PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: INTRODUCTION
There’s a lot to like and dislike about football season onight is the night. Another prep football season gets OFF underway. As usual, TARGET there are a LES number of WINKELER intriguing story lines throughout Southern Illinois. How will Chester and Carterville fare in their new conferences? How will Vienna progress in its second year of varsity football? How will Murphysboro respond to new coach Jim Hammers? Will Du Quoin keep its incredible streak of playoff appearances alive? There’s a lot of watch. There are a lot of things I like about prep football and a few things I dislike: Like: I’ll admit, prep football isn’t my favorite sport. However, when I hear a marching band strike up a school’s fight song, the hair on my arms stands on edge. Dislike: Driving home from road trips to Cahokia or Belleville Althoff. That trip seems to get longer every year. Like: The smell of ribeyes cooking on the grill at Harrisburg. Dislike: Early season games when game time temperature is in the midto high-80s. Like: I enjoy getting to games about an hour early. It’s great fun to walk around the field and hobnob with coaches, officials, fans and the guys on the chain gang. Dislike: Weather delays are a killer. Oh, I fully understand
T
PAUL NEWTON THE SOUTHERN
Murphysboro’s Diamante Bradley runs downfield while running drills during practice Aug. 17.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SOUTH SEVEN Carbondale.................. 4 Mount Vernon.............. 5 Centralia...................... 5 Marion.......................... 6 Belleville Althoff.......... 7 Cahokia........................ 7
SIRR OHIO Murphysboro............... 8 Massac County............9 Benton........................ 10 West Frankfort........... 10 Harrisburg.................. 11 Herrin..........................12
SIRR MISSISSIPPI Du Quoin.....................13 Nashville..................... 14 Sparta......................... 14 Pinckneyville............. 15 Anna-Jonesboro........ 15 Carterville.................. 16
BLACK DIAMOND Hamilton County........17 Vienna......................... 17 Chester....................... 18 Elverado-Trico............ 19 Johnston City............ 20 C-Z-R........................... 21 Carmi-White Co......... 21 Fairfield...................... 22 Eldorado..................... 22 S-V-W-W......................23
Page 2 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
the need to be cautious. However, planning and executing football coverage every Friday night is a delicate situation. Timing is of the essence. We allot extra space to get all the games stories in Saturday morning’s paper. If the games aren’t played, it causes everyone to scramble. And, those delays? Well, they certainly make deadline more interesting. Like: Some of the facilities around Southern Illinois have been upgraded in recent years. The playing surface at Carmi is incredible — the grass looks like the greens at Augusta. Carterville’s new facility is state-ofthe-art. The facilities help create a good atmosphere. Like: I like the fact that Vienna’s new field is still without lights. Saturday afternoon football games are fun. And, deadline is never an issue. Like: The 40-point rule is the best thing the Illinois High School Association has done in years. For those unfamiliar with the rule, if a team takes a 40-point lead in the second half the clock continues running. The continuous clock avoids further embarrassing a school, and it minimizes the likelihood of on-field scuffles. Getting knocked around by another team can sometimes be a bitter pill to swallow. The running clock minimizes the possibility of frustrations boiling over. Dislike: Fans heckling kids is one of my primary pet peeves concerning prep football. Inexplicably fans like to stand along the
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Harrisburg players run drills with a sled during a team practice Aug. 19.
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Casey Hammond (31) of Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn celebrates during a game in 2009.
sidelines rather that sit in the bleachers. I’ve heard unruly fans taunt opposing players. I’ve heard fathers berate their children. It’s totally unacceptable behavior. These are high school kids playing a game.
Respect them, respect yourself and keep the game in perspective. Like: Watching kids having fun makes giving up every Friday night between here and the end of October worthwhile. To see a kid make a play that even he didn’t think he
was capable of making … well, it’s hard to duplicate the look of unbridled joy on their faces. LES WINKELER is the sports editor of The Southern Illinoisan. Contact him at les.winkeler@thesouthern. com or call 618-351-5088.
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: FEATURE STORY
Coaches do everything they can to keep rosters filled BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
It has been a difficult summer for Sparta coach Phil Watson. Faced with low numbers, Watson had to go door-todoor in the local community to try and get players to come out. He knocked on 27 doors and got four players out of it. He sent letters four different times to former players that had drifted away from the team to try and lure them back into the program. Kids that played as freshmen are now back as seniors. “We’ve got 53 kids,” Watson said. “But I think they’re 53 pretty committed kids. There’s a few on the bubble, but you’ll get that if you have to go out beating on doors or walking the pavement.” It’s been five years since the Bulldogs won more than two games in a season, 16 since they had a winning record. Ever since current Marion coach Kerry Martin went 21-10 in three seasons in the early 1990s — including a 8-3 record in his final season in 1992 — Sparta has struggled. “We have to get back to those days where Sparta was expected to go to the playoffs,” Watson said. But things are different now than they were 20 years ago. There are video games, jobs, cars and other distractions that get in the way of extracurricular activities. “The way I’ve always explained it is that kids nowadays can get instant gratification a lot easier than 20 years ago,” said Carmi-White County coach and athletic director
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Pinckneyville’s Bryant Shute prepares to hand the ball off.
Kurt Simon. “There’s also a trend where the players think ‘If I’m not going to be a starter, then I’m not going to participate because it’s too much work.’” With most small schools like Carmi, enrollment functions on a cycle. Three years ago in 2007 was the last time Carmi had double-digit seniors in its football program. But it hasn’t affected the team’s success because Simon has worked very hard to make putting on the Carmi jersey an honor. Even with low numbers, the Bulldogs have won at least four games in 12 of Simon’s 13 years in Carmi and have gone to the playoffs in eight of those years — including an 11-1 record in 2003 and a 10-1 record in 2005. “This is my 14th season, and 14 seasons ago our enrollment was 550 and now we’re under 400,” Simon said. “We’ve had three or four classes come through where we were scratching to find 11 players to play football.” But things are looking up for Carmi, which has 21 freshmen out for football this season opposed to 22 varsity players. “Coaching football is different than coaching
other sports because you’re dealing with the elements,” Simon said. “Whether it’s 110 degrees with the heat index or 10 degrees.” West Frankfort is anothTHE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO er school dealing with declining enrollment and Vienna’s Dillon Hall looks for a hole between Hamilton County defenders in 2009. has 34 players on its varsity roster in 2010. Combined with 20 freshmen, the Redbirds are down roughly 15 players from their average the last two seasons. “We finished the season in the low 40s last year,” said West Frankfort coach Chad Spence. “There’s so much for kids to do and a lot of our kids work. We’ve lost several kids to making money.” The sports landscape is another thing that’s Join us for the annual 5K Run/Walk October 2, 2010 • Herrin, IL changed in the last 20 years. IHSA rules give Call for details and an entry form! teams 25 contact days during the summer and if an athlete plays multiple sports, that can make for a very busy schedule. Sports & Industrial Rehab. “Basketball’s trying to get its 25 days in, and we’re est. 1997 3308 Logan Drive, Herrin, IL 62948 trying to get our 25 days in, and you have to get in the “QUALITY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE” weight room three days a week, and there’s just no time anymore to be a kid,” Spence said. Email: hrtherapy@frontier.com
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www.hrphysicaltherapysi.com The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 3
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN
Koester, Carbondale look to take it to the next level BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
In just his second year as coach of the Carbondale Terriers, Dan Koester led his Terriers to their first winning record and playoff berth since 2004. “Our top priority last year was making the playoffs,” Koester said. “Step by step we’ve progressed, so this year we don’t talk about getting in. This year’s goal is to advance to the second round and get a home game.” Last year, the Terriers finished 5-4 in the regular season and fourth in the South Seven (2-3) behind Cahokia, Marion and Belleville Althoff.
Carbondale lost its playoff game to undefeated Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin, 48-21. The 2009 Terriers were led by running back Kendell Edwards, who has walked on to play for SIU. Edwards was named The Southern Illinoisan Player of the Year and honorable mention all-state after leading the area in rushing with 1,769 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns. “Offensively we are going to change our focus from spreading it out to being run oriented and wear people down,” Koester said. “We have three or four big running backs in Jordan Pratt, Jordan Bowlby, Bryce Reno-Gibson and Elijah
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Carbondale’s quarterback Kaid Koester hands the ball to a freshman running back.
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Sykes and a big strong quarterback who likes to run.” Koester is moving junior Kaid Koester from tight end to quarterback to replace Matt Crouse and has three offensive linemen returning in senior tackle Kyle Baity, senior guard Chris Pugh and junior guard J.D. Whitback. He will also have senior tight end Jackson Treece and senior kicker Zach Lindberg back. “Our offensive line is going to be solid and we have two big tight ends in Treece and sophomore Marqui Edmonds,” Koester said. SEE CARBONDALE / PAGE 24
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN
Centralia hopes to break new streak
MOUNT VERNON RAMS Coach: Dan Mings Career Record: 57-52 2009 Record: 2-7 Conference: South Seven (Class 6A) Returning Starters (4): Brady Rose (G), Victor Brooks (DE), Eric Heinzman (ILB), Anthony Moore (CB) Schedule Aug. 28 at Miller Career Academy (St. Louis) Sept. 4 NILES NOTRE DAME Sept. 10 at Troy Triad Sept. 17 BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF* Sept. 24 at Marion* Oct. 1 at Carbondale* Oct. 8 CAHOKIA* Oct. 15 CENTRALIA* Oct. 23 at Grayslake Central *Conference game Seniors Ht. Kellin Edwards 6-1 Nick Torrez 5-7 Trinity Albritton 6-2 Damon Wright 5-7 Blake Deaton 6-0 Kevon Fortney 6-2 Victor Brooks 6-1 Michael Bryant 5-10 Darnell Maxey 6-0 Mario Thompson 5-9 Hugo Papazian 5-8 Eric Heinzman 6-0 Eric Young 5-11 Brady Rose 6-1 Clay Jackson 6-2 Cody McLearin 6-0 Brad Rose 6-3 Juniors Anthony Moore 6-2 D’Ante Gardet 5-8
Wt. 220 150 145 155 180 170 185 185 185 150 175 195 170 235 275 255 215
Pos. QB\LB RB\DB WR\DB RB\LB TE\DB WR\DB TE\DE RB\LB TE\LB RB\DB FB\LB FB\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\LB
175 RB\DB 175 FB\LB
Blake Stricklin 5-6 155 Darrell Haynes 5-10 165 Nick McMillan 5-8 165 Nick Workman 5-6 170 Chris Moffitt 5-6 200 Tyler Bourland 6-1 190 Jake Johnson 5-9 200 Caleb Jones 5-9 190 Corey Gibson 6-2 235 Craig Vishy 6-1 185 Vashonte Brooks 6-0 230 Zay Harbon 5-8 295 Daniel Morrison 6-4 350 Jordan Williamson 5-7 125 Cody Rector 6-1 190 Lonta Badger 6-0 170 Sophomores Clayton Reeves 5-8 140 Travis Mitchell 5-11 160 Patrick Bradford 6-1 185 Derek Hunter 6-1 155 Michael Jefferson 5-10 150 Zach Swinnen 5-5 130 Nico Melendez 5-9 150 Diamond Hodge 5-7 130 Austin Hogue 5-8 150 Michael Gray 5-8 140 Terrance Watson 5-10 165 Wesley Song 5-7 135 Dalton Moore 6-2 215 Justin Armstrong 6-0 235 Seth Felty 5-9 195 Jacob Stern 5-9 175 Gerry Lappin 6-2 260 Brendan Mings 5-9 215 Charlie Whitt 6-2 275 Seth Brown 5-7 320 Zane Young 5-8 150 Aaron Burge 5-8 140 Josh Brinson 6-0 185 Bryan Presley 5-10 190 Freshman Caleb Burns 6-5 300
RB\DB FB\LB FB\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\DB WR\LB WR\DB WR\DB WR\DB TE\LB WR\DB RB\DB K RB\DB RB\DB QB\DB WR\DB WR\DB WR\DB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\DB WR\DB TE\DL TE\LB OL\DL
New faces lead Rams into battle BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
After having his streak of four straight playoff appearances snapped last year, coach Dan Mings’ Mount Vernon Rams will be an unknown commodity this season. Mings has just four starters returning. “Last year, we were 2-7
and lost almost everybody, so I don’t know whether that’s good or bad,” Mings said. “I have no idea what the product will be since we are going in with untested kids. It could be an uphill battle for us.” The Rams not only fell from 5-5 the year before, but dropped from second with a 4-1 record to fifth at 1-4 in South Seven play.
The only win came over Centralia in the eighth week of the season. That snapped a four-game losing skid. You will have to forgive Brady Rose for not recognizing the players around him since the senior guard is the only returning offensive starter.
BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Last year, the good news was new coach Ray Kauling needed only one game to snap the longest losing streak in school history. The bad news was the
Orphans started a new losing streak, losing its last eight games. Kauling, who had posted a 64-25 record at Breese Mater Dei, took over an Orphan team that had lost a staggering 35 games in a row, but a 42-35 victory over Salem in the first
game put that streak to bed. “The kids got some confidence winning that first game that they could score some points and possibly win ballgames,” Kauling said. SEE CENTRALIA / PAGE 24
CENTRALIA ORPHANS Coach: Ray Kauling Career Record: 65-33 2009 Record: 1-8 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (6): Alex Fritch (WR), Nick Renfrow (G/DT), Skyler Guidish (C/DT), Gavin Heern (T/DE), Braydon Lockwood (S), Albert Fory (CB). Schedule Aug. 27 SALEM Sept. 3 At Bethalto (Civic Memorial) Sept. 10 HIGHLAND Sept. 17 At Carbondale * Sept. 24 BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF * Oct. 1 At Cahokia * Oct. 8 MARION * Oct. 15 At Mount Vernon * Oct. 22 TRENTON WESCLIN * Conference game Seniors Ht. Chris Ainsworth 6-0 Fory Albert 6-1 Mason Beaver 6-0 Joe Chumley 5-11 Alex Fritch 6-2 Skyler Guidish 6-3 Gavin Heern 6-1 Zach Holt 6-1 Jake Holtkamp 6-1 Shawn Jones 5-8 Braydon Lockwood 5-11 Todd Pearce 5-9 Denzel McChristian 5-9 Tyler Obermeier 6-4 Lane Owen 6-0 Ronnie Owens 5-9 Sean Phee 6-1 Nick Rentfrow 6-0 Brandon Sanders 6-1 Robby Shaw 5-6 Deron Wiggins 5-11 Juniors Levi Alli 6-4
Wt. 220 175 250 140 175 280 225 200 250 180 175 150 160 185 230 185 185 250 170 145 165
Pos. OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/LB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB
260
OL/DL
Matt Baumgartner 6-0 155 DeAndre Downey 6-0 185 Chaquaris Flournoy 5-7 140 Tyler Guidish 5-8 190 Adam Halstead 5-10 200 Brandon Hill 6-0 175 David Jackson 6-5 160 Anthony Linder 6-0 145 Dylan McAbee 5-8 160 Troy Miller 6-2 230 Stephonta Moore 5-9 145 Andrew Panega 5-10 175 Tanner Pitts 6-1 240 Curtis Schneider 5-11 160 Adrian Williams 5-11 195 Blake Witthaus 5-9 160 Sophomores Jason Boyer 5-9 200 Rashad Campbell 5-11 190 Dustin Dekalb 6-0 195 Michael Dobroski 5-8 210 Charlie Evischi 6-0 150 Emory Flournoy 5-9 135 Kameron Glover 5-7 235 Xavier Green 6-1 180 Steven Guern 5-8 205 Oskar Gunther 5-10 180 Trevor Gyorkos 5-7 140 Devian Harris 5-4 115 Dakota Kracht 5-7 185 Travondis Lee 5-10 145 Cody Martin 5-8 150 Nathan Miller 5-6 175 Klayton Norman 5-10 225 Asante’ Poore 5-6 135 Mark Pozeg 5-11 210 Jonathan Reichert 6-0 160 Kaleb Robinson 6-0 170 Quentin Sandrowski 5-10 135 Malik Scott 5-11 205 Blake Shafron 6-6 275 Drew Shores 5-10 185 Dyman Sodsaikitch 5-9 160 Jonathan Watson 5-10 120 Freshmen Chase Alcorn 6-0 150
WR/DB WR/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DL WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB OL/DL QB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/LB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB OL/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB QB/DB
SEE RAMS / PAGE 24
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 5
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN
Marion strives for continued success and a sixth straight playoff berth BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Coming off a 9-2 season and five straight years in the playoffs coach Kerry Martin will have eight starters returning in his bid to make it six in a row. Martin’s Wildcats will be seeking their first South Seven title since tying with Cahokia and Althoff in 2006. “Last year’s record was the most satisfying because we had a successful year even though we had some key injuries, like losing our 1,000 yard rusher from 2008, Terranius Stanley, after the second game,” Martin said. “We struggled to get our full team on the field from week one to week 11, but we were still able to win nine ballgames.” Offensively, Martin has the biggest challenge replacing quarterback Dalton Robertson, running back Zach Irwin, tackle Lavelle Simon and kicker Kolton King. “We are going to be a balanced offensive team again,” Martin said. “We have some good young receivers and returning running backs. Hopefully we can keep
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Coach Dean Schulmeister gives instructions to Keegan McGee while going over kickoff returns during a team practice
teams guessing.” Returning starters on the offensive line are guard Austin Dickson and center Matt Griffith . Tyler Wolz is back from a season long injury. Junior Brett Bradley and sophomore Matt Lewis will be competing at quarterback. “We also have Herbert McMillan back, who played a lot as a freshman and sophomore, but didn’t play last year, and he will see a lot of action at running back and safety,” Martin said. “Taylor Ridgeway from our very successful soccer program will be taking over for Kolton as kicker.”
Go Wildcats!!
Page 6 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
On defense, Martin returns six starters in cornerback Toren Stanley, safety Jay Riley, defensive linemen Colin Soldner and Aaron Adeoye and linebackers Shekeil Ivey and Marcus Green. “We run a multiple front defense out of our 3-4 base,” Martin said. “Our defense is predicated on speed to shut people down. We are going to rely on our experienced linebacker crew of Marcus, Shekeil and Alex Long. We also have two starters returning in the secondary, so we feel like our defense returns a nice blend of talent and athleticism.”
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Marion’s Shekeil Ivey runs downfield while practicing kickoff returns during a team practice.
MARION WILDCATS Coach: Kerry Martin Career Record: 140-68 2009 Record: 9-2 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (8): Austin Dickson (OL), Matt Griffiths (OL), Toren Stanley (WR/CB), Colin Soldner (DE), Aaron Adeoye (DT), Shekeil Ivey (LB), Jay Riley (S), Marcus Green (OLB) Schedule Aug. 27 GRANITE CITY Sept. 3 at Highland Sept. 10 HARRISBURG Sept. 17 CAHOKIA* Sept. 24 MOUNT VERNON* Oct. 1 at Belleville Althoff* Oct. 8 at Centralia* Oct. 15 CARBONDALE* Oct. 22 at Herrin * conference game Seniors Ht. Aaron Adeoye 6-6 Patrick Clark 5-11 Joey Conley 6-0 Austin Dickson 6-2 Marcus Green 5-10 Matt Griffith 6-2 Ricky Hatfield 5-10 Braden Hill 5-9 DeShaun June 6-3 Herbert McMillan 6-0 Keenan Minor 6-1 Ryan Null 5-8
Wt. Pos. 215 DL 260 OL 225 OL 255 OL 175 DB/SE 240 OL 175 SE/DB 150 SE 250 OL/DL 185 RB/DB 180 SE/DB 165 SE
Doug Plumer Holden Reel Taylor Ridgeway Colin Soldner Toren Stanley Troy Stuckey Tyler Wolz
5-7 165 5-9 175 5-10 165 6-4 220 5-10 175 5-10 150 6-5 250 Juniors D.J. Boggs 6-0 250 Brett Bradley 6-2 205 Dylan Carrico 5-10 225 Braxton Dallas 5-10 175 Darien Daniel 5-10 205 Brandon England 5-10 200 Tyler Forbes 5-10 165 Spencer Glasnovich 5-11 190 Danny Gooch 6-3 215 Shekeil Ivey 5-11 205 Drew Johnson 6-0 155 Alex Long 5-9 210 Cody Luckett 6-1 185 Keegan McGee 5-10 205 Cedric Neal 5-7 160 Michael Norris 5-10 195 Zach Peterson 6-3 200 Chris Ramey 6-2 210 Jay Riley 6-0 175 Brandon Sweitzer 5-7 155 Dylon Woolard 6-2 200 Sophomores Henry Jones 5-9 170 Matt Lewis 6-0 165 George Ray 5-8 160 Troy Slinkard 5-10 190 John Stutz 5-10 255 Gavin Taylor 6-3 275 Jake Weaver 6-2 180
SE RB/DB K DL/SE RB/DB DB OL/DL OL/DL QB OL/DL DB/SE DL/OL OL/DL HB OL/DL TE/DL RB/LB SE/DB RB/LB LB/SE OL/DL RB/DB LB/OL OL/DL LB/DE SE/DB SE/DB DL/OL RB/LB QB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL SE/DB
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN
Belleville Althoff begins season on a mission to get back to postseason BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Belleville Althoff got back into the playoffs after a two-year absence, but a quick exit after a 10-7 loss to Effingham left the Crusaders on a mission this year. Althoff finished third in the South Seven at 3-2 behind Cahokia and Marion. “It was big returning to the playoffs, but our kids were striving higher,” said coach Ken Turner. “We are trying to get back to where we used to be, getting to
the playoffs every year.” Turner runs the spread offense and will have last year’s starting wide receiver Jabari Taylor moving to quarterback to replace Brady Nowak. Helping Taylor will be two three-year starters at guard Kyle Johnston and first team all-conference and all-area Vinton Harris, all-conference tight end Carson Sonnenberg and wide receiver Jerry Costello. “Jabari is a really good athlete who fits perfectly with what we want to do,”
Turner said. “He throws well and runs extremely well. He was the backup quarterback as a freshman and is ready to step in.” New starters on offense will be left tackle Nolan Abernathy, right tackle Kyle Siekmann, center Andre Roberts and wide receivers Nesh Quarles and Darren Grinston. Kameron Harris will play fullback and Vinson Arterbridge will replace Paul Cefaratti at running back. “Kameron, who we call
Schedule Aug. 27 at Collinsville Sept. 3 BELLEVILLE WEST Sept. 10 at Mascoutah Sept. 17 at Mount Vernon* Sept. 24 at Centralia* Oct. 1 MARION* Oct. 8 at Carbondale* Oct. 15 CAHOKIA* Oct. 22 TROY (TRIAD) *Conference game Seniors Nick Krietemeyer Vison Arterbridge Jerry Costello Darren Grinston Alex Hietzman Jeffrey Schutzenhofer Carson Sonneberg Kyle Johnston Vinton Harris Nick Hehmann Kyle Siekmann
Pos. Ht. WR/DB 6-1 RB/DB 6-3 WR/DE 6-4 WR/DB 5-8 WR/DB 5-8 DB 5-8 TE/LB 6-5 OL/DE 6-0 OL/DL 5-11 C/DRE 5-11 OT/DT 6-0
Wt. 185 225 205 140 165 180 227 240 260 205 226
Coach: Antwyne Golliday Career Record: 58-22 2009 Record: 9-2 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (1): Joshua Bell (SS) Schedule Aug. 27 at O’Fallon Sept. 3 ALTON Sept. 10 CARNAHAN, Mo. Sept. 17 at Marion* Sept. 24 CARBONDALE* Oct. 1 CENTRALIA* Oct. 8 at Mount Vernon* Oct. 15 at Belleville Althoff Oct. 22 SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES *Conference game
Seniors Pos. Dondre Leflore WR/DB Brandon Gates WR/DB Joshua Bell WR/QB/DB Kevin Ash WR/LB Darvin Fridge WR/LB Thomas Gantt QB/WR Brandon Fair WR/LB Greg Hayes RB/LB Walter Lockett WR/LB Markevion Chairs RB William Pruitt OL/DL Rodney Young OL/DL Travion Williams OL/DL Deandre Motley OL/DL Dominique Leflore OL/DL Jamaal Green OL/DL Ronyell Johnson WR Nehemiah GreenleeWR/DL Wesley Moore WR/LB
Ht. 6-2 5-8 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-5 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-5 6-7 5-5 6-5 5-11
Wt. 170 150 190 175 215 160 195 215 170 140 230 235 210 270 215 290 140 195 175
SEE ALTHOFF / PAGE 24
Three-peat? Cahokia has work to do
BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF CRUSADERS Coach: Ken Turner Career Record: 8-11 2009 Record: 6-4 Conference: South Seven (Class 4A) Returning Starters (5): Jabari Taylor (QB), Vinton Harris (G/DT), Carson Sonnenberg (TE/OLB), Kyle Johnston (G/DE), Jerry Costello (DE/WR)
CAHOKIA COMANCHES
De’Marrion Bogans WR/DB 5-9 James Lewallen K 5-11 Juniors Jabari Taylor QB 6-0 Kameron Harris RB/LB 5-9 Nesh Quarles WR/DB 6-4 Jeffrey Mayo WB/DB 5-9 Nick Fiore RB/DB 5-10 David Fischer RB/DB 5-8 Greg Ceferatti OT/LB 6-0 Andre Roberts C/DE 5-8 Adam Dettenmeier P/K 5-11 Luke Schwartz DT 5-7 Colin Cozart OT/DT 5-9 Sophomores Nick Hawthorne WR/DB 5-8 Zach Donaldson QB/LB 6-1 Derek Newgent WR/DB 5-9 Ryan Cannady WR/DB 5-11 Garland Henley WR/LB 5-11 Jeremy Miller WR/LB 5-7 Kordell Harris WR/LB 5-8 Mike Harris WR/DB 5-6 Luis Garcia WR/DB 5-7 Dalton Crunk TE/DB 6-0 Erik Furmanek OT/LB 6-4 Nolan Abernathy OT/DE 6-4 Daniel Hopkins OT/LB 6-2 Brock Jenkins OT/DE 5-7 Brandon Harris OG/DE 5-8 Gerrardo Herrera OT/DT 5-6 Merrick Jackson OG/DT 6-3 Freshmen Eric Mertens QB/LB 6-2
156 170 165 195 195 145 160 180 165 223 160 245 280 140 160 150 145 165 140 180 165 135 165 240 225 171 184 203 214 277
BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Cahokia has been in the playoffs every year since Antwyne Golliday took over the program in 2003. During that span the Comanches have been at the top or near the top of the South Seven Conference, posting a 29-6 record including winning its second straight title last year by sweeping the field again. However, this year Golliday has his work cut out for him with only one starter returning from the team that went 9-2 last year. “We don’t rebuild, we reload,” Golliday said. “On paper it will look like we’re going to be down, but when we show up we will
be up. I think we are going to fool some people this year. We’re going to be young and make mistakes, but we’re going to be competitive.” Gone are top talents like quarterback Patrick Ivy, running back Joe Grinston, wide receivers/defensive backs Jimmie Hunt and Donald Collier, wide receiver/linebacker Khyree Beckley, wide receiver/ kicker Brad Schmid and both his offensive and defensive lines. Hunt will be playing for Missouri this year. “Offensively we’re going to be fast again and take whatever you give us,” Golliday said. “We are going to run the ball and are ready to throw the ball. The running back position is a toss-up right now and
at wide receiver I have nine different guys fighting for four positions. I do know we have nice size on the line.” The leading candidates to replace Ivy, who passed for 1,915 yards and 21 touchdowns last year, are junior Xjavion Boyd and senior Thomas Gantt. “Defensively we will come at you from a variety of schemes,” Golliday said. “We are going to be fast and aggressive like we always do. The only thing that changes is the faces.” The lone returning starter is strong safety Josh Bell. Two new starters will be senior cornerback Brandon Gates and junior defensive tackle Paris Grimmitt, who will also be starting at center on offense.
196
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 7
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO
Murphysboro looking for leaders
MURPHYSBORO RED DEVILS Coach: Jim Hammers Career Record: 0-0 2009 Record: 3-6 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Returning Starters (9): Eben Brooks (QB/DB), Jeremy Marshall (QB/DB), Dylan Craig (WR/LB), Bryce Mueller (WR/ LB), Orlando Jarrett (RB/DB), Caleb Bost (OL/DL), Bradley Sauer (OL/DL), Cole Gould (OL/DL), Michael Roberts (OL/DL) Schedule Aug. 27 CARBONDALE Sept. 3 at Anna-Jonesboro Sept. 10 at Sparta Sept. 17 at Benton* Sept. 24 MASSAC COUNTY* Oct. 1 HERRIN* Oct. 8 at West Frankfort* Oct. 15 HARRISBURG* Oct. 22 DU QUOIN *Conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Jalen Banks 5-6 160 Caleb Bost 5-11 185 Keon Cathey 5-11 225 Dylan Craig 6-3 195 Austin Crane 5-10 200 Eben Brooks 6-3 195 Rapheal Gibson 5-9 180 Camryn Greer 5-7 140 Domonic Hampton 5-7 250 Napoleon Hughes 5-8 165 Orlando Jarrett 5-11 200 Dale Kinsell 5-5 250 Ray Loyd 5-10 190 Bryce Mueller 5-11 155 Brandon Nicks 5-6 150 Robert Parnell 6-4 370 Michael Roberts 6-2 275
Pos. WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/LB OL/DL QB/DB WR/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL
Bradley Sauer Chris Scholz Caleb Stanton
6-7 300 5-11 150 6-0 150 Juniors Devan Baril 5-7 165 Michael Bytner 5-7 180 Cole Gould 6-0 180 Brandon Jackson 5-6 170 Darion Jarrett 5-8 160 Nick Keller 6-2 290 Matt Kupcikevicius 5-10 150 Jeremiah LaGrone 5-10 250 Bryce Layne 5-9 190 Mitch Maloney 5-10 155 Kyle Miller 6-0 170 Ryan O’Leary 5-8 215 Josh Thompson 5-11 160 Tanner Troutman 5-10 240 Jacob White 5-10 155 Sophomores Andre Adams 5-6 170 Francisco AmbrocioN/A N/A Diamante Bradley 5-5 190 Dalton Bruns 5-9 140 Kevin Cude 6-0 180 Zach Evans 6-2 135 Devian Gaines 5-4 140 Hoston Gee 5-7 114 Larry Golden 5-10 165 DaShawn Henry 5-9 150 Robert Jennings 5-9 185 Alex Kartje 5-5 115 Donald Kellum 6-2 160 Tylon Kerrens 5-10 155 Nick Kupcikevich 5-6 120 Jesse Loyd 6-1 270 Tim Phillips 6-3 225 LaMarcus Spillers 5-9 150 Dylan Spradling 6-3 310 Trey Stewart 5-8 125 Kane Wilson 5-9 150 Lloyd Woolard 6-0 230
OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL WR/LB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB QB/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB RB/DB OL/DL
Go Red Devils!
BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
New Murphysboro coach Jim Hammers has a lot of skill to work with, but it will be the character guys who could make the biggest difference this season. After 22 years as an assistant with the Red Devils, Hammers moves into the top role in a program that hasn’t won more than three games in a season since 1999 and went 7-38 in five years under former coach Bob Stilley. Hammers becomes the fourth coach to attempt to return Murphysboro to respectability for the first time this century. “We have a number of skill players coming back,” Hammers said. “We have a senior class that is very close, and we look for them to lead us.” Seniors Eben Brooks, Jeremy Marshall and three-year starter Dylan Craig are in competition for the quarterback spot for the Red Devils, who scored an average of 16.3 points per game last year while allowing 35.5 a game. Brooks was a second-team all-conference selection and team MVP, while
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Murphysboro’s players push a sled during a team practice.
Marshall was Murphysboro’s lone All-South pick. “We rely on our QB to do a lot in our offense,” Hammers said. “If one doesn’t start at QB, they’ll start at wide receiver.” After two straight 3-6 seasons, Murphysboro will need good character guys like Craig to make a difference in the locker room if the team hopes to break out of its current rut. The Red Devils lost four of their last five after a 2-2 start to the 2009 slate. “Craig is an outstanding young man and an outstanding athlete,” Hammers said. “We’re looking for him to do a lot for us this year.” First-team, all-conference running back Orlando Jarrett returns as a senior, while younger brother Darion will contribute in the backfield as a junior.
Orlando had more than 400 yards on the ground and 200 receiving for Murphysboro last season. “We’re looking to the two brothers to carry the mail for us a lot this season,” Hammers said. Possibly joining threeyear starter Marshall at wide receiver is Caleb Stanton and juniors Mitch Maloney and Jacob White. With more than 100 players program-wide out for football this year, depth figures to be an asset for the Red Devils. “We’re in a situation where we’re a little deeper than we expected to be,” Hammers said. “That’s because the kids have worked so hard and the turnout has been so good.” pete.spitler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5073
GO RED DEVILS!
1 1/2 Mi. W. of Murphysboro on Rt. 149 Murphysoboro, IL 687-3663 • Hours: Mon-Sat 9-5pm Sun 12-5pm Page 8 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO
Stoner has big shoes to fill for Patriots
MASSAC COUNTY PATRIOTS Coach: Kelly Glass Career Record: 128-106 2009 Record: 7-3 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Returning Starters (10): Jordan Jackson (RB/DE), Daniel Duncan (RB/DB), Malcom Amos (RB/DB), Caleb Crim (QB/DB), Jarel Johnson (WR/DB), Jon Haverkamp (K/WR), Levi McDuffee (LB), Marshall Burkhead (OL/DL), Jonathan Dye (OL/DL), Mitch McClellan (LB). Schedule Aug. 27 MARION (Crittenden County, Ky.) Sept. 3 At Hickman (Fulton County, Ky.) Sept. 10 ANNA-JONESBORO Sept. 17 At Harrisburg * Sept. 24 At Murphysboro * Oct. 1 BENTON * Oct. 8 HERRIN * Oct. 15 WEST FRANKFORT* Oct. 22 At Olney East Richland * Conference game Seniors Ht. Isaiah Cruz 5-10 Jonathan Dye 5-11 Daniel Duncan 5-9 O’Shay Everett 5-9 Jordan Jackson 5-10 Mitch McClellan 6-1 Levi McDuffee 6-2 Adam Penrod 6-2 Keeton Walker 5-9 Juniors Malcom Amos 6-0 Marshall Burkhead 5-7
Wt. 165 200 185 165 180 190 230 180 170
Pos. WR/DB DL/OL RB/DB DB/RB RB/DE LB LB OL/DL WR/DB
150 210
RB/DB OL/DL
Caleb Crim 5-5 160 Nick Deasel 5-9 250 Robert Fager 5-9 180 Guyllermo Gonzalez 5-10 200 Mason Heine 5-9 190 Blake Herbert 6-0 170 Nate Hillebrand 5-9 170 Jarel Johnson 5-10 155 Cody Jones 6-1 260 Jeremy Konemenn 6-2 255 Jarel Mackey 5-7 145 John Matlock 6-0 230 Erik Merrill 5-11 210 Kenneth Miller 5-11 260 Will Norwood 5-6 130 Todd Pergande 5-11 200 Kelvin Skinner 6-2 170 Jeb Stewart 5-10 165 Dalton Stoner 5-11 190 Paul Turner 5-10 210 Jay Tyson 5-7 160 Sophomores Jordan Ablett 5-9 155 Matt Buchanan 5-7 150 Stephen Cooper 6-1 165 Trey Copley 5-9 190 Andrew Cromeenes 6-1 175 Ross Devers 6-1 145 Austin Green 5-8 140 Jon Haverkamp 5-7 125 Thomas Hicks 6-0 215 Cole Jenkins 5-10 170 Curtis Kerley 6-1 290 Daz Nickerson 5-8 140 Jared Oliver 5-11 150 Marquis Thompson 5-10 160 Lamar Tyson 5-6 130 Zach Trumpower 6-2 250 Eli Wheeler 5-9 250 Freshmen Landon Cornwell 5-10 205
Go Red Devils!
QB/DB OL/DL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DB QB/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DB/WR OL/DL WR/DB OL/LB QB OL/DL DB/WR RB/LB OL/LB WR/DB OL/LB WR WR/LB WR/DB K/WR OL/DL LB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB DB/WR WR/RB OL/DL OL/DL
BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
Entering his 25th year as Massac County’s head coach, Kelly Glass stayed the course in his assessment of the Patriots’ chances in 2010. “I think we’ll be fine,” Glass said. “There’s been a bunch of seasons for me. It’s a mixed feeling of emotions — optimism, enthusiasm and wanting to see what you can do.” Massac County has won seven games in each of the last three seasons under Glass, who has a 128-106 record in Metropolis. But the Patriots look to be a bit different this year following the graduation of 16 seniors — including multi-
threat quarterback/running back Jarelle Johnson. “We like the determination of our kids, and I think we’ll be competitive,” Glass said. “We’ve been blessed over the last couple of years.” Johnson threw for more than 500 yards and added more than 1,000 on the ground for Massac County in 2009, and his departure created a huge hole behind center that will be filled by junior Dalton Stoner. And Stoner appears to be ready to become another in a long line of successful Patriots quarterbacks, with the most recent examples being Johnson and Zach Kester. “One of his best buddies is Zach Kester and they
have a lot of things in common,” Glass said of Stoner. “I think he wants to outdo Zach a little bit.” Glass had glowing praise about his new quarterback. “He has a believable and earned passion to be a good football player,” Glass said. “He has never missed a practice and attended every weight lifting session. “He’s the guy I hope makes us go.” Massac County has the unique opportunity of hosting a bowl game between Herrin and Hopkins County, Ky., at 7 p.m. Saturday. The neutral-site contest is the first time the Patriots have hosted, and it will be the season opener for Herrin.
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The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 9
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO
Dealing with tragedy, an experienced Benton team is ready for a turnaround BY PETE SPITLER
BENTON RANGERS Coach: Jeremy Clodfelder Career Record: 8-19 2009 Record: 3-6 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 3A) Returning Starters (7): Hunter Rone (OL/LB), Kyler Smith (WR/QB/DB), Landon Stewart (OL/LB), Mason Childers (WR/LB), Trey Garrett (WR/DB), Landon LaBuwi (WR/DL), Cody Smith (WR/QB/DB). Schedule Aug. 27 At Carterville Sept. 3 SPARTA Sept. 10 At Pinckneyville Sept. 17 MURPHYSBORO * Sept. 25 WEST FRANKFORT * Oct. 1 At Massac County * Oct. 8 At Harrisburg * Oct. 15 At Herrin * Oct. 22 ANNA-JONESBORO * Conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Tyler Arnett 6-0 305 OL/DL Trenton Browning 5-11 310 OL/DL Dylan DeForest 5-10 190 RB/LB Jalen Heil 6-1 170 WR/DB Tyler Lampley 5-10 160 OL/LB Johnny Piazza 5-8 165 RB/LB Hunter Rone 5-10 235 OL/LB Kyler Smith 5-9 175 WR/QB/DB Michael Stark 6-0 305 OL/DL Landon Stewart 6-1 200 OL/LB Matt Summers 5-10 180 OL/LB Dylan Warren 5-8 135 WR/DB
THE SOUTHERN
Damon Wilson
5-9 155 WR/DB Juniors Colby Allen 5-9 175 RB/LB Derek Butler 6-0 250 OL/DL Mason Childers 6-0 180 WR/LB Colt Dugger 5-10 205 OL/DL Trey Garrett 6-0 180 WR/DB Beau Gibbs 5-11 215 OL/DL Jake Harris 6-1 175 WR/DL Scott Johnson 6-1 155 WR/DB Jared Johnston 6-0 150 WR/DB Kyle Kink 5-8 160 WR/LB Landon LaBuwi 6-3 200 WR/DL Tyler Leffler 6-1 165 QB/DB Cory Leslie 5-6 140 WR/LB Eric Price 5-11 150 WR/DB Jerett Shockley 6-2 320 OL/DL Cody Smith 5-9 145 WR/QB/DB Sophomores Shane Bettenhausen 6-2 240 OL/DL Dakota Cali 5-7 160 RB/LB Aaron Casey 6-2 230 OL/DL Shane Chapman 6-3 275 OL/DL Cole Forby 5-11 160 WR/DB Ethan Hughes 6-2 230 OL/DL Lane Hutchinson 6-2 315 OL/DL Frank Kulich 6-0 210 OL/DL Jeremy Lay 5-9 175 WR/LB Ryan Lowery 5-9 165 OL/LB Slater Moore 5-4 150 RB/LB Austin Myers 5-7 135 WR/DB Cameron Rock 5-7 150 RB/LB Dylan Sheeks 6-0 210 RB/LB Nick Shelton 5-11 200 OL/DL Max Summers N/A N/A OL/LB Gavin Suver 6-4 210 OL/DL Daulton Ward 6-4 220 OL/DL Alex Yates 5-9 145 WR/DB
Dealing with death is never easy, especially when the deceased is your coach. Longtime Benton assistant coach Mark Harben passed away in his hotel room June 19 while members of his fellow coaching
staff and players were participating in the Rangers’ summer football camp at Camp Rantoul. The 54-year-old was looking up defensive formations on his computer hours before his death. “It has been a trying summer for us with the death of a coach and that is
not easy on anybody,” said Benton coach Jeremy Clodfelder. “There was a little bit of a recovery process and I’m proud of the way the kids stood back up and got back to work.” The Rangers finished 3-6 in 2009 and are 8-19 in SEE BENTON / PAGE 27
WEST FRANKFORT REDBIRDS Coach: Chad Spence Career Record: 33-34 2009 Record: 1-8 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 3A) Returning Starters (10): Addison Eggertsen (QB), Jarod Dial (WO), Derrick Davis (DB), Ben Cunningham (WO), Nathan Butler (WO), Joe Burgess (OL), Brady Melvin (OL), Miles Williams (OL), Koty Rains (OL), Dustin Moss (OL) Schedule Aug. 27 At Anna-Jonesboro Sept. 3 At Pinckneyville Sept. 10 NASHVILLE Sept. 17 HERRIN * Sept. 25 At Benton * Oct. 1 At Harrisburg * Oct. 8 MURPHYSBORO Oct. 15 At Metropolis (Massac County) * Oct. 23 FREEBURG * Conference game Seniors Ht. Nathan Butler 6-2 Ben Cunningham 6-0 Derrick Davis 6-0 Cody Elders 5-10 Kaleb Gardner 5-9
Wt. 190 185 170 180 155
Pos. WO WO DB WO RB
Colton Gass Brady Melvin Dustin Moss Joshua Tharp Luke Ward Miles Williams Matt Wright
6-1 170 6-1 220 6-3 295 5-10 195 6-2 225 5-11 225 6-0 195 Juniors Joe Burgess 6-3 240 Jarod Dial 6-1 185 Addison Eggertsen6-1 195 Charles Leach 5-9 185 Joe Mash 5-9 200 Dakota Pratt 5-10 165 Koty Rains 6-2 220 Colton Williams 5-11 165 Sophomores Zack Baize 5-11 230 Michael Dodd 5-7 160 Josh Erthall 6-0 150 Garrett Gibbs 5-10 190 Brady Karnes 5-10 230 Nic Korolenko 6-1 190 Michael Laswell 6-0 180 Gavin Restivo 5-7 160 Hadin Restivo 5-10 175 Bryce Rich 5-11 220 Josh Rich 6-0 230 Josh Rodely 6-1 180 Dakota Tyler 6-0 200 Jonathan Utley 6-0 180
WO OL OL RB OL OL DL OL WO QB LB OL WO OL DB OL DB OL RB OL WO OL RB QB OL OL DE OL DE
Redbirds come into season with new style BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
After a pair of lean years, West Frankfort looks to try and reverse the trend with a young team sprinkled with skill players in 2010. The Redbirds are 3-15 the last two years after finish-
Page 10 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
ing 7-4 in 2007. But an emphasis on offseason conditioning and a simplified strategic approach has West Frankfort optimistic about its chances. “I think the results we’ve had over the last season or two has made the kids realize there needs to be a
change,” said West Frankfort coach Chad Spence. “We’re pretty excited, and we’re kinda young, but the kids have bought into what we’re doing and they’ve worked hard. SEE REDBIRDS / PAGE 27
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO HARRISBURG BULLDOGS Coach: Jason Roper Career Record: 19-20 2009 Record: 6-4 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Returning Starters (7): John David Rollins (RB/DE), Keelin Rasch (RB/LB), Nick Borders (RB/LB), Isaac Behme (RB/LB), Robby Brown (K), Caleb Thompson (RB/DB), Johnnie Donaldson (OL/DL) Schedule Aug. 27 MOUNT CARMEL Sept. 3 At Du Quoin Sept. 10 At Marion Sept. 17 METROPOLIS (MASSAC COUNTY) * Sept. 24 At Herrin * Oct. 1 WEST FRANKFORT * Oct. 8 BENTON * Oct. 15 At Murphysboro * Oct. 22 CARBONDALE * Conference game
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Harrisburg’s Payton Moss takes a handoff from Andrew Maxam during a team practice Aug. 19.
Harrisburg puts fate of team in hands of some new players BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
A year after seeing a 6-4 season end with a 42-0 loss to Quincy Notre Dame, Harrisburg pins its hopes on John David Rollins and a number of three-sport athletes in 2010. Without fullback Dawson Montfort, quarterback Reid Roper, defensive end Noah King and running back Kollin Dowdy, the Bulldogs figure to have a lot less name recognition this season, but that hasn’t ever affected Harrisburg’s success.
“There’s a couple of seniors we’re looking to get a lot of mileage out of,” said Harrisburg coach Jason Roper. “I don’t think we’ll be as big as we were last year, but overall, our team speed is pretty good and I’m happy with that.” Harrisburg will miss Montfort’s 6-foot-1, 220pound frame and the more than 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns the McKendree University prospect scored to help the Bulldogs win the SIRR Ohio title with a 6-3 record. In his place, running backs Issac Behme, Rollins and Keelin Rasch look to
share the load by committee. “Those three should be good for us,” Roper said. “We don’t have that big, physical Harrisburg fullback. We’ll be a little undersized, but hopefully we can make up for that with our speed.” And Rollins — the selfproclaimed “Fastest Man in Illinois” — has speed to burn. The Bulldogs track star, who spent time at a speed camp in Texas this summer, racked up 1,000 yards on the ground in 2009 and was Harrisburg’s main return threat on special teams.
Seniors Ht. Wt. Jacob Blackman 5-11 215 Nick Borders 5-9 174 Robby Brown 5-11 150 Jesse Condra 5-11 160 Tyler Cox 5-9 230 Johnnie Donaldson 6-0 299 Logan Leverett 6-2 205 Andrew Maxam 6-1 172 Nate Morris 6-5 277 Keelin Rasch 5-11 181 Scott Riley 5-10 133
“He’s got a lot of confidence and has set his goals really high,” Roper said. “He’s been impressive so far. Track is his No. 1 sport, but we’re glad he likes football.” Up front, Harrisburg is reloading following the departures of all-conference linemen Nathan Hunt, Mitch Mitchell and Stewart Neal. Secondteam all-conference lineman Johnny Donaldson returns as mentor to the next crop of athletes to work the trenches. “We have some junior linemen that I hope can mature really, really fast,”
Pos. OL RB/LB K DB DL OL/DL LB QB DL RB/LB DB
Mical Rockford 6-2 171 John David Rollins 5-10 150 Michael Thomas 5-10 162 Caleb Thompson 5-10 167 Paul Walker 6-2 161 James Wilton 6-0 194 Austin Younger 6-2 162 Juniors Raven Abell 6-0 168 Kashmere Barners 5-8 160 Caleb Beal 5-11 226 Kyle Butler 5-6 168 Zach Cletcher 6-0 211 Cameron Cummins 5-7 149 Dylan Davis 5-5 177 Alex Delgado 5-11 233 Zach Devillez 5-11 149 Brandon Gibbs 6-3 244 Dustin Gulley 5-6 158 Nick Hamp 5-11 198 Derek Hardin 5-8 167 Tim Jeffries 5-9 209 Austin Johnson 6-0 203 Kaleb Martineau 5-10 208 Tyler McGowan 6-1 182 Aaron McRoy 5-9 162 Matt Milligan 6-0 164 Payton Moss 5-10 180 Rahul Patel 5-8 155 Dalton Rightnowar 6-0 150 Kelly Shimp 6-3 147 Tyler Short 6-2 174 Terry Taborn 6-2 230 Tyler Tuttle 6-0 167 Sophomores Capel Henshaw 6-2 172 Ryne Roper 6-1 172
TE RB/DB LB RB/DB DB OL/DL LB LB RB/DB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL RB/DB LB OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL LB DL LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL QB/DB LB TE/LB RB/LB K DB DB TE/LB OL/DL RB/LB TE/DB QB/DB
‘He’s (John David Rollins) got a lot of confidence and has set his goals really high. Track is his No. 1 sport, but we’re glad he likes football.’ JASON ROPER HARRISBURG COACH
Roper said. “We’ll have some seniors playing, but they lack experience.” Harrisburg consistently plays one of the toughest schedules in Southern Illinois and this year is no different, with the Bulldogs hosting Mount Carmel at today and then traveling to Du Quoin and Marion in Weeks 2 and 3.
“Mount Carmel should be outstanding and this year should be a great year for them,” Roper said. “We’ve got to go to Du Quoin and then Marion, which is the best team in Southern Illinois in my opinion.” pete.spitler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5073
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 11
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO
After disappointing 2009, Herrin tries to get back to winning ways BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
Herrin coach Jason Karnes is eager to get back to a winning season after recording a 4-5 record in 2009, the only sub-.500 season in the coach’s fouryear career. The Tigers hadn’t had a season with less than seven wins during Karnes’ tenure prior to last year, but the reasoning behind the misstep was simple. “I look at two things every year — depth and taking care of the football,” Karnes said. “For us last year, we had 15 turnovers in the first three games.” Herrin is without graduated All-South running backs David Mallow and Tyler Gooden. Mallow racked up 1,178 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior in 2009. Gooden added 561 yards and five scores. On the defensive side of the ball, Mallow recorded 64 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. Gooden led the team with 72 tackles. Their departure means junior running back DeMarlo Harris will figure more prominently into the
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
Herrin coach Jason Karnes talks to his team during practice.
offense after seeing spot duty for the Tigers last season. “I think there are five or six kids that played last year that I’m excited about,” Karnes said. “We’ve done a lot of things in strength and explosion and I’ve been real impressed by their progression.” Among that group is likely outside linebacker Antuan Davis, right tackle Zeb Williams, center Cody Ward and lineman Brandon Bevis. All but Davis are seniors in 2010, with
Williams being a threeyear starter and Ward and Davis being two-year starters. “I think they’ve worked extremely hard in the weight room since December,” Karnes said. “It could be a very good line for us. We’ve got some big guys and some speed and that’s a good combination in the line.” After the down year in 2009, Herrin looks to return to its primary focus starting Saturday at 7 p.m. against Hopkins County, Ky., with Massac County
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Page 12 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
HERRIN TIGERS Coach: Jason Karnes Career Record: 27-14 2009 Record: 4-5 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Returning Starters (9): DeMarlo Harris (RB/DE), Jakob Caldwell (RB/DB), Antuan Davis (QB/LB), Conner Butler (RB/LB), Cody Ward (OL/DL), Zeb Williams (OL/DL), Devon Lohman (OL/DL), Nolan Murphy (OL/DL), Brandon Bevis (TE/DE/P). Schedule Aug. 28 At Metropolis vs. Madisonville (Hopkins County, Ky.) Sept. 3 At Carbondale Sept. 10 DU QUOIN Sept. 17 At West Frankfort * Sept. 24 HARRISBURG * Oct. 1 At Murphysboro * Oct. 8 At Massac County * Oct. 15 BENTON * Oct. 22 MARION * Conference game Seniors Ht. Craig Bartelsmeyer 5-10 Brandon Bevis 6-4 Jakob Caldwell 6-1 T.J. Clover 6-0 Nathan Dawson 6-1 Garrett Epps 6-4 serving as a neutral site host. “I’ve played a different team in Week 1 every year I’ve been here,” Karnes said. “We kind of have a similar schedule with
Wt. Pos. 170 K 230 TE/DE/P 160 RB/DB 190 RB/LB 150 RB/LB 215 OL/DL
Jo Jo Hart Trenten Johnson Devon Lohman Tyler Lukens Wade Rea Cody Ward Ben Wayer Zeb Williams
5-8 158 6-1 168 6-3 245 5-9 155 6-0 145 6-3 255 6-4 220 6-3 230 Juniors Caleb Benitone 6-5 255 Ben Bouse 5-10 185 Conner Butler 6-0 172 Layton Chiaventone 6-1 233 Toby Coffey 5-6 150 Tyler Cravens 6-2 230 Kyle Cullum 5-7 147 Antuan Davis 6-0 198 Levi Fortner 5-10 150 DeMarlo Harris 6-3 202 Marlon Harris 5-9 180 Dashawn Hart 5-9 160 Josh Hunt 6-1 250 Tyler Mabry 6-2 235 Austin Martin 5-8 120 Brock McGee 5-10 140 Nolan Murphy 6-5 300 Jaggar Odam 5-8 160 Shane Shapkoff 6-0 180 Paul Sims 6-4 245 James Smith 6-1 285 Jack Wilcox 5-10 130 Jake Yancey 6-0 160 Sophomores Austin Butler 6-1 170
(Harrisburg) coach (Jason) Roper.” Herrin proposed a contest against the SIRR Mississippi’s newest member in Carterville, but was denied.
RB/DB WR/DB OL/DL QB/DB WR/DB OL/DL TE/DE OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL WR/LB QB/LB WR/DB RB/DE RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/LB WR/DB RB/DB OL/DL WR/LB OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL QB/DB LB RB/DB
“Travel-wise and money-wise, it’s so much easier to cross over,” Karnes said. pete.spitler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5073
Go Her rin T igers!!
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI
Rock solid Du Quoin ready for run at 27th straight postseason DU QUOIN INDIANS Coach: Al Martin Career Record: 226-45 2009 Record: 9-2 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (9): Seth Baxter (RB/DB), Chaz Bland (RB/LB), Jerel Holmes (RB/LB), Karson Hoffman (RB/DB), Aaron Smith (RB/DB), Brandon Williams (TE/DE), Bryce Hamburger (OL/DL), Cory Campanella (OL/DL), Kenny Kabat (DE).
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Du Quoin coach Al Martin gives instructions to players during a team practice Aug. 11. BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
The Du Quoin football program has made the playoffs 26 years in a row and basically seems to reload even when it loses a talented core group of players. That could be the case this year as well. Quarterback Matt Gossett has graduated along with running back David Gayton. The team also must replace top wide receivers David Rose and Marcus Clarry. “They all made big plays for us, and we tried to put them in a good position to do that,” said coach Al Martin. “We have to get three to four yards every play this year. We can’t rely on David Rose making a big play for us anymore. We have to be very consistent and disciplined.” The Indians do have Aaron Smith returning at running back. Smith made a name for himself last season as a key contributor out of the backfield. “He did a good job for us
running the football,” Martin said of Smith. “He is a year stronger and he’s matured physically.” Martin’s squad will also be counting on Seth Baxter and Storm Clarry at the running positions along with Brandon Williams at tight end. Sam Gossett will take over at quarterback while Trent Bigham is also working out at the position. “We think Sam will be good for us, and Trent will play a lot on defense,” Martin said. “We think we have receivers that can really catch the ball and we think our quarterbacks can get it to them.” The defensive front should be solid once again for the Indians. They’ll have six starters back on that side of the ball. Williams, Bryce Hamburger and Kenny Kabat shore up the line. Chaz Bland and Jerel Holmes return at linebacker, and Karson Hoffman will be back in the secondary. Cory Campanella per-
formed well on the offensive line last season as a starter, and the 6-foot-5 blocker is close to 300 pounds this year, according to Martin. Joey Perez (6-5, 340) will also be in the mix. “This is the first year that (Perez) has played much, and he’s worked very hard,” Martin said. “But we also have some good, quick smaller kids around 200 pounds. We have a lot of competition with our offensive line.” Du Quoin finished 9-2 overall last season and won the SIRR Mississippi Division with a perfect record of 5-0. The team fell in the second round of the playoffs at Tolono Unity. The Indians have finished undefeated in conference action in each of the past two seasons. “I think everybody will be looking at Nashville to be very strong,” Martin said. “I think it will be a strong conference again.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086
Schedule Aug. 27 BETHALTO CIVIC MEMORIAL Sept. 3 HARRISBURG Sept. 10 At Herrin Sept. 17 SPARTA * Sept. 24 CARTERVILLE * Oct. 1 At Pinckneyville * Oct. 8 NASHVILLE * Oct. 15 At Anna-Jonesboro * Oct. 22 At Murphysboro * Conference game Seniors Ht. Will Alstat 5-9 Seth Bard 5-8 Seth Baxter 6-0 Trent Bigham 5-9 Chaz Bland 6-0 Cory Campanella 6-5 Storm Clarry 5-8 Bryce Hamburger 6-1 Karson Hoffman 5-11 Jerel Holmes 5-9 Jeremy Jones 6-0 Kenny Kabat 6-0
Wt. 200 195 170 160 175 300 155 245 140 190 298 195
Pos. OL/DL DL RB/DB QB/DB RB/LB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL RB/DB RB/LB DL DE
Go Indians!
Colin Keith 6-2 220 OL Sam Kuhnert 6-6 200 TE Brock Morgenstern 6-0 265 DL Ethan Nevill 5-8 145 DB Joey Perez 6-5 330 OL Luchie Porter 6-0 170 DB Aaron Smith 6-0 150 RB/DB James Williams 5-10 157 WR/DB Juniors Alex Angleton 5-11 265 OL Dillon Beltz 5-11 180 RB/DB Quivon Bledsoe 5-5 150 RB/DB Jonathan Boss 6-2 180 WR Zack Cavitt 5-6 130 DB Cayle Diggins 6-1 180 RB/LB John Galik 6-2 160 WR/DB Sam Gossett 6-2 180 QB Blayne Harris 6-0 165 LB Nathan Harris 6-0 145 DB Caleb Harsy 5-11 200 OL/LB Tim Mabrey 6-0 190 C Quinton Mathis 6-1 175 DE Jesse McDicken 6-5 210 OL/DL Jared Morgan 5-9 135 DB Brice Nelson 6-6 236 OL Dylan Pyron 6-2 190 TE/LB Jordan Ragland 6-0 250 DL Kegan Robbins 5-7 135 WR Gene Rodely 6-6 180 DL Josh Sanders 6-0 165 DB Logan Spain 6-2 205 LB TJ Thorpe 5-8 205 C Dakota Wheatley 5-10 150 DB Nathan Zoller 6-2 235 OL Sophomores Tim Cochran 5-11 165 RB/LB Brenden Fred 6-1 160 QB Trevon Jones 5-10 180 RB/DL
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618.542.8024 The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 13
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI
Hornets try to build on success BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Nashville made a playoff run to the quarterfinals last year, and the squad brings back nearly everyone from its 7-5 season. Most coaches believe Nashville is the favorite to win the SIRR Mississippi Division, but coach Matt Gajewski looks at it a little bit differently. “I think the conference this year is very up in the
air,” Gajewski said. “Everybody says we’re the team to beat, but until you’ve won it you’re not that team.” The Hornets finished just 2-3 in conference play last season and had to win their final two regular season games just to make the playoffs. A pair of close losses to Chester and Pinckneyville halfway through the season put the team under pressure to win.
“As the season went on you can question yourself when you’re under .500, but you can grow and turn things around,” Gajewski said. “Last year was my first season with a winning record. When you get some speed and some athletes you have to learn how to coach them, too.” Gannon Mamell is the top offensive weapon at SEE HORNETS / PAGE 25
NASHVILLE HORNETS Coach: Matt Gajewski Career Record: 16-23 2009 Record: 7-5 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (13): Gannon Mamell (RB/DB), Alex Lietz (QB/DB), Bryce Harre (RB/LB), Tyler Meyer (RB/DB), Zach Fieber (WR/DB), Chris Storey (FB/LB), Brady Harre (QB/DB), Colton Deering (OL/DL), Ryan Schmid (OL/DL), Dylan Boozer (OL/DL), David Gill (OL/LB), Travis Newman (OL/DL), Craig Dalman (TE/DE) Schedule Aug. 27 CARLYLE Sept. 3 BREESE MATER DEI Sept. 10 At West Frankfort Sept. 17 At Carterville * Sept. 24 PINCKNEYVILLE * Oct. 1 At Anna-Jonesboro * Oct. 8 At Du Quoin * Oct. 15 SPARTA * Oct. 22 At Columbia * Conference game Seniors Pos. Brady Harre QB/DB Bryce Harre RB/LB Gannon Mamell RB/DB Alex Lietz QB/DB Tyler Meyer RB/DB Zach Fieber WR/DB Justin Tubbs WR/DB Chris Storey FB/LB Mitchell Stein FB/LB Chris Horst RB/DB Scott Polczynski TE/DB
Ht. 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-2
Wt. 178 170 185 170 150 145 165 205 170 175 175
Wil Niermann Colton Deering Ryan Schmid Dylan Boozer David Gill Travis Newman Craig Dalman Ben Grote Jeff Stern
OL/DL 6-0 OL/DL 5-9 OL/DL 6-3 OL/DL 6-1 OL/LB 6-2 OL/DL 6-2 TE/DE 6-2 TE/DE 6-2 TE/DE 6-0 Juniors Brady Haertling RB/DB 5-11 Robert Hankins TE/DE 5-11 Jesse Krawiecki QB/LB 5-10 Josiah Nelson RB/DB 5-10 Matt Brown RB/Db 5-10 Michael Shubert RB/DB 5-11 Josh Derick RB/LB 5-9 Brandon Heckert RB/LB 5-10 Brett Warchol FB/LB 5-11 Trey Meyer RB/LB 5-10 Darren Rucker TE/DE 6-0 Kyle Brink OL/DL 5-10 Rusty Wheeler OL/DL 5-10 Chris Bergman OL/DL 6-3 Brandon Fortag OL/DL 6-1 Erik Harris OL/DL 5-9 Ben Wolf OL/DL 6-0 Chris Rybacki TE/DE 6-0 Sophomores Kenny Vogt RB/DB 5-8 Austin Haegne FB/LB 5-11 Alex Caplin QB/DB 5-11 Caleb Harper RB/DB 5-10 Tristan Gill OL/LB 5-10 Dalton Kurtz OL/DL 5-10 Kaleb Zimmerman OL/DL 5-9 Devin Holle OL/DL 6-4 Cody Buss OL/DL 6-2 TJ Horst TE/DE 5-9
Page 14 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
250 230 240 250 245 305 235 195 200 155 150 150 170 155 145 145 165 200 140 160 185 200 250 235 260 235 150 130 170 147 150 215 160 215 190 265 140
SPARTA BULLDOGS Coach: Phil Watson Career Record: 26-41 2009 Record: 0-9 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (6): Kirk Henley (OL/DL), London Oliver (RB/DB), Zach Ferguson (RB/LB), Darius Jackson (QB/DB), Josh Reese (RB/LB), Matt Wasson (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 27 COLUMBIA Sept. 3 At Benton Sept. 10 MURPHYSBORO Sept. 17 At Du Quoin * Sept. 24 ANNA-JONESBORO * Oct. 1 At Carterville * Oct. 8 PINCKNEYVILLE * Oct. 15 At Nashville * Oct. 22 RED BUD *Conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Seth Buch 5-8 160 RB/LB Zach Ferguson 5-6 175 RB/LB Kirk Henley 6-4 270 OL/DL Weslen Kiner 6-4 190 WR/DE Carl Lobdell 5-10 140 WR/DB
London Oliver 5-11 160 RB/DB Jeremy Picket 5-9 160 RB/LB Antoine LeSouder 5-7 175 RB/DB Matt Wasson 5-10 160 OL/DL Juniors Darius Jackson 6-0 175 QB/DB Orlando Oliver 6-0 150 WR/DB Josh Reese 5-7 160 RB/LB James Sanchez 5-11 360 OL/DL Shequel Sleydin 5-5 135 RB/DB Alek Sopiars 6-2 190 WR/DE CJ Windes 5-6 145 RB/DB Ian Wolter 5-10 185 OL/LB Sophomores Tyler Adams 5-8 200 OL/DL Sharvell Austin 5-7 135 RB/DB Deunta Baker 5-5 140 RB/DB Jay Baue 6-2 180 TE/LB Hayden Beattie 6-2 165 OL/LB Cedric Briscoe 5-4 190 OL/LB Justin Dunning 5-7 150 RB/LB Aaron Hall 5-7 165 RB/LB Dylan Hatley 5-6 180 OL/DL Luke Henley 6-0 255 OL/DL Justin Krantz 6-0 160 OL/LB Jon Lueth 5-9 255 OL/DL Sean Lukes 6-0 165 QB/DB Jared Penny 5-11 235 OL/DL Greg Scheibal 5-11 135 OL/DL
Watson says Sparta wants to ‘close the gap’ BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Things can only go up for the Sparta football team after finishing with a winless season in 2009. The squad returns six starters from last year, and coach Phil Watson is hoping the team will be competitive. “We want to close the gap on some of these teams that have been putting it on us,” said coach Phil Watson. “We want to be competitive and put ourselves in the position in the fourth quarter to get lucky. The harder we work the luckier we get. We want to be within striking distance and sneak up on somebody and hopefully get a win.” Seniors London Oliver and Zach Ferguson are two of the team’s top returning
offensive players. Oliver will be counted on at running back once again, and Ferguson will handle running duties as well as some time at receiver. “It’s great having them back because they know the offense, and they are both hard workers in the weight room,” Watson said. “Oliver has to be one of the fastest kids in the conference, and Ferguson is a low to the ground runner who is tough to bring down.” The Bulldogs have to replace Blake Shelton, who started at quarterback for the past two-plus seasons. “He was a great leader and that’s what we’re going to miss,” Watson said. “He brought intensity to the field and led by example. He was an
unselfish player and moved from quarterback to fullback when we needed more blocking.” Watson said junior Darius Jackson will take over the role of quarterback this season. On defense, Oliver will play defensive back and Ferguson is back at linebacker. Josh Reese (linebacker), Matt Wasson (defensive end) and Kirk Henley (defensive tackle) are also returning starters for the unit. Although the team didn’t pick up any wins last season, it only lost to Chester, 7-0, and was leading Anna-Jonesboro at halftime before falling 30-15. SEE SPARTA / PAGE 25
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI PINCKNEYVILLE PANTHERS Coach: Tod Rushing Career Record: 31-52 2009 Record: 2-7 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (6): Mike Huggins (OL/DL), Keegan Kellerman (OL/DL), Clinton Graff (OL/DL), Bryant Shute (QB/DB), Neil Kellerman (RB/LB), Adam Barczewski (WR/DB). Schedule Aug. 27 At Red Bud Sept. 3 WEST FRANKFORT Sept. 10 BENTON Sept. 17 At Anna-Jonesboro * Sept. 24 At Nashville * Oct. 1 DU QUOIN * Oct. 8 At Sparta * Oct. 15 CARTERVILLE * Oct. 22 At Dupo * Conference game Seniors Pos Adam Barczewski WR/DB Andrew Benbrook WR/LB Taylor Beninati WR/DB Neil Kellerman RB/LB Brandon Long WR/DB Jacob Hagston RB/DE Kraig Bryan OL/LB Clinton Graff OL/DL Mike Huggins OL/DL Juniors Wes Fisher WR/DB
Ht. 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-11 6-1 6-0
Wt. 200 160 155 175 140 165 175 275 270
5-8
130
Bryant Shute QB/DB Devon Schubert WR/DB Grady Dunihoo WR/DB C.J. Opp TE/DE Robbie Knight RB/LB Austin Pyatt WR/DB J.D. Conner RB/LB Justin Hale RB/DB Tommy Knight RB/LB Cole Kellerman FB/LB Brad Thornton OL/DL Keegan Kellerman OL/DL Dustin McCurdy OL/DL Sheldon Simpson OL/DL Tyler Glenn OL/DL Blake Thornton OL/DL Sabin Kohut OL/DL Aaron Dunn OL/DL Laine Justynski OL/DL Evan Chapman TE/DE Marian Brammeier TE/DE Sophomores Mason Miller OL/DE Zach Phillips FB/LB Quentin Shopinski RB/DB Brandon Edwards RB/DB Caleb Howard FB/LB Tyler Hirsch WR/DB Daulton Hubler QB/LB Derek Sizemore OL/LB Tyler Harmon OL/DL Phillip Catt OL/DL Hayden Kelly OL/DL Logan Woods OL/DL Steven Hess OL/DL Kelton Lively WR/DB
5-9 5-9 5-8 6-3 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-8 6-2 6’-1 6-2 6’1 6-2” 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-11 5-11 5-11 6’-2 6-3 5-10 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-9 6-4 6-2 5-8
160 140 130 220 165 150 175 155 170 230 240 270 230 258 210 245 210 230 180 180 200 220 175 155 160 220 145 205 155 210 185 200 280 200 130
Young Panthers face tough task BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Pinckneyville only won two games last season, but one of those was against their arch rival, Nashville. This year, coach Tod Rushing is hoping for more consistency out of his young squad, which returns only six starters. Bryant Shute performed well at quarterback last season as a sophomore. In Pinckneyville’s win over the Hornets, Shute rushed for 144 yards and threw for 138.
“He learned a lot in that first year and realized how fast the game was,” Rushing said of Shute. “Some of the mistakes he made will be greatly reduced. He is running the offense with confidence and taking charge of the system.” But unfortunately for Rushing and the Panthers, Shute will miss the first four games of the season for disciplinary reasons along with running back/linebacker Robbie Knight. Clinton Graff, a returning starter on the
line, is also suspended for two games along with wide receiver/defensive back Taylor Beninati. All four players are defensive starters for the team. Sophomore Daulton Hubler will start at quarterback for the first four games of the season, according to Rushing. One of Hubler’s primary targets early in the season will be Adam Barczewski, who returns at wide receiver.
A-J looks to reload on offense BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Anna-Jonesboro will attempt to make the playoffs for the 11th year in a row, and the team must replace quite a bit of its offense from a year ago. Quarterback J.R. Woodward was the key to offense last season along with running backs Gabe Pecord and Jordan Chamness. Those players accounted for about 90 percent of the offense, but they graduated. “We lost three fourths of our starting backfield, so we have to try to figure those things out,” said coach Brett Detering, whose team finished 7-4 in 2009. “This year may be a year where we don’t have the one or two bigname guys. It’s more of a balance on offense and defense.” Brady Carter is the only returning starter among the running backs. He’ll be counted on this season along with a host of other players in the triple option offense for the Wildcats. “We have about nine or 10 guys that have the potential to play in the first game at running back,” Detering said. “It
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
Anna-Jonesboro running back Skylar Benefield tries to get some separation between himself and a defender on a pass play during the first day of practice in Anna.
depends on which of those guys can start on defense.” Skylar Benefield, a senior, is one player that Detering thinks could become a key part of the running core. “He was a good backup and got reps on offense and defense last year,” Detering said. “We are looking for him to transition into a starter.” Woodward’s replacement at quarterback will either be senior Aaron Smithey (6-0, 180) or junior Brady Wright
(6-3, 190). That position is of high importance for a team that runs the triple option. “Wright has a good arm and is a smart player,” Detering said. “Smithey isn’t as big, but he runs our option real well and ran track to work on his speed. We have an opportunity to get both guys some experience and not decide until we get in game situations.” SEE A-J / PAGE 16
SEE PANTHERS / PAGE 25
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 15
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI
Carterville ready for new challenge
Coach: Brett Detering Career Record: 147-74 2009 Record: 7-4 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (8): Brandon Cerney (WR/DB), Aaron Smithey (QB/DB), Brady Wright (QB/DL), Brady Carter (RB/LB), Taylor Fitzgerald (OL/DL), Brett Turner (OL/DL), Josiah Miller (OL/DL), Michael Dillman (OL/DL).
BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
It’s a new beginning for Carterville football as it exits the Black Diamond Conference, which it has dominated for years, and enters the SIRR Mississippi Division. The Lions finished 8-2 last season and fell to new conference opponent Anna-Jonesboro in the opening round of the playoffs. There will certainly be an adjustment period for a team that had to sit its starters frequently because of lopsided halftime scores. “It’ll be a different challenge, and one of the knocks on our program is we’ve not had to play for four quarters,” said coach Dennis Drust. “We know our kids will have to play four quarters every Friday. Now, it’s playoff football just about every Friday night.” Last season, sophomore Jeff Aldridge wasn’t the starting quarterback to open the season, but that changed quickly. He was inserted as the starter in the Lions’ second game of the season and scored four touchdowns running the option, including a 74-yard score. Now, as a junior with a year of experience under his belt, Aldridge will be the main target opposing teams are looking to keep under control. “We knew Jeff was athletic and could handle it,” Drust said. “We put him in Week 2 against Carmi and his first drive was a 90-yard drive. We won eight in a row after that.” Dan Frey is the leading returning running back
ANNA-JONESBORO WILDCATS
Schedule Aug. 27 WEST FRANKFORT Sept. 3 MURPHYSBORO Sept. 10 at Massac County Sept. 17 PINCKNEYVILLE * Sept. 24 At Sparta * Oct. 1 NASHVILLE * Oct. 8 At Carterville * Oct. 15 DU QUOIN * Oct. 22 At Benton * Conference game
Skylar Benefield Adam Bennett Cody Campbell Brady Carter Brandon Cerney Taylor Fitzgerald Chase Hargrave Kemo Martin Jerad Merriman Josiah Miller Aaron Smithey
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Carterville quarterback Jeff Aldridge throws a pass during a team practice Aug. 12, in Carterville.
for the team, and Logan Mann along with J.D. Helton return in the backfield as well. Although Carterville may pass the ball a little bit more, Drust doesn’t plan on abandoning the option offense. “We’ve been successful in the past and our kids believe in it,” Drust said. “We’ll still run it and do the things we’ve been successful at the last few years.” The Lions have plenty of quick players on both
sides of the football, but the size of the players is a concern. “We’ve got to offset the size of some of the teams we will play,” Drust said. “We have to rely on our quickness to compensate for that lack of size. We have to learn to play against those bigger kids each week. But we do have good speed at skill positions and personnel on defense.” SEE CARTERVILLE / PAGE 25
Page 16 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
Seniors Ht. 5-9 5-8 5-8 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-0 6-0
Wt. 140 165 170 180 155 200 160 170 180 350 160
Pos. RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL QB/DB
Brett Turner Dolton Yunker
6-0 195 6-1 160 Juniors Jaden Ayers 5-11 160 Dalton Baker 6-1 160 Preston Brimm 6-0 150 Michael Calhoun 6-0 170 Jimmy Daniels 6-3 240 Michael Dillman 5-10 255 Cole Grass 5-8 165 Jordan Johnson 6-3 265 Allen Johnston 5-10 130 Andrew McMahan 5-10 180 Westin Meinhold 5-10 145 Ryan Mixen 5-8 205 Levi Pearson 6-0 150 John David Pinnon 5-10 175 Brent Taylor 5-9 155 Brady Wright 6-4 195 Sophomores Ryan Brown 5-10 120 Jay Davis 5-9 185 Chris Edwards 5-9 210 Zeb Goessman 5-3 130 Seth Heern 5-8 165 Chris Hill 5-9 145 Evan Hughey 6-2 230 Garyt Johnson 5-11 165 David Knupp 5-11 145 Damian Martin 5-4 190 Eian Mull 5-8 205 Alex McRaven 5-8 145 Austin Noble 5-6 140 Jacob Schaefer 5-10 145 Logan Tripp 6-0 185 Logan Tweedy 5-8 150
OL/DL RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB TE/LB RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB QB/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL RB/DB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/LB QB/DB
A-J: Hopes new starters can make big difference FROM PAGE 15 On defense, Detering will have to find replacements for linebacker Josh Flamm and defensive lineman Alex Gonzalez. Both players were key components to the defense last season. The Wildcats are fortunate that they’ll get to play both Du Quoin and Nashville at home, but Detering thinks his club can play solid football on the road as well. “I don’t make too much about where we play,” Detering said. “Over the
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
Anna-Jonesboro coach Brett Detering watches as quarterback Aaron Smithey throws downfield during offensive drills.
last 10 years our road record may be even better than our home record. We’ve got our hands full with our schedule. It might
be one of those years where games may be very close.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
Foxes ready to bounce back after letdown
VIENNA EAGLES Coach: Mike Rude Career Record: 192-131 2009 Record: 3-6 (Class 3A) Conference: Black Diamond Returning Starters (7): Dillon Hall (TB), Garrett Mattox (OT), Brandon Leeds (DB), Trae Foster (WB), Austin Woolverton (NT/DT), Ryan Brown (LB), Patrick Gray (OLB) Schedule Aug. 27 at Hamilton County* Sept. 4 FAIRFIELD* Sept. 11 SESSER-VALIER* Sept. 17 at Carmi White County* Sept. 24 at Elverado-Trico* Oct. 2 CHRISTOPHER* Oct. 8 at Eldorado* Oct. 16 at Johnston City* Oct. 23 CHESTER* *Conference game Seniors Pos. Dustin Ball OT/NG Luis Blanco OL/NG Adam Brenningmeyer TE/DE Travis Dodson C/NG Eric DeWeerd WB/CB Trae Foster WB/DB Robert Fraemile DE Kalib Kinder DE/FS Jake Hackman WB/DB Dillon Hall TB/DB Tyler Langley G/DE Brayton Leeds SE/DB Garrett Mattox TE/DE
Ht. 5-9 5-9 6-3 5-10 5-6 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-9 6-4
Wt. 225 185 185 235 140 150 155 170 145 165 228 162 218
Joe Murphy Patrick Osteen Tyler Racey Dakota Runge Sean Seavers Stephen Sullivan
TE/DE OB/DB C/DL TE/DE OL/DL FB/LB Juniors Dylan Cremeens WB/CB Geoff Kramp TB/LB Patrick Gray FB/LB Austin Woolverton T/NG Dakota VanCleve DE/LB Brock Brown G/LB Cody McKibben G/LB Jon Meyers OL/DL Ryan Brown G/LB Taylor Cain WB/CB Chase Taylor TB/LB Sophomores Andrew Trambley C/DT Wyatt Miles G/DE Austin Rhoades G/DE Nathan Gurley T/DT Cody Edmonds T/DT James Ellis DE Caleb Belcher TB/LB Colton Brown TB/DE Hayden McClain TB/LB Kyle Berndt TB/LB Dallas Bent DE Joe Aldridge E/CB Tait Phillips TB/CB Caleb Schelcher T/DT Freshmen Christian Dancke RB/DB Connor Seavers FB/LB Will Dahmer BB/LB
5-11 5-8 5-9 5-10 6-0 6-2
175 145 205 170 245 190
5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-8 5-8 5-9
145 150 165 220 145 165 170 175 170 145 150
5-9 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10
180 175 170 185 185 155 145 180 150 150 150 145 145 190
5-9 5-7 5-9
140 150 145
Vienna prepared for second season BY DEREK CRAIN THE SOUTHERN
Senior tailback Dillon Hall will lead a seniorladen Vienna team looking to improve on an impressive 3-6 inaugural season from a year ago. But that won’t be easy, as the Eagles have several big holes to fill left by graduated seniors. “We have some holes, some big holes,” coach Mike Rude said. “Some of those holes are in some key areas. We have to have some kids step up. They’re
working hard. We have two, three-hour practices a day in the heat. You have to be dedicated and you have to want to improve to do that.” Rude has 13 seniors on the team, including three new players that have never played the game before and Marion transfer Stephen Sullivan, who will get the starting linebacker and running back position. “That’s a guy that’s played against Belleville Althoff, Cahokia and Mount Vernon,” Rude said. “That’s going to be a big
advantage for him and for us that he’s played against those big schools.” The Eagles open with the same Hamilton County team they beat 30-28 last year to start off their first year. “We’re looking forward to getting it going again and see what happens,” Rude said. “When the kids give you all they have and do their best, you have to accept it and be happy with it. The kids are working hard, I’ve been very
BY PHILIP KOWALIS THE SOUTHERN
After Week 6 last season, coach Jeff Rush’s Hamilton County Foxes had a 4-2 record and appeared to be headed toward a playoff birth. Three weeks and three hard-fought losses later, the Foxes were 4-5 and left on the outside of the playoff picture. Rush hopes his team has learned a valuable lesson from that experience. “We have to be able to close out games,” Rush said. “We did not do that last year, other teams played better than we did down the stretch and that really hurt us. Hopefully,
we learned that you have to play hard all the way to the end. “We have to be able to close games better.” This season, the Foxes return senior Adam Irvin at quarterback to guide Rush’s spread offense. Irvin, a three-year starter, will be joined by seniors Steven Lemmons and Clint Hopfinger in the backfield and will have Shane Williams, Austin Hybbert, Aaron Cravens and Lucas Johnson as targets on the outside. Giving Irvin time to throw the ball downfield could be a concern, as the Foxes return only one starter on the offensive line.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Foxes will be led by middle linebacker Hopfinger, an all-conference and All-South selection last season. He will be joined by defensive ends Lemmons and Chad Flannigan. Cravens will make the move from safety to linebacker. “Hopfinger will be our leader on defense,” Rush said. “Aaron Cravens will be taking on a bigger role for us this year and Chad Flannigan will have to step up and really play well for us to be successful.” Rush said he likes the way his team is shaping up. SEE FOXES / PAGE 23
HAMILTON COUNTY FOXES Coach: Jeff Rush Career Record: 36-48 2009 Record: 4-5 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returners: Adam Irvin (QB/LB), Clint Hopfinger (WO/LB), Steven Lemmons (RB/DL), Aaron Cravens (WO/LB), Lucas Johnson (WO/LB), Chad Flannigan (OL/DL), Austin Hybbert (WO/DB) Schedule Aug. 27 VIENNA* Sept. 3 at Sesser-Valier* Sept. 10 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 17 at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton* Sept. 24 at Eldorado* Oct. 1 ELVERADO-TRICO* Oct. 8 JOHNSTON CITY* Oct. 15 at Chester* Oct. 22 at Fairfield* *Conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Tim Crow 5-8 150 Austin Hybbert 5-9 150 Lucas Johnson 6-1 190 Adam Irvin 5-10 180 Clint Hopfinger 5-11 205 Steven Lemmons 6-3 230
Pos. WR-LB WR-DB WR-LB QB-LB WR-LB RB-DL
Jedd Holloman Tyler Scrivner Cameron Shelton Shane Williams
5-7 180 6-2 220 5-8 180 5-10 175 Juniors CJ Lemmons 5-11 160 Terry Thompson 5-11 175 Aaron Cravens 5-10 180 Tyler Warren 6-3 240 Clint Gwaltney 5-10 175 Chad Flannigan 6-3 220 Dyllon McCarley 6-1 190 Logan Smith 5-9 220 Brandon Davis 5-8 180 Justin York 5-10 170 Sophomores River Steele 5-10 160 Levi Lueke 5-10 170 Aaron Allen 5-6 140 Gavin Files 5-7 140 Roger Taylor 6-1 250 Daniel Jamerson 5-9 150 David Busler 5-9 165 Justin Scott 5-8 170 Jacob Strumpher 6-1 220 Tyler Ragan 5-9 220 Phillip Rexing 6-2 220 Freshmen David Potter 5-9 170 Johnathan Stover 5-8 140 Kyle Summerville 6-1 200
OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB WR-LB RB-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL WR-LB WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB OL-DL OL-DB OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL WR-DB WR-LB
SEE VIENNA / PAGE 23
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 17
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
In a new conference, Chester keeping its same philosophy CHESTER YELLOW JACKETS Coach: Bryan Lee Career Record: 15-14 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Class: 2A 2009 Record: 7-3 Returning Starters (4): Zach Lochhead (QB/DB), John Baughman (RB/LB), Danny Roth (OL/LB), Clint Cole (RB/LB) Schedule Aug. 27 SESSER-VALIER* Sept. 3 at Carmi (C.-White County)* Sept. 10 CHRISTOPHER (C.–ZEIGLER ROYALTON CO-OP)* Sept. 18 at Elkville (Elverado-Trico Coop) * Sept. 24 at Johnston City* Oct. 1 ELDORADO* Oct. 8 at Fairfield* Oct. 15 MCLEANSBORO (HAMILTON COUNTY)* Oct. 23 at Vienna (Coop)* * conference game
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Seniors Ht. John Baughman 5-9 Trever Brant 5-11 Justin Eggemeyer 5-10
Wt. Pos. 180 RB/LB 250 OL/DL 175 RB/DB
Logan Handel Rhett Holley Seth Johnson Tyler Jones Zach Lochhead Cody Martin Steve McIntyre Austin McLean Blake Nanney Danny Roth Brandon Straight Justin Woodward
6-1 160 6-0 190 6-3 270 5-8 160 6-3 180 5-8 165 6-0 210 6-2 215 5-6 155 5-10 195 5-11 160 6-1 205 Juniors Brad Bindel 6-1 265 Tylor Brockhouse 5-6 150 Tyler Chandler 6-0 185 Clint Cole 6-1 180 Zach Murdach 5-9 160 Donavan Richardson 5-8 260 Sophomores Caleb Arbeiter 5-11 150 Austen Barnhart 5-10 165 Jake Cowan 5-11 160 Dillon Ladendecker 6-1 155 Boyd Miles 6-1 185 Stephen Roth 5-9 170 Casey Venable 5-11 185 Zane Wallace 5-9 195 Patreek Williams 6-1 155
SE/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB QB/DB RB/DB OL/DE OL/LB RB/LB OL/LB SE/DB TE/DE OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL RB/LB QB/DB OL/DL SE/DB RB/LB QB/DB OL/DE TE/LB RB/LB OL/DE RB/DL SE/DB
Coach Bryan Lee and the Chester Yellow Jackets prepare to take the field for a scrimmage. BY CHUCK HIGHLAND THE SOUTHERN
Third-year Chester coach Bryan Lee has turned the Yellow Jackets into a perennial contender, taking them to the playoffs in his first two years as coach, and this season promises to be no different in the team’s first year in the Black Diamond. “We have to play our style of football. Whether it is the River to River or the Black Diamond, we’re going to have to play our style of football, which is hard-nosed, disciplined and fundamentally sound,” said Lee. Chester returns six starters on offense and five starters on defense,
including two unanimous all-conference selections at linebacker in Danny Roth and John Baughman, from a team that went 7-3 in their last year in the SIRR Mississippi Division and fell to Red Bud in the first round of the playoffs. “We are in the third year of our system. We have smart kids, and I feel we have a clear sense of team identity. Our kids have bought into our system, which makes our jobs easier. We have a very good staff, and they’ve worked very hard to become good teachers of our offense and defense,” said Lee. The Yellow Jackets bought clearly into Lee’s philosophy defensively as Chester had the No. 1
Page 18 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
defense in Southern Illinois last year and promises to be just as good this year. One of the Yellow Jackets’ main strengths will be their offensive line, which has a little bit more size than it did last season. “This will be, potentially, the most solid offensive line that we’ve had in the last three years. We have some size. Last year, we had one kid over 200 pounds on our offensive line, and this year four of our offensive linemen are over 225 pounds.” Returning on offense for the Yellow Jackets is senior quarterback Zach Lochhead, who at 6-foot-3 is the only player on the team taller than 6-feet.
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Chester’s Justin Eggemeyer bounces off Stephen Roth while warming up for a team scrimmage.
He will have some weapons in the backfield in running backs Clint Cole (junior) and John Baughman (senior).
Chester will be young this year as well, as the Yellow Jackets will have to fill some spots on offense and defense.
“We have a nice mix of younger and older kids and are young at fullback, but we’ll make it work.” said Lee.
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND ELVERADO-TRICO FALCONS Coach: Duffy Sanders Career Record: 4-32 2009 Record: 0-9 Conference: Black Diamond (3A) Key Returners: Curtis Compton (OL/DL), Randy Goetz (FB/LB), Tyler Grigsby (RB/LB), Bryce Mathis (RB/FS), Alex McGill (QB/LB), Dalton Porter (RB/SS). Schedule: Aug. 27 FAIRFIELD* Sept. 3 ELDORADO* Sept. 10 at Johnston City* Sept. 18 CHESTER* Sept. 24 VIENNA* Oct. 1 at Hamilton County* Oct. 8 at Sesser-Valier* Oct. 15 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Oct. 22 at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton* *Conference game Seniors Pos. Steven Batteu WR/NG Dakota Bayles TE/LB Bombardo Antonio OT/DE Curtis Compton OG/DE Randy Goetz FB/LB Michael Harbor OG/DT Donavan Weideg C/DT Adam Miller RB/SS
Ht. 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-8 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-8
Wt. 185 175 190 200 175 210 255 140
Juniors Wade Bowlin WR/DB 5-8 Jessie Griffith OT/DT 6-0 Tyler Grigsby RB/LB 5-8 Brandon Lewis OT/DT 5-8 Bryce Mathis RB/FS 5-6 Alex McGill QB/LB 6-2 Aaron Miller WR/DB 5-11 Clayton Morrison WR/D 5-10 Dalton Porter RB/SS 5-10 Wesley Ramsey OG/DE 5-7 Sophomores Marshal Bell FB/LB 5-10 Dallas Blessing TE/LB 6-0 Jordan Crews OT/DE 5-9 Travis Crum WR/FS 5-7 Logan Dallas OG/NG 6-1 Nick Denning C/DE 5-8 Abigal Grammer OG/DE 5-6 Collin Hester WR/LB 6-2 Corey Hill OG/DT 6-0 Andrew Jeschke TE/LB 6-0 Jacob Jeschke RB/FS 5-7 Caleb Light WR/DB 5-9 Kenny Loos RB/FS 5-8 Brian McClanahan FB/LB 5-10 Bryan Miller RB/LB 5-9 Joshua Sorenson WR/DB 6-3 Stevon Sedillo WR/DB 5-6 Kyle Whittington QB/FS 5-9
150 180 165 195 130 185 155 155 165 180 165 170 180 135 285 190 195 165 190 185 135 145 145 165 145 140 120 145
Go Falcons!
Member FDIC
Falcons staying optimistic after two straight winless seasons BY PHILIP KOWALIS THE SOUTHERN
Although his team is coming off of back-toback winless seasons, Elverado-Trico coach Duffy Sanders sees reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season. One reason for his optimism is the size of his roster this season. The Falcons have 36 varsity players on the roster, which is an improvement from 24 in 2009 and just 18 two years ago. “The increase in numbers gives us some options that we did not have last year,” Sanders said. “We are going to be a very young team, but we have players with varsity experience and now we will be able to give those players a break from time to time.” Another reason for Sanders’ optimism is his team’s familiarity with the offensive and defensive systems his team will run. “The kids have worked hard this summer and are showing signs of really getting better,” Sanders said. “They understand their reads better on defense and are getting more comfortable running the triple option on offense. “The players have really made great strides over last season.” The Falcons return junior quarterback Alex McGill and running backs Dalton Porter and Bryce Mathis and senior fullback Randy Goetz to run the offense, but will have to rely on a rebuilt offensive line that returns just one starter in senior guard
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Alex McGill of Elverado-Trico searches for a receiver during a game with Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton on Oct. 23.
Curtis Compton. On defense, the Falcons will rely on the linebacker duo of junior Tyler Grigsby and sophomore Brian McClanahan. Sanders will have a good idea how much his team has improved early on as Elverado-Trico will have played conference title contenders Fairfield, Johnston City and Chester by Week 4 of the season. “We do have a tough early schedule, but there are really no easy games in this conference. We have to focus on one game at a
time and be ready to play each and every week.” Sanders said. “Right now all our focus is on our Week 1 opponent.” A final reason for optimism is a sophomore class that finished its freshman campaign with a 5-4 record. “Things are starting to look up around here,” Sanders said. “It will be slow as we are still taking baby steps, but we are excited to see the amount of improvement the team has made from last year.”
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 19
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
Sophomore quarterback will be Kee for Johnston City to make postseason BY PHILIP KOWALIS THE SOUTHERN
Johnston City coach Brian Beery hopes his team will be able to build on a successful 2009 season. The Indians finished 5-5 after a 47-12 loss to Petersburg PORTA in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs. Beery’s Indians enter 2010 having to replace the entire offensive backfield. Jory Kee will be the Indians’ quarterback and Beery has been happy with the way the sophomore has been progressing during practice. “Jory is coming along pretty well,” Beery said. “He has done a good job of commanding the offense. He still makes mistakes from time to time and has room for improvement. “Overall, he has done a good job, and he still has time to develop.” Johnston City will use the running back-bycommittee tactic as Beery said a group of players will all share time. “We have five or six running backs that will all be sharing time back there,” he said. “They all have been doing a good job in practice and deserve a shot to show what they can do in game action.” While the Indians enter the season with little experience in the backfield, that is not the case along the offensive and defensive lines. On the offensive front, the Indians return senior, three-year starters J.R. Roberts, Matt Turner and Austin Haynes.
JOHNSTON CITY INDIANS Coach: Brian Beery Career Record: 13-8 2009 Record: 5-5 Conference: Black Diamond (2A) Key Returners: Taylor Kirkman RB/DB, Austin Haynes (OL/DL), J.R. Roberts (OL/DL), Daniel Davison (TE/DL), Jesse Jeffords (SE/DB), Matt Turner (OL/DL). Schedule: Aug. 27 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 3 at C-Z-R* Sept. 10 ELVERADO-TRICO* Sept. 17 at Eldorado* Sept. 24 CHESTER* Oct. 1 at Fairfield* Oct. 8 at Hamilton County* Oct. 16 VIENNA* Oct. 22 at Sesser-Valier* *Conference game
ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN
Taylor Kirkman takes a knee during practice Aug. 18.
“The offensive line has really meshed and played well together,” Beery said. “They have a lot of game experience and this could be the best offensive line I have had in my three years here.” On the other side of the ball, the Indians will look to defensive end Daniel Davison, linebacker Taylor Kirkman and safety Jesse Jeffords to anchor a defense that has more team speed than last year. “We have more team speed as a whole, “Beery said. “We will be able to swarm to the ball better and react to plays on the
perimeter better then we did last year.” Beery expects the Indians to be in the mix for the conference title in a very competitive battle this season. “The conference race should be very even this year,” he said. “I don’t see anyone to be head and shoulders in front of anyone else. “I would be shocked to see someone go through the conference undefeated, there are just too many good teams.” While Beery says every team in the conference is capable of winning on any given week, Johnston
Page 20 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
Seniors Pos. Brandon Robinson SE/DB Danny Woodhall SE/DB Jesse Jeffords SE/DB Sean Dobbins RB/LB Daniel Davison TE/DL J.R. Roberts OL/DL Brady Oslager OL/LB Matt Turner OL/DL Jared Partee OL/DL Austin Haynes OL/DL Brandon Crider SE/DL Juniors Grant MontgomerySE/DB
Ht. 6-0 5-9 6-1 5-10 6-2 5-9 6-1 6-1 5-8 6-2 6-2
Wt. 160 150 170 210 210 210 180 210 210 275 205
5-9
160
Angelo Hightower SE/DB 5-10 Tyler Spiller RB/LB 5-8 Isadore Garrison RB/DB 5-10 Taylor Kirkman RB/DB 5-10 Daniel Farmer RB/DB 6-2 A.J. Godell OL/DL 5-9 Tony Johnson OL/DL 6-2 Jonathan Lamb OL/DL 5-9 Lex Glasco OL/DL 5-9 Logan Holland OL/DL 6-1 Sophomores Zach Lovett SE/DB 5-9 Josh Woodhall RB/LB 5-8 Jory Kee QB/DB 5-10 Blake Marshall RB/DB 5-9 Alex Adkins SE/DB 5-9 Tyler Johnson RB/LB 5-10 Jon Stroud RB/DB 5-10 Zack Murphy SE/DB 5-8 James Key OL/DL 5-9 Keegan Travis OL/LB 5-8 Kyle Savant OL/LB 5-8 Landon Wolf OL/DL 5-9 Dylan Cook OL/DL 5-9 Tyler Winch OL/DL 5-9 Ben Farmer OL/DL 6-2 Jon Bolte OL/DL 6-2
150 170 165 225 175 185 200 180 260 285
Quentin Davis
5-9
230
5-5 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-5 5-7 5-8
120 150 155 14 130 150 150
OL/DL Freshmen Christian Harrell RB/LB Levi Tanner QB/DB Will Cottonaro SE/DB Levi Flute RB/LB Cody Clark SE/DB Blake Casey RB/LB Andy Godell RB/LB
140 175 170 160 140 180 160 145 170 165 195 160 200 175 175 270
City’s schedule gets much tougher starting in Week 5. The Indians close the season with games against Chester, Fairfield, Hamilton County, Vienna and Sesser-Valier. Johnston City must play the Mules, Foxes and Red Devils on the road. “It will be important for us to get off to a fast start, because starting with Week 5 our schedule gets real tough,” Beery said. “It is very possible that all five games could have playoff implications as each of those teams could be fighting for a playoff ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN spot.” Tyler Winch does a drill with a teammate during practice.
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
C-Z-R wants to even things out after rollercoaster 2009 BY PHILIP KOWALIS THE SOUTHERN
Christopher-ZeiglerRoyalton coach Nick Batts hopes his team can build on the success they experienced at the end of what proved to be a rollercoaster 2009 season. Batts’ Bearcats won their season opener before coming out on the short end of four straight games to drop to 1-4 on the season. C-Z-R bounced back to win three of their final four games to finish the season at 4-5 and just miss a playoff berth. This year, the Bearcats will return honorable mention all-conference quarterback and senior Steven
Dial to lead the offense. “Steven will be the key to our offense this year,” Batts said. “We have been primarily a running team but we want to be a little more balanced this year to take advantage of Steven’s ability to throw the ball a little more. Dial, along with senior lineman Tyler Slomka and juniors Payton Clark and Caleb Calloni, will be asked to provide leadership for a young Bearcat team. “We lost quite a bit to graduation last year, this will be one of the youngest teams we have had since I have been here,” Batts said. “Senior leadership is the hardest thing to replace, Steven and Tyler will be
asked to provide some of that for the team this year.” CHRISTOPHER-ZEIGLER-ROYALTON BEARCATS Another adjustment Oct. 8 at Carmi White County* Batts will have to make this Coach: Nick Batts Oct. 16 FAIRFIELD* season is playing with an Career Record: 12-16 Oct. 22 ELVERADO-TRICO* undersized team. 2009 Record: 4-5 *Conference game “We are smaller this year Conference: Black Diamond (Class 3A) than we have been in the Key Returners: Steven Dial (QB/DB), Tyler Seniors past, but we are also quickSlomka (OL/DL), Caleb Calloni (OL/DL), Pos. Ht. Wt. er,” Batts said. “We are Payton Clark (TE/LB) J.R. Meyers RB/DB 5-10 145 going to have to take Steven Dial QB/DB 6-2 180 advantage of our team Schedule Adam Lampley QB/DB 5-8 145 speed to swarm to the ball Aug. 27 at Christopler-Zeigler-Royalton* Devin Austill TE/DB 6-2 180 on defense, if we are not Sept. 3 JOHNSTON CITY* Andy Moschino TE/LB 6-0 150 able to do that we may have Sept. 10 at Chester* Tyler Slomka OG/DT 5-11 200 trouble stopping people.” Sept. 17 HAMILTON COUNTY* Mardi Nikolich OG/DT 5-11 170 The Bearcats will have Sept. 24 SESSER-VALIER* Dustin Booker OG/DT 6-0 key games early in the seaOct. 2 at Vienna* son as they play Johnston City, Chester, Hamilton County and Sesser-Valier ing the team’s playoff fate. focused and ready to play in this conference that can “That will be a key Eldorado in Week 1. “They beat anyone on any given in Weeks 2 through 5, a stretch for us,” Batts said. will be an improved team week. We have to focus on stretch of games that could go a long way in determin- “But, we need to be and there are several teams one week at a time.”
Young Carmi-White County team will have plenty of questions to answer this season BY CHUCK HIGHLAND THE SOUTHERN
Carmi-White County looks to improve upon last year’s 4-5 mark, and coach Kurt Simon looks to his young talent and perseverance as keys to this season for the Bulldogs. There seems to be a lot of questions for Carmi-White County, though. “A big question mark is that we have only 23 varsity players and one of them is a freshman, and attrition is going to be a critical part of it whether we can last four quarters. Most of the players are going to be playing on both sides of the ball,” said Simon. Carmi-White County returns seniors Logan Rogers (RB/LB), Cole Fetchig (OT/DT), Cody Masterson (OG/DE) and
junior Rasheem Jemine (OG/DT). On offense, the Bulldogs will run a multiple set offense, which is two tight ends and three players in the backfield, and it will go all the way to no one in the backfield and five wideouts. Defensively, the team will run a 3-4, same as last year. One of the main objectives for the Bulldogs will be winning five games with their young talent. “Our first objective is to win enough games. We feel that we have enough young talent to be competitive and we hope to have enough talent to win at least five games. It’s a goal of ours,” said Simon. The Bulldogs look to be a little bit healthier this season, which might have contributed some to the
team’s slow start last year, and with a young team and numbers being low, the importance of that is heightened. “We’ve been stuck by the injury bug the last couple of years. We have a very young team, and it’s going to be a matter of us not making mistakes,” said Simon. Simon said he feels the key to this season is how fast the younger kids mature and get used to the pace of a game. “Realistically, with such a young team you have a lot of inexperience coming back, and it’s a matter of how fast the kids mature and get used to the physicalness and pace of a varsity football game. We’re a year away from contending,” said Simon.
CARMI-WHITE COUNTY BULLDOGS Coach: Kurt Simon Career Record: 83-48 2009 Record: 4-5 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returners (4): Logan Rogers (RB/ LB); Cole Fechtig (OT/DT); Cody Masterson (OG/DE); Rasheem Jemine (OG/DT) Schedule Aug. 27 at Johnston City* Sept. 3 CHESTER* Sept. 10 at McLeansboro (Hamilton County)* Sept. 17 VIENNA* Sept. 24 FAIRFIELD* Oct. 1 at Sesser-Valier (Co-op)* Oct. 8 C-Z-R* Oct. 15 At Elverad0-Trico* Oct. 22 ELDORADO* *Conference game
Cole Fetchig
Seniors Ht. 6-2
Wt. Pos. 250 OL/DL
Larrin Keck Cody Masterson Trevor Nelson Logan Rogers Lawson Warren
6-0 320 6-0 180 5-9 215 5-9 185 6-6 210 Juniors Cameron Gunter 5-9 180 Isaac Hayse 6-4 230 Rasheem Jemine 5-11 200 Cole Peterson 5-10 175 Matt Snelling 5-7 170 Camden Stewart 5-10 170 Sophomores Brent Bingman 5-9 170 Josh Burtis 6-0 165 Ryan Farr 5-11 155 Lukas Matsel 5-10 185 Nick Nelson 5-9 170 Justin Pulley 5-7 150 Cody Purcell 5-7 145 Dylan Rankin 5-10 170 Jake Russell 5-11 165 Freshmen Chase Sailer 6-0 175
OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL RB/DE TE/DE RB/DB C/DE OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL TE/DB OL/DE TE/DB QB/DB RB/LB RB/LB OL/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB QB/D
Get all your high school football news at www.thesouthern.com. The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 21
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
Mules have many starters coming back from last year’s playoff team BY CHUCK HIGHLAND THE SOUTHERN
Fairfield looks to build upon last year’s 8-3 mark, when they knocked off Breese Central in the first round of the playoffs and narrowly fell to Greenville, 29-21. The Mules return 14 seniors and eight starters on defense and seven on offense, which should make the Mules a team to contend with this season in the Black Diamond. “We return a lot of guys with playing experience. If we can stay healthy we will be pretty competitive in the conference,” said
Fairfield coach Justin Townsend. All-conference quarterback Andrew Atteberry, who threw for 400 yards and rushed for more than 600 last year, returns to lead the offense. Also returning for Fairfield at running back is Cameron Williams, a second-team all-conference selection who rushed for more than 900 yards last year. The Mules will have to replace all-conference running back Matt Brown, who was the Mules’ leading rusher and will rely on a running back by committee to replace him. “The guys we put at his
spots are going to be more downhill runners and bigger and more physical but not going to be as quick as Brown was. Brown was a quicker and shiftier back,” said Townsend. Fairfield will also have to fill some holes as they lost some skill players at some key positions. “We lost some skill guys (receiver, tight end) and we need to have some guys step up and fill those roles. We’re just hoping that the sophomores and juniors can step in and fill in for us and with the seniors they can bring the sophomores and junior around,” said Townsend.
FAIRFIELD MULES Coach: Justin Townsend Career Record: 42-45 2009 Record: 8-3 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 3A) Returning Starters: Luke Townsend (OL/DL), Shelby Esmon (OL/DL), Victor Skaggs (OL/DL), Andrew Atteberry (QB/DB), Cameron Williams (RB/DB), Cody Yarnell (RB/LB) Schedule Aug. 27 At Elkville (Elverado-Trico Coop)* Sept. 4 At Vienna* Sept. 10 ELDORADO * Sept. 17 at Sesser (S.Valier) (Coop) * Sept. 24 at Carmi (C. White County)* Oct. 1 JOHNSTON CITY* Oct. 8 CHESTER* Oct. 16 At C. Zeigler-Royalton* Oct. 22 HAMILTON COUNTY* *Conference game Seniors Ht. Andrew Atteberry 5-10 Shelby Esmon 6-3 Austin Gibbs 5-10 Jordan Griffith 5-9 Austin Moore 5-10 Blake Owen 5-10 Blake Powell 5-10
Wt. 170 265 185 200 205 165 210
Pos. QB/DB OL/DL TE/LB RB/DL RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL
Wes Reynolds Victor Skaggs Thomas Smith Luke Townsend Lance Werner Cameron Williams Jeremey Withrow Jake Wright Cody Yarnell
6-0 230 6-1 205 5-9 135 6-2 205 5-11 155 5-10 170 5-10 155 6-0 160 5-9 170 Juniors Dustin Downen 5-8 130 Rolando Gomez 5-10 135 Joe Halley 6-4 250 Tyler Hutcheson 6-0 195 Luke Harl 5-6 120 Zane McMeen 6-2 150 Colton Slover 5-9 165 Nolan Taylor 5-10 180 Kyle Thomason 6-1 175 Sophomores Dyllan Bailey 6-0 155 Don Bielecki 5-2 110 Andrew Garrison 5-5 175 Jaymin Gregory 5-10 225 Will Griffith 5-11 135 Triston Guthrie 6-0 200 Robby Hite 5-9 170 Corey Rinebold 6-1 145 Cody Smith 5-6 215 Clayton Titzer 6-1 230 Bryton Withrow 6-0 195
OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/LB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB OL/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/LB WR/DB TE/DB QB/DB OL/DL RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL QB/DB OL/DL RB/LB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
it d e r C e g e l l o l C o o n h r c S Ea h g i Eldorado hopes to eliminate big plays H n i while BY DEREK CRAIN
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Find out more at www.jalc.edu or call 618-9 985-2 2828 Page 22 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
THE SOUTHERN
The Eldorado Eagles are eager to exit the basement of the Black Diamond Conference. And, head coach Brandon Hampton said they’re ready to do it. “We felt like last year if we kept some guys healthy we could have made that jump,” he said. “This year, we’re ready and we have to make the jump.” The Eagles’ defensive numbers were glaring last year, allowing more than 42 points per game. The summer workouts emphasized speed on the edges and eliminating the big plays — two areas in which
this year’s squad is much improved. “We had as many as 14 sophomores on the field last year,” Hampton said. “This year, we have 15 juniors that have a year under their belts. They’re stronger, faster and understand the speed in which the varsity game is played at and they’re ready to go.” Junior Joe Blair will take the snaps this year as seniors Dakota Metten (MLB) and Derek Miller (TE/FS) will be the foundation on which the Eagles will ride. “Derek is a big guy with great speed and he’s been tough for us to block when we go best on best so far,” Hampton said. “We plan to get him the ball in space
and let him go to work.” Hampton expects the trenches — on both sides of the ball — to be the strength of the team. The defensive unit as a whole is expected to be much improved. “When you have that many young kids out there trying to run down and stop juniors and seniors, you’re going to struggle,” Hampton said. “We think we’re stronger, we’re faster, we know the schemes, it’s just a matter of turning on the lights and going to work.” Hampton said his squad has bought full-in to the team aspect. They’ll win and lose as a team in 2010.
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
S-V-W-W keeps expectations high BY DEREK CRAIN THE SOUTHERN
Senior quarterback Dawson Verhines will look to lead a group of four main returning starting Red Devils back to the playoffs this season. After completing a perfect 9-0 campaign a year ago, the Red Devils were stopped by Nashville, 21-19, in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs. “It was nice to get back to the playoffs,” coach John Shadowens said. “We had some lean times there with some 2-7 years and when you have those, it’s hard to get back out, but we’ve done that and now we have a title to defend and that’s important to us.” All-BDC performer
Curtis Edwards will play a linebacker and a fullback for his senior season and the Black Diamond Conference will get its first look at senior tailback Shane Bennett. “Shane’s a guy that could have started for a lot of Black Diamond teams last year, but he just happened to be playing behind Brock Wheatley,” Shadowens said. “Shane’s a guy that can have a big year. We have our offensive line back, they were all young and inexperienced last season, so that should pay dividends.” Shadowens and his Red Devils will open the season with the BDC newcomer, in Chester. He looks for stiff competition to come from the Yellow Jackets, as
well as Fairfield and Johnston City. “You have to be ready in the Black Diamond,” he said. “Last year, we played Carterville in Week 1 and that was the conference championship game as they didn’t lose again. There are some good teams in the conference, we have to be ready for Chester, they’re going to be talented and they are the unknown.” With 13 seniors and eight juniors on the team, the Red Devils will have to work hard for an identity early. “We’re not last year’s team,” Shadowens said. “And we need to find out who we are right away and if we do that, we will be successful.”
Coach: John Shadowens Conference: Black Diamond Class: 3A Career Record: 39-44 2009 Record: 9-1 Key Returners (4): Dawson Verhines (SRQB), Curtis Edwards (SR-LB/FB), Shane Bennett (SR-TB), Dylan Rock (G/NG). Schedule: Aug. 27 at Chester* Sept. 3 HAMILTON COUNTY* Sept. 10 at Vienna* Sept. 17 FAIRFIELD* Sept. 24 at Christopher* Oct. 1 CARMI WHITE COUNTY* Oct. 8 ELKVILLE (ELVERADO)* Oct. 15 at Eldorado* Oct. 22 JOHNSTON CITY* * conference game Seniors Pos. Stetson Bauman G/DE Shane Bennett RB/CB Dakota Elison, SE/CB
Ht. Wt. 5-11 200 5-8 150 5-8 145
Michael HampelmanT/NG Josh Robinson TE/LB Mikey Phelps C/LB Dustin Hicks FL/CB Dalton Thompson G/DE Caleb Spann C/NG Dawson Verhines QB Chad Wynn T/DE Juniors Drew Dorris OT/DE Greg Jenkins HB/S Tom Newbury TE/CB Curtis Edwards TE/NG Rock, Dylan G/NG Blake Smolley QB/S Johnnie Vercellino FL-LB Sophomores Ty Coleman FL/CB Cody Lingle SE/CB Trey Witges QB/S James Watts HB/CB Derek Hood HB/LB Reggie Eubanks C/LB Kyle Lynch T/DE Matt Loucks G/LB Dustin Kulich TE/DE
6-4 325 5-10 165 5-8 155 5-8 150 5-10 200 5-8 300 6-2 180 6-0 245 6-3 235 5-10 165 5-10 140 5-11 175 5-10 240 6-0 155 5-11 160 5-4 130 5-6 135 6-2 150 5-8 150 5-9 150 5-8 155 5-7 190 6-0 185 6-3 220
VIENNA: Eagle ready for their second season
ELDORADO EAGLES Coach: Brandon Hampton Conference: Black Diamond 2009 Record: 1-8 (Class 2A) Career Record: 2-16 Key Returners: Derek Miller (TE/DL), Joe Blair (QB), Dakota Metten (OL/DL) Schedule Aug. 27 C-Z-R* Sept. 3 at Elverado-Trico* Sept. 10 at Fairfield* Sept. 17 JOHNSTON CITY* Sept. 24 HAMILTON COUNTY* Oct. 1 at Chester* Oct. 8 VIENNA* Oct. 15 SESSER-VALIER* Oct. 22 at Carmi White County* *Conference game Seniors Pos. Caid Griffin OL/DL Dakota Metten OL/DL Derek Miller TE/DL Dakota Parker WR/DB Nick Stewart RB/FS Juniors Devin Bartok TE/DL
SESSER-VALIER-WALTONVILLE-WOODLAWN RED DEVILS
Ht. 6-2 6-0 6-2 5-3 6-0
Wt. 210 220 215 130 160
6-2
180
Joe Blair Dustin Brandsasse Jared Brown Garth Clooen Shay Flowers Ben Genet Sam Glenn Ryan Langley Tyler Mayberry Jacob Ninness JackPatrick Deshawn Turner Rain Walker Brian Ward Ramsey Woolard
QB OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL
Sophomores Joe Boulds TE/LB Champ Gilbert FB/S Austin Gollihur RB/S Garrison Hathaway QB/DB Dustin McGuire OL/DL Dakota Prather FB/LB Tanner Smith OL/DL Aaron Vailes TE/DL Joey Watson OL/DL Dustin Williams OLB/TE
5-10 6-5 5-7 5-7 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-4 5-9 5-1 5-10 5-6 6-1 5-10 5-7
160 325 125 180 225 160 235 200 170 145 175 140 215 165 135
FROM PAGE 17 happy with our work ethic.” The Eagles offense soared much of last season, averaging better than 21 points per contest. But it was the defense that surrendered over 32 a game that cost the Eagles more wins. “Defense is going to be a big key for us,” Rude said. “We don’t yet have the physical defensive unit that I want here. We didn’t tack-
185 14 155 145 185 175 165 150 235 135
MIKE RUDE VIENNA COACH
le well last year at all. Scoring 21 points a game is enough to win more than three games, but your defense can’t allow 30 points a game. We have to fix that first.”
FOXES: Hamilton County prepared for season FROM PAGE 17
5-10 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10
‘We don’t yet have the physical defensive unit that I want here. We didn’t tackle well last year at all.
“They have worked really hard this summer, the team gets along well, and the attitude is very upbeat,” Rush said. “If we go out and give our best effort every week, I expect us to be in a position to get a playoff berth.” Like last season, Rush expects to see hard-fought games week in and week out in the Black Diamond Conference this year. “With Carterville leaving the confer-
ence we don’t have the real dominant team at the top,” Rush said. “There are a lot of teams that are pretty even and are capable of beating anyone in the conference, and I think that the teams that have been at the bottom of the conference will be better this year. “If we are not ready to play each week, there will be a team that is capable of knocking us off. It all comes back to the point that we have to be able to finish game stronger.”
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 23
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN CARBONDALE TERRIERS Coach: Dan Koester Career Record: 8-11 2009 Record: 5-5 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (6): Kyle Baity (T), Chris Pugh (G), Kaid Koester (QB), Jackson Treece (TE), J.D. Whitback (G), Jordan Bowlby (MLB/RB)
CHUCK NOVARA / THE SOUTHERN
Carbondale players run conditioning and agility drills on the first day of practice.
CARBONDALE: Terriers look to take next step FROM PAGE 4 “So we’re pretty big up front with big running backs and we have to take advantage of that.” Defensively, the Terriers improved by cutting their
points given up in half, but with the graduation of 10 starters, Koester will have only Bowlby returning at middle linebacker. “This year we are going from a 5-3 slant to more of
a 3-3 slant man-to-man,” Koester said. “Our line is a little thin, but we have a lot of good linebackers, so we are going to do a lot more stunting. We are also going to try to stop the run and force them to pass.”
ALTHOFF: Crusaders on a postseason mission FROM PAGE 7 “‘Mini-Vinnie’ is Vinton Harris’ little brother,” Turner said. “He runs hard and loves to hit. Vinson transferred from East St. Louis and rushed for 1,100 yards his freshman year. He was hurt his sophomore and
junior years, but is healthy now.” Turner runs a 4-3 defense and has three starters back on the line in Harris at tackle and Costello and Johnston at end. Colin Cozart will be the new tackle. Carson Sonneberg returns at strong side line-
backer with Kameron Harris on the weak side and sophomore Erik Fumanek in the middle, replacing Ed Fink and Ryan Maitland. Arterbridge and Quarles are new at safety with Grinston and senior Nick Kreitemeyer at cornerback.
RAMS: Mount Vernon led by new faces FROM PAGE 5 “Brady is a great kid,” Mings said. “He played for us as a sophomore and started as a junior. He’s 6-0 and about 260 pounds and should be a solid anchor for us. Offensively, Mings will have to replace quarterback Jim Mulvaney, fullback Jesse Stuckey, tight end Eric Fowler and guard Dontez Phipps
among others. “Even though we are going to be a run-first power offense, hopefully we can throw the ball more,” Mings said. “Kellin Edwards will play quarterback. He’s got good size and is a good athlete. He’s played defensive end, linebacker, tight end and running back and in basketball he’s the shooter.” Defensively, Mings has a little bit better situation
with defensive end Victor Brooks, inside linebacker Eric Heinzman and cornerback Anthony Moore back. “I have a lot of guys battling for playing time, especially at nose guard and linebacker and on the offensive line,” Mings said. “We had a good spring season and the summer went pretty well with a great turnout. We are still going to be Mount Vernon and try to put a lick on you.”
Page 24 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
Schedule Aug. 27 at Murphysboro Sept. 3 HERRIN Sept. 10 at Waterloo Sept. 17 CENTRALIA* Sept. 24 at Cahokia* Oct. 1 MOUNT VERNON* Oct. 8 BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF* Oct. 15 at Marion* Oct. 22 at Harrisburg Seniors Ht. Adam Alderson 5-10 Kyle Baity 6-3 Steven Burris 5-10 JeVonte Cleaves 6-2 Caleb Cobb 5-8 Jaylyn Jones 5-6 William Kuykendall 6-3 Tim Lewis 5-8 Tom Leonard 5-10 Zack Lindberg 6-1 Alzon Milan 6-1 Chris Pugh 6-1 Devon Robinson 5-10 Dom Robinson 6-0 Will Stewart 5-10 Connor Thompson 5-9 Jackson Treece 6-4
Wt. 190 240 200 185 225 140 215 160 155 200 265 225 155 280 160 155 200
Pos. LB T LB DE DE CB DE CB FS K NG G CB T LB CB TE
Mike Willis
6-1 185 Juniors Larry Benz 5-9 170 Jordan Bowlby 5-10 225 Jared Brown 6-3 300 Lawrence Croft 5-10 165 Nick Harrdson 6-0 180 Kaid Koester 6-2 225 Devon Kohn 6-5 320 Daniel Lustman 5-7 140 Josh Patterson 5-8 145 Gavin Perry 6-1 265 Jordan Pratt 6-1 205 DD Roseman 6-4 300 Zach Simmons 6-4 265 Chase Smith 6-0 180 Eldron Staten 5-10 190 Jorrian Sutton 6-0 205 Elijah Sykes 5-10 185 JD Whitback 6-0 225 Antroll Williams 6-2 170 Forrest Wright 5-10 165 Sophomores Owen Abarca 6-0 215 Angel Agarwal 5-8 205 Brandon Blewett 5-9 200 Nick Carlson 5-10 185 Brandon Carlton 5-10 205 Zach Doan 5-10 175 Marquis Edmonds 6-1 225 Jacob Gaertner 6-1 210 Jacob Garwin 5-8 145 Dalton Joles 6-1 290 Isiah Jones 5-7 150 Richard Ketten 5-10 150 Marcus Meyerhoff 5-11 240 Bryce Reno-Gibson 5-7 165 Eli Uffelman 5-10 185 Walker Upton 6-0 210
FS LB LB T CB G QB T CB CB NG RB NG T G LB G RB OG SE TE TE G LB LB LB RB TE G SE T FS CB T RB LB C
CENTRALIA: Wants to end new losing streak FROM PAGE 5 Even though Centralia lost its remaining games, Kauling established a new attitude on his squad and hopes with six returning starters he can get the program back on track. Offensively, Kauling has four senior starters returning in guard Nick Renfrow, tackle Gavin Heern, center Skyler Guidish and wide receiver Alex Fritch. The presence of those returnees should help in the transition from
quarterback Brady Greear, who passed for more than 1,500 yards in just five games before getting hurt, to sophomore Dyman Sodsaikitch. “Last year Sodsaikitch got some experience being a situational player the last two games,” Kauling said. “He’s come a long way throwing and building arm strength. Fritch is by far our best player. He is an all-conference kid and in my mind he might be the best wide receiver in the conference.”
Joining Sodsaikitch in the backfield will be junior Andrew Panega and sophomore Rashad Campbell. Filling out the line will be senior tackle Lane Owen and junior guard Tanner Pitts. On defense, Kauling has two returning senior starters in safety Braydon Lockwood and cornerback Fory Albert. “We will be a 4-3 team this year,” Kauling said. “The strength of our defense will be our three junior linebackers.”
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI CARTERVILLE: Lions ready for new conference
CARTERVILLE LIONS Coach: Dennis Drust Career Record: 74-14 2009 Record: 8-2 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Returning Starters (10): Jeff Aldridge (QB/DB), Ryan Bonifield (WR/DB), Alec Waldron (WR/DB/K), Logan Mann (RB/LB), Dan Frey (RB/LB), JD Helton (RB/LB), Curtis Pitt (OL/LB), Tyler Baker (OL/DL), Bryce Usher (WR/DB), Zack Halterman (TE/LB). Schedule Aug. 27 BENTON Sept. 4 At St. Joseph-Ogden Sept. 10 at Oblong Sept. 17 NASHVILLE * Sept. 24 At Du Quoin * Oct. 1 SPARTA * Oct. 8 ANNA-JONESBORO * Oct. 15 At Pinckneyville * Oct. 22 BREESE CENTRAL * Conference game Seniors Ht. Jordan Allensworth 6-0 Tyler Baker 6-0 Ryan Bonifield 6-3 Cody Church 5-10 Jacob Conder 5-8 Chris Ferguson 6-2 Dan Frey 5-9 Zack Halterman 6-2 Jordan Kiesling 5-10 Matt Luper 5-5
Wt. Pos. 193 OL/DL 237 OL/DL 171 SE/DB 230 OL/DL 148 SE/DB 230 OL/DL 169 RB/LB 172 TE/LB 143 SE/DB 134 RB/DB
Logan Mann Dylan Orr Bryce Usher Alec Waldron
5-9 5-10 5-11 6-0 Juniors Chris Aschermann 6-2 Jeff Aldridge 5-10 Jake Behan 6-0 Zach Bollman 5-8 Tyler Bundren 5-7 Levi Cummins 6-2 Chris Fleming 5-11 JD Helton 5-10 Kyle Helton 5-10 Keegan Henderson 5-9 Blake Jerrells 5-7 Skyler Neumann 6-3 Curtis Pitt 6-1 Matt Weeks 5-11 Sophomores Tyler Barber 6-0 Dalton Brown 5-8 Patrick Brown 6-0 Shane Caudill 5-7 Danny Crosby 6-9 David Eaton 5-7 Jake Fulton 6-0 Jimmy Hall 5-5 Spencer Hees 5-9 Tyler Horn 6-2 Lucas Hunter 5-10 Taylor Mitcheson 5-7 Jacob Ninness 6-0 Michael Oyler 5-10 Brett Prince 5-9 Sam Stearns 5-10 Neal Wachter 5-7
183 RB/LB 214 OL/LB 145 SE/DB 163 SE/DB 204 OL/DL 174 QB/DB 234 OL/DL 154 RB/DB 150 RB/LB 258 OL/DL 194 OL/DL 193 RB/LB 162 TE/LB 137 SE/DB 140 SE/DB 285 OL/DL 190 OL/LB 232 OL/DL 176 OL/DL 126 QB/DB 154 RB/LB 160 OL/LB 136 OL/LB 126 SE/DB 136 SE/DB 155 OL/DL 164 OL/DL 237 OL/DL 138 SE/DB 150 RB/LB 191 OL/DL 438 OL/DL 181 OL/DL 144 SE/DB 120 RB/DB
PANTHERS: Pinckneyville faces tough task FROM PAGE 15 “He’s got good size and great hands but not a lot of speed,” Rushing said of Barczewski. “He is big and hard to tackle. He’s a good possession receiver that can run good routes.” Barczewski will have to help make up for the losses of key receivers, Jake Bathon and Nathan Morton, both of whom graduated. Rushing said senior Brandon Long has also shown a lot of promise at wide receiver. The Panthers have been
running the spread offense recently, but not so much to put up huge passing numbers. “We’re not really a true spread team,” Rushing said. “We are spreading it out for space for our quarterback to run. We adapted our Wing T into the spread.” Although the Panthers usually have more than 80 kids out for football, the numbers are down to 64 this season. But Rushing thinks his defensive front should be one of the positives and solid against
teams running between the tackles. “Our coaches are doing a great job with the defense, and we’ll be pretty good against the run,” Rushing said. “We have good size and good kids there. We aren’t really fast so we’re worried about the edge.” Rushing believes Nashville is the team to beat this year because of all their talent coming back. “Du Quoin will be Du Quoin, but I think Nashville is at the top,” Rushing said.
FROM PAGE 16 Carterville has a tough non-conference schedule that includes St. JosephOgden in Week 2. The Lions finish the season with Breese Central and have all of the tough Mississippi opponents in the middle. “Our players will be sore, and we may have to battle injuries and adapt,” Drust said. “I think our kids are realizing the importance of practice every day. We can’t look past anybody and we have to be prepared every week. There’s been a lot talk and questions about
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Carterville wide receiver David Eaton hauls in a pass.
how we would play next level.” and our kids want to prove we’re capable scott.mees@thesouthern.com of playing at the 618-351-5086
HORNETS: Nashville has some large holes to fill FROM PAGE 14 running back, and Chris Storey returns at fullback for the Hornets. “I am confident in my whole stable of running backs,” Gajewski said. “Gannon really stepped up as a junior.” Brady Harre will take the snaps at quarterback again, and Gajewski is looking for a solid year out of his senior leader. “Brady has shown some growth, and we’ll be doing more with him,” Gajewski said. “Last year was an
average year for him, and we think he’ll get his completion percentage up.” A major strength for the Hornets, once again, will be the offensive line. Travis Newman (6-2, 305) and David Gill (6-2, 245) lead the way in that area. As big as Newman is, he can still run the 40-yard dash in just 5.1 seconds. “I’ve had some people interested in Travis because he’s aggressive and strong,” Gajewski said. “David Gill is getting some looks, too. Everyone has gotten bigger, faster
and stronger.” The Hornets are solid up front on defense as well as the linebacker position. The defensive secondary should be a strength as well. Mamell, Tyler Meyer and Zach Fieber are all quick in that unit. “Everybody runs a 4.7 or faster in our secondary,” Gajewski said. “Hopefully, if they can read their keys, we should be able to compete with anyone.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086
SPARTA: Bulldogs look to ‘close the gap’ FROM PAGE 14 “I would’ve liked to have won the Chester game, but at least we had a chance to win,” Watson said. “It’s a lot more fun if you have a chance to win. We had Anna down at halftime, and I don’t think it was a fluke. We controlled the
ball and cut time off the clock. We ran out of gas a few times.” The Bulldogs may have 52 players on the roster, but Watson wishes he could get more of the good athletes in school to play football. “Some kids don’t want to play because we haven’t
been winning,” Watson said. “But we don’t win because guys like that won’t play. If some kids would play we’d be OK. I’m not predicting we’d win the conference, but we’d be competitive.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 25
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: MASTER SCHEDULE 2010 WEEK-BY-WEEK SCHEDULE Week 1
Week 3
Johnston City at Carmi -White County Sesser-Valier at Chester Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton at Eldorado Fairfield at Elverado-Trico Vienna at Hamilton County Belleville Althoff at Collinsville Cahokia at O’Fallon Carbondale at Murphysboro Salem at Centralia Granite City at Marion Mount Vernon at Miller Career Academy (St. Louis Mo.) West Frankfort at AnnaJonesboro Benton at Carterville Bethalto Civic Memorial at Du Quoin Crittenden County (Ky.) at Massac County Mount Carmel at Harrisburg Herrin at Hopkins County (Ky.) Carlyle at Nashville Pinckneyville at Red Bud Columbia at Sparta
Carmi-White County at Hamilton County Christopher-Zeigler Royalton at Chester Eldorado at Fairfield Elverado-Trico at Johnston City Sesser-Valier at Vienna Belleville Althoff at Mascoutah Carnahan (Mo.) at Cahokia Carbondale at Waterloo Highland at Centralia Harrisburg at Marion Mount Vernon at Troy Triad Anna-Jonesboro at Massac County Carterville at Oblong Du Quoin at Herrin Nashville at West Frankfort Benton at Pinckneyville Murphysboro at Sparta
Week 2 Chester at Carmi White County Johnston City at ChristopherZeigler Royalton Eldorado at Elverado-Trico Fairfield at Vienna Hamilton County at SesserValier Belleville West at Belleville Althoff Alton Sr. at Cahokia Herrin at Carbondale Centralia at Bethalto Civic Memorial Marion at Highland Niles Notre Dame at Mount Vernon Murphysboro at AnnaJonesboro Carterville at St. Joseph Ogden Harrisburg at Du Quoin Breese Mater Dei at Nashville West Frankfort at Pinckneyville Sparta at Benton Massac County at Fulton County (Ky.)
West Frankfort at Benton Harrisburg at Herrin Massac County at Murphysboro
Week 6 Carmi-White County at Sesser-Valier Eldorado at Chester Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton at Vienna Elverado-Trico at Hamilton County Johnston City at Fairfield Marion at Belleville Althoff Centralia at Cahokia Mount Vernon at Carbondale Nashville at Anna-Jonesboro Sparta at Carterville Du Quoin at Pinckneyville Benton at Massac County West Frankfort at Harrisburg Herrin at Murphysboro
Week 4
Week 7
Vienna at Carmi-White County Chester at Elverado-Trico Hamilton County at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton Johnston City at Eldorado Fairfield at Sesser-Valier Belleville Althoff at Mount Vernon Cahokia at Marion Centralia at Carbondale Pinckneyville at AnnaJonesboro Nashville at Carterville Sparta at Du Quoin Murphysboro at Benton Massac County at Harrisburg Herrin at West Frankfort
Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton at Carmi White County Chester at Fairfield Vienna at Eldorado Elverado-Trico at Sesser-Valier Johnston City at Hamilton County Belleville Althoff at Carbondale Cahokia at Mount Vernon Marion at Centralia Anna-Jonesboro at Carterville Nashville at Du Quoin Pinckneyville at Sparta Benton at Harrisburg Herrin at Massac County Murphysboro at West Frankfort
Week 5
Week 8
Fairfield at Carmi-White County Chester at Johnston City Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton at Sesser-Valier Hamilton County at Eldorado Vienna at Elverado-Trico Belleville Althoff at Centralia Carbondale at Cahokia Mount Vernon at Marion Anna-Jonesboro at Sparta Carterville at Du Quoin Pinckneyville at Nashville
Carmi-White County at Elverado-Trico Hamilton County at Chester Fairfield at ChristopherZeigler-Royalton Sesser-Valier at Eldorado Vienna at Johnston City Cahokia at Belleville Althoff Carbondale at Marion Centralia at Mount Vernon Du Quoin at Anna-Jonesboro Carterville at Pinckneyville Sparta at Nashville
Page 26 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Pinckneyville quarterback Bryant Shute runs through defenders during a game with Nashville.
Benton at Herrin Harrisburg at Murphysboro West Frankfort at Massac County
Week 9 Eldorado at Carmi-White County Chester at Vienna
Elverado-Trico at ChristopherZeigler-Royalton Hamilton County at Fairfield Johnston City at Sesser-Valier Troy Triad at Belleville Althoff St. Francis de Sales at Cahokia Carbondale at Harrisburg Trenton Wesclin at Centralia Marion at Herrin Mount Vernon at Grayslake
Central Anna-Jonesboro at Benton Breese Central at Carterville Du Quoin at Murphysboro Nashville at Columbia Pinckneyville at Dupo Red Bud at Sparta Massac County at Olney East Richland Freeburg at West Frankfort
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO REDBIRDS: Come into season with new style FROM PAGE 10 “We’re gonna let it all hang out.” Ben Cunningham returns for his senior year at wide receiver, as do receivers Derrick Davis and three-year starter Nathan Butler. Junior Addison Eggertsen will serve as West Frankfort’s quarterback. “We have several skill kids returning, but we’re kinda young up front,” Spence said. “We’ve had several kids in the weight room lifting pretty hard this summer, but we’re kinda low on linemen numbers.” The Redbirds had a bit of a two-faced mentality in 2009, something that Spence hopes will be rectified this season. “Our consistency,” said Spence, when asked what the focus of the team was this year. “We would play a good first half, but the second half would get us. We’re trying to get in shape and simplify a few things.”
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
West Frankfort quarterback Ben Cunningham looks for an open receiver.
West Frankfort opens the first two weeks of the season on the road against Anna-Jonesboro and Pinckneyville before returning home to face Nashville and Herrin. “We play a pretty tough schedule all year,” Spence said. “Last year, there were a couple of times where we could have competed a little better.” pete.spitler@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5073
S P O RTS M E D I C I N E C L I N I C
Benton’s Quincy Hamilton runs in front of a slew of West Frankfort defenders.
A Saturday Clinic is offered during the regular football season for injuries sustained in Friday night action.
BENTON: Rangers ready to turn things around
The clinic is staffed by our sports medicine team, which includes orthopedic surgeons with sports medicine subspecialty, athletic trainers, and physical therapists.
FROM PAGE 10
Athletes should arrive by 9:00AM for evaluation.
three seasons under Clodfelder, who will benefit from an experienced senior class in 2010. “We’ve got some skill kids and some nucleus kids who can step up and do some things,” Clodfelder said. “The critical thing is how the development in the offensive line goes.” The Rangers have threeyear starter and leading tackler Landon Stewart back at linebacker and fellow senior Hunter Rone will contribute at the linebacker and lineman positions. Junior Trey Garrett
was an all-conference punter for Benton in 2009 — while also seeing some running back duty — and junior defensive back Jared Johnston has made a huge amount of improvement in the secondary. “We played a lot of young kids last year when we moved some sophomores up,” Clodfelder said. “Jared had a great summer and we look forward to him growing up in this process and being a full-time varsity player.” Benton also gets the unique opportunity to be the first team to face the conference’s newest pro-
gram in Carterville at 7 p.m. today at Lions Field. “I think it’s going to have a big impact on both our seasons with us going to Carterville, but we’re not going to blow it out of proportion,” Clodfelder said. Clodfelder was an assistant coach at Carterville in 1998 under current Marion coach Kerry Martin and Dennis Drust was a member of that same staff as well. “It will be an interesting Week 1 ballgame,” Clodfelder said. pete.spitler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5073
Our Sports Injury Drop-In Clinic is also available Monday through Friday. Athletes are asked to arrive by 8 AM throughout the week unless other arrangements are made.
510 Lincoln Drive • Herrin 618.997.4310 x1086 sportsmedicine@sioc.com Official Orthopedic Provider for:
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, August 27, 2010 Page 27
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www.SIPICKS.com Page 28 Friday, August 27, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan