Southmoore 2023 Football Preview

SOUTHMOORE SABERCATS

2022 wasn’t the type of season the Sabercats wanted, but there were some positives to take away - Southmoore picked up their first win since 2020 in their season-opening win over Putnam City North, the Sabercats bring back some starters in key positions and head coach Jake Monden likes the culture being built at Southmoore and the growth from his team.

“I think we’re going to be a ton better,” Monden said. “I really do. Our kids have really bought into the concept, and what it takes to make the next step. I’ve seen massive improvement in our kids, coaches and programs as a whole.”

OFFENSE

Offensively, the Sabercats return a variety of young players that played a big role in their early high school careers. One of those players is sophomore quarterback Cruz Campbell (6’0”, 170lbs). As a freshman, Campbell appeared in eight games at quarterback for the Sabercats, throwing for 459 yards and two touchdown passes. The young gunslinger has earned the starting quarterback job to start the season.

“He’s had a tremendous offseason, spring and summer,” Monden said. “He’s been one of the hardest-working kids all summer long. I think he’s in a perfect spot to be a progressive quarterback at the 6A level.”

The offensive line has made big progress over the past few years for Southmoore. They return two starters up front, senior left tackle James Thompson (6’3”, 280lbs) and senior center Jacob Clay (6’, 270lbs). These two helped lead a running game that averaged 4.0 yards a carry.

As for the playmakers around the quarterback, some familiar faces return from last season. At running back, the Sabercats will lend on sophomore Anthony Johnson (6’2”, 190lbs) and senior Jacob Carrethers (5’10”, 180lbs). Both players rushed for just under 200 yards last season.

The Sabercats lose their top four targets at wide receiver, but they still bring back players that played a significant amount of reps. Senior Skyler Mayer (6’1”, 200lbs) and senior Xavier Terrell (5’9”, 155lbs) will be the two wideouts on the outside. Junior Kasen Rinehart (6’1”, 190lbs) and senior Ryan Seaton (6’1”, 195lbs) will be some playmakers on the inside at wide receiver.

The Sabercats will have an H-back position that will feature new faces. Senior Jalen Ross (6’0”, 175lbs) and sophomore Kolton Ashley (6’, 200lbs) will battle it out for reps throughout the season.

“I think we’re going to be multiple again,” Monden said. “Offensively, we should have enough arm talent, and we competed well enough this summer to be able to throw the ball around. I think our depth is as good as it’s been in a long time.”

DEFENSE

The defense is looking to take big strides for this upcoming season after struggling to get stops a year ago. The Sabercats allowed 54.6 points a game last year, which was a big problem.

Now, the defense looks forward. Southmoore will lean on some key parts of the defense line. Junior Kyven Foster (6’, 270lbs) and senior Landon Wilson (6’1”, 255lbs) will be responsible for stopping the run and getting to the quarterback. Expect to see sophomore Joe Dover (6’1”, 200lbs) and sophomore Na’Kwaine Carter (6’3”, 260lbs) at the defensive end positions. Both players have shown some speed and athleticism over the summer.

It will be linebacker by committee for Southmoore. The Sabercats have five or six names that will see time at the position. Senior Nathan Clem (5’10”, 190lbs) will be looked on as a veteran leader for the linebacker room. Senior Trent Zody (5’10”, 180lbs) and junior Oaklee Wren (5’10”, 185lbs) are upperclassmen that will see time as well.

The secondary positions will feature a lot of depth for the Sabercats. Monden likes what he sees from senior Zeph Davidson (5’11”,165lbs) and expects him to play both corner and safety throughout the season. He started all 10 games for Southmoore a year ago.

Senior Skyler Mayer has bulked up in the offseason and will play some safety. Junior Isaiah Cotes (6’3”, 210lbs) will be another factor in the secondary. He will be making a transition from defensive end to safety.

It’s a tough schedule, as usual, for the Southmoore Sabercats. Southmoore will open up with Mustang on the road on Sept. 1st. When asked about crucial games on the schedule, Monden mentions the rivalry games.

“You got multiple district games - Westmoore and Moore - those are always fun games to be a part of,” Monden said. – 19SM