PAGE 10 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Conley, Greyhounds looking forward to challenges by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER Melvin Baker resigned after the 2013 football season, and stepping in to take over the Sweet Springs Greyhounds is Kris Conley, who knows it will be a challenge to build the team into a contender. Conley, a 2004 graduate of Jefferson City High School and 2010 graduate of the University of Central Missouri, in Warrensburg, is excited about the opportunity. “I feel welcomed with the support I am getting from the community and school,” Conley said. “I am excited to see how this year plays out. “I have high expectations, based on the work ethic and growth we have made so far this summer.” Numbers over the past couple of years had dipped into the teens as far as a roster. As of the writing of this article, the Greyhounds' roster numbers 23, including 10 seniors, six juniors and two sophomores. Although there are still competitions for starting positions going on, a number of top candidates have emerged, some of whom did not play in the past couple of seasons. Conley — who will be assisted by Ryan Armstrong, Jacob Cocoran, Zach Thomas and Vince Fink — will try to figure out a way to help out the offense. It scored 150 points last year, but needs to be more productive. It all starts at quarterback where senior Andrew Krause will call signals. He has not played since his freshman season. Last year, four different players played quarterback, with Jeffery Hall, who graduated, throwing the most passes (101). In the double wing formation Conley will utilize, 6-foot-2-inch, 180-pound senior Trevor Phillips will be the leading candidate at running back. He rushed for 202 yards and a touchdown last year. Out wide, 5-foot-11-inch, 155-pound junior Mario Persell and 5-foot-6-inch, 145-pound sophomore Levi Miller are the top prospects. Persell caught eight passes for 64 yards and a touchdown last year. Miller had one reception for 38 yards. Top candidates in the slots are 5-foot-7-inch, 160-pound junior Rhett Snider and 5-foot-8-inch, 145-pound senior Austin Boland. Snider rushed for
sack. Phillips registered 75 tackles to lead all returning players. He also added two fumble recoveries and one blocked field goal. Boland and returning starter Persell are slated to be the corner backs, with Persell totaling 22 tackles and one fumble recovery. Krause is the top candidate for safety. “We have to be tough up front and swarm to the football,” Conley said. Defensively, the Greyhounds gave up 246 points (35.1ppg) in league play and 296 points (29.6ppg) in all games. Meyer should handle kick-off duties, with Phillips being the team's punter and place— Kris Conley kicker. Conley is hopeful the team responds to the ior, is set to be the right tackle. At 6-feet-1-inch, challenge in a difficult conference. “This is a tough conference with both old tradi220 pounds, junior Garrett Hollingsworth will be the left tackle. Dillon Gilmore, a 6-foot-3-inch, tion and new,” he said. “I am new to the conference and ready to embrace the rivalries.” 235-pound senior, will be at center. The guards will be senior Trevor Harrison, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and 195 pounds. At left guard, 5-foot-10-inch, 170-pound senior Jared Dillon is Bank here, the top prospect. there and “It is going to take a team effort,” Conley said. “We will have to sustain blocks up front and proeverywhere. tect the football. Get on the-go mobile “We have got to execute and play fast.” banking by text A year ago, the Greyhounds accumulated 102 message, web browser points (14.6ppg) in conference action. Defensively, or phone app-anywhere, the Greyhounds surrendered 296 points last year. anytime and any way Returning starters Harrison and Mitchell are the you want it. Enjoy top candidates at the end spots. Harrison had 21 security and ease at tackles, one fumble recovery and one blocked field your fingertips! goal last year. Mitchell recorded 43 tackles, three Enrollment is quick and easy when you sign into your tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries. internet Banking account. In the 4-4 defense, Hollingsworth has the inside Bank 24/7 with State Bank track to be the tackle and Gilmore the nose guard. Mobile Banking. Inside linebackers are slated to be Dillon and Phillips, both returning starters. Dillon had 56 tackles and the team's only quarterback 192 yards and hauled in three passes for 26 yards last year. Across the line of scrimmage, the Greyhounds have some size, three of the five linemen tipping the scale at more than 200 pounds. Mason Meyer, a 6-foot-1-inch, 260-pound sen-
“We have got to execute and play fast.”
Good luck to all the teams this year!
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