2018 Football Preview

T H E

E X A M I NThe E Examiner’s R ’ S HHigh I GSchool H SSports C H Special O O LEdition: S P 2018 O RFootball T S SPreview P E C I A L

E D I T I O N

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2018 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Previews:

• Blue Springs Wildcats • Blue Springs South Jaguars • Fort Osage Indians • Truman Patriots • Chrisman Bears • Van Horn Falcons • Grain Valley Eagles • Oak Grove Panthers • Lee’s Summit North Broncos + other area teams

INSIDE:

• Blue Springs South RB Austin Terry looks to grab the spotlight • Page 2

Busting through

• Big offensive linemen Jack Johnson, left, and Conrad Rowley, right, will pave the way for senior running back Aveion Bailey as Blue Springs looks to end state title game jinx • Page 16 THURSDAY • AUGUS T 23 • 2018

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

Capturing the spotlight Blue Springs South’s Austin Terry hopes to garner more attention this season after breaking school record as junior

By Bill Althaus

glad he did it – we needed all the points we could get that bill.althaus@examiner.net night.”

While he didn’t set any iming is everyschool records in a 16-13 win thing. over No. 1 ranked ColumJust ask Blue bia Rock Bridge in the Springs South’s district semifinal the senior running following week, he back Austin Terry.

Austin Terry found the end zone In a 48-20 district playoff for the only touchvictory over Francis Howell down in overtime to keep the last year, he carried the ball 16 times Jaguars’ season alive. for a school single-game rushing mark “We needed that touchof 237 yards and three touchdowns. down,” said Terry, who finished “Yeah, I got the record, but all anyhis junior season with 213 carries, one was talking about after the game 1,230 yards (5.8-yard average), 16 was Michael,” he said with a laugh, touchdowns, 18 receptions for 188 referring to teammate Michael Muehlberger, who scored a state-record four yards and two more scores while earning Examiner All-Area, defensive touchdowns in the game. “I all-district and all-Suburban guess it was bad timing on my part.

Big Seven honors. “We got the “Every day I’d walk by our record ball down to the 1-yard line and board and see the school record of 225 the offensive did the rest.” yards (held by Tony Matzke), I’d think Terry is hoping for better about how I’d like to break that record. time and more wins this season I did it, and it was a great because once as he enters the season as one of I found out about it on the bus home the premier running backs in the from Francis Howell, everyone got all area and possibly the state. excited for me, like they got excited for “I’m so excited, I can’t even tell you Michael during the game. how excited I am,” he said after a “Michael deserved it. He scored recent practice session.

“To be a more points than our offense. We had a part of a team like Blue Springs competition going, you know, feeding South – with its legacy of sucoff each other. He was the man.” cess – makes you want to When asked about robbing Terry of his moment in the spotlight, Muehlberg- work that much harder.”

That’s why on most er, who has since graduated, grinned. days, Terry can be “I’ve never had a pick-six, let alone seen with his lifelong four defensive touchdowns in one friend and teamgame – Austin just picked the wrong mate, Dakoda game to set the rushing record,” MueKenig, running hlberger said with a chuckle. “But I’m

T

gassers up – and down – the hill located just north of the playing field.

“I just want to work so hard, both Dakoda and I do – and all our teammates do – to make this a special season,” Terry said. “Dakoda and I run sprints up that hill just to make sure we’re working as hard as we possibly can.

“Hard work makes you feel good, makes you feel like you’re doing all you can to help the team win this year. And that’s all any of us care about, winning.

“And this is my senior year, the year I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little kid. I don’t want to cheat myself.

I want to feel like I did everything I could – at practice and on my own – to make this season special.”

Austin Terry broke the South single game rushing mark with 237 yards in a district win. BRIAN DAVIDSON | EXAMINER FILE PHOTO

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

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INSIDE PREVIEW:

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition

4 5 5 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 20 22 24 25 26+

The Examiner 410 S. Liberty St. Independence, MO 64051 Phone: 816-254-8600 Fax: 816-254-0211 Managing/Sports Editor Karl Zinke • 816-350-6316 karl.zinke@examiner.net Assistant Sports Editor Michael Smith • 816-350-6317 michael.smith@examiner.net Examiner Editor Jeff Fox jeff.fox@examiner.net Examiner Publisher Julie Moreno julie.moreno@examiner.net

Blue Springs South preview Blue Springs team preview Blue Springs team preview Fort Osage team preview Truman team preview William Chrisman team preview Van Horn team preview Grain Valley team preview St. Michael the Archangel preview MSHSAA 2018-19 district assignments Examiner Preseason Top 25 players Oak Grove team preview Lee’s Summit North team preview All-time Examiner Players of the Year Area high school weekly schedule Local team photos

Cover Design: Karl Zinke

Senior all-state defensive back Kelvyn Mason, who has set the William Chrisman school record for interceptions in a season with eight each of the last two years, celebrates a win with his teammates last season. Mason, who has garnered Division I college interest, will lead a defense that he says could be better than last year’s squad that featured Examiner Defensive Player of the Year Daniel Carson, who is now at Texas. BRIAN DAVIDSON | EXAMINER FILE PHOTO

Ball hawk

On the cover ...

Contributing Writers Bill Althaus Michael Smith Karl Zinke

A special thanks to Blue Springs seniors

Photographers David M. Rainey Brian Davidson Carlos Moreno © The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition is published by The Examiner and distributed to paid subscribers of The Examiner and also freely around Eastern Jackson County.

GO TEAM!

Bears’ Mason looks to have ‘breakout’ season after setting school record for interceptions

By Michael Smith michael.smith@examiner.net

When William Chrisman senior Kelvyn Mason was in middle school, he was a quarterback.

Mason’s head coach at the time, Jeff Floyd, decided to move Mason to free safety during his eighth grade season.

Turns out that Floyd’s decision was spot on and the best one for Mason.

He’s on the radar of some Division I colleges and has received offers from Air Force and FCS schools Missouri State, Western Illinois and South Dakota.

“I was actually pretty good,” Ma-

son said of playing quarterback. “In my eighth grade year, my head coach decided to throw me back to free safety and try it out. From then on, that’s been my spot.”

His big 2017 season is probably a big reason why he caught some college coaches’ attention. He totaled 36 tackles and tallied eight interceptions – a school record – to help earn himself second-team all-state honors.

He credited much of his success to former teammate and current University of Texas defensive end Daniel Carson as they formed a power trio along with allSee MASON / 6

Aveion Bailey, Conrad Rowley and Jack Johnson for taking time to pose for the cover photo shot by Brian Davidson. See their story on page 16, the Blue Springs preview on page 5. To see more photography by Davidson, visit photographybydavidson.com.

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

▼ BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH JAGUARS

Jags look to contend for title Jaguars glance Head coach: Jon Oyler (third season, 9-13 overall).

Assistant coaches: Mike Fansher, Kyle Christian, Willie Horn, Brandon Dean, Connor Harris, Ryan Gettings, Rick Ammons, Dan Butt, Alex Harrell, James Fournier, Matt Reynolds, Doug Schibi, Donny Horner.

Returning letter winners: 20 Returning offensive starters (9): Ryan Dycus, 5-8, 160, sr., WR; Austin Terry, 5-10, 185, sr., RB; Chase Terry, 5-10, 200, sr., OL; Nathan Walker, 6-1, 270, sr., OL; Tristan Roper, 6-4, 280, sr., OL; Brett Shelton, 6-3, 200, sr. WR; Grant Geren, 5-10, 165, sr., WR; Sam Brown, 6-1, 230, sr., OL; Peyton Valentine, 5-11, 205, sr., OL. Returning defensive starters (6): Trey Vaval, 6-0, 150, sr., DB; Anthony Orlando, 6-0, 195, sr., LB; Skyler Meyers, 6-3, 215, sr., LB; Isaac Pena, 6-0, 245, sr., DL; Brady Strickert, 6-0, 200, sr., DB; Ryan Thompson, 6-3, 195, sr., LB. Others to watch: Tony Roach, 6-2, 185, sr., WR; Dakoda Kenig, 5-8, 165, sr, RB; Isaiah Tauai, 6-1, 170, soph., WR; Stephen Swingle, 6-3, 185, sr., TE; Adam Connors, 6-2, 180, sr., QB; Max Conrad, 6-2, 180, jr., QB; Luke Fellers, 6-2, 180, soph., QB; Gavin Watson, 6-0, 195, sr., LB; Nahshon Rick, 5-10, 175, jr. DB; Darrion Booker, 6-0, 180, sr. DB; Myles Opdahl, 6-0, 180, sr., DB

Jaguars’ 2018 schedule

Helping lead the Blue Springs South Jaguars this season will be, front row, from left to right: Jaylon Johnson, Isaac Pena, Austin Terry; back row: Luke Fellers, Tristan Roper, Skyler Meyer, Adam Connors, Max Conrad. DAVID M. RAINEY | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

Jaguars boast depth on both offense and defense

By Michael Smith michael.smith@examiner.net

Blue Springs South has established a culture of winning since 2001 when former head coach Greg Oder first took over the program.

From 2001 to 2015, the Jaguars had 13 winning seasons and three state championships (2006, 2011, 2015). Even when Oder retired and thirdyear coach Jon Oyler took over, competing for championships has been the expectation.

That’s no different this year as South is returning 15 starters from last year’s team that overcame a slow start, finished 5-7 and made it to the district championship game before falling to rival Blue Springs.

The Jaguars are expecting a lot more from this year’s squad and they have their eye on a state championship.

“We’re excited about where we’re at on both sides of the ball,” Oyler said. “This is the second year of running this offense and they understand it a little bit better than they did at this point last season.

“Defensively, we’re excited about some guys returning and we feel like we have some young guys who can contribute early in their careers.”

It certainly helps their cause that nine starters return from the 2017 team. However, at quarterback, the Jaguars are searching for a replacement for recent graduate Brody Parker, who is now See JAGUARS / 6

Date/Opponent Aug. 24 — at Raytown Aug. 31 — Raymore-Peculiar Sept. 7 — at Lee’s Summit West Sept. 14 — Rockhurst Sept. 21 — at Blue Springs Sept. 28 — William Chrisman Oct. 5 — at Park Hill Oct. 12 — Park Hill South Oct. 19 — at Lee’s Summit North Oct. 20 — First round of district All home games played at Larry Stewart Memorial Stadium, Blue Springs South High School

Jaguars’ 2017 results Overall: 5-7 / Conference: 2-4 Suburban Big Seven W-L/Opponent BSS-Opp L-Lee’s Summit West 28-49 L-Rockhurst 7-27 L-Lee’s Summit North 16-29 L-Staley 37-41 W-Olathe (Kan.) North 50-7 W-Raymore-Peculiar 49-16 W-Lee’s Summit 49-21 L-Blue Springs 3-20 L-Park Hill 20-24 W-Francis Howell* 48-20 W-Columbia Rock Bridge* 16-13 (OT) L-Blue Springs* 17-35 * – Class 6 District 3 playoffs.

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

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▼ BLUE SPRINGS WILDCATS

Cats eye return trip to state Wildcats glance Head coach: Kelly Donohoe (19th season, 176-44 at Blue Springs, 201-51 overall).

Assistant coaches: Derek Wilson, Matt Marble, Ryan Luethje, Nolan Hochgrabe, Tim McElligott, Jim Johnson, Jed Paulsen, Donte Watkins, Joel Page, Damon Alsup, Michael Moss, Ty Butler, Dave Pollard.

Returning letter winners: 20 Returning offensive starters (7): Conrad Rowley, 6-4, 285, sr., OL; Jack Johnson, 6-0, 260, sr., OL; Jessup Leakey, 6-3, 260, sr., OL; Beau Stephens, 6-5, 285, soph., OL; Eli Stewart, 6-2, 225, jr., TE; Aveion Bailey, 5-11, 210, sr., RB; Matt Marzolf, 5-11, 170, sr., WR. Returning defensive starters (3): Austin Stuller, 6-1, 225, sr., LB; Niko Manning, 5-11, 240, sr., DL; Matt Van Hoecke, 6-1, 180, sr., DB. Others to watch: Nick Wood, 5-10, 175, sr., TB; Cooper Willich, 5-9, 170, jr., WR; Koby Mansfield, 6-2, 185., sr., QB; Nick Henderson, 6-4, 230, jr., DL; Steph Black, 5-10, 170, jr., DB.

Wildcats’ 2018 schedule Date/Opponent Aug. 24 — William Chrisman Aug. 31 — at Rockhurst Sept. 7 — Lee’s Summit North Sept. 14 — at Lee’s Summit Sept. 21 — Blue Springs South Sept. 28 — at Raymore-Peculiar Oct. 5 — Liberty North Oct. 12 — at Lee’s Summit West Oct. 19 — Park Hill Oct. 20 — First round of district

These returning starters will try to help lead the Wildcats to a third straight Class 6 state championship game appearance. Pictured are, front row (left to right) Niko Manning, Aveion Bailey; back row: Matt Van Hoecke, Conrad Rowley, Austin Stuller, Koby Mansfield. DAVID M. RAINEY | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

Blue Springs hopes third time is charm in state final

By Bill Althaus bill.althaus@examiner.net

The inherent pressure that comes from coaching your son, especially when he is in the fishbowl position of quarterback at Blue Springs High School, can take a toll on a coach.

Just ask Wildcats head coach Kelly Donohoe, who has experienced nothing but success over the past 18 years at Blue Springs.

“There were times it was tough on Chase, and tough on the ol’ man,” quipped Donohoe, referring to his son Chase, who was the starting quarterback for back-to-back teams that reached

the Class 6 state championship game (only to lose both games).

“When you work so hard to make it to state, and then you come away empty-handed is difficult. I thought Chase did a very good job for our team and Dylan (Cowling) stepped in Chase’s junior year – when he broke his foot – and we didn’t skip a beat and Dylan helped us get to state.

“Last year, we were 11-3 and made it to state again and it always hurts to lose that game.”

In fact, Donohoe was contemplating his future on the Wildcats sideline. He owns three state titles and six overall state appearances, but someSee WILDCATS / 7

All home games played at Peve Stadium, Blue Springs High School

Wildcats’ 2017 results Overall: 11-3, Class 6 state runner-up/ Conference: 5-1 Suburban Big Seven W-L/Opponent BS-Opp W-Lee’s Summit 43-7 W-Lee’s Summit West 19-6 L-Fayetteville (Ark.) 17-22 L-Park Hill 25-28 W-Shawnee Mission (Kan.) West 42-0 W-Rockhurst 21-14 W-Lee’s Summit North 42-6 W-Blue Springs South 20-3 W-Raymore-Peculiar 23-10 W-Jefferson City* 46-23 W-Fort Zumwalt West* 49-21 W-Blue Springs South* 35-17 W-Park Hill** 34-14 L-Christian Brothers College*** 14-31 * – Class 6 District 3 playoffs; ** – Class 6 state semifinal; *** – Class 6 Show-Me Bowl final

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JAGUARS From Page 4 playing at Southern Illinois. They have three players competing for the spot, including senior Adam Connors, junior Max Conrad and sophomore Luke Fellers.

“Luke is an athletic guy that we’re intrigued by to play multiple positions,” Oyler said. “We’re trying to see who gives us the best option.”

Whoever the quarterback is will have plenty of help from the running game as dynamic senior back Austin Terry will return as the primary ball carrier. Last season as a junior, he amassed 1,230 yards and a team-best 16 touchdowns on 213 carries. He also caught 18 passes for 188 yards and two scores.

“I hope I can break the record again for rushing yards in a single game (237 yards),” said Terry, who also is 1,000 yards away from tying South’s career rushing yards record. “I want to break as many records as I can.”

Added Oyler of Terry: “He’s a kid we think can contend for the Simone Award.”

Dakoda Kenig, who rushed for 481 yards and three TDs on 81 carries, will join Terry in the backfield.

Blocking for that duo will be three returning starters and two newcomers.

MASON From Page 3 state linebacker Emori Thomas, who is now playing at Emporia State.

“Daniel and I worked together,” Mason said. “If he could get back there and stir up the quarterback and force an off-balance throw, I knew I was going go pick it off.”

Mason has been a natural at the position. During his sophomore season, he set the school record with eight interceptions and tied it the following year. It’s a position that he’s grown to love, and he said that it helps that Chrisman has had some good defen-

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview expected to get some playing time. At tight end, Isaiah Tauai and Brett Shelton will help out.

“He’s a tough kid who has good hands and runs good routes,” Oyler said of Dykus. “He’s easy to root for.

“We have some other weapons were excited about. We have a kid, Tony Roach, who’s done a good job over the summer and is competing for playing time. We got a few different options at that position and we will rotate some guys around.”

On defense, South returns six Skyler Meyers (33) and Isaac Pena (89) starters. Senior Isaac Pena leads the will anchor South’s defense this season. BRIAN DAVIDSON | EXAMINER FILE PHOTO defensive line and could move around up front, Oyler said. A handful of newThe unit is led by Division I prospect comers are competing for the other Tristan Roper and he is joined by vacant spots. returners Chase Terry and Nathan “We have a lot of young guys going Walker. Peyton Valentine, who started in (to the defensive line),” said Pena, three games last year before a seawho had 40 tackles and two sacks in son-ending leg injury, is slated to be 2017. “We should still be able to go out the starting center and newcomer Sam and make plays.

Brown will be the fifth lineman.

“I feel like we should be able to shut “We’re having little troubles right out any team, any time.” now, but it’s the small things,” Roper At linebacker, Skyler Meyers will said. “Once we get those things down, headline that unit and he will be joined we should be really good.”

by Anthony Orlando, who also startAt wide receiver, Ryan Dykus, Grant ed last season. Brady Strickert, Ryan Geren and Brett Shelton return with Thompson and Gavin Watson are othsome varsity experience – a trio that ers who could see playing time. combined for 20 receptions a year ago “He’s a tough kid. He’s 6-3, 215 while filling in for Division I recruits (pounds) and he runs a 4.5 (40-meEthan Swanegan and DJ Frost, who ter dash),” Oyler said of Meyers, an have graduated. Tony Roach also is all-conference and all-district selec-

tion last year. “Going into the Blue Springs game last year, we thought the Caleb Marquez (Blue Springs fullback) was one of the best in the state and (Meyers) took it to him at times.”

Added Meyers, who had 63 tackles, two sacks and an interception a season ago: “We’re looking really good. We’re going to make a nice run on defense because our run stop game is undeniably good. No one is going to run on us.

It will be all pass.”

In the secondary, Trey Vaval figures to be the team’s No. 1 cornerback after totaling 58 tackles (five for loss) and two interceptions last season.

“Trey has been phenomenal,” Oyler said. “It’s been great to see how consistent he has been day to day. He also was our punt returner, and if you watch film, you will see he’s awfully explosive.”

Newcomer Myles Opdahl will occupy one of the safety spots. Nahshon Rick, who was a running back for the junior varsity squad in 2017, will see some time at safety along with Fellers.

With some solid returners and some high-upside newcomers entering the fold, Terry is confident that his team can make a deep playoff run.

“Coach said the other day that if this team has the same mindset – the seniors all the way down to the freshmen – that we can make it to state and win state,” he said. “I know we can do it.”

sive players in front of him.

“It’s exciting back there, especially when you have some pretty decent linebackers in front of you who know what they’re doing,” he said. “It’s probably the most fun position on the field.”

So what makes Mason such a great free safety?

“He’s the total package and he’ll come down and hit you,” Chrisman head coach Matthew Perry said of Mason. “He’s also going to cover the top. He’s had a lot of experience as a four-year starter. He’s the quarterback of the defense.”

Bears quarterback Dawson Herl has seen Mason’s talent firsthand in practice.

“He reads everything pretty well.

Of course his best work will likely be on defense, a unit of which he’s spoken highly.

“Me, personally, I think this will be our best defensive year,” Mason said.

“Our D-line is solid even with losing Daniel. We have had some guys step up to the plate. We just have guys who love to hit and are high energy.”

Mason wants to make the most of his final high school season so he can grab the attention of more college scouts.

“I am going to try and have a breakout season,” Mason said. “I have been working hard and have been keeping all my guys motivated and focused. I want to see if we can do something great this year.”

It’s fun to go against him in practice,” Herl said of his good friend. “He really knows what he’s doing back there. He picks me off every once in a while.”

Luckily for Herl, he doesn’t always have to go against Mason because the talented all-state player also serves as a wide receiver, a position he played for the first time last season.

Mason has become one of Herl’s primary targets and he finished last season with 229 yards and two touchdowns on 14 catches.

“He’s always been kind of a natural receiver,” Herl said. “We’ve been playing together for quite some time, so we have some chemistry.”

Mason figures to be a big part of both sides of the ball again this season.

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

WILDCATS From Page 5 thing was missing.

“This year, we have a new senior at quarterback in Koby Mansfield, a kid who is going to surprise a lot of people, we have a lot of talent back on the offensive line,” said Donohoe, who seems to have a new bounce in his step.

“We have a great running back in Aveion (Bailey) and some other big-time players. I really, really like this team.”

The thing that Donohoe likes about his team is that it’s unselfish.

“There’s not a guy on this team who is thinking about himself,” he said. “With these players, it’s all about TEAM. We all noticed it the first week of camp, and coaching those type of players make it a lot of fun.

“It’s fun for our coaches, fun for the players and I’m having as much fun as I’ve ever had. We lost a lot of talent last, a lot of marquee players, but I think we’re going to surprise some people this year with the talent we have back and some newcomers.”

While Donohoe is too wily to ever provide bulletin board material for an opponent, he knows that his Wildcats are not the team all the prep football gurus

are gushing about this summer.

“And that’s fine with me,” he said, chuckling.

“There are some teams with a lot of talent. We’re going to show up every Friday night and we’ll see what happens.”

And that approach thrills senior offensive line standouts like Conrad Rowley, who has committed to Northwestern, and Jack Johnson – two leaders who will never accept anything but the best effort from their teammates.

“We’re ready to kick some ass,” said Rowley, a young man whose motivation is spurred by the loss of his mother Kiers, who died after a long bout with cancer this summer. “I know people think this is going to be a down year, and that’s fine with me. Let them think whatever they want.

“But we’re working hard, all the new guys are buying in and we have a great coaching staff. The purple and gold game is coming up, and it’s just a glorified practice, but we’re going to be playing under the lights and that means we’re getting closer and closer to our opener against William Chrisman.

“And that is what we have all been waiting for all summer.”

Rowley and Johnson anchor another strong offensive line that also returns senior Jessup Leakey and sophomore Beau Stephens, who earned some starting time last year.

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They will pave the way for Bailey, who emerged from a crowded backfield last year to rush for 1,137 yards and eight touchdowns. The speedy Nick Wood also will see considerable playing time in the backfield as an outside threat.

The defense will have more holes to fill with the loss of Division I linemen Daniel Parker Jr., the Buck Buchanan Award winner who is now at Missouri, and Khristian Boyd, now at Northern Iowa. The Wildcats also lost all-state defensive back Azaiah Bello (Central Missouri) and Nick Hessefort (Missouri State).

But all-state linebacker Austin Stuller returns to go along with starting defensive lineman Niko Manning and defensive back Matt Van Hoecke.

The Wildcats are confident that they can reload and be in contention for another state title and completing the unfinished business of the last two years.

“Our coaches are always telling us how they like how close this team is, how we all care about each other and are a TEAM first and all we care about is winning and nothing else,” Johnson said. “We had great teams the past two years – we made it to state and that’s saying something.

“But we didn’t win state, and that is all we’re thinking about – getting back to state and winning, especially the seniors. Man, to go out a state champion would be so sweet and I think we have the talent to get the job done.”

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

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▼ FORT OSAGE INDIANS Indians glance Head coach: Brock Bult (third season, 14-9 at Fort Osage and overall).

Assistant coaches: Lance Barrett, Joel Mathews, Simo Atagi, Joe Bedard, Zach Dudley, Derick Barker, Josh Terhune, Quincy Tillmon, Anthony Jacobs.

Returning letter winners: 18 Returning offensive starters (8): Ty Baker, 6-3, 200, sr., QB; Brandon Gregory, 6-0, 178, sr., RB; Blake Robertson, 5-9, 175. sr., RB; Dominic Myers, 5-5, 155, jr., WR; Richard Wiseman, 6-0, 185, sr., WR; Pati Tuailiili, 6-2, 295, sr., OL; Elijah Campbell, 6-3, 260, sr., OL; Steven Orwick 6-0, 205, sr., OL. Returning defensive starters (10): Valentino Ulberg, 6-0, 284, jr. DL; Giovanni Willis, 5-11, 244, jr., DL; Trystan Floyd, 5-8, 145, jr., OLB; Dakota Robertson, 6-0, 210, sr., LB; Von Young, 6-0, 203, sr., LB; Blake Murphy, 5-11, 185, sr., DB; Ethan Parton, 6-1, 190, sr., DB; Ben Long, 5-8, 145, sr., DB; Cahleel Smith, 6-0, 169, sr., DB; Gavyn Monday, 5-10, 150, sr., DB..

Others to watch: Roman Tinoco, 5-8, 160, sr., RB; Xavier Kahube, 6-5, 200, jr., WR; Adam Harbord, 5-9, 152., jr., WR; Jaheim Middleton, 6-0, 190, sr., LB.

Indians’ 2018 schedule

These players are expected to help lead Fort Osage this season, front row (left to right): Zarec Waggoner, Roman Tinoco, Jaheim Middleton, Rafael Chinnery, Brandon Gregory Jr., Ethan Parton, Russell Northcutt, Phillip Bailey; middle row: Troy Dunne, Blake Murphy, Christian Chapman, Elijah Campbell, Pati Tauiliili, Saxon Lauaki, Cahleel Smith, Ty Baker, Gavyn Monday, Mona Faitau; back row: Clayton Keading, Steven Orwick, Blake Robertson, Von Young IV, Richard Wiseman Jr., Richard Cooper Jr., Ben Long, Megan Lyon. BRIAN DAVIDSON | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

Coach wants his Indians to prove they belong with elite

By Bill Althaus

bill.althaus@examiner.net

While his Fort Osage High School football team is expected to one

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Date/Opponent Aug. 24 — Raytown South Aug. 31 — Lee’s Summit West Sept. 7 — at Belton Sept. 14 — North Kansas City Sept. 21 — at Oak Park

Date/Opponent Sept. 28 — Park Hill Oct. 5 — at Raytown Oct. 12 — William Chrisman Oct. 19 — at Ruskin Oct. 26 — First round of district

All home games played at Fort Osage High School

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Indians’ 2017 results

Overall: 9-3 / Conference: 4-1 Suburban Middle Six W-L/Opponent FO-Opp W-Kearney 20-15 W-Truman 56-7 W-Lee’s Summit 35-14 W-Ruskin 45-25 L-Staley 15-22 W-North Kansas City 48-20 * – Class 5 District 7 playoffs.

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

INDIANS From Page 8 teams do to win games and have special seasons,” Bult said.

So, after a lengthy practice on the steamy natural grass practice field, located just east of the Indians new football stadium, his players ran laps.

There wasn’t a complaint or a whimper. Just a group of dog-tired players owning it – and getting this job done.

“I think it was as much psychological as it was physical,” senior guard Steven Orwick said. “We had to keep going – just like we’re going to have to keep going this season, especially since everyone expects us to have a great season.

“We’re going to get the best from every opponent, but that’s how it’s been at Fort Osage for a long time.”

Safety Ethan Parton agreed.

“Coach didn’t like what he saw at practice and we didn’t practice that well, and this is a good way get everyone’s attention,” Parton said. “We have the opportunity to be a very good team.

“Coach talks about how everyone is saying we’re the team to beat – but you’re not going to hear us say that, or our coaches say that. We’re just going to work hard – a lot harder than we worked today.”

Parton and quarterback Ty Baker, who has committed to Missouri State, were youngsters when the Indians won the Class 5 state title back in 2015.

“We were freshmen and we saw our teammates win state,” said Baker, a three-year starter who had the unenviable task of replacing heralded Skylar Thompson, the metro area Simone Award winner and all-state selection now playing for Kansas State. “We’re seniors, this is our year, and we hope to have the same kind of success the team had back in 2015. We know this can be a real special year, but we have to work hard to make that happen.

“We have a lot of guys back from last year, and we were 9-3 and played Staley tough in two games (losing 22-

Senior quarterback Ty Baker, who has verbally committed to Missouri State University, will help lead the Indians this season after throwing for more than 1,900 and 13 touchdowns as a junior. BRIAN DAVIDSON | EXAMINER FILE PHOTO

15 in the regular season and 28-14 in the Class 5 state quarterfinals). Everyone is excited about this season.

“We have great numbers and a lot of talent. I think we have the best coaching staff there is, and Coach Bult and his coaches are going to motivate us and make us work hard to achieve a lot of success.”

The reason for the talk of success is because the Indians return 10 defensive starters, including all-state senior defensive back Blake Murphy and standout senior linebacker Von Young IV. The offense returns eight starters, including standout running backs Brandon Gregory and Blake Robertson and top receivers Dominic Myers and Richard Wiseman.

When asked about the laps at the end of the session, Bult, the man who has been a part of one of the most successful programs in Eastern Jackson County for more than a decade, said, “I wanted to send a message.”

“People are talking to our kids, telling them they’re the team to beat – and we haven’t beat anyone yet,”

9 Bult added. “We know how good Staley and all the other teams in the area are. And I know how good we can be.”

Bult was former head coach Ryan Schartz’s assistant and longtime defensive coordinator before he took over the head coaching reins two years ago when Schartz became the Fort Osage activities director.

Bult’s team was 5-6 his first year, finishing strong after a slow start, and 9-3 last year with the two losses to state champion Staley and the other to Class 6 state power Lee’s Summit West “We have some good leaders on this team, including the two players you talked to, and a lot of kids who want to experience the same kind of success we experienced back in 2015,” the coach said. “But it’s up to them.

“It’s all real (in the season opener at home) against Raytown South – and I can’t wait. We’ve been playing against each other a long time. It’s time to face a real opponent to see what we can do.”

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

10

▼ TRUMAN PATRIOTS

Numbers nearly double from Pugh’s first season

By Bill Althaus bill.althaus@examiner.net

Helping lead Truman this season will be, front row (left to right): Josh Dixon, Chase Schroeder, Andrew Owens, Trent Sorrells; middle row: Quincy Scott, Chris Rhodes, Don Edmondson, Jesus Carbajal, Carter Brown; back row: David Brack, Devron Rivera, Aaron Porter, Myylan Townsend. BRIAN DAVIDSON | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

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Patriots glance Head coach: Charlie Pugh (second season, 2-9 at Truman and overall).

Assistant coaches: Daniel Hedrick, Kendall Wright, Travis Mason, Jameson Allen, TJ Barnett, Dalton Hutchings, Jeff Smith, Chad Hammontree, Jim Boatright Returning letter winners: 12 Returning offensive starters (8): Carter Brown, 6-0, 170, jr., QB; Chris Rhodes, 6-1, 160, soph., WR; Chase Schroeder, 6-0, 205, sr., TE; Andrew Owens, 6-0, 195, sr., RB; Jesus Carbajal, 5-11, 240, sr., OL; Aaron Porter, 6-3, 300, jr., OL; Devron Rivera, 6-3, 290, soph., OL; Josh Dixon, 5-9, 160, soph., K. Returning defensive starters (5): Trent Sorrells, 5-9, 165, sr., DB; Quincy Scott, 6-1, 170, soph., DB; Myylan Townsend, 6-3, 250, jr.; Chase Schroeder, 6-0, 205, sr., LB; Andrew Owens, 6-0, 195, sr..

Others to watch: Cardell Hall, 5-9, 160, jr., WR; Don Edmondson, 6-0, 160, sr., WR; Zyion Ray, 5-10, 175, sr., RB; Jordan McKinney, 5-9, 180, jr., RB; Alan Gonzalez, 6-0, 260, sr., OL.

Patriots’ 2018 schedule

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Charlie Pugh is excited.

The second-year Truman High School football coach, who has been handed the unenviable task of creating a real football culture with his Patriots, has some new digs – including an impressive crimson red locker room that would be the pride of any team in Eastern Jackson County.

And this year, most of those lockers are filled with team gear as Pugh has

seen a dramatic rise in the number of players he and his staff and working with on a daily basis.

“Last year, we started with 34 players,” Pugh said, “and we had 63 at our last practice. Now, that gets me excited!”

Last year, he led a team that was long on spirit but short on talent, to a 2-9 record. As one area coach said, “Winning two games at Truman should put him in the running for your Coach of the Year award.”

See PATRIOTS / 18

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Date/Opponent Aug. 24 — Staley Aug. 31 — at Liberty North Sept. 7 — at Liberty Sept. 14 — St. Joseph Central Sept. 21 — at William Chrisman

Date/Opponent Sept. 28 — at North Kansas City Oct. 5 — Park Hill South Oct. 12 — at Columbia Hickman Oct. 19 — Lee’s Summit Oct. 26 — First round of district

All home games played at Truman Stadium, Truman High School

Patriots’ 2017 results Overall: 2-9 / Conference: 0-5 Suburban Big Six W-L/Opponent Tru-Opp L-Raytown 0-45 L-Fort Osage 7-56 L-William Chrisman 0-20 L-Liberty North 0-42 W-Van Horn 22-21 L-St. Joseph Central 14-21 * – Class 5 District 7 playoffs

W-L/Opponent Tru-Opp L-Columbia Battle 0-34 L-Liberty 7-54 L-at Park Hill South 14-42 W-North Kansas City* 27-26 L-Fort Osage* 0-34

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

11

▼ WILLIAM CHRISMAN BEARS Bears glance

Head coach: Matthew Perry (second season, 7-4 at William Chrisman and 100-47 in his 16th year overall).

Assistant coaches: John McCall, DJ Pittel, Jeff Meyers, Carlos Alsup, Tom Sao, Justin McCay, Terry McCray, George Sutton, Jason Middleton.

Returning letter winners: 25 Returning offensive starters (8): Dawson Herl, 6-4, 185, sr., QB; Bryan Cox, 6-2, 200, sr., RB; Christian Felix, 6-0, 245, sr., RB; Taylor Perry, 5-10, 275, sr., C; David Toese, 5-11, 240, sr., G; Tre’Vaughn Sisco, 5-10, 190, sr., WR; Jadyn Williams, 6-2, 215, sr., T; Osi Nauer, 6-0, 195, soph., RB. Returning defensive starters (5): Isaiah McFall, 6-0, 315, sr., NT; Kelvyn Mason, 6-0, 180, sr., FS; Christian Felix, 6-0, 245, sr., LB; Bryan Cox, 6-2, 200, sr.; OLB; Osi Nauer, 6-0, 195, soph., OLB. Others to watch: Jaden Thomas, 5-6, 225, sr., RB; Hunter Clark, 6-0, 175, sr., WR; Colton Kerr, 6-1, 198, sr., T; Kyler Aiaga, 5-10, 270, sr., DL; Marcus Wigfall, 5-10, 150, jr., DB; Mason Walters, 5-10, 185, soph., LB; Lyndon Shell, 6-1, 200, jr., LB; Devin Braswell, 5-10, 195, jr., LB; Zach Rowe, 5-8, 180, jr., OLB; Jordan Gage, 6-0, 150, sr.

DB; Ralph Covington, 6-3, 200, fresh., DE; Kameron Thompson, 5-6, 145, fresh., RB; Simeon Leau-Fiso, 6-0, 165, sr., WR; Ikaika Kahananui, 5-7, 230, sr., OL/DL.

Bears’ 2018 schedule Date/Opponent Aug. 24 — at Blue Springs Aug. 31 — North Kansas City Sept. 7 — Oak Park Sept. 14 — at Raytown Sept. 21 — Truman

Date/Opponent Sept. 28 — at Blue Springs South Oct. 5 — Ruskin Oct. 12 — at Fort Osage Oct. 19 — Belton Oct. 26 — First round of district

All home games played at Independence All-School Stadium, William Chrisman

Bears’ 2017 results

These returning players will help lead William Chrisman. Pictured are, front row, from left to right: Jadan Thomas, Chris Steele, Tre’Vaughn Sisco, Kyler Aiaga, Taylor Perry, Ikaika Kahananui; middle row: Jordan Gage, Simon Leau-Fiso, Isaiah McFall, David Toese, Hunter Clark, Christian Felix; back row: Jadyn Williams, Nick Puleo, Jamal Wallace, Dawson Herl, Bryan Cox, Colton Kerr, Kelvyn Mason. BRIAN DAVIDSON | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

Overall: 7-4 / Conference: 3-2 Suburban Middle Six W-L/Opponent WC-Opp W-L/Opponent WC-Opp W-Oak Park 22-9 W-North Kansas City 36-16 W-Ruskin 28-7 L-Fort Osage 0-23 W-Truman 20-0 W-Winnetonka 41-0 W-Grandview 28-16 W-Park Hill South* 33-14 L-Raytown South 21-30 L-Fort Osage* 10-24 L-Staley 14-56 * – Class 5 District 7 playoffs

Bears look to keep recent winning trend rolling

By Michael Smith michael.smith@examiner.net The culture of the William Chrisman program has changed for the better in recent years.

And because of that, the expectations increase and that is reflected in a much tougher non-conference schedule for the Bears that includes perennial Class 6 powerhouses Blue Springs South and Blue Springs.

This season, the goal is to do something that the Chrisman football program has never done, win a district championship.

“We want to be the best William Chrisman team ever,” said Chrisman head coach Matthew Perry, whose team was the district runner-up and finished with a 7-4 record last season. “Which means we have to make it further than last year.”

The offense could be a big part of that with eight starters returning. Dawson Herl will go into his second year as starting quarterback following a year in which he threw for 916 yards and 12 touchdowns on 72-of-137 passing.

While he was solid last season, Perry noted that his senior signal caller looks like a completely different player after getting a full year of varsity experience in 2017.

“He’s a lot more comfortable,” Perry said. “I think at the beginning of last season, he was a little scared.

It’s hard to command a team for the first time under the Friday night lights. Quarterback is one of the toughest positions there is. It was not easy for him.

His leadership and work has gotten a lot better.”

Herl will be aided by four returning starters at running back who combined for 809 of the team’s

1,879 rushing yards from a year ago. Senior Christian Felix leads that group as he will be the team’s power running back. Last season, he often broke tackles and rushed for 527 yards and four TDs on 90 carries.

Joining him in the backfield are senior Jaden Thomas (102 rushing yards in 2017), senior Bryan Cox (52 yards) and sophomore Osi Nauer (128 yards) to round out an experienced group.

“It’s going to be a four-headed monster,” Perry said. “It’s the one place that we have depth.”

Added Herl: “We have some big backs back there.

It’s going to be hard to stop.”

At receiver, Tre’Vaughn Sisco leads the returners with 305 yards on 24 catches last season. Kelvyn Mason, also an all-state safety, will be on the opposite side of him as he comes back after posting 229 See BEARS / 25

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

12

▼ VAN HORN FALCONS

Falcons look to turn corner on winning

By Michael Smith

michael.smith@examiner.net

Van Horn football is on the rise and made some considerable improvements last year after a down year in 2016.

Following a season in which they finished 1-9, the Falcons went 4-6 and could have had a winning record had two or three one-point losses swung their way.

But third-year head coach William Harris believes this could be the season that the Falcons could finish above .500 for the first time since 2014 and win their first playoff game for the first time in school history.

“We lost three games last year by one point, so we were close to being there (above .500),” Harris said. “I

think our team has taken some strides and we can show it on the field and in the win-loss column.”

Van Horn starting defensive end Jason Skivers, like Harris, is optimistic for this season because of a simple reason – the players are loose.

“The big difference between this year and last year is we’re having fun,” Skivers said. “We’re making plays and feeling confident with our team.”

The offense could reflect some of the chemistry that Skivers has seen in practice. The Falcons return eight starters on that side of the ball. Three of those are on the offensive line – Jared Huddleston, Darius Ross and Aaron Maluia. Joining them up front are Kieren Riley at tackle and Cyrus Loar, who played defensive tackle last year, See FALCONS / 19

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These players are expected to lead the Van Horn Falcons.

Pictured are, front row, left to right: Sobelli Powell, Aaron Maluia, Paul Hemmingway; back row: Jacob Kroeger, Isaac Fue-King, Jason Skivers, Shaun Ross. DAVID M. RAINEY | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

Falcons glance Head coach: William Harris (third season, 5-16 at Van Horn and overall) Assistant coaches: Anthony Morgan, Roshaad Byrd, Taron Johnson, Sylvester Gibson, Marion Holt, Anthony Mohr.

Returning letter winners: 15 Returning offensive starters (8): Sean Ross, 6-0, 175, sr., QB; Tavious Brown, 5-6, 205, soph., RB; Sobelli Powell, 5-8, 200, sr., RB; Jared Huddleston, 5-10, 285, jr., OL; Aaron Maluia, 5-9, 260, jr., OL; Darius Ross, 6-0, 240, soph., OL; Isaac Fue-King, 6-2, 175, sr., WR; Paul Hemmingway, 5-9, 180, sr., WR. Returning defensive starters (5): Jason Skivers, 6-3, 220, soph., DE; Jacob Kroeger, 5-10, 185, jr., LB; Isaiah Walton, 6-1, 190, sr., LB; David Krantz, 5-9, 170, sr., DB. Others to watch: Marquon Whetstone, 5-10, 175, soph., RB; Devontae Telar, 5-9, 165, jr., RB; Sean Mitchell, 6-0, 164, soph., FS; DJ Weeks, 5-5, 143, jr., DB.

Falcons’ 2018 schedule Date/Opponent Aug. 24 — Kansas City East Sept. 1 — Butler Sept. 7 — at KCK Bishop Ward Sept. 14 — at Center Sept. 21 — at Kansas City Northeast

Home games played at William Chrisman High School

Falcons’ 2017 results Overall: 4-6 / Conference: 2-2 Crossroads Conference W-L/Opponent VH-Opp W-Kansas City Southeast 46-20 L-Warrensburg 14-47 W-Sherwood 61-0 W-Butler 32-22 L-Truman 21-22

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Date/Opponent Sept. 28 — Winnetonka Oct. 5 — at Summit Christian Academy Oct. 12 — University Academy Oct. 19 — Pembroke Hill Oct. 26 — First round of district

* – Class 4 District 6 playoffs

W-L/Opponent VH-Opp L-Pembroke Hill 32-33 L-Summit Christian Academy 19-34 L-University Academy 13-14 W-Kansas City Central 38-32 L-Grandview* 7-34

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

13

▼ GRAIN VALLEY EAGLES Helping head coach David Allie, center back, lead the Grain Valley Eagles this season will be, front row, from left to right: Ethan Grasher, Mason Guhse, Michael Traynor, Mitchel Alexander, Joey Packer; middle row: Jacob Gilkey, Trey Hodson, David Deweese, Tyler Tompkins, Jace Collum; back row: Trent LeGrotte, Bennett Disco, Trenton Tarrants, Nick Brown.

BRIAN DAVIDSON | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

Eagles ready to take on new conference

By Bill Althaus bill.althaus@examiner.net To say the excitement level at Grain Valley High School – across the board, not just in the football locker room – is off the charts would be an understatement.

Coach David Allie’s Eagles, who won back-to-back Missouri River Valley Conference West crowns the past two seasons, are saying goodbye to that rugged conference as they step up to Suburban Conference play this season.

“I’m not going to provide any bulletin board material,” quipped Allie, who enjoyed great success in the Suburban Conference, where he led his former Raytown South Cardinals team to a state championship game a few years back, “but we’re ready to play anyone, any place.

“Look at the MRVC – we played

state championship-caliber teams like Harrisonville, who won state last year after we beat them in the regular season, Oak Grove and Odessa. It’s not like we haven’t played any quality football teams.

“You can’t take a night off the MRVC West or you’re going to get your helmet handed to you. And that’s how it’s going to be in the Suburban Conference.

The Eagles will play in the Blue Division, or the Suburban Small Seven, in the Suburban Conference, joining Grandview, Kearney, Platte County, Raytown South, Winnetonka and Smithville, another newcomer to the Suburban.

“Platte County, Kearney – those are perennial state powers and we’re honored and excited to be playing them. I know our coaches are excited about the move up, and all you have to do is be See EAGLES / 24

Eagles glance Head coach: David Allie (fifth season, 25-20 at Grain Valley, 107-93 overall).

Assistant coaches: Ryan Adams, Chris Barr, Craig Brown, Pete Carpino, Chris Cochran, Matt Curts, Dominic Giangrosso, Gavin Grillo, Erik Stone, Mike Tarrants, Chris Pate, Everett Sheppard, Jesse Whitson, Steve Williams, Ben Andes.

Returning letter winners: 19 Returning offensive starters (6): Nick Brown, 6-0, 175, sr., TE; Colson Donner, 6-0, 225, jr., OL; Ethan Grasher, 5-10, 150, sr., RB; Trey Hodson, 5-11, 220, sr., OL; Coleson Manade, 5-9, 240, jr., OL; Trenton Tarrants, 6-4, 220, jr., OL. Returning defensive starters (7): Mitchel Alexander, 5-8, 165, sr., LB; Jace Collum, 5-10, 150, sr., DB; Seth Dankenbring, 5-8, 190, jr., LB; Bennett Disco, 6-4, 240, sr., LB; Trent Flake, 5-11, 180, jr., DB; Donovan McBride, 6-4, 250, soph., DL; Joey Packer, 5-9, 170, sr., LB. Others to watch: Tanner Bailon, 5-9, 170, jr., RB; Steele Blackmon, 6-4, 300, jr., OL; David Deweese, 5-11, 240, sr., OL; Triston Hartwig, 6-2, 150, jr., DB; Cole Keller, 6-4, 190, soph., QB; William Lanear, 5-9, 150, jr., DB; Hunter Newsom, 6-0, 170, soph., LB; Gavin Oyler, 6-0, 180, jr., WR.

Eagles’ 2018 schedule Date/Opponent Aug. 24 — at Savannah Aug. 31 — Grandview Sept. 7 — at Smithville Sept. 14 — Platte County Sept. 21 — at Winnetonka

Date/Opponent Sept. 28 — Raytown Oct. 5 — at Kearney Oct. 12 — Ruskin Oct. 19 — Raytown South Oct. 26 — First round of district

All home games played at Moody Murry Field, Grain Valley High School

Eagles’ 2017 results Overall: 8-4 / Conference: 4-1 MRVC West, first place W-L/Opponent GV-Opp W-Savannah 35-16 W-St. Joseph Benton 39-36 L-Raytown 14-49 L-Center 28-49 W-Pleasant Hill 21-0 W-Harrisonville 15-13 * – Class 4 District 6 playoffs

W-L/Opponent GV-Opp W-Odessa 53-21 W-Excelsior Springs 27-12 W-Oak Grove 42-14 W-Kansas City Northeast* 62-14 W-Nevada* 52-14 L-Harrisonville* 21-24

14

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

▼ ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL GUARDIANS Guardians glance Head coach: Kevin Page (second season, 0-9 at St. Michael and 32-64 overall) Assistant coaches: Jim Gulick, Travis Corbin, Scott Lero, Jerry Price, and Kenny Wachter.

Returning letter winners: 17 Returning offensive starters (8): Caleb Baker, 6-1, 175, sr., WR; Alex Alaiwat, 5-9, 150, sr., QB; Sean Lewis, 6-4, 160, sr., WR; Nathan Luke, 6-1, 200, jr., RB; Caleb Berry, 6-1, 220, so., OL; Travien Goodman, 6-2, 270, jr., OL; Daniel Rogge, 6-0, 150, jr., WR; Brandon Lane, 6-4, 250, jr., TE. Returning defensive starters (6): Caleb Baker, 6-1, 175, sr., DB; Nathan Luke, 6-1, 200, jr., LB; Caleb Berry, 6-1, 220, so., DL; Travien Goodman, 6-2, 270, jr., DL; Daniel Rogge, 6-0, 150, jr., LB; Brandon Lane, 6-4, 250, jr., DL. Others to watch: Steven McFeders, 5-10, 145, sr., WR/DB; Damon Randolph, 5-9, 165, jr., RB/DB; Sumly Hayes-Dunnell 5-8, 140, so., DB; John Paul Kimbrough, 5-8, 160, sr., LB; Joseph Kimbrough, 5-6, 150, so., LB; Desmond Henry, 6-2, 180, jr., OL; Sebastian Swingle, 6-0, 220, so., OL; James Collins, 6-2, 240, jr., OL

Guardians’ 2018 schedule Date/Opponent Aug. 24 — Summit Christian* Aug. 31 — St. Pius X Sept. 7 — at Fair Grove Sept. 14 — at Lone Jack Sept. 22 — at KC Southeast

Date/Opponent Sept. 28 — Drexel* Oct. 5 — Pierce City Oct. 12 — at Center Oct. 19 — at Clinton Oct. 26 — First round of district

All home games played at BAC Stadium, Lee’s Summit North High School or *Lee’s Summit High School)

Guardians’ 2017 results Overall: 0-9

These returning seniors are expected to help lead St. Michael, front row: Caleb Baker, Alec Alaiwat; back row: Sean Lewis, Steven McFeders, Landon Vahle, John Paul Kimbrough. CARLOS MORENO | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

W-L/Opponent SMA-Opp L-University Academy 2-44 L-Hogan Prep 6-56 L-Clinton 21-55 L-Nevada 8-62 L-Kansas City Northeast 14-20

W-L/Opponent SMA-Opp L-Sedalia Smith-Cotton 8-62 L-St. Pius X 7-48 L-Center 7-57 L-Warrensburg 7-43

Guardians feel better prepared in season two

By Mike Genet mike.genet@examiner.net

Many football coaches want to see their team improve the most from the first to the second game each season. For the St. Michael the Archangel football team, the time frame expands a bit.

After the Guardians struggled mightily through their first season in the high school’s first year of existence, coach Kevin Page says the team is finding its footing better in 2018.

Seven seniors graduated from St. Michael’s first team, but the rest of the team all returned this year, at least eight freshmen are in the fold and the roster has increased in number from 24 to 35, allowing Page to schedule a handful of junior varsity games and have more live scrimmaging in practices.

The returning players account for eight starting spots on offense and six on defense.

“We’re trying to establish a culture of how we’re going to play and how we prepare in the offseason,” said Page, who coached at Raytown for eight seasons before taking the reins at St. Michael. “We’re speaking the same language offensively and defensively. It’s now a matter of raising their level of expectations; we’ve got to work on that a lot more than the Xs and Os. “We’re trying hard to keep everything consistent with the kids. If you know where you’re going, you can go quicker athletically.”

Alec Alaiwat returns after starting a majority of games at quarterback, and Page said returning receiver Caleb Berry and newcomer Steven McFeders can potentially be big threats on the outside. He also anticipates big contributions from junior two-way starters Nathan

Luke and Daniel Rogge.

Up front, he expects juniors Trayvion Goodman and Brandon Lane to lead the way on both sides of ball.

“Brandon Lane had a really good summer. He’s committed more to the weight room, and it’s showing,” Page said. “We’re really looking for Brandon and Trayvion to solidify things up front.

“We don’t have a senior on the offensive line (three juniors and two sophomores), so while we’re young, it makes me think the future is good.”

Offensively, Page has the Guardians in a no-huddle multiple pro set. With such a small roster, staying healthy and producing some depth can go a long way in the program’s second season. Having the whole coaching staff back should also help.

“Offense is a lot easier to tailor to your athletes; what See GUARDIANS / 18

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

15

▼ 2018-19 MSHSAA DISTRICT ASSIGNMENTS The Missouri State High School Activities Association issues new district assignments every two seasons.

Here are the football district assignments for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

CLASS 6 District 1 Christian Brothers College DeSmet Hazelwood Central Hazelwood West Marquette Pattonville Ritenour St. Louis U. High District 2 Blue Springs Blue Springs South Francis Howell Francis Howell Central Ft. Zumwalt West Jefferson City Columbia Rock Bridge Troy Buchanan District 3 Eureka Joplin Springfield Kickapoo Kirkwood Lafayette (Wildwood) Lindbergh Northwest (Cedar Hill) Ozark District 4 Lee’s Summit Lee’s Summit North Lee’s Summit West Liberty Liberty North Park Hill Raymore-Peculiar Rockhurst CLASS 5 District 1 Fox High School Jackson Oakville Poplar Bluff Seckman (Imperial) District 2 Chaminade Mehlville Parkway South Parkway West Vianney Webster Groves District 3 Francis Howell North Ft. Zumwalt North Ft. Zumwalt South Liberty (Wentzville) McCluer North

District 4 Columbia Battle Columbia Hickman Holt (Wentzville) Sedalia Smith-Cotton Timberland (Wentzville) District 5 Springfield Central Springfield Glendale Lebanon Waynesville Willard District 6 Branson Carthage Nixa Springfield Parkview Republic District 7 Belton Fort Osage Raytown Ruskin Truman William Chrisman District 8 St. Joseph Central North Kansas City Oak Park Park Hill South Staley CLASS 4 District 1 Central (Cape Girardeau) DeSoto Farmington Festus Hillsboro North County (Desloge) Sikeston West Plainsl District 2 Affton Bishop DuBourg Gateway Ladue Horton Watkins Rockwood Summit Roosevelt St. Mary’s (St. Louis) Windsor (Imperial) District 3 Clayton Hazelwood East Jennings McCluer MICDS Parkway North Riverview Gardens University City District 4 Ft. Zumwalt East Hannibal Parkway Central Priory St. Charles St. Dominic (O’Fallon)

Warrenton Westminster Christian District 5 Camdenton Jefferson City Helias Catholic Pacific Rolla St. Francis Borgia Sullivan High Union High Washington District 6 Bolivar Carl Junction Springfield Hillcrest Marshfield McDonald County Monett Neosho Webb City District 7 Kansas City East Grain Valley Grandview Harrisonville Lincoln College Prep Raytown South Van Horn Warrensburg District 8 Excelsior Springs Kearney Kirksville St. Joseph Lafayette Marshall Platte County Smithville Winnetonka CLASS 3 District 1 Central (Park Hills) Dexter Doniphan Fredericktown Kennett Perryville Potosi Ste. Genevieve District 2 Bayless Cardinal Ritter Confluence Prep Academy John Burroughs Lutheran South Miller Career Academy St. Clair Vashon District 3 Lutheran St. Charles McCluer South-Berkeley Normandy Orchard Farm Soldan International Studies St. Charles West Sumner

Trinity Catholic District 4 Centralia Christian Fulton Mexico Moberly Southern Boone Winfield Wright City District 5 Buffalo Eldon Logan-Rogersville School of the Osage Owensville Saleml Springfield Catholic St. James District 6 Aurora Cassville Clinton Hollister Mt. Verno Nevada Reeds Spring Seneca District 7 Boonville Center Hogan Prep Academy Oak Grove Odessa Pembroke Hill Pleasant Hill KC Southeast District 8 St. Joseph Benton Cameron Kansas City Central Chillicothe Maryville KC Northeast Savannah Kansas City St. Pius X CLASS 2 District 1 Caruthersville Central (New Madrid County) Charleston East Prairie Jefferson (Festus) Kelly (Benton) Malden St. Pius X (Festus) District 2 St. Louis Carnahan Cuba St. Charles Duchesne Grandview (Hillsboro) Herculaneum Lift for Life Academy Lutheran Northl Principia District 3 Ava Fair Grove Forsyth Houston

Liberty (Mountain View) Mountain Grove Strafford Willow Springs District 4 Butler East Newton El Dorado Springs Lamar Sarcoxie Stockton Versailles Warsaw District 5 Blair Oaks California Columbia Father Tolton Hallsville Hermann Montgomery Countyl North Callaway South Callaway District 6 Bowling Green Clark County Clopton Highland (Ewing) Missouri Military Academy Monroe City Palmyra

Van-Far District 7 Holden Knob Noster High Lafayette County (Higginsville) Lone Jack St. Michael the Archangel Catholic St. Paul Lutheran (Concordia) Summit Christian Academy University Academy District 8 Brookfield Carrollton Lathrop Lawson Lexington Macon Richmond Trenton CLASS 1 District 1 Brentwood Chaffee Crystal City Hayti Portageville Scott City St. Vincent (Per-

ryville) Valle Catholic (Ste. Genevieve) District 2 Ash Grove Cabool Marionville Miller Pierce City Pleasant Hope Skyline (Urbana) Thayer District 3 Adrian Appleton City Diamond Greenfield Jasper Liberal Lockwoodl Rich Hill District 4 Archie Cole Camp Crest Ridge Drexel Lincoln Cass Midway Sherwood (Creighton) Windsor District 5 Concordia Fayette

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

16

Breaking out Trio looks to lead Cats to title after two years of frustration

By Bill Althaus bill.althaus@examiner.net

I

t might be hard to spot, on the massive shoulders of Blue Springs senior offensive linemen Jack Johnson and Conrad Rowley, but there is a chip they are just begging opponents to knock off.

It might be hard to spot, on the massive shoulders of Blue Springs senior offensive linemen Jack Johnson and Conrad Rowley, but there is a chip they are just begging opponents to knock off.

So, how could a team that has been to the Class 6 state championship game the past two years, be playing with a chip on its collective shoulders?

Johnson, Rowley and the running back they hope to open some massive holes for this season, senior After an injury plagued junior season, Blue Springs running back Aveion Bailey, center, is ready Aveion Bailey, have a ready answer. for a breakout season with the help of standout senior offensive linemen Conrad Rowley, left, and “We went to state twice, but we Jack Johnson. The trio is looking to lead the Wildcats back to the Class 6 state championship didn’t win either time,” said Johnson, game for a third straight time, only to win it all this year. BRIAN DAVIDSON | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER a 6-foot, 260-pound center whose demeanor matches that of a young and we’re going to do everything we can said. “I know people think this is going to man who was born to play offensive line to get back to state and win it this year. be a down year and that’s fine with me. for the Wildcats.

“So yeah, we have a chip on our shoulLet them think whatever they want.

“And everyone is saying we lost all our ders.”

“But we’re working hard, all the new good players (to graduation). Conrad, Rowley, who stands a towering 6-4 and guys are buying in and we have a great Aveion and all the seniors, well, we don’t checks in at 285 pounds, nods in agreecoaching staff. They’re getting us ready like hearing talk like that. This is our year ment. for this season and we can’t wait to get – the year we’ve dreaming about forever, “We’re ready to kick some ass,” Rowley started.”

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview Rowley and Johnson anchor another strong offensive line that also returns senior Jessup Leakey and sophomore Beau Stephens, who earned some starting time last year.

They will pave the way for Bailey, who rush for 1,137 yards and eight touchdowns in an injury plagued junior season.

“My sophomore year I broke the fibula in my right ankle, and last year I had ankle problems,” said Bailey, who played sparingly in a 34-14 Show-Me Bowl state championship loss to Christian Brothers College High School. “Now, I’m healthy – and that’s how I want to play the entire season.

I keep thinking about what I could have done last year if I would have been healthy all season, and I’m doing everything I can to stay healthy this year.”

A healthy Bailey will be a big plus for a Wildcats team that features one of the premier lines in the state and an unproven, but highly motivated quarterback in Koby Mansfield.

“Koby is going to surprise people,” Rowley said. “He’s not going to surprise any of us, because we’ve seen him all summer and know what he can do. He can really run, and he’s going to add a new dimension to our offense.

“He and Aveion and Nick (Wood) can all run. Koby is going to run the show, Nick is a speed guy and Aveion likes to hit people as much as he likes to score touchdowns. When he hits you, you’re going to feel it.”

That comment brings a smile to the face of the young man who is dreaming of a big season.

“I need a big season – to help our team win and to get a scholarship,” said Bailey, as many D-I programs have told him that his senior year will dictate his collegiate possibilities. “I’ve made some visits, but no offers so far. That’s OK, I’ll show everyone what I can do this year. And it all starts with the offensive line. And like all our great teams of the past, this year’s team is going to have another great offensive line.”

While this trio of Wildcat seniors have one common goal, they also know how to have fun.

They turned an impromptu standup routine while making the cover photo shoot come to life.

“Can you make me look sexy and skinny?” asked Johnson, who Rowley called “Big Sexy” during the photo session.

“Hold on, let me suck in my gut,” Johnson added, causing Bailey to break out in laughter. “I don’t care what type of photos you take, as long as I look sexy.”

That comment caused everyone to chuckle.

“These guys are crazy,” Bailey said. “They’re my brothers. We’re a family, we know when to work hard and we know when to have some fun. We’re having fun today, but we’ll be ready to get back to work tomorrow.

“The season is (just a few days) away and we’re going to be ready.”

17

The Examiner’s 2018 Preseason

TOP 25 PLAYERS

PLAYERS Aveion Bailey Ty Baker Bryan Cox Bennett Disco John Eldridge Christian Felix Jordan Gibson Brandon Gregory Dawson Herl Jack Johnson Nikko Manning Kelvyn Mason Skyler Meyers Blake Murphy Tristan Roper Conrad Rowley Ontario Russell Tre’Vaughn Sisco Joel Stevens Austin Stuller Austin Terry David Toese Trey Vaval Matt Van Hoecke Von Young IV

SCHOOL Blue Springs Fort Osage William Chrisman Grain Valley Lee’s Summit North William Chrisman Lee’s Summit North Fort Osage William Chrisman Blue Springs Blue Springs William Chrisman Blue Springs South Fort Osage Blue Springs South Blue Springs Lee’s Summit North William Chrisman Lee’s Summit North Blue Springs Blue Springs South William Chrisman Blue Springs South Blue Springs Fort Osage

HGT. WGT. YR. POS. 5-11 210 sr.

RB 6-3 200 sr.

QB 6-2 200 sr. LB/RB 6-4 240 sr.

LB 5-10 190 sr.

RB 6-0 175 sr. RB/LB 6-3 270 sr.

OL 6-0 178 sr.

RB 6-4 185 sr.

QB 6-0 260 sr.

OL 5-11 240 sr.

DL 6-0 180 sr. S/WR 6-3 215 sr.

LB 5-11 185 sr.

DB 6-4 280 sr.

OL 6-4 285 sr.

OL 6-0 200 sr.

RB 5-10 190 sr.

WR 6-7 320 sr.

OT 6-1 225 sr.

LB 5-10 185 sr.

RB 5-11 240 sr. OL/DL 6-0 150 sr.

DB 6-1 180 sr.

DB 6-0 203 sr.

LB

OTHERS TO WATCH: Blue Springs: Jessup Leakey, 6-3, 260 sr., OL; Koby Mansfield, 6-2, 185, sr., QB; Nick Wood, 5-10, 175, sr., RB; Beau Stephens, 6-5, 285, soph., OL; Blue Springs South: Adam Connors, 6-2, 180, sr., QB; Dakoda Kenig, 5-8, 165, sr., RB; Anthony Orlando, 6-0, 195, sr., LB; Isaac Pena, 6-0, 245, sr., DL; Fort Osage: Ethan Parton, 6-1, 190, sr., DB; Cahleel Smith, 6-0, 169, sr., DB; Roman Tinoco, 5-8, 160, sr., RB; Pati Tuaililli, 6-2, 295, sr., OL; Richard Wiseman, 6-0, 185, sr., WR; Grain Valley: Jace Collum, 5-10, 150, sr., DB; Seth Dankenbring, 5-8, 190, jr., LB; Lee’s Summit North: Gracen Bell, 6-3, 215, fresh., TE; Christian Carter, 6-0, 170, sr., QB; Mark McGhee, 6-3, 290, jr., DL; Keyon Mozee, 5-8, 170, jr.; Oak Grove: Devin Alewine, 6-0, 270, jr., OL/DL; Nathan Foster, 6-0, 170, jr., WR; St, Michael the Archangel: Caleb Baker, 6-1, 175, sr., DB; Brandon Lane, 6-4, 250, jr., DL/TE; Truman: Andre Owens, 6-0, 195, sr., RB/LB; Chase Schroeder, 6-0, 205, sr., LB/TE; Trent Sorrells, 5-9, 165, sr., DB; Van Horn: Sean Ross, 6-0, 175, sr., QB; Sobelli Powell, 5-8, 200, sr., RB; William Chrisman: Isaiah McFall, 6-0, 315, sr., DL; Osi Nauer, 6-0, 195, soph., RB/LB.

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

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Few would disagree with that comment.

But spend a few moments with Pugh and you will know this coach isn’t in it for the hardware – he’s there for his players, both on and off the field.

“Do you want to know why I love my job so much?” asked Pugh, as his assistants got ready for that afternoon’s practice. “The kids. I love being around the young men on this team and the student who are here at Truman.

“I remember a conversation I had with a young man on the team, who was concerned about something and wanted to talk to me about it. He told me he had two Cs, but he said, ‘They’re a 78 and a 79, and if I work hard I can get them up to where they’d be Bs.’ “That’s the type of young men we have on this team. They care about all aspects of being a student/athlete at Truman. My goodness, if that is the

GUARDIANS From Page 14 we’re doing better this year is tailoring things defensively,” Page said.

“It’s a question of, if we can stay

worst thing he has to deal with, or I have to hear about, we’re both very, very lucky.”

Speaking of luck, the Patriots didn’t have much when the 2018 schedule was made up. They open against defending state champion Staley.

“That’s fine with me,” Pugh said, a touch of pride in his voice. “We know how good Staley is. That program has been very good for a long time. When you open with a team like Staley, you find out how good you are, and what you need to work on.

“I want our players to respect a program like the one at Staley, but to never fear an opponent. We have some young guys who are going to have an impact on our team this year. We kind of threw them out there last year as sophomores out of necessity.

“It was tough for them, but they learned a great deal and now, can come back one year older and with one year of experience. I don’t know how many games we’re going to win this year, but I know we’re going to work hard and do our best to be better each day.

“And a coach can’t ask for much more than that.” healthy, I think we have some very good athletes offensively if we can protect the quarterback well enough to get the ball to them and keep the defense off the field, and can we find opportunities to get our younger guys some time and give a break to the guys who play so many snaps.”

▼ ST. MICHAEL

SEE PREVIEW ON PAGE 5

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

at center.

“Last year we had a good team on the O-line, but this year, we’ll have a better O-line,” Maluia said. “I think we’ll really get it this year.”

That group will protect quarterback Sean Ross, who earned the starting role last year but missed most of the season with a high ankle sprain. He returns to give the Falcons a dual threat quarterback after the now graduated Terrion Seddens filled in as a mostly running quarterback.

“I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks around, in the city,” Harris said of Ross. “He can run. He can throw. When he’s locked in and focused, he can do some damage. After losing Terrion and Izaiah Cosey, he’s a kid who’s going to have to shoulder the load for us.”

Ross is eager to get back in game action.

“It’s a blessing to be back out there,” he said. “I love this sport and doing what I do best.”

At running back, the Falcons have a handful of options to replace Cosey.

Sobelli Powell, who played at fullback last year, will be a solid pass catching option out of the backfield. Devontae Tolar, who got some carries in 2016 but didn’t play last season, is an option to line up behind the quarterback. Marquon Whetstone, a transfer from St. Thomas Aquinas, also could receive some carries, as well as returning starter Tavious Brown.

“He catches the ball real well,” Harris said of Powell. “He was second on our team in touchdown receptions. We do some things to get him open and get him the ball in space.

“Devontae Tolar played his freshman year and had about 600 yards. We’ve got three decent backs right now. Marquon Whetstone is a pretty good kid. He is on our 4x100 team for track. We have to figure out what we’re going to do with our backfield. We’ll be able to sub some guys in and give some guys some breaks.”

At wide receiver, the Falcons return 6-foot-2 senior Isaac Fue-King and speedy senior Paul Hemmingway.

Newcomer Drevion Downton also will see some time at receiver.

“Paul is the cerebral guy in that receiving corps,” Harris said of Hemmingway.

“I tell him all the time that I’m proud of

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR AREA SPORTS TEAMS!

him for scoring a 31 ACT last week. He also had a 35 out of 36 on the math part.

He’s a smart kid, he works hard and plays hard. He can catch the ball and I always yell at him to score when he catches the ball. He catches the ball consistently.”

Added Ross: “They (Fue-King and Hemmingway) are fast and dangerous.”

On defense, the Falcons will have several new players filling voids. Skivers will lead the defensive line, a unit which has looked good in practice, Harris said.

Joining him up front are Maluia and Caleb Trivino.

“We’ve got some freshmen making some moves on D-line,” Skivers said.

“We’re looking pretty good. I think of us as a car. If defensive line does good, the linebackers will do good and the defensive backs will do good.”

The Falcons return the most experience at linebacker with varsity lettermen Jacob Kroeger and Isaiah Walton making up that unit in the Falcons’ 4-2-5 formation.

“Jacob is a kid who’s played since his freshman year when I got here,” Harris said. “He’s not big when you see him.

He’s not going to intimidate you, but he’ll throw it in there. He’s very smart and

19 reads his keys.

“Isaiah Walton is a kid who came on late for us last year. We actually had him at defensive end because of depth issues and things we were doing on defense. We moved him to inside linebacker. And if he keeps projecting the way he is, he could be a dominant inside linebacker.”

In the secondary, Van Horn has one returning cornerback in David Krantz.

Seniors Malik Rainey and DJ Weeks will join Krantz at cornerback.

Sean Mitchell has taken the lead at free safety and other Falcons are competing for the strong safety vacancy.

“We’ve got good looking kids, it’s just about getting them used to the physicality,” Harris said of the defense. “We lost a lot of guys on that side. The thing I have been harping on and that I know we need to focus on right now is getting those physicality. If we can get that down, they will make plays.”

Skivers echoes the optimism of his coach.

“I feel like we’re a better team than we were last year,” he said. “We have some kids who have come out, bigger, stronger.

We want to go to state but we have to go 1-0 first.”

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

20

▼ OAK GROVE PANTHERS

Panthers want to get back to winning

By Michael Smith michael.smith@examiner.net

The 2017 season for the Oak Grove football team was something that head coach Pat Richard said he wasn’t used to.

And that’s not a good thing.

The Panthers finished 3-7, their worst record since 2009, when they finished 0-10, and his worst record at Oak Grove.

In fact, the last two years have been losing seasons for Oak Grove – a program that is three years removed from a 9-3 record and four years removed from a state championship in 2014.

This year, Oak Grove aims to get back to the program’s winning ways.

The 2018 version of the Panthers will be young as they only return 16 letter-winners from the previous year.

“We had a lot of injuries last year and that affected our record,” Richard said.

“It gave a lot of younger kids a lot of opportunities to play and get experience.

We’re still so young, but it’s a more experienced young than a year ago.”

Most of those players are on defense. The Panthers return 10 players on that side of the ball and Richard has confidence that the unit will be strong.

That will start with the defensive line as the group returns two, Michael Hoffman and Devin Alewine. Ryan

Skaggs, Kalen Kemp and Deshawn Clayton are newcomers who should see some playing time up front.

The linebacker unit features three returning starters in Peyton Clouse, Clay Griffin and Moses Sanderson, who is transitioning from being a defensive lineman. That trio combined for 119 tackles in 2017.

“We’re more of a run stopping team,” Hoffman said. “We’re playing a 3-4 defense. (The transition from a 4-3 defense) is going well. We came in a little worried but we’ve been working on it in the offseason. We’re prepared for it.”

In the secondary, Oak Grove brings back TJ Jackson, Rylee Mills and Silas Hicks to play at the cornerback spots.

Brendan Marsh will also return to play strong safety.

“We’re tackling so much better in practice than last year,” Richard said.

“Last year, we struggled some with being Oak Grove. Oak Grove is tough and being physical. We weren’t as physical last year as we should have been. I think we’re getting back to that this year. We have a strength (in all area of the defense). They are going to be a lot better than they were a year ago.”

Added Mills: “We’re looking good.

I think we’re going to start hitting people harder. We’ve been hitting a lot harder and playing coverages better.

We’re not going to allow anything over

GO PANTHERS! ®

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Panthers glance Head coach: Pat Richard (seventh season, 58-25 overall at Oak Grove and 156-51 overall).

Assistant coaches: Brynnen Webb, Jamie Scully, John Lindmark, Sam Ellifrits, Ethan Grumke, Garrett Higbeem, Wayne McGinnis.

Returning letter winners: 16 Returning offensive starters (7): Devin Alewine, 6-0, 270, jr., OL; Kalen Kemp, 6-0, 190, jr., OL; Nathan Foster, 6-0, 170, jr., WR; Clay Griffin, 6-2, 190, jr., OL; Michael Hoffman, 5-10, 280, sr., OL; Cameron Keith, 6-2, 200, jr., TE; Joey Lewis, 6-1, 170, soph., FB. Returning defensive starters (10): Devin Alewine, 6-0, 270, jr., DL; Peyton Clouse, 5-11, 180, sr., LB; Clay Griffin, 6-2, 190, jr., RB; Silas Hicks, 5-10, 150, soph., DB; Michael Hoffman, 5-10, 280, sr., DL; TJ Jackson, 6-0, 165, sr., DB; Eric McKinney, 6-0, 160, jr., DB; Rylee Mills, 5-8, 150, sr., DB; Moses Sanderson, 5-11, 190, sr., LB; Brendan Marsh, 5-11, 160, jr., SS. Others to watch: Brody Armstrong, 5-11, 160, jr., WR/LB; Zander Brinegar, 5-9, 210, fresh., OL/DL; Deshawn Clayton, 5-9, 185, sr., RB/LB; Ricardo Delgado, 6-0, 150, soph., K/WR/DB; Evan Hall, 5-11, 175, jr., FB/LB; Garrett Hudspeth, 5-9, 200, fresh., OL/DL; Hunter Jones, 6-1, 160, fresh., QB; Jamison Kirk, 6-0, 170, fresh., RB/LB; Zach Kroah, 6-0, 175, jr., OL/DL; Cameron Petit, 6-2, 270, soph., OL/DL; Ryan Skaggs, 5-11, 180, jr., TE/LB; Clynton Stewart, 5-10, 160, fresh., FB/LB; Kaiden Weir, 6-3, 200, fresh., TE/DL.

Panthers’ 2018 schedule Date/Opponent Aug, 24 — at Lawson Aug. 31 — Blair Oaks Sept. 7 — at Center Sept. 14 — Kansas City East Sept. 21 — at Odessa

Date/Opponent Sept. 28 — Pleasant Hill Oct. 5 — Excelsior Springs Oct. 12 — at Harrisonville Oct. 19 — at Warrensburg Oct. 26 — First round of district

All home games played at Panther Stadium, Oak Grove High School

Panthers’ 2017 results Overall: 3-7 / Conference: 1-4 MRVC West W-L/Opponent OG-Opp W-Richmond 31-14 L-Blair Oaks 7-46 W-Lift for Life Academy 29-0 L-St. Louis Carnahan 14-28 W-Odessa 18-14

W-L/Opponent OG-Opp L-Pleasant Hill 0-28 L-Excelsior Springs 31-49 L-Harrisonville 0-41 L-Grain Valley 14-42 L-Hogan Prep Academy* 14-60

* – Class 3 District 7 playoffs

our head this year.

“We want to restate our name so other teams are scared to play us.”

On offense, Marsh and Hunter Jones are competing for who will take over at quarterback for the graduated Jaxon Althaus. That position may be more important than ever for the Panthers as Richard said his team will throw the ball a lot more than it has in the past.

“Marsh is a junior, so he’s got a little bit of a leg up on knowing the offense,” Richard said. “But it’s been a good competitive summer and they

have both looked good. I would feel good about either one of them running our offense.”

In the past, Oak Grove’s bread and butter was the running game. It will be tough for the Panthers to replicate that success with Althaus and standout running back Kenton Wilhoit graduating.

Filling in for Wilhoit will be Griffin and Sanderson. Fullback Joey Lewis should also get some carries and help the offensive line with blocking.

At receiver, Nate Foster returns See PANTHERS / 21

1

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

21

▼ OAK GROVE PANTHERS

PANTHERS From Page 20

Returning to lead Oak Grove this season include, front row (left to right): Dashawn Clayton, Rylee Mills; back row: TJ Jackson, Moses Sanderson, Michael Hoffman, Peyton Clouse, Mathew Hansen. BRIAN DAVIDSON | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

and will operate mainly out of the slot. Jamison Kirk, Eric McKinney, Jackson, Brody Armstrong and Ricardo Delgado also could see some time catching passes.

“His speed and his development in the offseason has been awesome,” Richard said of Foster. “We are going to try to get him the ball however we can get it to him.”

Blocking for them will be three returning starters at offensive line – Kemp, Alewine and Hoffman. Freshmen Zander Brinegar and Garrett Hudspeth also figure to push for some playing time.

At tight end, Cameron Keith returns to help with the blocking and pass catching duties.

“He’s gained 20 pounds and he looks a lot better,” Richard said of Keith. “He’s gotten a lot stronger.”

So with a handful of returners coming back and some newcomers looking impressive in practice, Richard said he hopes he can put last year behind him.

“Last year, was humbling a little bit to us,” he said. “We have to rebound and rise out of it. Nobody wants to repeat last year. We’ll be better for sure.”

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

▼ LEE’S SUMMIT NORTH BRONCOS

These returning starters are expected to help lead the Lee’s Summit North Broncos this season. They include, front row (from left to right): Nyles Thomas, Logan Thornton, Myles Shaw, Keyon Mozee, Dayne Davis, John Eldridge, Brandon Winston, Alan Wells, Jaylen Hickles; middle row: Christian Carter, Mikey Robinson, Jaylen Hickman, Jaron Cole, Raheem Fisher; back row: Larenz Norman, Ontario Russell, Lane Overton, Joel Stevens, Jordan Gibson, Lazell Williams, Mason Urick, Mark McGhee, Kienen Gaski. BRIAN DAVIDSON | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

Broncos looking to rise to elite status

By Michael Smith michael.smith@examiner.net

When a football team returns a whopping 30 letter-winners and 17 total starters from the previous year, chances are that expectations are going to go up.

That’s the case with Lee’s Summit North, a team that finished 6-4, one of the program’s best records in school history, according to head coach Jamar Mozee.

During a recent practice, Mozee spoke to his team about all the media attention it had been receiving. He reminded his players that the Broncos are ranked 10th in the top 25 list of 810varsity.com’s top 25 teams of the Kansas City Metro area.

He told his team if it is ranked that high, the

players should practice and act like a top 10 team.

“I look at it as a mark of progress,” Mozee said of the ranking. “For them to even consider us is an honor. We got to live up to it. We finished pretty strong last year. It was a big step for us.

“Having 17 returning starters is going to make a big difference for us. We’re stronger, bigger and faster.”

Because of the ranking and so much experience coming back, North is thinking about making a run for its first state championship appearance in school history. It certainly helps the Broncos that they have eight returners on offense and nine on defense.

The offense will be led by quarterback See BRONCOS / 23

Broncos glance Head coach: Jamar Mozee (fourth season, 13-17 overall at Lee’s Summit North and overall) Assistant coaches: Mark Simcox, Jason Jones, Ovi Oghenejobo, Ron Freeman, Michael Dickson, Jimmy Wilkerson, Jason Rogers, Tyler Hargis, Brian Glenski, Aaton Vaeao.

Returning letter winners: 30 Returning offensive starters (8): Joel Stevens, 6-7, 320, sr. RT; Jordan Gibson, 6-3, 270, sr., OL; Christian Carter, 6-0, 170, sr., QB; John Eldridge, 5-10, 190, sr., RB; Ontario Russell, 6-0, 200, sr., RB; Mason Urick, 6-3, 270, jr., C; Keyon Mozee, 5-8, 170, jr., RB/WR; Myles Shaw, 5-9, 175, jr., RB/WR. Returning defensive starters (9): Mark McGhee, 6-3, 290, jr., DL; Matt Hood, 6-3, 25, sr., DE; Logan Thornton, 5-10, 200, sr., DE; Kienen Gaskin, 5-11, 205, jr. LB; Nyles Thomas, 5-9, 170, sr., S; Jaylen Hickles, 5-10, 175, sr., CB; Brandon Winston, 5-10, 175, sr., CB; Dubem Okonkwo, 6-1, 205, sr., LB; Lane Overton, 6-0, 180, sr., LB. Others to watch: Jaron Cole, 6-0, 180, jr. S; Raheem Fisher, 6-0, 250, jr., DL; Lazell Williams, 6-0, 205, sr., LB; Jaylen Hickman, 5-10, 190, sr., LB; Charles Jett, 6-3, 180, sr., CB; Gracen Bell, 6-3, 215, fresh., TE; Larenz Norman, 5-10, 225, sr., DE; Mike Dolman, 6-2, 300, fresh., DL; Wesley Martin, 6-3, 270, jr., G; Gabe Milliron, 6-2, 250, jr., G.

Broncos’ 2018 schedule Date/Opponent Aug. 24 — Liberty North Aug. 31 — at St. Joseph Central Sept. 7 — at Blue Springs Sept. 14 — Park Hill Sept. 21 — at Liberty

Date/Opponent Sept. 28 — Lee’s Summit West Oct. 5 — at Lee’s Summit Oct. 12 — at Raymore-Peculiar Oct. 19 — Blue Springs South Oct. 26 — First round of district

All home games played at BAC Stadium, Lee’s Summit North High School

Broncos’ 2017 results Overall: 6-4 / Conference: 3-3 Suburban Big Seven W-L/Opponent LSN-Opp L-Park Hill 21-41 W-Raymore-Peculiar 65-27 W-Blue Springs South 29-16 L-Lee’s Summit West 24-45 W-Olathe Northwest 24-23 * – Class 6 District 4 playoffs

W-L/Opponent LSN-Opp W-Lee’s Summit 14-7 L-Blue Springs 6-42 W-Park Hill South 35-3 W-Liberty 30-15 L-Rockhurst* 0-7

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

BRONCOS From Page 22 Christian Carter, who started at signal caller for the first time last season. He was primarily a ball carrier last year but has been working over the summer on his passing.

“I’ve been working more on footwork, going to quarterback camps and stuff,” said Carter, who threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 1,037 yards and one other score.

“I’ve just been getting more committed to it so I can get better at it.”

Mozee said Carter has taken some major strides.

“He’s had an outstanding offseason throwing the ball,” Mozee said. “Last season, he didn’t have an offseason of playing quarterback at all. We threw him into the fire and he did well because he’s a great athlete. This year, he has a better grasp of the position.

He’s worked on the throwing aspect of it and has shown a lot of improvement.”

Carter will get quite a bit of help in the backfield with four experienced returners. John Eldridge tallied 599 yards and 10 TDs on 91 carries along with Ontario Russell, who had 572 yards and five TDs on 93 carries and has received some college offers.

Keyon Mozee (194 total yards in 2017), an all-state sprinter in track, and Myles Shaw (138) will help out with the ball carrying duties and will also serve as slot receivers.

“They are all different. Ontario is the biggest one. He’s 200 (pounds),” Mozee said. “He’s going to be a downhill guy.

John can go downhill, but he’s an elusive guy. He’s hard to tackle. Keyon is fast and he’s probably the shiftiest of the four. Myles Shaw is kind of a mixture of all of them.”

Added Carter: “John and Ontario have gotten a lot better in practice.

They have been working pretty hard together and doing workouts together.

They also compete against each other and see how they can improve.”

Shaw and Mozee will get some help at wide receiver from Logan Muckey and Dayne Davis. The grandson of former

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Kansas Chiefs Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Bell, freshman Gracen Bell, will take over as the team’s tight end.

“We’re going to get him on the field early this year and see what he can do,” Mozee said of Bell. “We have a lot of confidence in him.”

Right tackle Joel Stevens, left tackle Jordan Gibson and center Mason Urick are the returning players who will lead a big offensive line. Wesley Martin and Gabe Millron are newcomers who will fill in at the guard spots.

“They all got good size and are good athletes,” Mozee said. “They work well together.”

On defense, the Broncos return nine players, including Mark McGhee and Alan Wells on the defensive line, along defensive ends Matt Hood and Logan Thornton. Larenz Norman, a defensive end, should also see some playing time.

Junior Kienen Gaskin will lead the linebacking corps a year after he led the team in tackles with 82. Lane Overton, who was second on the team with four sacks a year ago, and Dubem Okonkwo, who also had some varsity playing time last year, will join Gaskin.

23 Newcomers Lazell Williams, Jaylen Hickman and Mikey Robinson will also be the rotation.

“The defense as a whole got way faster than last year,” Gaskin said. “I feel like we’re going to be way better and way more in tact. Everyone knows their job.”

In the secondary, second-team all-Suburban Big Seven Conference selection Jaylen Hickles and Brandon Winston will be the primary cornerbacks. Nyles Thomas will return at one of the safety spots, while Jaron Cole will man the other.

“We think highly of our secondary,” Mozee said. “We have a lot of guys (in the secondary) who have played a lot of football. We are going to play a lot of good teams, so having a good secondary helps.”

And that unit could also help the Broncos accomplish three goals Mozee has set for his team.

“We want to win a conference championship, we want to win districts and we want to win state,” he said. “That’s been my goal since I walked into the door. I just didn’t voice it as much then. I think we have the talent to compete against anybody.”

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

24

Players

EAGLES

The Examiner’s

of the

YEAR OFFENSE

year

SCHOOL

From Page 13

* Co-Players of the Year

DEFENSE

SCHOOL

1979 Mike Ingle Raytown Alan Lange Raytown South 1980 Jeff Mann Raytown Pat Connor Blue Springs 1981 Todd Scheerer Raytown South Phil Forte Raytown South 1982 Brad White Lee’s Summit Mark Smith Lee’s Summit 1983 Dalton Vann Lee’s Summit Gary Allin Raytown South 1984 Mike Hunter Raytown Mike Young Raytown South 1985 Craig Phillips Lee’s Summit Jim Bebee Truman 1986 Mike Scott Raytown South Jeff Summers Lee’s Summit 1987 Chris Works Lee’s Summit Roy McFarland Lee’s Summit 1988 Todd Spurck Lee’s Summit Tim Alvarado Blue Springs 1989 Jeff Handy Blue Springs Ben Andes Blue Springs 1990 Jeff Moreland Blue Springs Scott McKee Truman 1991 Tyrone Douglas Raytown Ryan Reid Blue Springs 1992 Maurice Daniels Raytown South Nathan Fulk Blue Springs 1993 Ryan Fry Oak Grove Joseph Haynes Van Horn 1994 Kevin Hunt Van Horn Tory Schwope Blue Springs 1995 Ladell Betts Blue Springs Jon Oyler BS South 1996 Ladell Betts Blue Springs Andy Sims Fort Osage 1997 Jamar Mozee Blue Springs Damon Dombrowski Truman 1998 Jamar Mozee Blue Springs Matt VerDught BS South 1999 Kegan Coleman LS North Justin McClain BS South 2000 Jeremy Braden Fort Osage Earl Jack* Blue Springs

Mike Mendenhall* BS South 2001 Andrew Tuggle Blue Springs Bruce Ringwood Blue Springs 2002 Seth Williams Grain Valley Bruce Ringwood* Blue Springs

Jamie Scully* Grain Valley 2003 Stinson Dean Blue Springs Mike LoPorto BS South 2004 Ben Kisner Chrisman Jaron Baston Blue Springs 2005 La’Darrian Page LS West Jeff Julian BS South 2006 Dalton Krysa Fort Osage Brian Hertzog LS West 2007 Cody Fogle Grain Valley Donte Strickland BS South 2008 Blaine Dalton BS South Gus Toca Blue Springs 2009 Darrian Miller Blue Springs E.J. Gaines Fort Osage 2010 Darrian Miller Blue Springs Tony Tanumai Fort Osage 2011 Connor Harris BS South Tony Tanumai Fort Osage 2012 Dalvin Warmack Blue Springs Elijah Lee* Blue Springs

Mamu Tauiautusa* Fort Osage 2013 Dalvin Warmack Blue Springs Elijah Lee Blue Springs 2014 Skylar Thompson* Fort Osage Carlos Davis Blue Springs

Aaron Graham* Oak Grove 2015 Skylar Thompson* Fort Osage Adam Cofield* BS South

Jordan Salima* Truman Sima Thomas* Fort Osage 2016 James Bailey Chrisman Casey Still Blue Springs 2017 Daniel Parker Jr. Blue Springs Daniel Carson Chrisman SINCE 1973

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around the team for a few minutes and you can sense the kids’ excitement.

“Our first game can’t get here fast enough to suit them, although, as a coach, you always want just one more day to prepare. But we’re almost there.

I think we might surprise some people this year.”

But none of those surprised prep followers will be in the Eagles’ locker room.

Junior Seth Dankenbring, an undersized linebacker who is one of many leaders for the Eagles, believes his team is ready for any challenge.

“When Coach Allie and Coach (Pete) Carpino and the rest of our coaches got here, everything changed,” the 5-foot-8, 190-pound Dankenbring said. “We’re a family. We’ve had so much success, but everyone is saying, ‘Well, Tate (Collum) is gone and Ethan (Macoubrie) is gone – but we are so much more than a team of one or two great players.

“We lost a lot of great players who helped us win those two conference championships, but we have a lot of solid players back and we’re always going to play as a team. We’re playing for each other, for our coaches, for school, for our community and we’re

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going into this season with a lot of confidence.”

And first-year starting quarterback, sophomore Cole Keller, believes that confidence can translate into success.

“There are a lot of new players this year, including me,” joked Keller, a 6-foot-4, 190-pounder who is getting rave reviews from Allie and his staff.

“Tate was a great quarterback, a winner and a leader on this team.

“But I can’t be Tate Collum and I’m not going to try to be Tate Collum. I’m just going to be myself, and I know I’m going to make some mistakes and I know I have a lot to learn. But we’re all in this together and I think we’re going to be a lot better team than a lot of people think.”

When asked about the move to the Suburban Conference, both grinned and nodded in agreement.

“We have grown so much, as a school and as a team, and we know it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s a challenge we’re ready for,” Dankenbring said.

Added Keller, “We’re going to take it one game at a time and we want to be better the last game (of the regular season) than we were the first game. The guys on the team and our coaches are going to take care of me, and I’m going to do everything I can have success in my first year as a starter.

“I know everyone (has said) this, but we can’t wait for the season to start.”

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

25

▼ 2018 EJC HIGH SCHOOL WEEKLY SCHEDULE WEEK 1 FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 7 p.m. — William Chrisman at Blue Springs 7 p.m. — Blue Springs South at Raytown 7 p.m. — Raytown South at Fort Osage 7 p.m. — Grain Valley at Savannah 7 p.m. — Liberty North at Lee’s Summit North 7 p.m. — Oak Grove at Lawson 7 p.m. — Summit Christian Academy at St. Michael the Archangel at Lee’s Summit High School 7 p.m. — Staley at Truman 7 p.m. — Kansas City East vs. Van Horn at William Chrisman High School WEEK 2 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 7 p.m. — Raymore-Peculiar at Blue Springs South 7 p.m. — Lee’s Summit West at Fort Osage 7 p.m. — Grandview at Grain Valley 7 p.m. — Lee’s Summit North at St. Joseph Central 7 p.m. — Blair Oaks at Oak Grove 7 p.m. — St. Pius X vs. St. Michael the Archangel at Lee’s Summit North High School 7 p.m. — Truman at Liberty North 7 p.m. — North Kansas City at William Chrisman 7:30 p.m. — Blue Springs at Rockhurst SATURDAY, SEPT. 1 1 p.m. — Butler vs. Van Horn at William Chrisman High School WEEK 3 FRIDAY, SEPT. 7 7 p.m. — Lee’s Summit North at Blue Springs 7 p.m. — Blue Springs South at Lee’s Summit West 7 p.m. — Fort Osage at Belton 7 p.m. — Grain Valley at Smithville 7 p.m. — Oak Grove at Center 7 p.m. — St. Michael the Archangel at Fair Grove 7 p.m. — Truman at Liberty 7 p.m. — Van Horn at Kansas City (Kan.) Bishop Ward

BEARS From Page 11 yards and two touchdowns on 14 catches a year ago.

Simeon Leau-Fiso is a senior who will help out at receiver along with senior Hunter Clark.

“He’s probably been the biggest surprise at camp,” Perry said of Leau-Fiso.

The offensive line returns four starters and has one newcomer. Guard David Toese, a first team All-Suburban Middle Six Conference and third-team Class 5 all-state selection in 2017 will anchor the line. Center Taylor Perry, Colton Kerr and tackle Jadyn Williams also return. Perry said senior Kyler Aiaga will be the fifth starter.

“They are probably the smartest offensive line we’ve had since I’ve been here,”

7 p.m. — Oak Park at William Chrisman WEEK 4 FRIDAY, SEPT. 14 7 p.m. — Blue Springs at Lee’s Summit 7 p.m. — Rockhurst at Blue Springs South 7 p.m. — North Kansas City at Fort Osage 7 p.m. — Platte County at Grain Valley 7 p.m. — Park Hill at Lee’s Summit North 7 p.m. — Kansas City East at Oak Grove 7 p.m. — St. Michael the Archangel at Lone Jack 7 p.m. — St. Joseph Central at Truman 7 p.m. — Van Horn at Center 7 p.m. — William Chrisman at Raytown WEEK 5 FRIDAY, SEPT. 21 7 p.m. — Blue Springs South at Blue Springs 7 p.m. — Fort Osage vs. Oak Park at Staley High School 7 p.m. — Grain Valley vs. Winnetonka at North Kansas City High School 7 p.m. — Lee’s Summit North at Liberty 7 p.m. — Oak Grove at Odessa 7 p.m. — Truman at William Chrisman 7 p.m. — Van Horn vs. Kansas City Northeast at IL District Stadium SATURDAY, SEPT. 22 1 p.m. — St. Michael the Archangel at Kansas City Southeast WEEK 6 FRIDAY, SEPT. 28 7 p.m. — Blue Springs at Raymore-Peculiar 7 p.m. — William Chrisman at Blue Springs South 7 p.m. — Park Hill at Fort Osage 7 p.m. — Raytown at Grain Valley 7 p.m. — Lee’s Summit West at Lee’s Summit North 7 p.m. — Pleasant Hill at Oak Grove 7 p.m. — Drexel vs. St. Michael the Archangel at Lee’s Summit High School 7 p.m. — Truman at North Kansas City 7 p.m. — Winnetonka vs. Van Horn at William Chrisman

Perry said. “They are not big, but they are good position blockers.”

Perry will have several of his offensive starters doing double duty on defense because they lost eight seniors from a stout 2017 defensive unit, including University of Texas defensive end Daniel Carson and Missouri Western linebacker Emori Thomas, both all-state selections.

On the defensive line, Aiaga is a returning starter at defensive tackle along with Isaiah McFall, a 6-foot, 315 pound nose tackle.

Ralph Covington is a newcomer who could see time at defensive end.

“Isaiah McFall is a big ol’ strong kid in the middle,” Perry said. “Our defensive line will be pretty decent with McFall in the middle.”

At linebacker, Felix returns as a middle linebacker and Nauer will be starting as an outside linebacker. Others who could contribute at the position include Zach Rowe,

WEEK 7 FRIDAY, OCT. 5 7 p.m. — Liberty North at Blue Springs 7 p.m. — Blue Springs South at Park Hill 7 p.m. — Fort Osage at Raytown 7 p.m. — Grain Valley at Kearney 7 p.m. — Lee’s Summit North at Lee’s Summit 7 p.m. — Excelsior Springs at Oak Grove 7 p.m. — Pierce City vs. St. Michael the Archangel at Lee’s Summit North High School 7 p.m. — Park Hill South at Truman 7 p.m. — Van Horn at Summit Christian Academy 7 p.m. — Ruskin at William Chrisman WEEK 8 FRIDAY, OCT. 12 7 p.m. — Blue Springs at Lee’s Summit West 7 p.m. — Park Hill South at Blue Springs South 7 p.m. — William Chrisman at Fort Osage 7 p.m. — Ruskin at Grain Valley 7 p.m. — Lee’s Summit North at Raymore-Peculiar 7 p.m. — Oak Grove at Harrisonville 7 p.m. — St. Michael the Archangel at Center 7 p.m. — Truman at Columbia Hickman 7 p.m. — University Academy vs. Van Horn at William Chrisman High School WEEK 9 FRIDAY, OCT. 19 7 p.m. — Park Hill at Blue Springs 7 p.m. — Blue Springs South at Lee’s Summit North 7 p.m. — Fort Osage at Ruskin 7 p.m. — Raytown South at Grain Valley 7 p.m. — Oak Grove vs. Warrensburg at UCM 7 p.m. — St. Michael the Archangel at Clinton 7 p.m. — Lee’s Summit at Truman 7 p.m. — Belton at William Chrisman WEEK 10 FRIDAY, OCT. 26 First round of district playoffs

Devin Braswell, Lyndon Shell and Mason Walters.

In the secondary, Mason (see related story on page 3), who holds the school record for interceptions with eight, leads that unit.

“He reads everything pretty well. It’s fun to go against him in practice,” Herl said of his best friend, Mason. “He really knows what he’s doing back there. He picks me off every once in a while.”

Bryan Cox will play as a strong safety, while Clark and Sisco will man the cornerback spots.

While Chrisman has a fair amount of players returning from a talented 2017 season, depth may be an issue, Perry said.

Currently, the roster consists of about 60 players.

“We’ve got some good kids, we just don’t have a lot of them,” Perry said. “I say we’re around 60, but we need more.”

Senior Dawson Herl will be the starter at QB for a second year.

BRIAN DAVIDSON | SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

26

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

▼ BLUE SPRINGS WILDCATS David M. Rainey • Special to The Examiner

SEE TEAM PREVIEW ON PAGE 5

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

▼ BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH JAGUARS

SEE TEAM PREVIEW ON PAGE5 4

David M. Rainey • Special to The Examiner

▼ FORT OSAGE INDIANS Brian Davidson • Special to The Examiner

SEE TEAM PREVIEW ON PAGE 8

27

28

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

▼ GRAIN VALLEY EAGLES

SEE TEAM PREVIEW ON PAGE 13

Brian Davidson • Special to The Examiner

▼ LEE’S SUMMIT NORTH BRONCOS Brian Davidson • Special to The Examiner

SEE TEAM PREVIEW ON PAGE 22

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

▼ OAK GROVE PANTHERS

SEE TEAM PREVIEW ON PAGE 20

Brian Davidson • Special to The Examiner

▼ TRUMAN PATRIOTS Brian Davidson • Special to The Examiner

SEE TEAM PREVIEW ON PAGE 10

29

30

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

▼ WILLIAM CHRISMAN BEARS

SEE TEAM PREVIEW ON PAGE 11

Brian Davidson • Special to The Examiner

▼ VAN HORN FALCONS

SEE TEAM PREVIEW ON PAGE 12

David M. Rainey • Special to The Examiner

The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

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The Examiner’s High School Sports Special Edition: 2018 Football Preview

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