “Watching a boy or young man enter the program and develop into a man through the process of implementing character has always been the foundation for me, and that is what we are doing.” With the new athletes on the roster, Whitener said the
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tremendous thus far.” In addition to changes to the roster and coaching staff, the football program will also be playing on a new field in 2021. “Our football field will be traditional to Fredericktown and remain grass, but Pollack Landscaping reworked everything,” Whitener said. “We have a newly crowned surface with a new drainage system, irrigation and freshly laid sod. The field is coming along and we cannot wait to get to the first home game.” The 2021 Fredericktown schedule is identical to 2020. The Cats open Aug. 27 at Jefferson R-7, followed by the home opener on the new field Sept. 3, against Hermann. The action continues with games against Potosi, Perryville, Ste. Genevieve, De Soto, Central (Park Hills), Doniphan, and East Prairie before the district playoffs. “Ultimately, we as a coaching staff, are extremely blessed with the support of this community,” Whitener said. “For the amount of changes we have made so far this offseason and the obstacles that have been set in front of us, our community and administration have supported us dearly. “We have a great parent group that takes care of our boys, and we are truly looking forward to all our new athletes joining our program with all our returning players as we all embark to change Blackcat Football here in Fredericktown.”
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
2020 Record: 1-7 (0-2 MAFC White)
Boehm, Justin Sawyer, Ethan and Heath Hennes. Boehm was hired as the new quarterbacks coach, and coached at Farmington prior to accepting his new role. “We are truly blessed to have him with us,” Whitener said. “I was very fortunate to have coached against him for a year while at North County, but humbled to get to be a part of his last three years at Farmington. Coaches Sawyer, Ethan Hennes, and Heath Hennes are all volunteers. “We are again blessed to have three individuals like these young men joining our program,” Whitener said. “Each of these coaches have extreme knowledge per specific positions that will help contribute to the growth of our program.” Whitener discussed his coaching philosophy and what he and the staff are trying to impart in 2021. “I wish I could say that my coaching philosophy was something that I created or had a tremendous epiphany on, but it really boils down to making men out of the boys or young men from our program,” Whitener said. “I truly feel that if you teach morals, values and character long enough to young men with open ears, then your program will turn itself around. “The most important part of this is the leadership instilled from our coaches. We are changing the culture here and the buy-in with how we are doing things has been
PAGE P11
Fredericktown BLACKCATS
coaching staff has made some major changes to the program for this coming season. They have tweaked the defense to fit the new Blackcats and their strengths, as well as installing a brand new offense. “Each year your athletes change and you have to be able to modify what you do based on your athletes and that is what we did this offseason,” Whitener said. “We evaluated the returners we knew we had coming back, as well as scoured the halls recruiting kids. And with each new addition, we looked to make schematic changes.” Joining Whitener on staff is a mix of FHS veteran and new coaches. The returning staff is Chad Dunnahoo, Jon Clauser, Kody Tipton, Terry Hennes and Whitener. Hennes, offensive line and defensive line coach, is in his second year as the defensive coordinator. But prior to joining the Cats staff, he spent 25 years at Farmington as a special teams and defensive coordinator. Tipton coaches middle linebackers and running backs, and will take on the new roles this of junior varsity head coach and varsity special teams coordinator. Dunnahoo is in his third year with the program and will join Hennes as the offensive and defensive line coach. Clauser returns for year eight with the program, and is continuing as the wide receiver and defensive back coach. The new faces to the program this year are Justin
PAGE P12
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Pigskin Preview 2021
Potosi relying on smaller, more athletic approach MATT KING matt.king@lee.net
P
OTOSI – The chaos surrounding the coronavirus last season derailed a promising start for Potosi football under former player and new head coach Dylan Wyrick. The Trojans opened with a 12-0 shutout victory over Owensville, then challenged state-ranked Class 5 program Farmington to the wire in a narrow 10-6 defeat. But for circumstances beyond its control, the team spent the next two months shuffling the lineup and hoping to have enough healthy players available each Friday night. Being clearly short-handed also slowed the transition toward implementing a more diversified offense, and Potosi eventually finished 5-5 overall. “I think we succeeded in overcoming adversity. We had all the pieces in place for success, but we kept getting quarantined. After week 2, it was pretty tough, having lost eight starters,” Wyrick said. “When the kids would come back from quarantine, they would be out of shape and it would take a while to catch up with what we were doing. For them to come back and still win five games, including a big win over Sikeston with only two days to prepare, I thought they did a really good job.” Potosi will offer a glaring contrast in appearance from recent years, where a power running game was usually facilitated by the largest offen-
Blake Missey
Blake Henson
sive line in the area. Graduation has removed a significant fraction of size up front, but the shifting of some faster athletes from other positions can make the Trojans more creative, and perhaps more explosive.
Former fullbacks Wyatt Knapp and Levi Courtney will start at center and guard, respectively, and Hunter Kincaid moves from a backup tight end role to the other guard spot. Junior quarterback Blake
Coleman figures to greatly increase the passing presence for Potosi. Protection from two new starting tackles will be crucial to his effectiveness. “Our offensive line is a lot smaller. We’ve had to convert a bunch of fullbacks and
tight ends,” Wyrick said. “It’s working out well because they are fast, can pull and work sideline to sideline. “We can really use the whole field with them. They can move up and block linebackers in space, which is something we haven’t been able to do in the past.” Blake Coleman takes over permanently where his brother, Andrew Coleman, took snaps as a four-year varsity starter while rarely attacking through the air. The new QB will operate with a formidable group of receivers led by junior Gavin Portell, whose vertical leap and sure hands present a needed deep threat. “Blake is a true pro-style quarterback. He’s a pocket guy, commands the offense well, and is a natural. I’m looking forward to turning him loose this year,” Wyrick said. “Our receivers have put in a lot of work in the offseason, not just catching the ball
well, but understanding how to run routes and recognizing coverage and pre-snap reads.” The Trojans maintain a priority to establish the run. However, the usual committee of bruisers carrying the ball may give way to a more elusive approach in fewer hands. Senior tailback Blake Henson, featured heavily in the backfield amid the absences of several teammates last fall, represents a dangerous option on any given play. Returning junior Zane West also factors heavily into the ground game, while Blake Missey bolsters the receiving corps as another of numerous two-way starters. Potosi tallied just seven points or less in each of its five losses, including two struggling efforts to close last season against De Soto and Salem. “Everyone has a better grasp on our philosophy and schemes and expectations in general. The culture is more
establis “We’re were la we’re m ly on off
2020 Record: 5-5 (2-2 MAFC White)
Key Returners – Wyatt Knapp, sr., C/LB; Levi Courtney, sr., G/LB; Blake Henson, sr., RB/DB; Gavin Portell, jr., WR/DB; Zane West, RB/LB; Gavin Pinson, sr., DB; Hunter Kincaid, sr., LB/G 2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Owensville 9/3 – Farmington 9/10 – at Fredericktown* 9/17 – Ste. Genevieve* 9/24 – Central* 10/1 – at Perryville* 10/8 – at St. Charles West 10/15 – North County 10/22 – De Soto
established now,” Wyrick said. “We’re way ahead of where we were last year, and I feel like we’re more dynamic, especially on offense.”
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Head Coach – Dylan Wyrick (2nd season)
PAGE P13
Potosi TROJANS
Pass defense appears to be a definite strength, if not the cornerstone of the Trojans heading into their road opener at Owensville. The entire starting secondary has been preserved, including safeties Gavin Pinson and First Team all-MAFC selection Missey, who nabbed five interceptions as a junior. Knapp and Courtney power a strong collection of linebackers along with West. Portell may serve more of a hybrid capacity between the second level and an extra safety spot. “You have to be the toughest dude on the field to play linebacker,” said Wyrick, who starred for the Trojans in that role a decade ago. “You have to play with an attitude, outhustle everybody and stay disciplined.” The most prominent question mark for Potosi lies along an inexperienced defensive line that Wyrick describes to be “not as big, but gritty and teachable.”
Blake Coleman
Gavin Portell
Their progress will be severely tested by a number of known ground attacks on the schedule, notably the patient triple option of Farmington in week 2 and electric Central in week 5. Potosi begins each practice with work on special teams.
An already busy Henson provides a viable option at kicker after assuming those responsibilities last fall. A strong sophomore class will be pressed into varsity duty for the first time. Many of those players are expected
to contribute within the kicking and return units. The schedule features road trips to Perryville and St. Charles West in consecutive weeks, but also affords the luxury of facing local rivals Farmington, Central, Ste. Genevieve and North Coun-
ty at home. “One thing we don’t have now is depth. It forces us into trying new things and playing guys both ways, pretty much across the board,” Wyrick said. “I think we’ll be OK if we can stay healthy.”
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
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PAGE P16
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Pigskin Preview 2021
Valle Catholic beefs up independent schedule
Chase Fallert
MATT KING matt.king@lee.net
S
TE. GENEVIEVE – The storied Valle Catholic football program has added a serious degree of difficulty to an unusual year of independence. Once the Warriors were reassigned to Class 3 by MSHSAA last season – based on their sustained Class 1 postseason success as a private school – the initiative was taken to search out premium competition. Valle Catholic chose last spring to leave the I-55 Conference where it dominated for more than a decade, and will become the sixth member of the MAFC White Division in the 2022-23 scholastic year. “The only way for us to not be Class 3 is to not be very good for a while, and that’s not the direction we want our kids to think we were headed,” 18th-year head coach Judd Naeger said. “We felt like we needed to make a move sooner than later, and communicated with Grandview, Herculaneum, Bayless and all of the teams in our conference that, if at all possible, we would try to make the move now. “We helped all of those teams find another game to replace us on their schedules, and didn’t want to leave anyone with hard feelings. I think it has worked out pretty well for everybody.” The announced transition left several open dates to fill heading into this fall, and the Warriors chose to challenge themselves with lofty
Class 4 challengers. St. Dominic, St. Francis Borgia and Westminster Christian are new opponents. Former conference foes Jefferson, St. Vincent and St. Pius have been retained on the schedule. Valle Catholic followed up its 2019 state championship run by winning nine straight games last season, including a massive 35-28 victory at home over top-ranked Blair Oaks. A prolific all-state passing
combination and battle-tested offensive line return as obvious strengths for a squad that suffered its lone loss against St. Mary’s in the district semifinals. “We played some really quality teams. You look at Blair Oaks, certainly, but Ste. Gen. was pretty solid, Orchard Farm had a good year and Skyline made it to the quarterfinals,” Naeger said. “Being able to play eight of our 10 games at home in an uncertain year is something
“It will be interesting to see how kids attack [Heberlie] this year. Outside of St. Mary’s, we didn’t see a lot of special defenses,” Naeger said. “I think that’s a credit to our other skill guys, forcing them to sort of pick their poison. ‘If a team puts two defenders on him, then that certainly changes what we’re calling. It’s a challenge for us finding different ways to move him around.” Bryce Giesler takes over as starting tailback with receiving skills and nimble feet in narrow spaces after notching nearly 11 yards per carry in a back-up capacity. Fallert directs an offense that averaged 50.5 points per Aiden Heberlie game, and should be afforded ample protection with Isaac Roth back from injury and Sam Drury available again at receiver. that I hope our seniors from “Chase has two outstandlast year can look back on and ing years with 16 starts under be proud of.” his belt, and has proven the Senior receiver Aiden ability to be successful against Heberlie presents a scoring all different kinds of teams,” threat on every snap with a Naeger said. “He is a year 6-foot-3 frame and blazing speed. He compiled 942 yards older, a year stronger, a year smarter. We know what he’s and 15 touchdowns on 37 good at, and need to shape total catches. our offense around that. The His presence potentially thing we really have to work creates extra room for junior on is cutting back on turnquarterback Chase Fallert to overs as a team.” utilize a short passing game Valle Catholic exhibits or head upfield within the its greatest roster depth in rushing attack.
the trenches. Four current offensive linemen received some type of all-conference or all-district accolades last year. Senior guards Charlie Friedman and Collin Vaeth return alongside junior tackles Noah Elbert and Jackson Fowler and center Jacob Calbreath. The leadership of that unit will be paramount in helping the Warriors navigate a daunting stretch of four consecutive road games to begin the season. Michael Okenfuss represents a blocking tight end. “We have seven guys back who started at least one game on the offensive line last year,” Naeger said. “Two of them have moved to other positions, and will hopefully give us more of a power run game at times. The five guys remaining on the line all started at least four games. They need be the backbone of our team. “Those guys have to drive what gets done in the box. They have to be ahead of the wide receivers in the experience level and ability to react against different fronts. We can’t have missed assignments out of our line, because they have too much experience and are coached well.” Heberlie and Drury are
Bryce Giesler
Valle Catholic WARRIORS Head Coach – Judd Naeger (18th season)
Tim Okenfuss
the lone starters back within a fast secondary that places track star Luke McClure in a nickel role. Giesler moves to safety while Roth and Eli Fallert battle for a corner spot. Josh Bieser and Carson Tucker – the two leading tacklers from last season – highlight a physical group of linebackers that also sees Alex Viox, Brandon Giesler and Andre Oberle vying for playing time.
Defensive line duties could be dispersed among nine potential candidates. Tim Okenfuss totaled a team-high six sacks on the edge of the pass rush. “I think we’ll be big up front and a little smaller, but fast, at the linebacker positions,” Naeger said. “We feel like our guys play a little bigger and faster than they are. It seems like we never have to coach toughness, and
that’s certainly a plus.” Valle coaches are hoping to limit the number of two-way players needed, especially along the lines. The maturity of a promising sophomore class is integral to that plan. Defensive end Cohen Gibbs and interior prospects Jacob Elbert and Devon Moro have the opportunity to deliver an immediate impact along with back-up safety Rylan Fallert.
“I think undersized players can compete at the varsity level if they are confident, and that’s something that we’ll be watching for as coaches early and often,” Naeger said. We probably have about 17 or 18 varsity players now, and that number needs to increase as the season goes on.” Valle Catholic has remarkably had only three place kickers over the past dozen years after Kevin Abts, Devon
Kutz and Kolten Naeger each handled those duties with stellar results for four straight seasons. Sophomore Isaac Basler and freshman Wil Kuehn are competing to try extra points. Tucker has been one of the top performers in special teams coverage. The season begins with a four-hour drive to Skyline, followed by the annual crosstown rivalry clash with Ste.
Key Returners – Aiden Heberlie, sr., WR/CB; Chase Fallert, jr., QB; Josh Bieser, sr., LB/RB; Sam Drury, jr., WR/DB; Tim Okenfuss, jr., DL; Charlie Friedman, sr., OL; Collin Vaeth, sr., OL/DL; Bryce Giesler, jr., RB/LB; Noah Elbert, jr., OL/ DL; Jacob Calbreath, sr., OL 2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Skyline 9/3 – at Ste. Genevieve 9/10 – at St. Vincent 9/17 – at St. Dominic 9/24 – St. Francis Borgia 10/1 – Jefferson 10/8 – at New Madrid 10/15 – Westminster 10/22 – St. Pius
Genevieve. The Warriors and Dragons will soon be conference opponents.
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
2020 Record: 9-1 (4-0 I-55 Conference)
PAGE P17
Josh Bieser
PAGE P18
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Pigskin Preview 2021
Knights seek steady progress from much younger squad MATT KING matt.king@lee.net
F
ARMINGTON – A series of close games generated extra drama and excitement as Farmington football waded into Class 5 status for the first time last season. The Knights hovered in the state rankings throughout a 9-3 season before being eliminated by SEMO North rival and eventual state champion Jackson in the district final. That Farmington squad featured a bold senior presence. The ability to handle pressure was indicated by a 4-1 record in contests decided by four points or less. Even in defeat against Central on a last-second field goal, the Knights rallied from a 14-0 deficit. In 2021, a modest number of returners will rely on that resilient quality. “They’ve been through the wringer and come out on the right side of it. We have a good core group of seniors that are ready to take that next step from a leadership standpoint,” 9th-year head coach Erik Kruppe said. “They can help pull those less-experienced kids through if we face a similar situation this year.” Farmington has to replace three all-state performers at running back, defensive tackle and kicker, plus a three-year starting quarterback among several roster changes. Competition to direct the offense under center from the flexbone formation is ongoing between senior Drew Felker and sophomore Jeremiah Cunningham. Felker, a noted three-year varsity playmaker, has shined
Drew Felker
Jaden Oyler
Brady Cook
brightest on defense at safety. Cunningham fits into the QB role should the overall play selection incorporate more passing. “Drew has quite a bit of experience,” Kruppe said. “There were games in the past where we could send some of our younger kids in, and he did a fine job running the offense as a sophomore. He is showing this summer that he can read the option well.” “Jeremiah is also a very
athletic player. He’s a little younger and less experienced, but maybe throws the ball a little bit better,” Kruppe added. “They each have their strengths, and I think we can be successful with either one of them at quarterback. They will both be part of our offensive philosophy, regardless of where they are playing.” Tyler Williams was often chosen to spell running back Braden Botkin, who rushed for more than 1,600 yards and
was rarely brought down on first contact. Williams should inherit a healthy increase in carries, and gives Farmington a powerful presence between the tackles in short-yardage situations. Brady Cook, Jake Bishop and potentially Felker form a solid group of receivers with the ability to execute sweeps in motion. Brock Hoffman may also earn more snaps along the edge.
The Farmington ground game functions best as methodical rather than explosive. The tendency to grind out lengthy drives is propelled by a sound offensive line. The chief blocking responsibilities belong to a number of varsity newcomers. Jaden Oyler and Marshall Murphy are called upon to lead as the only returners up front on either side of scrimmage. “We have more question marks on the lines that we do
at skill positions right now. Being able to find the right five offensive linemen and four defensive linemen and stay healthy at those positions, that’s going to be a key for our success,” Kruppe said. “We graduated so many kids there, and need to find the next group who can step up.” The recent formula for defensive success has been established up front with the Knights cultivating a string of all-state linemen who moved
Head Coach – Erik Kruppe (9th season) Key Returners – Drew Felker, sr., WR/S; Brady Cook, sr., LB/ WR; Tyler Williams, sr., LB/RB; Jake Bishop, sr., WR/CB; Jaden Oyler, sr., OL/DL; Marshall Murphy, sr., OL/DL 2021 Schedule: 8/27 – North County 9/3 – at Potosi 9/10 – at Sikeston* 9/17 – Hayti 9/24 – at Cape Central* 10/1 – Poplar Bluff* 10/8 – Jackson* 10/15 – at Festus 10/22 - Central
on to the collegiate level. But the physical tone may best be produced at the second level, as Williams patrols an inside linebacker spot and Cook utilizes his speed to contain toward the sideline. Oyler becomes a top pass rushing threat for Farmington,
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Tyler Williams
curve as seniors after previously serving in back-up roles. Other anticipated contributors on game nights include juniors Josh Wyatt and Wyatt Skaggs, and sophomores Braydon Berry and Gabe Giuliani. Farmington hopes to negate an overall lack of experience through grit, preparation and determination – traits that have accompanied five consecutive winning seasons. “With the schedule that we play, we’re not going to be the most athletic team on a lot of occasions,” Kruppe said. “We tell our kids that we have
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
2020 Record: 9-3 (3-1 SEMO North)
PAGE P19
now. right and n and osie a key pe said. ny kids the ep up.” for been ith the tring of moved
Farmington KNIGHTS
while Bishop and Hoffman handle the corners flanking Felker in an active secondary. The coaching staff stresses mental preparation and simplifying duties with a mixture of run-first, pass-first and evenly-balanced teams awaiting on the schedule. “When you have opponents that are very good schematically and their kids execute well, the big thing for our defense is eye discipline,” Kruppe said. “If you see everything and try to stop everything, then you’re going to stop nothing. Their eyes have to be in the right place, and quick reaction is needed per their keys and playing within the scheme.” In past seasons, the Knights have benefited from players who willingly shifted from more heralded roles to bolster the blocking presence. But a smaller junior class than normal has reduced depth and resulting versatility while increasing the reliance on two-way players. Conner Ferguson, Carter Doss and Garrett Skaggs are projected as likely starting linemen, facing a true learning
Jake Bishop
success because they are disciplined, hard workers. They grind, don’t give up and do all of the little things correctly.” “That second semester, January through May, our kids have bought into the concept of winning football games during the offseason period. It doesn’t just happen in the fall,” he added. “They come into the summer in really good shape, because they have done a good job with our speed and agility work and strength training in the weight room during school.” Kael Krause handled the kicking and punting work at an
all-state level before graduating, and helped the Knights control field position by repeatedly uncoiling touchbacks. Either Bishop or Cunningham figures to punt this fall, while Cook and Rowdy Vaugh are working toward the extra-point kicking role. Giuliani has landed the vacated spot at long snapper. Although the schedule offers no soft patches, the first six weeks yield an opportunity to build chemistry ahead of an especially grueling threegame stretch in October. North County invades for what should be an enter-
taining season opener, and Central comes to Haile Memorial Stadium for a marquee rematch in week 9. “It’s nice to have those rivalry games at home. It’s also good to have tough games like Jackson, Festus and Park Hills on the back end in weeks seven through nine,” Kruppe said. “Opening up with North County is no easy task, because I think Coach Jones is poised to have a really good season there. With the youth and inexperience we have now, I feel like our team will continue to get better as the season goes on.”
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PAGE P20
PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
Pigskin Preview 2021
Ste. Genevieve ready to roll with new boss MATT KING matt.king@lee.net
S
TE. GENEVIEVE – Jay Pope has witnessed firsthand at two different schools what is required to build state championship-caliber football programs. The former all-state wide receiver at Valle Catholic served as an assistant on multiple title teams at his alma mater, then helped Jackson reach the Class 5 pinnacle last year. At both locations, Pope quickly recognized the integral dedication and backing from sources beyond the athletes in the weight room or on the practice field. “When you look at those communities, both are heavily involved in what it takes to be successful on and off the field,” he said. “They have supporters before every home game lining the field, volunteering and being leaders from the sidelines, more or less. “Just having that involvement and the giving of selves from everyone, not just the players or coaching staff, is so valuable.” Pope now hopes to rekindle a similar spark at Ste. Genevieve in a career jump as successor to Ken Weik, who compiled a 32-23 record over six seasons. The Dragons slipped from eight victories in 2019 to four last fall while installing numerous sophomores into first-time varsity action. Those players now provide their new leader with a solid foundation. “I loved every second of my time down at Jackson. I was driving there every day, though, so it started to be a
Dale Propst
Zach Boyer
strain on my family life,” Pope said. “Even after our season was over, looking back, we obviously won the state championship. As an assistant coach, I felt there wasn’t an experience that would surpass that, so it made sense to start looking for a head coaching gig. “The Ste. Genevieve job
opened up. It’s three blocks from my house. I’ve spent my whole life in Ste. Gen. and it seemed like the perfect fit at the right time.” Graduation losses were relatively low for the Dragons, and Pope has prioritized an immediate need to stabilize a defense that yielded at least 28 points to seven of
nine opponents. The concerns are mostly technical rather than physical. Ste. Genevieve returns star lineman Dale Propst and leading tackler Jacob Johns in front of a quick secondary. Propst emerged as an interior force and top pass rusher along an otherwise green front four, and Johns loomed
much larger than his actual size at middle linebacker. Sophomore Kaden Flye and senior Klayton Squires made key strides, and will be joined somewhere in the secondary by senior and roster newcomer Carter Klump. Thomas O’Brien returns at outside linebacker, and Tanner Weiler will bolster that unit with increased snaps behind a more mature defensive line. “We have a lot of speed defensively, especially on the back end. That allows to give so many different looks and play a lot of different coverages,” Pope said. “The biggest change this year is making sure that we are more fundamentally sound.” “From watching tape last year – and it’s nobody’s fault – at times there were gaps open, uncovered guys or holes in the schemes,” he added. Zach Boyer carried a major offensive workload when healthy last fall, both as a receiving target and top running threat on sweeps. His first two carries against Potosi resulted in long touchdowns. The Dragons are hoping for greater versatility surrounding cousin and junior quarterback Aiden Boyer, who showed marked improvement as a dual threat with a strong arm.
Aiden Boyer opened his varsity career facing a daunting stretch of challenges against eventual district champions Festus and Kennett plus perennial power Valle Catholic. Ste. Genevieve should face fewer surprises and less uncertainly this time, however, with the identical schedule lurking again over the first three weeks. “We have a lot of weapons coming back. I think it’s hard to judge them based on the first three games last year,” Pope said. “Once they found a rhythm, the offense really clicked.” Austin McBride became more involved as a featured running back throughout his sophomore season, and hopes to balance the offense with increased yardage. Zach Boyer, Flye and Klump are poised for more catches as the Dragons replace standout target Payton Matthews. Pope anticipates having reliable depth among the receiving corps. But the key to consistency rests up front. Despite having four starters as fixtures on the offensive line, their exact alignment is still being determined. Propst likely anchors the crew again at guard. Matt
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
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PAGE P21
2020 Record: 4-5 (2-1 MAFC White) Head Coach – Jay Pope (1st season) Key Returners – Zach Boyer, sr., WR; Dale Propst, sr., OL/ DL; Jacob Johns, jr., LB; Aiden Boyer, jr., QB; Kaden Flye, soph., WR/DB; Thomas O’Brien, sr., LB; Klayton Squires, sr., WR/DB; Austin McBride, sr., RB; Anthony Bader, jr., OL; Landon Thompson, jr., OL/DL
2021 Schedule: 8/27 – at Festus 9/3 – Valle Catholic 9/10 – Kennett d 9/17 – at Potosi* ga 9/24 – at Fredericktown* 10/1 – Central* al10/8 – Perryville* tus and 10/15 – at De Soto power 10/22 - Brentwood
ld face s unwever, dule first
Klayton Squires and Kaden Flye
Ste. Genevieve DRAGONS
Schmidt started at center, and fellow junior Anthony Bader operated at tackle. Landon Thompson shined before suffering a broken leg in week 4. “One thing I’ve emphasized is that on offense, you go as
Aiden Boyer
your line goes,” Pope said. “So from day one, our priority was making sure that our guys are fundamentally not just good enough, but great, on every play. Every day, we’re pushing those guys to get where their ceiling is.” Special teams have admittedly taken a back burner in preseason practice, but
Let us prove it.
Ste. Genevieve should be in reasonably good shape based on experience. Flye was pressed into return duty as a freshman with excellent speed, and classmate Bryant Schwent stepped forward to kick extra points with success. “I’m from the school of thought that you shore up the
defense first, make sure your offense can run a few plays, and what happens on special teams happens,” Pope said. “As long as we can field a punt with a fair catch and tackle somebody on a kickoff, then we’re fine.” The Dragons are striving to limit their number of twoway players, but those plans
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could be delayed by both the quality of competition and potential hot temperatures heading into September. The MAFC White Division title chase may once again be settled against Central in a week 6 home game. Ste. Genevieve dropped a close 31-26 battle to the Rebels last season.
“Early on, we’ll try to be as one-way as possible, but our schedule doesn’t really allow us to put the second-best guy out there,” Pope said. “We’re playing some of the best in the state in their classes. When it comes to the third and fourth quarters, we’ll need our best 11 on the field for every snap.”
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Mizzou aims to gain ground on SEC in Drinkwitz’s second year By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer
E
xpectations surrounding Missouri in its first go-around under Eli Drinkwitz were predictably modest, a byproduct of both the backpedaling the program had done under Barry Odom and the problems COVID-19 caused to the entire season. Most bystanders would argue the Tigers shattered them. Sure, they went just 5-5 and did not appear in a bowl game, though they would have been eligible. But they did so against a brutal SEC-only schedule and those five wins included one over defending national champion LSU, rivalry games against South Carolina and Arkansas, and Missouri’s first win over Kentucky in five tries. “We had a lot of positive momentum going into the offseason,” Drinkwitz acknowledged, “but we didn’t meet the standard of what we want to be going forward.” In other words, the standard Drinkwitz brought from Appalachian State is a whole lot higher, and that means expectations are certain to be higher when the Tigers take the field against Central Michigan for their opener Sept. 4. “We’re continually chasing that closing-the-gap mentality,” Drinkwitz said. “How do we close that gap to the upper echelon of SEC teams? It’s not going to be easy. And we’re not going to do it overnight.” But the pieces are in place for another big step in the right direction.
little techniques, little intricacies that I don’t have right now added to my game.”
KOBIE OR NOT TO BE
Connor Bazelak is back under center after wresting control of the quarterback job from Shawn Robinson about five quarters into last season. Bazelak wound up completing 67% of his passes for 2,366 yards with seven touchdowns and six picks, and that was good enough to earn co-freshman of the year honors from the league’s coaches. Longtime running back Larry Rountree III is gone, but most of the offensive line is back and Bazelak still has plenty of tools at his disposal. Tyler Badie is one of the top returning backs in the SEC, and a deep bunch of wide
receivers led by Tauskie Dove, Keke Chism and Ohio State transfer Mookie Cooper should give opposing defenses fits. Speaking of defenses, the Tigers have basically revamped that entire side of the ball. It began with the hiring of former NFL head coach Steve Wilks to coordinate the defense, and continued with new line coach Jethro Franklin. Then the transfer portal brought former Rice star Blaze Alldredge to solidify the linebacker spot, and plenty of other freshmen and transfers are poised to get into the mix
this season. “That was a weakness for us,” Drinkwitz said, “especially at the end of last season.”
WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, MR. ROBINSON? After losing his starting QB job, Robinson was pressed into duty in the secondary late last season. He wound up staying on that side of the ball, and he is poised to back up incumbent strong safety Martez Manuel this season. “I’m definitely just trying to be like a sponge, just learn from the guys who have been doing it for years,” Robinson said, “and just try to learn
Defensive lineman Kobie Whiteside could have entered the draft after last season, when an MCL injury caused him to miss most of his senior year. He had 7 1/2 sacks the previous season. But he chose instead to take advantage of rules put in place during the pandemic to return for an extra year of eligibility. “I didn’t want to leave Missouri without putting everything I could on the football field,” said Whiteside, who had surgery in January. “I knew that I needed to come back and I wanted to come back. I feel like I can do better as a leader.”
OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN Bazelak and Manuel were voted team captains along with offensive guard Case Cook, who was a captain a year ago. “It means a lot, especially this being the second
time,” he said. “I wouldn’t be anything without these guys so for them to select me to be their leader and their captain, it’s probably the greatest honor you can receive as a member of a team.”
FEELING SPECIAL Harrison Mevis had one of the best seasons by a freshman placekicker in the country last season, connecting on 17 of 20 field-goal tries. Meanwhile, punter Grant McKinnis averaged 43 yards and kickoff specialist Sean Koetting knocked nearly nine of 10 kickoffs into the end zone for a touchback.
SCHEDULE SITUATION After the Tigers’ first-ever meeting with Central Michigan, they dive straight into SEC play with a visit to Kentucky. It’s not far-fetched to believe the Tigers could be 6-0 when Texas A&M visits Oct. 16. The schedule also includes trips to Georgia and Arkansas and home dates against Florida and South Carolina.
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Reality check: Which Top 25 teams will flop? By RALPH D. RUSSO Associated Press
T
he preseason AP Top 25 is all about hope and optimism. Reality Check is all about, well, being realistic. Sometimes the truth can be painful. As has become tradition, the first AP Top 25 Reality Check of the season is a reminder that your promising college football team, newly minted with a cool ranking as it heads into the season, might turn out to be not as good as you and the poll voters thought. Alabama is No. 1, followed by Oklahoma, Clemson and Ohio State in the poll presented by Regions Bank and released Monday. From 2010-2020, on average, 9.5 teams that appeared in the preseason Top 25 finished the season unranked — about 38% of the picks. During that time, the fewest preseason ranked teams to finish outside the final Top 25 was seven in 2011; the most was 12, in 2010. Even in an anything-but-normal 2020 season played through the pandemic, the number of teams that started the season ranked only to finish unranked was a typical 10. What was unusual about last season was the number of flameouts that came from the upper half of the preseason Top 25. Over the last 11 seasons, 17 teams that started the season ranked in the top 10 finished unranked, just 1.5 per season. But last year, three top 10 teams — and five among the top 12 in the preseason rankings — did not finish the season ranked, led by 2019 national champion LSU, which was No. 6 going into
Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst talks to quarterback Graham Mertz during the Badgers’s game against Indiani last December. In two of the last three seasons, Wisconsin started the season ranked and ended unranked.
last season. As expected, most of the preseason ranked teams that fail to make the final Top 25 come from the bottom of the rankings. Teams ranked 21-25 in the preseason make up 27% of the teams (28 total) that finished unranked. To put it another way, a little more than half the teams that started the season ranked between 21-25 from 2010-20, finished unranked. At the top of the poll? Only seven preseason top-five teams over that span have failed to be ranked somewhere in the final Top 25. How likely is your team to be one of the disappointments?
No. 1 Alabama (13-0 last year) Opener: vs. Miami in Atlanta, Sept. 4. Reality check: The Crimson Tide have not finished ranked lower than 10th the last 13 seasons. There is no reason to believe this season’s defending champion is vulnerable to an LSU-type tumble. No. 2 Oklahoma (9-2) Opener: at Tulane, Sept. 4. Reality check: The Sooners have their most balanced team in years, with a quality defense to go with Lincoln Riley’s usual potent offense. For whatever it’s worth: Twice in the last 12 seasons
(2009 and ‘14) Oklahoma has been a preseason top five team and finished unranked.
No. 3 Clemson (10-2) Opener: vs. No. 5 Georgia in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sept. 4. Reality check: The Tigers are on a six-year run of top four finishes and haven’t finished unranked since 2010. Coach Dabo Swinney’s team has lost one ACC game since October 2017 and it’s to a team (Notre Dame) that is not in the conference this season. No. 4 Ohio State (8-1) Opener: at Minnesota, Sept. 2.
Reality check: The Buckeyes have finished unranked just once since winning the national title in 2002, and have 16 top-10 finishes over that span. Coach Ryan Day has yet to lose to a Big Ten opponent in 16 games.
No. 5 Georgia (8-2) Opener: vs. No. 3 Clemson, Sept. 4. Reality check: The Bulldogs have been recruiting like the perennial playoff teams ranked in front of them and have four straight top-seven finishes under Kirby Smart. Georgia is a better bet to break its four-decade national title drought than to tank and finish unranked.
No. 6 Texas A&M (9-1) Opener: vs. Kent State, Sept. 4. Reality check: Heading into Jimbo Fisher’s fourth season as coach, all signs are pointing in the right direction for the Aggies. But A&M has only finished the season ranked five times this century and hasn’t had consecutive top-10 finishes in 27 years. No. 7 Iowa State (9-3) Opener: vs. Northern Iowa, Sept. 4. Reality check: This whole ranked in the top-10 thing is new and different to the Cyclones. Iowa State finished last season ranked for just
No. 8 Cincinnati (9-1) Opener: vs, Miami, Ohio, Sept. 4. Reality check: The Bearcats have finished ranked each of the last three seasons under coach Luke Fickell, improving each season. They’re loaded for another run in the American Athletic Conference, with nonconference games at No. 17 Indiana and No. 9 Notre Dame likely to determine just how high they can go in 2021.
No. 9 Notre Dame (10-2) Opener: at Florida State, Sept. 5. Reality check: The Fighting Irish have finished the season ranked four straight seasons. The last time that happened was when Lou Holtz’s teams ended seven straight seasons ranked from 1987-1993.
No. 10 North Carolina (8-4)
Opener: at Virginia Tech, Sept. 3. Reality check: Coach Mack Brown tries to make it two seastraight seasons with a ranked finish for the Tar Heels. That hasn’t been done in Chapel Hill since the final two sea9-1) sons of Brown’s first stint at e, Sept. UNC in 1996-97.
No. 19 Penn State (4-5)
Southern California head coach Clay Helton talks to a referee during a game against Arizona last November. Since 2010, the Trojans have had four seasons that started ranked and ended unranked.
been a lot of buzz around the Ducks because of the way coach Mario Cristobal has been recruiting, but Oregon has finished a season ranked just once in the last five years.
No. 12 Wisconsin (4-3) Opener: vs. No. 19 Penn State, Sept. 4. Reality check: In two of the last three seasons, Wisconsin started ranked and ended unranked. It’s happened a total of four time to the Badgers in the previous 13 seasons, but the last time Wisconsin went two straight seasons finishing outside the Top 25 was 2003.
No. 13 Florida (8-4)
Opener: vs. Florida Atlantic, ng into No. 11 Oregon (4-3) Sept. 4. season Opener: vs. Fresno State, Reality check: Coach Dan pointing Sept. 4. Mullen has brought some or the Reality check: There has only nked and top-10 Proudly supporting our local football teams!
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consistency with three straight ranked finishes, a first for Florida since Urban Meyer left after the 2010 season.
No. 14 Miami (8-3) Opener: vs. No. 1 Alabama in Atlanta, Sept. 4. Reality check: There are many ways to describe how underwhelming the Hurricanes have been since joining the ACC in 2004, but how about this? Miami has finished the season ranked just six times as a member of the ACC and never better than 11th.
No. 15 USC (5-1) Opener: vs. San Jose State, Sept. 4. Reality check: Since 2010, the Trojans have had four seasons that started ranked
and ended unranked. Coach Clay Helton could have a hard time surviving another season at USC that doesn’t live up to expectations.
No. 16 LSU (5-5) Opener: at UCLA, Sept. 4. Reality check: The Tigers became the first defending champions since Auburn in 2011 to finish the season outside the Top 25. There is talent for a bounce back in Baton Rouge.
No. 17 Indiana (6-2) Opener: at No. 18 Iowa, Sept. 4. Reality check: Coach Tom Allen’s Hoosiers will try to become the first team in the history of the program to start and end the season ranked.
Opener: at No. 12 Wisconsin, Sept. 4. Reality check: The Nittany Lions had a string of four straight Top 25 finishes snapped last year. There is reason to believe it was just a glitch, but a tricky early season schedule should reveal a lot.
No. 20 Washington (3-1) Opener: vs. Montana, Sept. 4. Reality check: The Huskies seemed primed to settle into a perennial Top 25 team under coach Chris Petersen when they had three straight ranked finishes from 2015-18. Second-year coach Jimmy Lake is trying to prove the program’s slip was small.
No. 21 Texas (7-3) Opener: vs. No. 23 Louisiana-Lafayette, Sept. 4. Reality check: Former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian takes over a program that for all the drama has finished ranked three straight seasons for the first time since a 12-year run under Mack Brown from
1998-2009.
No. 22 Coastal Carolina (11-1) Opener: vs. The Citadel, Sept. 2. Reality check: The Chanticleers will try to follow up their magical 2020 season by becoming the first Sun Belt team to begin and finish a season ranked.
No. 23 LouisianaLafayette (10-1) Opener: at No. 21 Texas, Sept. 4. Reality check: The Ragin’ Cajuns will try to follow up 21 victories in the last two seasons by becoming, yes, the first Sun Belt team to begin and finish a season ranked.
No. 24 Utah (3-2) Opener: vs. Weber State, Sept. 2. Reality check: The Utes had a run of three straight seasons from 2014-16 in which they started the season unranked and finished ranked. Utah doesn’t get undervalued quite so much anymore. Like a lot of Pac-12 teams, the Utes bring back a boatload of experienced players.
No. 25 Arizona State (2-2) Opener: vs. Southern Utah, Sept. 2. Reality check: The Sun Devils are ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2015. Arizona State has only had one season (2014) in the last 24 years that began and ended ranked.
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Opener: vs. No. 17 Indiana, Sept. 4. Reality check: In 22 seasons under Kirk Ferentz, the Hawkeyes have neither finished four straight seasons ranked, nor had three straight seasons that began and ended in the AP poll. Iowa can accomplish both of those this season.
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p?
No. 18 Iowa (6-2)
third time in program history. Can Matt Campbell’s program continue to outperform its DNA?
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW AUGUST 2021
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
GETTING HOT IN HERE
RALPH D. RUSSO | Associated Press
T
he conventional wisdom around this time last year was that a financial crunch brought on by the pandemic would discourage schools from laying out a multimillion-dollar buyout to fire a football coach. Conventional wisdom was wrong. Arizona was on the hook for more than $7 million when it sacked Kevin Sumlin. South Carolina paid a lump sum of $12.9 million to part ways with Will Muschamp.
Coaches under the most pressure to produce wins this season
Texas laid out $15.4 million to get rid of Tom Herman. Auburn forked over more that $21 million to move on from Gus Malzahn. Fifteen schools changed coaches, fewer than what has become a typical number across the Bowl Subdivision, but a lot more than what initially was expected. The hot spots heading into this season include a coach who got a somewhat surprising reprieve, one who took a pay cut and, of course, Clay Helton.
Herm Edwards, Arizona State
Clay Helton, Southern California Might as well start in Los Angeles, where Helton remarkably is entering his seventh season as Trojans coach. Helton’s status seemingly has been tenuous for the last three seasons. His 45-23 record is good, but Southern Cal wants great and has invested in assistant coaches and staff to support the well-respected coach. With only two more seasons left on his contract and a buyout that figures to be around $10 million, Helton is likely to have a high bar to clear in 2021 for No. 16 Southern Cal to keep him.
Extra point
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Harbaugh took a big pay cut after Michigan went 2-4 last season. The former Michigan quarterback has not delivered success at the level expected when he returned to Ann Arbor. But not until last season did it look as if the program was regressing. Harbaugh will get another season with a revamped coaching staff to show he can change the trajectory, but incremental improvements in year seven might not be enough to get him to year eight. Michigan and Southern Cal coming open at the same time could make for one wild coaching carousel, especially if Matt Campbell has another big season at Iowa State and becomes a top target.
Justin Fuente, Virginia Tech The Hokies went to the Atlantic Coast Conference title game in Fuente’s first season as Frank Beamer’s replacement. He seemed like the perfect fit. Virginia Tech is 28-22 since. The Hokies went 5-6 last season and speculation about Fuente’s status was so intense that the announcement of a news conference with athletic director Whit Babcock the day before Fuente’s buyout was scheduled to drop in February caused the school to clarify that the coach was coming back. Fuente needs a big turnaround, but a tough early schedule and Virginia Tech’s recent recruiting rankings don’t suggest one is coming.
Matt Wells, Texas Tech Red Raiders fans are getting restless. Tech has gone 11 straight seasons without a winning record in the Big 12 since Mike Leach was fired in 2009. Wells has been in Lubbock for two years, but he is just 8-14. Compounding the problem for Wells, a school that has become synonymous with proficient offenses has been pedestrian on that side of the ball. It’s one thing to be bad. It’s another to be boring.
Edwards has done OK on the field, going 17-13 in three seasons. This is the season the 25th-ranked Sun Devils have been building toward. They look like legitimate Pac-12 contenders. Off the field, the program is being investigated by the NCAA for possible recruiting violations. The question not only is can the 67-year-old former NFL coach survive the scandal, but does he even want to deal with it?
Dino Babers, Syracuse
The Orange won 10 games and finished No. 15 in the country in Babers’ third season. It now seems like a fluke. Syracuse is 14-33 in Babers’ other four seasons. This has become one the toughest jobs in the Power Five, and Babers has two more years after this left on his contract. Modest improvement could be enough to buy him another year, but even that will be tough to achieve.
It’s a big season for two much-hyped and well-paid Big Ten coaches: Nebraska’s Scott Frost and Purdue’s Jeff Brohm. Both have buyouts in the $20 million range that likely will provide some cover as long as their teams show some improvement. ... Amazingly, there are no obvious hot seats in the Southeastern Conference, but things could go sideways quickly at LSU for Ed Orgeron if the Tigers turn in another .500 season.
By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer
S
T. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have been required to make changes to their coaching staff over the years, the natural byproduct of success, as top assistants such as Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy got hired away for better jobs elsewhere. This past offseason, though, Andy Reid made some changes that seemed unnecessary at first glance. It began when running backs coach Deland McCullough left for a job as the associate head coach at Indiana, opening up a job once held by current Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Rather than simply hire someone to replace McCullough, Reid decided to move wide receivers coach Greg Lewis into the role — even though his work with Tyreek Hill and the rest of the Chiefs’ pass-catching crew has been a big reason for their offensive success. That began a game of musical chairs, of course. Joe Bleymaier moved
AP Photo/Ed Zurga Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to the media after the the team’s NFL football training camp July 31 in St. Joseph, Mo.
from the quarterbacks room, where he was helping Patrick Mahomes become one of the league’s best players, to handle the wide receivers. David Girardi moved into that role
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as assistant quarterbacks coach, and his spot was taken by Connor Embree, who was working on the defensive side. So why did Reid agree to so much maneuvering on a staff
returning from back-to-back AFC titles relatively intact? “I want guys to have the opportunity to grow,” Reid said. “Greg actually came to me
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the new wide receiver coach, but we kind of just gained an extra receiver coach because Greg is still there, and the guys feel free to go talk to him as well. So it’s been seamless at least for me.” As for the running backs room, Lewis brings a unique skillset that could push Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the rest of his buddies to a whole new level. The Chiefs have always required them to be just as adept at catching the ball as running it, and Lewis should be able to help them with releases, refining their routes and even blocking downfield. Edwards-Helaire had 36 catches for nearly 400 yards last season, even though he missed three games to injuries. Darrel Williams and current free agent Le’Veon Bell also had roles in the passing game. “I don’t see it as a challenge. I see all of us as football coaches,” Lewis said as the Chiefs wrapped up camp at Missouri Western State University, and looked forward to their second preseason game in Arizona on Friday night. “For me,” Lewis said, “it’s understanding the different aspects of the game. ... Obviously, I haven’t played running back, but I understand football and I’ve been around great players, great coaches, and I think I am going to bring some more insight to just help them develop and help us be better as a group.”
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Changes to Chiefs coaching staff could reap big rewards
about wanting the challenge of coaching the running backs,” he continued, “and as you guys know about how I feel about Greg, he’s very, very intelligent, has a great feel for the game, did a phenomenal job with the wide receivers. And now he’s able to learn that other side — the protection side and all that goes into coaching the running backs and the run game, and still give them tips in the pass game to make them even better than what they are now.” It’s a position that the 41-year-old Lewis, who spent eight years playing wide receiver in the NFL, has never coached before, and he’s taking on the job for a team that once again has Super Bowl aspirations. No pressure there. Yet the change could come at the perfect time. Several wide receivers, such as Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman, appeared to stagnate in their development the past couple of seasons. And with the departure of Sammy Watkins in free agency, the Chiefs are desperate for someone to establish themselves as the No. 2 wide receiver. Just maybe, Bleymaier will be able to pull something out of them. “It’s a little unique with Greg still being here, Coach Lewis being just down the hall,” Bleymaier said. “I go to him daily for questions, advice, our guys go to him. I’m
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