Time Out Football by Stephanie Yeagle

TIME OUT

FOOTBALL | AUGUST 2012

MOVING FORWARD BOBCATS HOPE TO MAKE THIS YEAR, THEIR YEAR ALSO INSIDE:

BELTON TURNING THINGS AROUND THIS SEASON | 7 HARRISONVILLE LOOKING FOR FIRST CLASS 4 STATE TITLE | 10 RAY-PEC BACKED BY SOLID CAPTAINS | 16

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Friday, August 24, 2012

TIME OUT INDEX DREXEL

3-5

ARCHIE

6-7

BELTON

7-8

HARRISONVILLE

10-11

MIDWAY

12-13

PLEASANT HILL

14-15

RAYMORE-PECULIAR

16-17

SHERWOOD

18-19

ON THE COVER

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY, STORIES BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE

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Daniel Roberts, Cody Russell and Trevor Stewart

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Bobcats conﬁdent and ready for season BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE syeagle@demo-mo.com

Drexel’s 2011 football season ended in a way that no one could have foreseen. The Bobcats, riding on a perfect 7-0 season, were struck by tragedy Oct. 15, the day of their ﬁrst district playoff game against University Academy. Two of their starters, Trevor Cooley and Chris Moles, were involved in a serious injury accident on their way to meet the bus. Cooley eventually recovered, but Moles passed away a short time later, leaving a hole not only in the team, but also in the community. The Bobcats went on to lose their next two district games, knocking them out of the playoffs. Now, less than a year later, the rest of the team is ready to prove yet again that they can be not only a great football team, but the one that everybody has to beat. “It’s always in the back of everyone’s mind,” senior center and middle linebacker Daniel Roberts said. “But you have to understand and accept it and try to move forward with your team. We are always thinking about him (Moles), but we have to move forward and keep playing. All of us are playing for the both of them.” Cooley, who was cleared to join the basketball team mid-season, was not cleared by doctors to play football this season. “We have people that can ﬁll in and a couple of kids got dedicated

The Drexel football team runs scrimmages during two-a-day practices Aug. 7. ��

enough to do that down the line,” senior defensive back and wide receiver Cody Russell said. “Don’t get me wrong, I want to play for Chris with every down I have and Trevor, since it’s hard on him that he can’t come back.” These two, along with senior defensive end and offensive guard Trevor Stewart; will be leading their team through it all this season, but so far, Drexel is shaping up well. “The team is looking good,” Drexel head coach Nate Danneman said. “We had a really good summer. I think we graded out 90 percent of the entire team showing up three days a week, conditioning and weight training. They

have done everything I have asked.” “I think we are looking pretty sharp,” Roberts added. “We have pretty much all of our playbook in and everything is looking good. It is looking sharp and crisp and we are getting the little things worked out real fast.” Part of their pre-season success could stem from the fact that most of the team has been playing together since fourth grade and camaraderie is spot on. “All of us are dedicated, hardworking and accountable,” Roberts said. Five seniors on the team are all on the offensive line and three of them

have three years of varsity experience and two of them have four years. “It makes my job easy as a coach,” Danneman said. “I can call anything I want. They ﬁx my mistakes. They know how to block everything. They know how to talk each other through things. That, by far, is going to be our strongest point, is our offensive line.” “We are pretty strong and we have been in the weight room since the beginning so we will be alright,” Stewart added. And in the center of all that talent is Roberts, who according to Danneman is the team’s vocal and emotional leader. See DREXEL, page 5

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DREXEL BOBCATS 2012 FOOTBALL TEAM

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The Drexel football team members are, front row, from left, Jayvn Johnston, Trevor Stewart, Daniel Shipps, Dylan Morgan, Brandon Thomas, Dylan Good, Kyle Jones and Chandler Eastwood. Second row: Mike Lagatte, Cody Russell, Dnaiel Dove, Elliott Steinhaus, Trevor Gunnels and Laramie Lane. Third row:Andrew Gilbert, Dallas Schalles, Cole Frye, Gannon Hathcock, London Collins, Layne West andAustin Davis. Back row: Tyler Allen, CJ Bolton, Hunter Lindsey, Daniel Roberts, Taylor Eicholz, Layne Irvin and Austin Crossman. They are coached by Nate Danneman.

D R E X E L B O B C AT S Head Coach: Nate Danneman second year as head coach, fourth year at Drexel Assistant Coaches: Phillip Dean and Gary Brooker Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 8-2, Western Missouri Conference co-champions Returning Offensive Starters: Senior offensive lineman Laramie Lane, senior offensive lineman Trevor Stewart, senior offensive lineman Daniel Roberts, senior offensive lineman Taylor Eicholz, senior offensive lineman Dylan Morgan, senior wide receiver Cody Russell, senior wide receiver CJ Bolton Returning Defensive Starters: Senior defensive lineman Laramie Lane, senior defensive lineman Trevor Stewart, senior defensive lineman Daniel Roberts, senior defensive back Cody Russell, junior defensive lineman Hunter Lindsey Key Newcomers: Junior quarterback/defensive back Javyn Johnston, junior running back Hunter Lindsey, sophomore running back/defensive back Tyler Allen, junior tight end/linebacker Brandon Thomas, junior tight end/linebacker Dylan Good, junior linebacker Coleman Griff Keys to a successful season: We return a lot of experienced players on the offensive line this year. By far the line will be the strongest part of the bobcats in 2012. Along with the returning lineman, we have a lot of new young talent. Tyler Allen and Hunter Lindsey will be a big part of the bobcat offence this year. Both have great speed and have developed into some real weapons for us. Depth will still be an issue here at Drexel. In order for us to be successful this season we will have to stay healthy. The players and coaches are ready to get this season rolling and it should be another exciting year for the Drexel Bobcats

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DREXEL: Bobcats hoping to make it their year last year for me and wasn’t a standout player, but he did his job and he did it very well. This year, I think “He worked hard all summer and is definitely a he will be a standout player. I don’t think there will leader out here on the field,” he said. “Even seniors be a whole lot of players that can stand up against look up to him. He is an emotional leader and is a great, hard-nosed football player. He plays the game him.” Not only does Stewart play on the offensive line, like it’s supposed to be played, hard-nosed, whistle but he can also step in as a wide receiver. to whistle and he’s just got that football bug in him. “He is probably the second fastest kid on the I really enjoy coaching him. He is a great kid and a team,” Danneman said. “He’s just an athlete and is a great high school football player.” big athlete and strong and he loves the game.” Roberts will be in the center of a big Bobcat But playing mainly as wide receiver and circle at the beginning of every game, yelling and defensive back will be Russell. pumping up his team. “Cody is just a skilled athlete,” Danneman said. “We run out on the field, everyone circles up “He is a little bitty guy, but he runs hard, he plays and I get in the middle and start doing a slow clap,” hard and he’s not afraid to stick his nose in there. Roberts explained. He catches anything that is thrown near him. He ”He yells real loud and then everyone yells real understands the whole defensive scheme. He is just loud,” Stewart added. On the right side, along with Roberts and Laramie another one of those player coaches. He understands the whole concept of being out there on the field. He Lane is Stewart, who stepped into the role from the can get everybody lined up correctly and he is just tight end position after the accident last season. the guy in the back field that you have to have. He is “When Trevor came in as a freshman, he was that guy.” just a little pipsqueak,” Danneman said. “He took So with this team, the three seniors are hoping to advantage of the weight room and the off-season conditioning stuff and he just blossomed. He started capture another Western Missouri Conference title, FROM PAGE

plus be crowned district champions and move on into the playoffs. And when they get to the playoffs, they don’t plan on stopping until they are vying for a Class 1 title. “I think we have a good enough team to win conference and everything, but I want to get a state championship,” Roberts said. Danneman thinks that his team is conﬁdent, but could very well possibly accomplish those goals. “That’s how they believe,” Danneman said. “Some kids, they say it. They walk the walk, but don’t talk the talk. These kids do. If a team has us down, they will play their tails off to get back into a game.” “There is no doubt in my mind that at the end of the season, we will be going deeper and whoever we play, I think, we will be able to play against,” Danneman added. “We will be a very competitive football team and I think the kids enjoy that. They don’t have any doubts. They think they are good, they know they are good and I think they are good.” Stewart has a simpler explanation for how well the Bobcats are going to do this season. “We are going to whoop,” he said.

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Friday, August 24, 2012

Whirlwinds hoping to get past quarterfinals BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE syeagle@demo-mo.com

Quarterﬁnals have been the foe of the Archie Whirlwinds football team the last two seasons. Since head coach Michael Toschi took the reins, the Whirlwinds have torn through the competition until they faced off against Concordia in the ﬁnal eight playoff game. “We got beat by the same team each year,” Archie senior middle linebacker

and offensive tackle Frank Forgette said. “They lost a lot of people last year, like 13 seniors, and that was their whole team. They had a good youth program too, so it’s always a possibility (that we meet them again.) We have to work hard to get there.” And to make it to that Class 1 quarterﬁnal game, Archie has to work through the eight seniors that graduated from last season’s 9-4 team. “We have the potential,” Archie senior

running back and safety Jimmy Blundell said. “We are working through some rough patches.” Toschi agreed with Blundell. “We have a lot of work to do,” he said. “…We have some younger kids stepping in to ﬁll those roles and hopefully it will all come together in the end. But we are a little rusty right now.” It’s a good thing the Whirlwinds can rely on Blundell and Forgette, plus the other ﬁve seniors they have on the team.

“Both of the two have put in just tremendous amounts of time in the weight room,” Toschi said. “They have just blown up from the weight room. They are a lot bigger and a lot stronger and that’s where the leadership started.” Blundell will ﬁll the “rubber safety” role on the Archie defense. He’s a Western Missouri All-Conference player and will also play some wing back and full back spots for the Whirlwinds as well. “I think he ended last year with about Continued on next page

ARCHIE WHIRLWINDS 2012 FOOTBALL TEAM

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The Archie football team members are, front row, from left, Austin Ward, Collin Lewis, Nathan Setzer, Dakota Jones, Lucas Thomas, Mikel Bailey, Jacob Hester and LeviYarburough. Middle row: Caleb Blundell,Austin Shipley, RayAnderson, Collin Maorgan, Boston Dickerson, Jimmy Blundell, Jeff Bucknam and Elijah Bremer. Back row: ClaytonAdams, Joe Day, Jared LIndley,Austin Hill,Austin Reynolds, Calvin Romi, Frank Forgette and Hoss Doubledee.Also on the team are Thad Jones, Luke Combs, Seth Fisher and Marcus Hawley. The Whirlwinds are coached by Michael Toschi.

ARCHIE WHIRLWINDS Head Coach: Michael Toschi – second year Assistant Coaches: Brad Diehl, Jerry Cornelius, Andrew Schoenherr and Jacob Vanslyke Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 9-4, quarterﬁnals Returning Offensive Starters: Senior tackle Frank Forgette, senior wing back Jimmy Blundell, senior wing back Joe Day, senior tackle Ray Anderson, senior quarterback Calvin Romi, junior guard Jeff Bucknam, junior wide receiver Boston Dickerson Returning Defensive Starters: Senior linebacker Frank Forgette, senior safety Jimmy Blundell, senior safety Joe Day, senior linebacker Ray Anderson, senior safety Calvin Romi, junior defensive end Jeff Bucknam, junior corner Boston Dickerson

Key Newcomers: Senior tight end/defensive end Austin Hill, junior tackle/defensive end Collin Morgan, senior wide receiver/defensive back Austin Reynolds, sophomore fullback/safety Austin Shipley, senior guard/defensive end Jarod Lindley Keys to a successful season: We need to revamp our offensive and defensive lines. We lost four starters to graduation on the offensive line and two on the defensive line. Also we are breaking in a new quarterback for the ﬁrst time in three years. I think our kids believe in themselves, believe in their teammates, believe in our coaches, and believe in our system and that is half the battle. We have a tough schedule and hope to get a little better everyday.

Friday, August 24, 2012 FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

500-600 yards rushing and about 400 yards receiving and he was in the top five of our team in tackles,” Toschi said. “He’s a valuable part of our defense and offense.” Forgette is the vocal senior leader, according to Toschi. He was allconference last year on both offense and defense and was all-district. “He is a heck of a lineman,” Toschi said. “He is probably one of the better linemen in the WEMO conference, if not in the area. At least he was last year, so we hope he lives up to that.” Not only do the Whirlwinds want to be one of those elusive final four teams, but they want to make it all the way to the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, vying for a Class 1 championship title. But on the way there, they have to first clinch a district title, and hopefully a conference crown as well. “We were one game away from a district championship last year,” Toschi said. “We haven’t captured one since 1991 or 1992 and conference championship is the same way…We also want to win 10 games. Being in those double-digits will help us later. The short-term goals are what I tell the kids every day. We just have to get a little bit better. You get a little bit better every day and I’ll be happy. The rest of it will take care of itself like it did last year.” Blundell and Forgette echoed Toschi’s goals and added a couple of their own. They want to beat Adrian, Midway and Osceola, all WEMO conference opponents. “We have a little bit of a grudge against those three,” Forgette said. At least the two seniors are ready for the season. “We are looking forward to a good season,” Blundell said. “I’m excited.” “I’m really excited for it,” Forgette added. “I’m ready to hit some people.”

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Pirates looking for a rebound season BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE syeagle@demo-mo.com

Last season didn’t go as well as the Belton football team had hoped. Even under the leadership of new coach Mark Thomas, the Pirates finished with a 2-8 record. But Pirate fans shouldn’t be concerned, because the seniors on this season’s squad sure aren’t. “We have a coach that’s won five state championships and is starting to turn things around,” senior defensive end and right tackle Josiah Kratz said. “He has everybody on the same page wanting to win...The first year was kind of a building year. This year, we should be stepping out and doing well.” �� “We know his style,” senior safety and wide receiver Thomas Clary The Belton football team warms up before practice Aug. 11. added. “This is his second year now. We know what he’s about. We know In order to do that, the Pirates are In fact, there is no other team how we have to work.” that Belton wants to beat more than counting on their chemistry and closeAnd with that said, the Belton team Raymore-Peculiar, but they do hope ness as a team. has some lofty goals. See BELTON, page 8 they win at homecoming. “We want to make playoffs and go farther in the playoffs and do well as a team,” senior quarterback and safety Sean Lewis said. “As a team, we should be playing for state,” Kratz added. The Pirates are, according to Lewis, “out to win” this season and want to beat everybody. But most of all, Belton can’t wait to meet up with Raymore-Peculiar in the first game of the season Aug. 24. “We don’t usually get to play them and now we do and it’s kind of a rivalry,” Clary said. “We just got to show for them.” ��

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BELTON PIRATES 2012 FOOTBALL TEAM

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The Belton football players are, in order by class, Thomas Clary, Tanner Cornwell, Kendall Dekam, Chris Elosh, Austin Holloway, Darius Juitt, Josiah Kratz, Sean Lewis, David Pearman, Brandon Smith, Claeb Smith, Michael Smith, Garrett Steen, AAJay Trevino, Eddie Wineberry, Garrett Wise, Amijie Ross, Myles Belcher, Brandon Bradbury, Lane Freeman, Khadeem Fisher, Brett Flickinger, Tyler Gorman, Mitch Holbert, Quaid Ibanez, Hunter Kremer, Ryan Mahoney, Tucker Perkins, Jackson Porter, Sergio Ramos, Nathan Roush, Taylor Trapp, Tyler Simon, Derick Campbell, Caleb Chevalier, Adam Ebert, Calvin Eldrige, Taylor Erickson, Anthony Giordano, Andruw Goin, Austinn Goin, Josh Hicks, Daren Johnson, Malcom Jones, Marcus Jones, Louis McKamey, Nick Miller, Blake Pinion, William Spotz, Grant Steen, Jaslon Willis, Josh Rissen, Kewaun Robinson, Taylor Basinski, Bernard Franklin, Jordan Begaye, Johnny Biondo, Charles Carter, Wesley Clark, Jordan Crowder, Blake Eagen, Tucker Elkins, Clayton Fenzi, Dalton Haynes, Dylan Howard, Joel Jaimes, Caleb Keesler, Tyler McMurray, Colton Milburn, Kolton Roschevitz, Raymond Sackuvich, Justus Shaw, Tyler Thario, Eric Turney, Charles Whiteside, Zach Willis and Brayden Wise. They are coached by Mark Thomas.

B E LT O N P I R AT E S Head Coach: Mark Thomas – second year Assistant Coaches: Jeremy Helton, Justin Hamilton, Ken Peek, Brett Kassen, Jason Bird, Robbie Corder, Nick Chapman, Nate Butler, Codie Newman, Tommy Coovert and Keith Maples Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 2-8 Returning Offensive Starters: Senior wide receiver Thomas Clary , senior offensive lineman Josiah Kratz Returning Defensive Starters: Senior defensive end Josiah Kratz, senior defensive back Sean Lewis, sophomore linebacker Josh Hicks, junior defensive lineman Tyler Gorman, senior linebacker Darius Juitt Key Newcomers: Senior wide receiver Garrett Wise, freshman running back Zack Keys to a successful season: We are a young inexperienced football team. How quick we able to grow and mature will determine our fate.

BELTON: Pirates looking to use intensity FROM PAGE 7 for us.” “The tempo is a lot higher than it was Lewis added that the Pirates will play last year,” Kratz said. “You can tell the “This is a team sport and you need everyone to be on the same page,” Clary hard this season and are going to be very difference in the intensity in practice. said. “I think we might have that going physical. Overall, it’s looking good.”

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Wildcats hope to continue winning football tradition BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE

every year. Once we get a couple of holes on the offensive line fixed, I think we are going to do just fine.” Every football team hopes to capture The tough Harrisonville defense a state championship at the end of their is already on point, led by four-year season. But Harrisonville, a football starter Patton. Patton started out on program rich with tradition, has yet to the defensive line, but moved to inside bring that trophy home in Class 4. linebacker last season. He also played This senior group has spent their some tight end, and Lliteras expects he entire high school careers in Class 4 will fill dual roles again this year. and hope that this year will see a state “One year makes a tremendous title. difference in his confidence so we are “I think a state championship looking for great things out of him,” is always a goal for this program,” Lliteras said. “If the kids play up to Harrisonville senior linebacker PJ his level, we are going to be very good Patton said. “We’ve kind of struggled defensively because he is quite an since we have been in Class 4, but I athlete.” think we have a new leadership here Having less people more guys will in the senior class. This class has been have to step up and be leaders, not just together since first or second grade…I seniors or even starters that are junior think our leadership will take us to the or sophomores, everybody on the team state championships.” is going to have to step up in a big way “Every time we break down this year. in practice, we break down as Also on defense is Knox along with champions,” Harrisonville senior Walter Eastwood playing safety. defensive back Jameson Knox added. “(Knox) recognizes offensive “Every day we are trying to get one formations and personnel groups very step closer to getting back to the well,” Lliteras said. “He keeps us in the dome.” right coverages and he is just a gamer So far, the Wildcats have been back there. We are glad we have him working hard to get in shape for the back this year too.” season. With the new playoff system, “They are starting to come Lliteras and his team know that they together,” Harrisonville head coach don’t have time to get into their Chuck Lliteras said. “We had some groove. The Wildcats have to win spots on the offensive line we had games to hope to clinch a top four spot to get shored up. We had some nice in districts for the home advantage. surprises in there…Depth-wise we “Because they are keeping points, can’t afford any injuries. In skill you have to play well and win your positions we have plenty of skill, but regular season in order to get a good our offensive and defensive line we seeding in the tournament at the end don’t have the depth we have had in of the season,” Lliteras said. “And of the past.” course we always expect to be in that Lliteras said that Joe Brown, Jack Class 4 state championship game… McCleave, Ben Teter and James Pesek There is a lot of work to do before we will lead the offensive line, but there is get there, but we would sure love to see still work to do. Webb City on the dome this year.” “I’m glad we had the camp season “At this point, we are doing pretty we had this summer,” Lliteras said. good compared to the last couple of “I think from the offensive side of years,” Patton added. “Every year, the field, it’s one of those things. The timing and sequence are finally starting we make improvements and we fill holes and I think we will be fine as the to come together.” season goes on. There is a lot of good “Our offense is a little bit slower tradition in this program and I’ll think than our defense coming in,” Knox added. “That’s how it’s going to be we will do just fine.” syeagle@demo-mo.com

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HARRISONVILLE 2012 FOOTBALL TEAM

HARRISONVILLE SCHEDULE JEFFERSON CITY HELIAS 7 P.M. | AUGUST 24 HOME SAVANNAH 7 P.M. | AUGUST 31 AWAY ��

The Harrisonville football team members are, in order by number, Chance Chamberlain, Nick Kreimeyer, Tanner Foerschler, Joe Stanford, Tyler Bundt, Zach Davidson, Shon Hartzler, Zach England, Landon Hern, Zion Hartzler, Michael Taber, Tyler Chaney, Max Galeassi, Chris James, Dallas Justice, Logan Teal, Austin Sheets, Wyatt Schenker, Sherman Hartzler, Mason Saffels, Jordan Jones, Kenny Baker, Jameson Knox, Hunter Leipham, Jackson Rudell, Toby Reberry, Dakota Fields, Dylan Hawkins, Cole Tyson, Devin Delmont, Tyler DeCavele, Austin Hopper, Walter Eastwood, Caleb Coltrin, Mathew Bartlett, Jared Coltrin, Kyoti Graves, Jeremy Hatten, Mateo Gonzalez, Brance Neal, PJ Patton, Levi Dooley, Blaine Hanson, Adam Schrock, Ryan Willis, Joe Brown, Austin Hastings, Chase Burlingame, Austin Moreland, Shea Osborn, Tucker Schlesener, Tristan Miller, Nick Ingrassia, James Pesek, Tanner Gulick, Kholby Branes, Dylan Long, Tucker Quinn, Cody Parris, Ben Teter, Joe Schlechter, Dylan Licht, Tucker Foerschler, Ben Oryall, Jack McCleave, Blake Moreland, Jared Oulton, Andrew Laughlin, Brice Renner, Jordan Riley, Scylar Polk, Bryant Kanies, Caleb Gist, Charlie Puhr, Andrew Johnson, Sam Rifﬂe, Brock Kliewer and Clayton Jennings. They are coached by Chuck Lliteras.

H A R R I S O N V I L L E W I L D C AT S Head Coach: Chuck Lliteras – fifth season Assistant Coaches: Kyle Schenker, Brent Maxwell, Tom Meeks, Matt Pyle, Zach Cunningham, Jim Campbell, Chad Culpepper, Jerry Foerschler, Reuben Hartzler, Ryan Peters, Carl Persey Last year’s record and season finish: 11- 2, conference and district champs, quarterfinals state playoffs Returning Offensive Starters: Senior running back/ linebacker Tanner Foerschler, junior offensive lineman Joe Schlechter, senior offensive lineman Nick Ingrassia, junior running back Mason Saffels, senior running back Caleb Coltrin, senior linebacker PJ Patton, junior quarterback Zach Davidson, junior offensive lineman James Pesek Returning Defensive Starters: Senior linebacker PJ Patton, junior defensive lineman Brock Kliewer, senior strong safety Walter Eastwood, senior defensive back Tyler Bundt, senior free safety Jameson Knox, senior outside linebacker Max Galeassi, senior defensive back Jackson Rudell Key Newcomers: Sophomore defensive lineman Tucker Schlesner, senior defensive lineman Cody Parris, sophomore tight end Brice Renner, sophomore offensive lineman Ben Teter, junior offensive lineman Jack McCleave, sophomore linebacker Landon Hern Keys to a successful season: We are about like everyone else in the fact that we have to stay healthy. Our young offensive linemen need to mature very quickly. Our kicking game needs to be solid and consistent. We look for PJ Patton and the defensive secondary to be very solid this season. Zach Davidson will lead a very talented running back and receiver core into the season, see what happens.

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Vikings want to go all the way BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE

“He (Cromer) gets me pumped up,” Wise said. “I love following him when I have the ball.” Midway may have had a 7-4 season Cromer said his line does have some last year, but a loss in the first round of work to do though. playoffs has the seniors gearing up for an “We definitely started off slower in the even more successful run. beginning of camp, but we have gotten “(I want to) go all the way to state better and are getting to the point where because it would be awesome,” Midway we need to be,” Cromer said. “We just senior wide receiver and defensive back need to shape up. We definitely need to Dylan Wise said. “We are never going to get the line blocking down and where our lose.” assignments are and stuff.” Their strength relies on their speed, The Vikings have a strong senior according to the seniors, especially those class though, something that Zielinski of Wise and junior tailback and safety recognizes. Bobby Zielinski. “I feel like everybody is doing a “He (Zielinski) came in shape,” senior offensive and defensive lineman Christian pretty good job of taking care of all the freshmen and sophomores,” Zielinski Cromer said. “He’s a pre-packaged deal, said. “We are way more focused too, ready to go. He is wicked fast and he is pretty strong. And he motivates me when which helps a lot. I feel like we can go we are in a play. He will run up and push really far as long as everybody has the right mindset and keeps working for it.” me. He literally pushes me. It’s painful That leadership has Cromer hoping for at times, but it really helps. He’s a great a good year. motivator.” “It’s going to be a great season,” he “He (Wise) is definitely somebody to look up to,” Zielinski added. “He is really said. “We worked hard over the summer and it’s going to be a better year than it fast so that makes you feel better about was last year.” the whole team.” “I think we have pretty good And in front of those two will be potential,” Wise added. Cromer, blocking the way for yards. syeagle@demo-mo.com

M I D WAY V I K I N G S Head Coach: Larry Burchett Assistant Coaches: Jim Riggs, Brett Burchett, Chad Dean, Bryan Stahl Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 7-4 Returning Offensive Starters: Junior running back Bobby Zielinski, junior quarterback Peyton Semsch, senior offensive lineman Christian Cromer, junior offensive lineman Tyler Greer, junior offensive lineman Mason Irvin, junior offensive lineman Joey Beller, senior wide receiver Dylan Wise Returning Defensive Starters: Junior defensive back Bobby Zielinski, junior linebacker Peyton Semsch, junior linebacker Joey Beller, senior defensive back Dylan Wise, sophomore defensive end Clay Dahman Keys to a successful season: We will need to improve our toughness and defense. Also we need to develop our depth.

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M IDWAY SCHED U L E

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MIDWAY

OSCEOLA 7 P.M. | AUGUST 24 HOME

2012 FOOTBALL TEAM

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The Midway football team members are, front row, from left: Michael Oakes, Jarrett Jurgeson, Tanner Yahnig, Wyatt Mabary, Mitchell Southard, Ryan Sparks, Cody Marrone, Maverick Greer, Joel Suarez, Shawn Purtle and Jordan Dowell. Middle row: Bobby Zielinski, Luke Boyer, Brandon Hayden, Dylan Wise, Jake Lambertz, Kobe Burchett, Jack Conklin, Tyler Wright, Michael O’Brien, Levi Drake, Kessler Woods and Derald Jayson. Back row: Richard White, Clay Dahman, Sean DeFeo, Chris Bynum, Christian Cromer, George Funk, Peyton Semsch, Mason Irvin, Joey Beller, Eli Suarez, Tyler Greer, Zeb Love and Nate Fischer.

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Friday, August 24, 2012

PLEASANT HILL ROOSTERS 2012 FOOTBALL TEAM

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The Pleasant Hill football team members are, in order by class, Cameron Haws, Cheyton Parrot, Clayton Shipley, Cole Sullivan, Coleman Winslow, Colton Neill, Cruz Hernandez, Dakota Robb, Dalton Burge, Greg Wright, Taylor Jackson, Jake Winger, Johan Senda, Josh Young, Kin John, Konnor Prewitt, Levi Hayes, Logan Blomquist, Matt Neill, Olin Brattin, Reuben Freed, Ronald Caswell, Kaylor Selvin, Joe Switzer, Jack Owen, Shaun Gentry, Trent Idel, Dillon Davis, Alex Dotson, Ethan Moran, Michael Prock, Lonnie Livingston, Brett Reeves, Mason Hertzog, Lane Adams, Kolin Rogers, Austin Correa, Tanner Pettet, Johnny Geier, Keegan Baldwin, Weston Williams, Trent Gilberty, Cole Miller, Kameron Gray, Brandon Cassity, Brandon Clevenger, Brandon Senda, Bryce Siebeneck, Cole Reeves, Delainey Taala, Gage Neill, Hunter Anderson, Jackson Voss, Johnny Berry, Josh Shewmaker, Kaleb Cline, Keyton Baldwin, Micah Webber, Tommy Moore, Tyler Sanford, Zach Neary, Austin Yount, Derek Ziegelbine, Aron McGraw, Taylor Bonnesen, Johnny Brookshier, Trevor Burge, Nate Cripps, Dillan Findley, Joe Grifﬁth, Josh Hatten, Blake Higgs, Maurice Lang, Josh Lukenbill, Christian Martin, Austin Prewitt, Jacob Randle, Dylan Ross, Sam Sherwood and Seth Thompson. They are coached by Kyle Roach.

PLEASANT HILL ROOSTERS Head Coach: Kyle Roach – 14th year Assistant Coaches: Tom Gasper, Matt Klein, Wes Thompson, Josh Adamczyk, Zach Chambers, Cody Cox, Nate Hopkins Last year’s record and season finish: 8-4, district champions, second round of playoffs Returning Offensive Starters: Junior offensive lineman Johnny Berry, senior offensive lineman Nate Cripps, senior running back Maurice Lang, junior running back Gage Neill, senior wide receiver Dillan Findley Returning Defensive Starters: Senior defensive lineman Joe Griffith, senior defensive back Dillan Findley Keys to a successful season: We are looking forward to the upcoming season. We have several spots to fill from graduates, but have some kids fighting hard for spots. We had a productive summer with many kids putting in some quality time to improve. We need them to progress quickly to be competitive with our tough schedule.

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Roosters ready to start season strong

“We have good unity as a team,” Martin added. “We are all working together. We aren’t all stars on the team. Pleasant Hill had a late run of success We are just average guys trying to get last season but the team hopes that this the job done.” year they will start out that way. And the seniors have all played “We want to try and build on last together for years, so motivation and year,” Pleasant Hill senior quarterback camaraderie is high. That will be helpful and safety Christian Martin said. “We when it comes to Pleasant Hill achieving had success near the end and we won the long list of goals, all posted in their districts. We want to try to repeat that, go locker room. further and do what we can.” Some of the goals include one big To do that, the Roosters are counting play per game, win all the games or on their team pulling together. as many as they can, don’t turn the “We look good,” Pleasant Hill senior ball over, get turnovers whenever the wide receiver and cornerback Dillan opponent fumbles on the ﬁeld and keep Findley said. “The offense and defense is progressing throughout the entire season. coming together good. We have players Also helping the Roosters out is head stepping up.” Continued on page 15 BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE syeagle@demo-mo.com

THE DEMOCRAT MISSOURIAN

Friday, August 24, 2012

FROM PAGE

coach Kyle Roach. “He’s a legend,” Pleasant Hill senior running back Maurice Lang said. “He’s a good coach.” And maybe most important is what the team gets from their parents. “We get pretty good pre-game meals that our mothers cook for us,” Pleasant Hill senior offensive lineman Nate Cripps said. But the Roosters biggest strength this season is simple. “Our heart in the second half,” Lang said.

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That second half push may come in handy when they face their biggest rivals Harrisonville the last regular season game. “It’s the last home game of the season for sure that we know of,” Martin said. “It’s senior night. We want to put on a great game for them and want to come away with a ‘W.’ We don’t like them very much and it’s been awhile since we beat them. I think this team is well deserved of it because we have put in a lot of hard work this summer. We have been putting it together the last couple of weeks in this heat and it’s been tough. We are ready to get after it.”

PLEASANT HILL SCHEDULE SMITHVILLE 7 P.M. | AUGUST 24 HOME WARRENSBURG 7 P.M. | AUGUST 31 AWAY

OAK GROVE 7 P.M. | SEPTEMBER 28 AWAY

MOUNT VERNON 7 P.M. | SEPTEMBER 7 AWAY

ODESSA 7 P.M. | OCTOBER 5 HOME

NEVADA 7 P.M. | SEPTEMBER 14 HOME

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS 7 P.M. | OCTOBER 11 AWAY

GRAIN VALLEY 7 P.M. | SEPTEMBER 21 AWAY

HARRISONVILLE 7 P.M. | OCTOBER 19 HOME

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Friday, August 24, 2012

Ray-Pec looking to defeat tough schedule BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE syeagle@demo-mo.com

R AY M O R E - P E C ULIAR

SCHEDULE BELTON 7 P.M. | AUGUST 24 HOME LIBERTY 7 P.M. | AUGUST 31 AWAY

BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH 7 P.M. | SEPTEMBER 7 AWAY

With a tough Class 6 schedule looming in front of them, the RaymorePeculiar football team will do everything they can to make this a good season. “So far, we are looking awesome,” Raymore-Peculiar senior quarterback Trae Hodges said. “We prepared in the off-season very well and we will keep working hard and do our best.” Their strength comes from their dedication according to senior defensive back and running back Mason Nowell. “We have all been very dedicated this year, in the weight room and off-season and in practice,” Nowell said. “We go in

there with a workman mentality and we get after it pretty hard.” Raymore-Peculiar head coach Tom Kruse agrees and says that numerous returning starters lend to good things for the team. “We have a high number of guys back,” Kruse said. “I think right now, we are about where I thought we would be. We have a long ways to go, but I really feel like we have a good chance to be a pretty solid team.” Hodges and Nowell are captains of the team, along with senior linebacker Logan Smith and senior defensive lineman and wide receiver Dylan Myers. “I thought the team did an excellent

job with our captains,” Kruse said. “They are four really high quality guys. Work ethic, leadership, it’s what you look for in a captain and those four guys have it.” Kruse went on to explain that he believes great seasons stem from great senior leadership. “Mason would be our most vocal,” Kruse said. “The lead-by example guy would be Trae, our look-to for making a play would be Logan and the all-around guy would be Dylan. Dylan has matured both as a player and as an individual. He’s become one of our guys that we tremendously count on especially from the offensive side of the football. I really Continued on page 17

RAYMORE-PECULIAR PANTHERS 2012 FOOTBALL TEAM

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The Raymore-Peculiar football team members are, in order by number, O’Shawn Jordan, Jordan VanTrump, Marcus Zweifel, Scott Schaffner, Skyler Sims, Reed Davis, Nate May, Blade Skeed, Jeremiah McGowin, Trae Hedges, James Henderson, Dillon Moore, Isaiah Truss, Mattathias Davis, Jason Wilson, Kyle Wilson, Zach Short, James Mourning, Jaylend Simmons, Aaron Russell, Devin Washington, Chris Sevart, Mason Nowell, Steve Brown, Tyler Hobbs, Dallas Hille, Logan Smith, Khayree Collins, Logan Moore, Eric Liggins, MOntell Chang, Trevor Lininger, Bubba Blackburn, Xavier Amador, Skyler Miller, Dylan Copeland, Isaiah Cornelius, Jarell Slack, Colby Roberts, Sal Nuccio, Aaron King, JaRaine Slack, Hayden Eatinger, Steve Moore, Brandon Godsey, Michael Bross, Ryan Thomas, Kasan Tabor, William Anderson, William Crotty, Justin Thomas, Dervon Lee, Alex Boyd, Austin Mezzacasa, Jake Hilsabeck, T.J. Hutton, Bailey Carlson, Jason Bell, Jordan Hartnett, Will Mosley, Jon Boos, Zach Oshel, Chase Brumback, Dylan Myers, Ben Harris, Phil Morin, Tim Estell, Loran Anderson, Aaron Robin, Arturo Borja, Hunter Walters, C.J. Donalson, Dylan Doss, Ben Sinclair, Austyn Cochran, Reed Bremer and Dakota Cornelius. They are coached by Tom Kruse.

Friday, August 24, 2012

THE DEMOCRAT MISSOURIAN

said. But to get there, the Panthers must first think he’ll have a good year.” get through Blue Springs South, Lee’s Hodges and Nowell agree with Kruse Summit, Lee’s Summit North and Lee’s that the senior leadership is where it Summit West, to name a few. should be. “We need to get revenge on (Lee’s “Last year, everybody didn’t really Summit North) for kicking us out from get along, but this year, everyone seems the playoffs last year in that tough game,” to come along and are ready to lead this Myers said. team,” Hodges said. Plus the Panthers are facing Columbia “It’s not just the captains that are Rock Bridge, for the first time ever, leading this year, it’s the whole senior and of course, Blue Springs, a Class 6 class,” Nowell added. “We all mesh really powerhouse. well together. All the seniors and all the “That’s one of the teams that we other underclassmen feed off that. They haven’t beaten yet,” Kruse said. “That’s go as we go.” definitely one that’s in the back of all Hopefully those seniors will help the of our minds. I think if we find a way Panthers accomplish the goals they have to compete or beat Blue Springs or in mind. Blue Springs South, we would consider “(We) just want to get off to a good ourselves one of the top teams in Class start and stay humble,” Smith said. “Just 6.” keep working hard through out the season And it’s been a few years since and not get complacent if we win a Raymore-Peculiar has faced close rivals couple of games.” Some of their other goals are making a Belton, but they will this season in the run at playoffs and capturing a conference first game. “It’s a good gate,” Kruse said. “Both title. “We are hoping this year to win a communities lend tremendous support. Class 6 playoff game, which we haven’t I like the fact that it’s at our place and it done since we joined Class 6,” Myers should be a lot of fun.” FROM PAGE

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R AY M O R E - P E C U L I A R PA N T H E R S Head Coach: Tom Kruse –13th year Assistant Coaches: Ron Barnes, Sean Martin, James Merrell, Matt Copeland and Nick Tebbe Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 3-7 Returning Offensive Starters: Senior offensive tackle Justin Thomas, senior offensive tackle Zach Oshel, senior center Ryan Thomas, junior offensive guard Jake Hilsabeck, junior fullback Xavier Amador, senior running back Aaron Russell, senior wide receiver/tight end Dylan Meyers Returning Defensive Starters: Senior defensive end Dylan Doss, sophomore defensive end CJ Donaldson, sophomore defensive tackle Ben Sinclair, senior linebacker Logan Smith, senior strong safety Mason Nowell, junior free safety Marcus Zweifel, senior defensive back Skylar Sims Key Newcomers: Senior quarterback Trea Hodges, junior running back Steven Brown, sophomore tight end/defensive back Ben Harris, junior linebacker Bubba Blackburn, senior defensive back James Mourning Keys to a successful season: I feel like we have a chance to be a much improved football team, we have a good number of returning starters and letter-winners from a year ago. If we stay healthy and can get off to a good start to the season I believe we have a chance to compete in Class 6. Our schedule is very tough and so is our conference.

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Friday, August 24, 2012

Sherwood continuing on senior leaders BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE

have more threats in more spots,” Eddleman said. “We are young, more energetic and After graduating a bunch of seniors we flying to the ball,” Atkin added. from last year’s squad, some new “Hopefully the new faces will learn faces have stepped into big roles for and pick it up. We are going to be the Sherwood football team. alright.” “I think they have improved Eddleman also agrees with Gurney tremendously in one week,” about the leadership. Sherwood head coach Jim Gurney “We are definitely stepping up as said. “Most of them never had to leaders and we try to hold each other be leaders because we had such a accountable for everything to keep the big senior class last year. They are team going,” he said. coming into their own and figuring “We have people stepping up that out how to be leaders, but they are haven’t stepped up,” Atkin added. doing a really good job.” “They are stepping up and keeping And two of those seniors, running everybody in line, helping with the back and free safety Brett Eddleman younger guys and doing everything and defensive tackle and offensive we need to do. I think we are pretty guard Austin Atkin are confident on close. Everybody gets along fine. the path the Marksmen are heading There hasn’t been any scuffles or down. anything.” “I definitely think we are more And Eddleman, who rushed for athletic than last year and we about 1,200 yards last season for 14 syeagle@demo-mo.com

touchdowns, will be the anchor on the team’s offense. “He’s our key,” Gurney said. “Teams that we play know that. He’s a huge part. Luckily we have some kids that weren’t with us last year that are this year that are really stepping up to take some of the pressure off him and not allow defenses to key so much on him because we do have some other weapons out there.” Atkin, also a starter, is the vocal leader of the team. “He is the one that is always yelling and screaming and getting everyone ﬁred up and that’s awesome,” Gurney said. “…He has really impressed me a lot. I think he has matured physically and mentally and emotionally from last year a great deal and I think he is going to have a big season.” Continued on page 19

SHERWOOD MARKSMEN 2012 FOOTBALL TEAM

ST. MARY’S 7 P.M. | SEPTEMBER 28 HOME DREXEL 7 P.M. | OCTOBER 5 AWAY ADRIAN 7 P.M. | OCTOBER 12 AWAY MIDWAY 7 P.M. | OCTOBER 19 HOME

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The Sherwood football team members are, front row, from left: Brett Eddleman, Nick Miller, Issacc Miller, Austin Chandler, Kaleb Weidenmann, Austin Lamkin, Austin Atkin and Cody Wade. Second row: Austin Jackson, Zach Gudenkauf, Brandon Smith, Junn Miles, Brett Nigh, Jacob Burnworth, Joey Grissom and Travis Smith. Third row: Tavin Mcarty, Riley Crance, Brennan Cardwell, Tristen Morgan, Ethan Kedigh, Donavan Stewart, Brandon Lindsey, Zach Hayworth, Dustin Young and TJ White. Back row: Jordan Simwell, Josh Hall, Alex Vastal, Keleb Liemkuller, Hunter Davis, Jacob Humphries, Landon Howard, Cole Tellin, Alex Douglass and Chance Landsman. They are coached by Jim Gurney.

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Friday, August 24, 2012

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With that, the Marksmen have some big goals this year, including winning districts and conference. They haven’t gotten past districts since the current seniors were freshmen. “We did it as freshmen so we need to do it now,” Atkin said. They also, like all the other teams, want to ﬁnish in the top four of their districts to get that coveted week 10 home game. “We have to get through Butler though,” Gurney said. “They are going to be tough this year.” And Eddleman has a few other teams that Sherwood hopes to knock down. “Butler, Adrian and Drexel,” Eddleman said. “Those are the big three.”

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SHERWOOD MARKSMEN Head Coach: Jim Gurney - 16 years at Sherwood, second year head coach Assistant Coaches: Joe Parkhurst, Jesse Richardson, Chuck Cole, Jon Kirchhoff Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 5-5 Returning Offensive Starters: Senior running back Brett Eddleman, junior center Tristan Morgan, sophomore tackle Brandon Lindsey Returning Defensive Starters: Senior defensive back Brett Eddleman, junior linebacker Joey Grissom, sophomore defensive end Brandon Lindsey, senior defensive tackle Austin Takin Key Newcomers: Sophomore running back/linebacker Brett Nigh, senior wide receiver/defensive back Nick Miller, senior wide receiver/defensive back Cody Wade, sophomore offensive/defensive lineman Ethan Kedigh, junior offensive lineman/linebacker Travis Smith, freshman running back/linebacker Brandon Smith, senior offensive lineman/ linebacker Isaac Miller, junior running back/linebacker Austin Jackson, junior tight end/linebacker Jakob Burnworth Keys to a successful season: We are going to be relatively young this year. We only return three starters on offense and four on defense. We are relying on a lot of younger guys to step up and ﬁll some holes for us. So far, the coaching staff has been very impressed with many of the newcomers. While we don’t have a lot of seniors, the ones we have are doing a great job leading the team. The keys for us this year will be our offensive line and our defense. We are going to more of a power type running game this year, and the offensive line will be crucial to our success. Defensively, we have to play good, sound, assignment-based football and not give up big plays.

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