t for the Lady EaglesSports: Lady Eight is grea

Eight is great for the Lady Eagles

by John Unrein

The Grain Valley Lady Eagles soccer team scored eight goals to move their record to 8-0 on the season against the Fort Osage Indians on April 12th. The contest only lasted a total of 49 minutes with the spread rule coming into effect upon Grain Valley’s final goal by Meghan Knust just 9 minutes into the second half. A Fort Osage Indian squad that was not at full strength due to COVID-19 related issues put forth their best effort with reduced numbers. A perfect record remains intact for a young Lady Eagles squad that has shown a propensity for scoring goals this season. Grain Valley has averaged 4.75 goals a game through timely passing and nifty shot selection. The unselfishness of head coach Tyler Nichol’s squad has reaped success for the Lady Eagles. Freshman Kylee Bragaw was a prime example of this in the Lady Eagles win. Fellow freshman Emma Thiessen crossed the ball to Bragaw who used her left foot to intentionally send the ball at a high trajectory on a lob shot over the outstretched arms of the Indians goalkeeper. Chants of “Bragaw Ball” emanated from the Grain Valley sideline following the crafty shot on goal thirty minutes into the first half. Bragaw would be followed by Sevreign Aumua and Annabelle Totta with goals at the 31 and 32 minute mark of the first half, respectively. The offensive outpouring in a three minute time span pushed the score to 6-0 and left the Lady Eagles on cruise control heading into the second half. The amount of respect exhibited for the freshman by upperclassmen has existed since the start of the season and surpasses the contributions made by the eight freshmen on the Grain Valley varsity roster. “My teammates started repeating the ‘Bragaw Ball’ saying after my first goal of the season against Staley. It was coined by Coach (Brett) Lewis and has stuck,” Bragaw said. “I think it is really cool the amount of respect given by my teammates. Our coaches have given us time on the field and encourage us to be ourselves when we play soccer. The lob shot was due to other players being in the way and that being the best shot I had. I tried it and it went in.” Totta added, “Tonight was great. That was due to us moving ball around and communicating extremely well. The depth on our team allows us to compete in waves. We trust each other to the point we do not have uncertainty regardless of who possesses the ball. Goalkeeper Camihle Williams produced her second shutout of the season in net for the Lady Eagles. Williams continues to become more vocal in directing her team with the pitch in front of them. A sign of the confidence that continues to grow for the sophomore goalie. “A shutout is always what you strive for and my team was affected by it in the best way possible. I continue to have open mindedness as a goalie in that your defense will not always do what you expect them to do. You have to adjust and avoid frustration if things do not go your way,” Williams said. The grin on Nichol’s face after a victory over a Suburban Conference opponent was unmistakable. The man at the helm will not be shy in telling you that the team’s performance has surpassed expectations thus far this season. The style and selflessness of play is what has Nichol the happiest as Grain Valley heads into a busy part of their schedule, playing three games the week of April 12th. “We were clean in our play tonight and moved the ball well against a quality opponent that was missing quite a few players. We know that it will not be this easy next time around against them (Fort Osage). We can only control what we can control. To see this many girls involved in our early season success has been very enjoyable,” Nichol said. “I hope it speaks volumes about our program -- the amount of care demonstrated by our team for each other in that they are a great group of human beings. This roster has not been mad in the sense that they are competing for spots with each other. It has been an environment that everyone is happy for each other regardless of who is putting the ball in net at the end of play.” Nichol finished, “I have to throw a shout out to Hannah Rast. She loved to throw her knee or foot at the ball the way Bragaw did tonight with the same result. The fun in that keeps me focused from thinking too much about our upcoming opponents. I am proud of this team.” Left to right: Camihle Williams, Kylee Bragaw, Annabelle Totta, Rian Handy Photo credit: Valley News staff

Left: Sophia Giuliano advances the ball down the field for the Lady Eagles. Right: Alexis Arreguin throws the ball into play from the sideline for the Lady Eagles. Photo credit: Valley News staff

Sports

Eagles too much for Bears

by John Unrein

The Grain Valley Eagles baseball team produced a run in every inning played except the first in route to a 10-0 spread rule victory over the William Chrisman Bears on April 9th. Grain Valley used a recipe of deft pitching, good defense, and timely hitting to produce a strong showing against a Suburban Conference opponent. The victory also leaves intact an undefeated record at home for the Eagles through the first month of the season. Starter Joel Palecek and reliever Parker Stone toiled on the mound to produce the shutout for Grain Valley. The duo scattered four base hits to combine with four strikeouts across five scoreless innings. The phrase “In Palecek We Trust” could be heard coming from the Eagles dugout after each of the first four frames. The junior starter continues to display calm body language in mixing his fastball, changeup, and curveball arsenal against opposing offenses. Stone was sharp as well in his one inning of relief. Senior catcher Cole Arndorfer was strong behind the plate defensively for Grain Valley. Arndorfer thwarted a steal attempt of second base with a solid throw in the top of the first inning that nullified the Bears chance of scoring. That was followed by Arndorfer assisting his teammates with where the baseball was headed after contact was made at the plate. Clear skies and a sunny afternoon left a “high sky” in baseball terminology for the Eagles to sort through. Arndorfer could be heard verifying location of the baseball in the top of the second inning by saying, “Up, no tag by runner.” The assistance by Arndorfer made the catch and knowing what to do with baseball afterwards easier for Eagles second baseman Avery Garmon. Big days at the plate were had by shortstop Parker Bosserman, right fielder Alex Snyder, and third baseman Riley Bown. The trio would produce 7 of the 10 runs batted in by Grain Valley. Bosserman would end up going three for three, with a stolen base, and 2 RBI’s. Snyder’s 2 RBI base hit in the bottom of the 4th inning broke the game wide open for the Eagles. Grain Valley’s approach of going the other way at the plate against William Chrisman’s southpaw starter Trey Kates paid dividends. The Eagles were determined to look the ball in as long as they could before triggering their swing to make sure they did not get fooled. The methodology worked and Grain Valley was rewarded for their patience. “I feel like I am seeing the ball well at the plate. It was a beautiful day outside and that did not hurt either. Focusing on staying back in my stance and hitting ball the opposite way paid off for me today,” Bosserman said. Snyder added, “I noticed in my first two at bats that I was way out in front. I changed my approach at the plate to hunt the fastball and make contact the other way in attempting to move runners over.” “This feels great in how we are coming together as a team. We are on a roll right now.” The growing confidence on display by the Eagles has head coach Brian Driskell content with where his team is headed. There is a new mix to the varsity roster this season with a decent number of seniors who graduated in 2020. It is always uncertain how a new group will gel and if team chemistry will result in support of one another. That has not been a worry for Driskell. “It has been a nice theme to see the clutch hitting we have done at the plate. On the opposite side we have also had timely pitching with two outs and not allowed the other team to do the same. Obviously, you do not want to put yourself on those positions defensively. Those are invaluable moments, so come the end of the season we’ll have experience in both comfortable and uncomfortable situations,” Driskell said. “Joel (Palecek) continues to throw strikes when he is on the mound for us. We talked as a team afterwards that we can give up five hits in three innings and work around that without the game getting away from us, or our defense getting tired or bored. It is exciting to play behind a pitcher that will keep the ball in play.” Driskell continued, “I am glad to see Cole (Arndorfer) be so vocal as a catcher. That is hard for him in that he is introverted. We have pressed him to speak up and support our defense and he has responded. I am happy he is showing comfort in finding his voice.” “Trey (Kates) did a good job for them (William Chrisman) pitching. I felt like he had us fooled early. He did a job mixing his pitches and missed in the middle of the plate a few times. We were able to advantage of that in those situations. I think he will be a solid pitcher for them moving forward.” Driskell finished, “I am encouraged by what I see from us. I like the temperament of this team. This has been as much fun as I have had coaching in thirteen years.” The win over William Chrisman and a subsequent 13-0 victory by the Eagles against North Kansas City in the Northland Baseball Tournament progresses Grain Valley’s record to 9-4 on the season.

Left: Starting pitcher Joel Palecek warms up on the mound. Right: Right fielder Alex Snyder connects at the plate to drive in two runs. Photo credit: Valley News staff Short stop Parker Bosserman waits for the pitch at the plate. Photo credit: Valley News staff

Chiefs Mock Draft

by John Unrein

The 86th annual selection meeting of the National Football League will be held April 29th through May 1st in Cleveland, Ohio. Much like spring training in baseball, the NFL draft brings renewed hope to franchises across the landscape of professional football. The Kansas City Chiefs definitely fall into that category, no doubt still feeling the sting of their 31 -9 Super Bowl LV defeat at the hands of Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach will have his hands full in trying to fill the team’s several positional needs. The organization has been active in free agency with signings of offensive guards Joe Thuney and Kyle Long. Those moves followed the release of long time Chiefs offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz. Kansas City has continued to bring players into the fold through late March and early April with the following additions:

Michael Burton FB Austin Blythe OL Daniel Sorensen S Demarcus Robinson WR Mike Remmers OL Nick Keizer TE Blake Bell TE Darrell Williams RB Taco Charlton DE

This draft has increased significance for the Chiefs. Outside of Thuney, all the other Chiefs recent free agent signings agreed to one year deals. The salary cap limit restructure across the NFL due to revenue lost from last year’s COVID-19 season has a lot of teams in the same boat as the Chiefs. Compounding matters is that defensive starters Tyrann Mathieu (safety), Chavarius Ward (cornerback), and Derrick Nnadi (defensive tackle) will be free agents themselves following this season. And by the way, the Chiefs have a glaring hole at left tackle, the individual responsible for protecting the blind side of the best player in the National Football League in Patrick Mahomes. According to NextGenStats, and previously reported by Seth Walder of ESPN, Mahomes scrambled for an eye popping 497 yards in the Super Bowl avoiding the pass rush of the Buccaneers. The official website of the Kansas City Chiefs currently has a blank space listed for the first team left tackle on the team’s depth chart. Martinas Rankin is listed as the second team left tackle. Simply put, Veach will not let the Chiefs exit the first round without trading for a veteran left tackle or selecting someone with the potential worthy of guarding Mahomes. Too much rides on the Super Bowl window remaining open for the Chiefs not to fill the position in a secure manner before any other needs are addressed. There have been online suggestions from pundits that the Chiefs could trade for Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. The 6’ 8” three hundred and forty five pound Brown has productive experience at both right and left tackles in the league while still only being 24 years of age. However, it would be a shock to see the Ravens trade him to the Chiefs considering both teams are in the same conference (AFC) and view themselves as contenders. The Chiefs have the following eight picks in this year’s draft: 1st Round (31st overall), 2nd round (63rd overall), 3rd round (94th overall), 4th round (136th overall), 4th round (144th overall), 5th round (177th overall), 5th round (181st overall), and 6th round (207th overall).

Stone Forsythe (Offensive Tackle), Florida Gators- 31st Overall Forsythe glides into his pass set with grace. According to Pro Football Focus, Forsythe only allowed two sacks last season while most games for the Gators were against SEC opponents. Forsythe also has the hand punch and athleticism needed to fend off talented edge rushers. More importantly, it is a cab ride to get around the size and length Forsythe possesses. Likeness can be found between Forsythe and another former Andy Reid coached offensive tackle in King Dunlap, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. Forsythe’s height works against him at times in the running game. The ability to learn how to use leverage as a tall player while locking on and moving defenders will be a work in progress at the pro level for Forsythe. That is okay though. Reid coached teams tend to be near the league lead in pass attempts. A trend likely to continue with Mahomes as the Chiefs signal caller. Mahomes must stay upright in the pocket though for that to take place. It has been confirmed that the Chiefs did attend Forsythe’s pro day in Gainesville, Florida with a Chiefs scout running the offensive line drills.

Pro day measurables for Forsythe HT: 6’ 8” WT: 307 Hand: 10” Arm length: 34.375” 40 yard dash: 5.14 and 5.15 seconds Vertical jump: 27.5” Broad jump: 8’ 7” Short shuttle: 4.65 seconds Three cone agility: 7.47 seconds 225 pound bench press reps: 25

Tommy Tremble (Tight End), Notre Dame- 63rd Overall Tremble is projected to go in the third round of the draft. That is why the Chiefs will select him at the bottom of the second round. Tremble was one of the most dominant blocking tight ends in all of college football last season. The Fighting Irish ran behind Tremble when yards were needed most on the ground. Selecting Tremble will promote the longevity of Travis Kelce’s career as well. Kelce may be used more as a flex option away from the line of scrimmage and avoid injury in no longer having to do as much dirty work in the trenches. Tremble also possesses the athleticism and untapped potential to excel in the passing game. Notre Dame primarily used Tremble as a play action target in their offense. Tremble fulfilled that role with solid hands and the ability to track the football in the air well. Several mock drafts have the Chiefs going defense in the second round or trading the pick and other draft capital to get back into the first round to select a defensive player. Tremble’s name may be called if that scenario does not play out.

Pro day measurables for Tremble HT: 6’ 3” WT: 241 Hand: 9.25” Arm length: 32” Wingspan: 78.5” 40 yard dash: 4.59 Vertical jump: 36.5” Broad jump: 10’ 2” Short shuttle: Did not participate Three cone agility: Did not participate 225 pound bench press reps: 20

Jamar Johnson (Safety), Indiana- 94th Overall Johnson has excelled at both playing near the line of scrimmage and off in deep coverage as a safety in the Hoosiers’ defensive scheme. Johnson is a sound tackler who does not fear contact. The ability to react to patterns developing in front of Johnson has permitted the 21 year old junior to get his hands on the football through the air. The Chiefs select Johnson to protect against Mathieu and Sorensen being free agents after this season. The pick also provides Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo the ability to move Mathieu, Sorensen, and Johnson around as chess pieces fulfilling various roles. The only other safeties currently listed on the Chiefs depth chart are Juan Thornhill and Armani Watts.

Pro day measurables for Johnson HT: 6’ 2” WT: 205 Hand: 9.25” Arm length: 30” Wingspan: 75.5” 40 yard dash: 4.58 Vertical jump: 35” Broad jump: 10’ 2” Short shuttle: 4.41 Three cone agility: 7.22 225 pound bench press reps: 17

Dayo Odeyingbo (Defensive End), Vanderbilt- 136th Overall Odeyingbo was a team captain and has received notoriety as possibly the most underrated defender in the prestigious Southeastern Football Conference. Odeyingbo lined up against quality offensive tackles every week in catching the eye of scouts with his hand strength and ability to get off the football at the snap. The ability to get to the quarterback, be stout against the run, disengage from blocks, and finish tackles is what has moved Odeyingbo into the middle rounds of the draft. A nine game schedule witnessed Odeyingbo rack up 5.5 sacks during the 2020 season. Odeyingbo would team with Frank Clark, Mike Danna, Taco Charlton, and Tim Ward to form a respectable defensive end rotation along the Chiefs defensive line. The free agent addition of Reed at defensive tackle also gives the team flexibility of moving Chris Jones to defensive end on first and second downs.

Robert Rochell (Cornerback), Central Arkansas- 144th Overall

see CHIEFS on page 16

Rochell is comfortable in space and in close proximity to wide receivers. More importantly, Rochell tracks the football well in coverage while displaying solid enough hands to reel in the football. The first-team All-Southland Conference selection in 2019 was a three year starter. The former track star at Central Arkansas also possesses long arms. Both attributes would allow Rochell to develop quickly in Spagnuolo’s press coverage scheme. Having the confidence that you have the speed to recover in coverage does wonders for the willingness of a cornerback to get their hands on wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and disrupt a route. Rochell has been credited with a 4.41 40 yard dash and a 43” vertical jump at a height of 6’ 2” tall. The physical tools are definitely there for Rochell. Rochell has the potential to be this year’s version of L’Jarius Sneed who the Chiefs selected in the fourth round of last year’s draft.

Tedarrell Slaton (Defensive Tackle), Florida- 177th Overall Slaton possesses the size to lock down the “A Gap” against an opponent’s rushing attack. The 6’ 5” three hundred and forty pound Slaton also has the nimbleness to rush the passer and disengage from blockers. A relentless motor pops out in the film review of Slaton. Chiefs defensive line coach Brendan Daly would have a project to mold in Slaton. The drafting of Slaton would protect the Chiefs against the possibility of Nnadi signing elsewhere as a free agent after this season. The Chiefs have typically carried eight or more defensive linemen on their 53 man roster during Spagnuolo’s tenure as defensive coordinator. The ability to have a rotation of quality defensive linemen to throw at the opposition promotes a healthy pass rush and limits the amount of time defensive backs must cover up receivers.

Derrick Barnes (Linebacker), Perdue- 181st Overall Barnes is the classic tale of an undersized defensive lineman who can move well in space that was moved to linebacker. The Boilermaker three year starter ran a 4.58 40 yard dash at his pro day to coincide with a 37” vertical jump, a 4.32 short shuttle, and bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times when NFL scouts came calling to West Lafayette, Indiana. Barnes checks a lot of boxes as a scheme fit for linebacker in Spagnuolo’s 43 defense. Barnes is not uncomfortable blitzing and engaging with blockers due his former tenure at defensive end. Conversely, Barnes is comfortable in space and has shown the ability to provide coverage against short and intermediate routes in his drops. Barnes also rarely misses a tackle. That is a good way to get noticed and punch your ticket to stay on the 53 man roster come training camp time in July. Couple that with Barnes not being shy about taking on lead blockers, and you have a player who may contribute at any of the three linebacker positions.

Sam Cooper (Guard), Merrimack- 207th Overall The Chiefs were confirmed to be one of the 9 NFL teams at Cooper’s pro day. The 6’ 2” three hundred and eight pound big man attended the University of Maine from 2015 to 2017 before transferring to Merrimack, a small private school located in Andover, Massachusetts. Cooper’s ability to run block in the outside zone scheme used by Merrimack grabs your attention. So does the punch Cooper possesses in pass protection. This was quantified by the numbers Cooper put up at his pro day. Cooper ran the 40 yard dash in 5.1 seconds, bench pressed 225 pounds 35 times, and ran a 10 yard dash split of 1.69 seconds. All of this means that Cooper is athletic but raw and would likely need time to mature under the guidance of Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck.

Community Calendar

Monday, April 19, 2021

Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am www.mymcpl.org/events

Group Diabetes Tour 12:00pm - 12:45pm Your Hy-Vee dietitian will help you navigate the aisles on this virtual store tour. Learn the basics of a diabetes meal plan. Plus, get shopping tips and product recommendations to help add more nutrition to your cart. Hosted by Blue Springs Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian Ashton Ibarra RD, LD . Register: https://www.hy-vee.com/ stores/dietitian/default.aspx?s=12

Diabetes: Myths, Facts & Snacks 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM Do you find food & nutrition information for diabetes and pre-diabetes confusing? Join Hy-Vee Dietitians, for a live class as they debunk common diabetes food myths and provide you with the facts. Hosted by Blue Springs Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian Ashton Ibarra RD, LD . Register: https://www.hy-vee.com/ stores/dietitian/default.aspx?s=12

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Tech Talk: Cricut Design Space (Part 1) 1:00pm—1:30pm This series will cover a new user’s experience with his/her Cricut machine. Learn with Brityni as she gets to know her new craft device. www.mymcpl.org/events

Saturday, April 24, 2021

Drug Take-Back event 10:00am—2:00pm Grain Valley Police Department parking lot, 711 Main Street Free to all for safe disposal of prescription and non-prescription medications. NO syringes.

Monday, April 26, 2021

Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST

Saturday, May 15, 2021 “City Wide” Garage Sales The city wide garage sales are held the 3rd Saturday in May. This is not a citysponsored event. Add your garage sale to Valley News May 13th directory for only $5. https://www.grainvalleynews.com/ store/p2/garagesale.html

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

No school—Grain Valley Schools

Diabetes: Myths, Facts & Snacks 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Do you find food & nutrition information for diabetes and pre-diabetes confusing? Join Hy-Vee Dietitians, for a live class as they debunk common diabetes food myths and provide you with the facts. Hosted by Blue Springs Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian Ashton Ibarra RD, LD . Register: https://www.hy-vee.com/ stores/dietitian/default.aspx?s=12

Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center

Saturday, June 5, 2021

City Wide Clean Up event 8:00am—2:00pm 405 James Rollo DR, Grain Valley City Wide Clean Up is a free annual service by our Public Works division. It is an opportunity for Grain Valley residents to dispose of unwanted items. Items that are not accepted include: tires, paint, oil, refrigerators, household cleaners/chemicals, air conditioner units, bagged trash, yard waste or clippings. Proof of residency is required.

Add your community event at www.grainvalleynews.com/ eventscalendar