2012 Prep Football Preview: Cover Story
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Vienna-Goreville coach Mike Rude gives instructions to his team on the field during a game against Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn.
Co-operation T
BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Schools band together on the gridiron ... and they’re not hired hands Page 2 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
he co-op, two or more schools banding together to form a team, in high school football usually brings about a lot of discussion. Like most things, there are positives and negatives. A lot of small school student-athletes wouldn’t have the chance to play prep football were it not for a co-op. Johnny Hollis, the new coach at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn, knows the ins and outs of dealing with a co-op. The S-V-W-W program has 24
freshmen out for football. Numbers like that are rare and a big plus for future varsity teams. “I have made a special effort to strengthen that bridge between SesserValier High School and those two schools,” Hollis said. “I want Waltonville and Woodlawn kids to see the S-V-W-W team as their team as much as it is ours.” Hollis doesn’t want Woodlawn and Waltonville students to feel like they’re hired hands. The S-V-W-W program wouldn’t be where it is without the contributions from all three schools in recent years.
2012 Prep Football Preview: Cover Story “It’s not like we just start Sesser-Valier kids; we start the best players regardless of where they’re from,” Hollis said. “We’re going out of our way to let them know that we care about them and would love to have them as part of our team.” If Sesser-Valier fielded its own football team, it would be a Class 2A or even possibly 1A squad with roughly 220 students. The Red Devils finished 9-0 during the 2009 regular season, but fell to a 5-4 Nashville team in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs. Taking on all of Woodlawn and Waltonville’s enrollment puts the S-V-W-W program well over 500 students. However, that season one of the team’s most dynamic players, Brock Wheatley, came from Waltonville. “We’ve been able to win a lot of games with Woodlawn and Waltonville players,” Hollis said. “If we wouldn’t have had them we probably wouldn’t have won some of those games.” Vienna-Goreville will begin its fourth season of varsity football this week. The two schools are bitter rivals in other sports, but the kids have gotten along pretty well. “It hasn’t caused a problem even one time,” Rude said. “We haven’t had one single incident, and we haven’t seen any jealousy or anything.” The first year the school fielded a varsity squad it only had a couple of Goreville players. Rude said that out of 18 seniors this year, 12 are from Goreville. “Sometimes when you have communities that play mostly baseball and basketball, it can be difficult to get kids out,” Rude said. “They weren’t used to playing football, and it just takes time. We’re very lucky that we have the Goreville kids on the football team.” When the Vienna-Goreville program began Rude kept the original Vienna helmet decal. Today, both schools are represented on the helmet. “Last year we went to having “V-G” on the helmet and combined the colors, too,” Rude said. “I think that was just another little thing that brought unity to our kids.” Rude also spoke about a school taking on the entire enrollment of each school in the co-op. That can obviously bump teams up to a larger class in the playoffs, which makes it more difficult to be competitive in postseason. “I’ve always believed that the fair way is just to go ahead and add the boys,” Rude said. “If you say Goreville has 180 students and 90 of them our boys, I think it’s fair to add the boys to the enrollment and not every kid in the school.”
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Elverado-Trico’s Dalton Porter runs past a C-Z-R defender last season in Elkville. Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn’s Greg Jenkins (below) takes the handoff from quarterback Trey Witges last season against Johnston City.
scott.mees@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5086
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 3
2012 Prep Football Preview: South Seven Conference
CarbondaleTerriers BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
The Carbondale Terriers made the playoffs for the second time in three years, but once again, fell in the first round. Coach Dan Koester is entering his fifth year with the hope this is the year the Terriers make a move. Last year, the Terriers handed two-time South Seven champion Marion its only conference loss, 27-20, but still finished tied for third. The last time Carbondale won the conference title was in 1993 under John Helmick. “The expectation is to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year and get a home game in the first or second round,” Koester said. “We also intend to make a run for the conference championship.” Koester runs a shotgun wing-T offense
and will have eight returning starters, including quarterback Justin Hoffmann. “Starting a sophomore at quarterback in our conference is a tall order and Justin stepped in,” Koester said. “He took every snap and he took some hits, but he got right back up. His toughness was a question mark last year, but he showed everybody how tough he was. He’s a couple inches taller now and about 15 pounds heavier. I think we can expect big things from him this year.” Hoffmann has his receiving corps back, Shamarc Bursey at wingback, Bryce Reno-Gibson in the slot, Michel Andre at split end and Marqui Edmonds at tight end. Also back is tailback Nick Carlson. Koester has to rebuild the interior of his line with only tackles Jacob Gaertner and Angel Agrawal returning. SEE CARBONDALE / PAGE 28
Good Luck
to our area teams!
CARBONDALE TERRIERS Coach: Dan Koester Career Record: 16-22 2011 Record: 5-5 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Key Returnees: Shamarc Bursey (WB), Marqui Edmonds (TE), Justin Hoffmann (QB), Nick Carlson (TB), Jacob Gaertner (OT), Bryce Reno-Gibson (Slot), Michel Andre (SE), Angel Agrawal (OT), Tyrell Robison (ILB), Jarron Warren (ILB), Kyle Turner (NG), Mitch Lauder (S), Isiah Jones (CB), Dion Wooley (CB) Schedule Aug. 24 MURPHYSBORO Aug. 31 HERRIN Sept. 7 At Waterloo Sept. 14 CENTRALIA * Sept. 21 At Cahokia * Sept. 28 MOUNT VERNON * Oct. 5 BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF * Oct. 12 At Marion * Oct. 19 At Harrisburg * conference game Seniors Isiah Jones B. Reno-Gibson Jarron Warren Malik Wright Javon Connor Zach Doan Nick Carlson Dion Wooley Walker Upton Brandon Blewett Owen Abarca Miquel Womac Angel Agrawal
Ht. 5-7 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-7 5-10
Wt. 175 175 215 175 175 185 220 170 230 185 220 205 240
Pos. DB RB LB RB DB DB RB DB OL LB DE NG OL
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Jacob Gaertner Dylan Bird Marqui Edmonds Faysal Ibrahim Juniors Shamarc Bursey Justin Hoffmann Dom Johnson Mitch Lauder Michel Andre Rashad Johnson Anthony Day Leo Cicino Tyrell Robison Daniel Kirslis Brad Wood D. Meyerhoff Kyle Turner Ilya Vorobyev T. McCallister Sophomores Brandon Rishel Jalen Jackson Nick Whitbeck Gavin Stevens Kyle Smith Allonte Brown Nils Hoffmann Jacob Walker Isaac Flores Abed Ibrahim Steven Gobert Thomas Snyder Garrett Beck Trey Rush Steven Lambert Sidney Ousley Freshmen O. McCloud
6-3 6-2 6-2 6-1 Ht. 5-11 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-2 5-8 6-3 5-8 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-2 6-1 5-1 6-1 Ht. 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-11 5-9 5-8 6-3 5-9 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-7 Ht. 6-0
295 180 220 205 Wt. 180 175 210 185 175 190 190 165 220 175 270 215 285 200 250 Wt. 145 165 200 175 180 170 215 175 205 220 205 245 185 205 215 150 Wt. 225
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Page 4 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
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OL SE TE TE Pos. RB QB LB DB SE DL LB K LB LB OL LB NG OL DL Pos. DB DB QB RB LB DB LB LB DL OL OL OL OL LB OL RB Pos. DL
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2012 Prep Football Preview: South Seven Conference
Mount Vernon Rams BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
It was not a good start for the Jared Shaner era last season, as the Rams fell from 3-6 to 1-8 and last place in the South Seven Conference at 1-4. The bright spot last year was the lateseason victory over Carbondale at home. A silver lining to last year’s dark cloud is seven returning starters on offense and nine on defense to build around this year.
“You never want to go 1-8, but of our nine games seven were playoffs teams, including Carbondale,” Shaner said. “It was rough last year on coaches, the players and fans, but we’re a year older, stronger and faster and we’re real excited about that this year.” Shaner deploys a flex-bone double slot offensive scheme that averaged 23 points a game last year. SEE MOUNT VERNON / PAGE 28
MOUNT VERNON RAMS Coach: Jared Shaner Career Record: 13-41 2011 Record: 1-8 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Key Returnees: Clayton Reeves (QB/S), Doug Gardner (FB), Travis Mitchell (HB/CB), C. J. Lloyd (HB), Jacob Williamson (FB/OLB), Patrick Bradford (WR/TE/DE), Justin Armstrong (OT/DT), Robert Grider (OLB), Jarron Liddell (CB), Qwymann Cantley (DT), Josh Brinson (DE) Schedule Aug. 24 ROCHESTER Aug. 31 At Mascoutah Sept. 7 At Troy Triad Sept. 14 BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF * Sept. 21 At Marion * Sept. 28 At Carbondale * Oct. 5 CAHOKIA * Oct. 12 CENTRALIA * Oct. 19 At Mount Carmel * conference game Seniors Clayton Reeves Travis Mitchell Patrick Bradford Zach Swinnen Derrick Hunter Zane Young Wes Song Jarron Liddell Josh Brinson Jessie Johnson Teldon Moore Jacob Stern J. Armstrong Q. Cantley
Ht. 5-10 5-11 6-2 5-7 6-0 6-0 5-8 5-8 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-1 6-3
Wt. 160 170 210 145 170 155 160 145 200 185 150 175 280 280
Pos. QB/DB RB/DB WR/DL K/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB RB/DB RB/DL RB/DL RB/DB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL
Justin Whitfield Nathan Ford Juniors Thomas Weber Doug Gardner Jacobee Marshall Robert Grider C.J. Lloyd Jacob Williamson Jacob Bruce Matt Morton Kyle Nelson Tyler Knutson D. Robinson E. Lam-Vaughn Josh Bourland Tyler Bradley Cody O’Neal Eli Phillips Illando Watson Sophomores Xavier Tyus Dylan Reeves Harry Heitmeyer Jordan Mullen D. Miller-Grey Andrew Hiner Trey Young DaVarr Davis Graham Henken Derek Waithe Max Visser Sam Arcuri Alex Hopkins Caleb Ward Joey Michaued London Marler Bryton Steele Korvea Meredith Gabe O’Neal
6-0 6-1 Ht. 6-4 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-9 5-6 6-1 6-0 5-6 5-6 6-1 6-3 5-9 6-4 6-2 Ht. 5-5 6-1 5-8 5-6 5-10 5-10 5-6 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-8 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-0
165 175 Wt. 190 180 170 175 175 155 155 185 195 185 225 195 185 210 240 285 180 Wt. 125 160 200 110 165 170 165 150 185 145 200 170 215 185 210 260 250 160 150
WR/DB WR/DL Pos. QB/LB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB Pos. RB/DB QB/DB QB/LB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB
CENTRALIA ORPHANS Coach: Ray Kauling Career Record: 76-41 2011 Record: 8-2 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Key Returnees: Rashad Campbell (RB), Dyman Sodsaikitch (QB), Mason Wathan (WR), Drew Shores (OL/ILB), Dustin DeKalb (OL), Jason Boyer (OL), Mark Pozeg (OL), Ryan Shipley (FS), Malik Scott (DE), Travondis Lee (CB) Schedule Aug. 24 SALEM Aug. 31 At Bethalto Civic Memorial Sept. 7 EFFINGHAM Sept. 14 At Carbondale * Sept. 21 BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF * Sept. 28 At Cahokia * Oct. 5 MARION * Oct. 12 At Mount Vernon * Oct. 19 At Mascoutah *conference game Seniors Mason Wathan Dy. Sodsaikitch Rashad Campbell Xavier Green Travondis Lee B. Engelkins Devian Harris Malik Scott Tyler Ayala Dustin DeKalb Drew Shores Kaleb Robinson Justin Donoho Klayton Norman Steven Guern Jason Boyer
Ht. 5-11 5-8 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-10 5-4 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-8 5-9
Wt. 180 155 210 180 150 140 130 210 210 190 220 215 190 240 220 230
Pos. WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB TE/LB OL/LB OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Mark Pozeg Trevor Gyorkos Zack Mitcham Dexter Johnson Juniors Ryan Shipley Tripp Kessler Chase Alcorn Tre’ Perkins Ryan Miller Jordan Williams Chris Havelberg Tyler Ashby E. Weatherspoon P. Weathersby Matt Steward Colt Bates Octavius Pickens Sophomores Phinique Jones Hosea Harris D’Shaun Groff Matese Scott Tyler Maas Riley Madrey Nick Kapp Drew Sherman Josh Johnson B.J. Smith Michael Pritchard Justin Gergory B. McConnaughay Joe Loera Matt Johnson Kameron Mayoral Mason White Calvin Miley Tim Morgan Josh Nunnery N. Neubauer Dr. Sodsaikitch
5-11 5-9 6-0 5-8 Ht. 5-9 5-11 6-2 5-9 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-1 5-11 Ht. 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-5 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-4 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-3 5-11 5-8 5-6 5-5
240 155 180 150 Wt. 140 150 185 195 190 240 190 230 190 230 210 260 180 Wt. 175 150 165 165 165 130 140 140 220 225 165 130 175 245 195 150 170 215 225 135 130 220
OL/DL WR/DB WR/LB WR/DL Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB Pos. RB/LB WR/LB QB/LB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB
Centralia Orphans BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
From 2002 to 2008, the Centralia Orphans struggled mightily, going 5-58 and 1-34 in the South Seven Conference. However, in the three years Ray Kauling has been coach, the Orphans have improved steadily, making the playoffs for the first time 10 years last season. “I don’t know if we’ve completely turned around, but we are a little ahead of the curve,” Kauling said. SEE CENTRALIA / PAGE 28
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
A Carbondale defender tries to knock down a pass from Centralia’s Dyman Sodsaikitch during the Terriers’ 52-41 win last year.
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 5
2012 Prep Football Preview: South Seven Conference
CahokiaComanches BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
After seven straight playoff appearances, including four South Seven titles, Cahokia has suffered through two straight losing seasons as the Comanches endured a rebuilding stage. “My plans are to get back into the conference race and make the playoffs,” said coach Antwyne Golliday. “Two years in a row, graduation beat me up real good, but this is the year we should be back.” Offensively, Golliday has his work cut out for him, with only five returning starters. However, he has a good founda-
tion with three returning offensive linemen and his top two running backs. “We’re going to run the same offense we’ve always run,” Golliday said. “We’re going to run it and pass it and come at you.” Running back Shayeen Edwards led the team in rushing with 989 yards and Jalen Thomas added 166. Offensive tackles Mike Williams and Tim Nicholson and center Melvin Collins anchor the line. Golliday will have to replace Larry Overall at quarterback and X’Javion Boyd, Leon Gillespie and Lamarriel Taylor at wide receiver. SEE CAHOKIA / PAGE 29
CAHOKIA COMANCHES Coach: Antwyne Golliday Career Record: 66-32 2011 Record: 4-5 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Key Returnees: Shayeen Edwards (RB), Jalen Thomas (RB/OLB), Mike Williams (OT/DT), Tim Nicholson (OT/DE), Melvin Collins (C/DT), Mar’Quan Fridge (CB), Romeion Moore (LB), Darnell Beverly (LB) Schedule Aug. 24 At O’Fallon Aug. 31 ALTON SR. Sept. 8 At St. Louis Miller Sept. 14 At Marion * Sept. 21 CARBONDALE * Sept. 28 CENTRALIA * Oct. 5 At Mount Vernon * Oct. 12 At Belleville Althoff * Oct. 19 CHICAGO HALES FRANCISCAN * conference game Seniors Jalen Thomas Dale Gantt Shayeen Edwards Darnell Beverly Mar’Quan Fridge Larry Pippen Dominique Hill Lamar Ford Melvin Collins Tim Nicholson Frank Gully Mike Williams Adam Smith
Ht. 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-0 6-4 5-11 6-4 6-2
Wt. 180 165 170 195 160 180 175 170 270 270 230 280 200
Pos. RB/LB WR/QB RB LB/RB WR/DB LB DB LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K/TE
Juniors Keenan Hogan A. Stevenson Romeion Moore Stacy Minor Darby Perry Darron Roberson D. Stringfellow K. Joshway C. Grinston Shelton Pippen Darrion Perry Jamarco Wiley John Leach Sophomores Keith Ross Korrion Session Marcus Williams Marlon Manuel Keveion Akins John Evans D. Campbell Marcell Scurlark Kenny Knight Jr. Daniel Akins Robert Mosby Jakarl Howard Brandon Anthony Darryl Williams Marquis Hayes Brandon Harris Kezijon McGraw Freshmen Willie Beckwith Tyran Lyons Antez Stevenson
Page 6 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
Ht. 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-8 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-11 Ht. 5-10 5-7 5-7 5-6 5-5 5-10 5-6 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-7 Ht. 5-8 5-4 5-7
Wt. 185 185 205 170 150 160 160 180 175 200 210 245 290 Wt. 175 150 130 150 130 160 135 165 225 250 240 220 250 190 310 150 150 Wt. 170 135 135
Pos. RB/DB WR/DB TE/DE TE/LB QB WR RB/DB LB LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/DB QB/DB DB RB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB TE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR WR Pos. WR RB/DB RB/DB
BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF CRUSADERS Coach: Ken Turner Career Record: 18-20 2011 Record: 5-5 Conference: South Seven (Class 4A) Key Returnees: Ryan Cannady (WR), Luke Frazier (WR), Nick Hawthorne (WR), Garland Henley (WR), Nolan Abernathy (OT/DE), Erik Furmanek (OT/MLB), Erik Krause (OG), Eric Mertens (QB), Merrick Jackson (DT), Zach Donaldson (OLB), Brett Silvestri (OLB), Michael Harris (CB), Cole Reichert (S) Schedule Aug. 24 At Collinsville Aug. 31 BELLEVILLE WEST Sept. 7 At Mascoutah Sept. 14 At Mount Vernon* Sept. 21 At Centralia* Sept. 28 MARION* Oct. 5 At Carbondale* Oct. 12 CAHOKIA Oct. 19 TROY TRIAD *conference game Seniors Nick Hawthorne Kordell Harris Michael Harris Zach Donaldson Cole Reichert
Ht. 5-10 5-8 5-8 6-1 5-11
Wt. 155 175 140 180 145
Pos. WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB QB/LB WR/DB
Garland Henley Blake Butz Jeremy Miller Erik Furmanek Nolan Abernathy Daniel Hopkins Adam McElligott Brandon Harris Ryan Ord Merrick Jackson Ryan Cannady Juniors Dennis Jackson Austin Mueller Eric Mertens Eric Cefaratti Luke Frazier Sam Allard Robert Reynolds Erik Krause Sophomores Austin Keen Connor O’Dell Sean McGinty Christopher Lloyd Aaron Medina Bret Silvestri Rodney Baker Maurice Williams Mark Abegg Cody Harris
6-0 5-10 5-8 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-0 5-10 5-8 6-3 5-11 Ht. 5-10 5-9 6-3 5-4 5-11 5-6 5-10 6-5 Ht. 5-11 5-9 5-11 5-8 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-10
170 150 160 240 240 200 250 225 230 240 170 Wt. 155 140 220 120 155 175 180 250 Wt. 150 140 140 155 170 185 280 190 230 145
WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB Pos. RB/DB RB/LB QB/LB RB/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL WR/DB
BellevilleCrusaders Althoff BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Even though Belleville Althoff (5-5) returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence, the Crusaders had a tough time in the South Seven, falling from 4-1 to 2-3. The Crusaders lost to Breese Mater Dei in the first round. “We expected to win the Mater Dei game,” said coach Ken Turner. “It was built up as a big game because their coaches came from here, so our kids really wanted to win.” For three years, Turner’s spread offense was run first, but with the graduation of 1,000-yard rusher Kameron Harris and the return of quarterback Eric Mertens and receivers Nick Hawthorne, Luke Frazier, Garland Henley and Ryan Cannady, that will change.
“We’re going to still take what the defense gives us, but with our top six wide receivers and our passing quarterback back we’re going to pass it more,” Turner said. “Mertens is a strong pocket passing quarterback and a very smart kid.” Last year, Harris was the offense, carrying the ball 237 times for 1,377 yards while Mertens attempted only 149 passes for 950 yards and 10 touchdowns. “Right now, I don’t have a starting running back and it’s probably going to be by committee,” Turner said. Turner has a veteran offensive line, with Erik Furmanek and Nolan Abernathy returning at tackle and Erik Krause at guard. Turner also has a veteran center with the transfer of Adam McElligott from Troy Triad. SEE BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF / PAGE 29
2012 Prep Football Preview: South Seven Conference
Go Wildcats!!
Marion Wildcats BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
The Marion Wildcats have been a model of consistency under coach Kerry Martin, making the playoffs for seven straight years and winning the South Seven Conference the past two seasons. “We’ve had a good offseason, and this is a good hard-working group,” Martin said. “We feel we have some good people to fill in where we lost some starters. We’re excited about some of young people stepping up and playing.” Last year, Marion aver-
aged 35 points on offense. Martin has six senior starters back to run his spread offense, including quarterback Matt Lewis, running back Henry Jones and wide receiver Jon Evetts. Jones rushed for more than 600 yards last year after Shekeil Ivy was injured. “We’ve been running the spread offense going on eight years, and it’s been pretty good to us,” Martin said. “We have some good components in it this year, so we’re excited about that.” Martin will have Logan Hunt, Tyrone Maples and John Dalton joining Jones
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Marion’s Matt Lewis looks for a receiver during a game with Carbondale last season.
in the backfield. Juwann Tucker and Jordan Bradford are expected to ease the loss of wide receiver Jay Riley. Three offensive linemen SEE MARION / PAGE 28
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2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division
Murphysboro Red Devils BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
After a string of 3-6 seasons, Murphysboro finally broke out of its rut in 2011, winning four games for the first time since 1999. Now entering its second year running the wing-T, the Red Devils are looking to build on last year’s success, which included winning three of their final four games to finish at 4-5. “We had a good summer where we tweaked some things, and I think I had more attendance in the weight room than I’ve ever had,” said second-year Murphysboro coach Gary Carter. “The kids have bought in and realized that you have to work hard to have success.” A big win over Du Quoin in Week 9 ended the Indians’ lengthy playoff streak, which stretched back to 1984 and includ-
ed two state championships and five runners-up. Throw in a close loss to Jackson County rival Carbondale to start and Murphysboro might have been a playoff team. “We’re looking for the playoffs,” Carter said. “If you win the conference, you’re automatically in. You shoot for a conference title and kill two birds with one stone.” Carter is looking at a select group of athletes to steer the ship this season, starting with senior tight end/linebacker Kevin Gude. “Kevin is our best leader,” Carter said. “He does a great job for us and has got a good motor.” Senior Zach Evans (quarterback), junior Kaleb Jarrett (safety) and senior Kane Wilson (wide receiver) are also on the list SEE MURPHYSBORO / PAGE 29
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Page 8 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
MURPHYSBORO RED DEVILS Coach: Gary Carter Career Record: 71-97 2011 Record: 4-5 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Key Returnees: Kane Wilson (WR/DB), Tylon Kerrens (RB/LB), Kaleb Jarrett (RB/DB), Devian Gaines (RB/DB), Diamante Bradley (RB/LB), Trey Hope (RB/LB), Sheldon Klaus (OL/DL), Kevin Gude (TE/LB). Schedule Aug. 24 At Carbondale Aug. 31 At Anna-Jonesboro Sept. 7 At Sparta Sept. 14 HARRISBURG* Sept. 21 At Benton* Sept. 29 MASSAC COUNTY* Oct. 5 HERRIN* Oct. 12 At West Frankfort* Oct. 19 DU QUOIN *conference game Seniors Kane Wilson Hoston Gee Mykel Miner Tylon Kerrens Zach Evans Donald Kellum Devian Gaines D. Bradley Trey Hope Andre Adams Ben House Mark Sawyer
Ht. 6-0 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-2 5-6 5-6 5-5 5-7 5-11 5-11
Wt. 190 145 175 190 150 170 150 200 185 185 190 235
Pos. WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Kevin Gude Jarquez Brown Juniors Austin Reed Eric Finders Kaleb Jarrett Cody Mifflin Aeian Baird Justin Stilley Shane Favier J. Landewee Drew Hopkins Sheldon Klaus Logan Roe Caleb Lewis Corey Meade Austin Biggs Sophomores Da’Shon Battles Daniel Bower Chase Murray Patrick Stanton B. Threlkeld Jaylon Moore Caleb Colver A. Hoppenstedt Austin Helfrich Brandon Roe Khalen Hampton Luke Russell Nick Maurer Madison Moore Taylor Streeter Jakob Guetersloh Jacob Woolard Lance Anders Dejon Williams
6-1 5-8 Ht. 6-0 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-3 5-7 6-0 6-2 5-7 6-3 5-10 6-1 Ht. 5-8 5-11 5-5 6-2 5-9 5-4 5-9 5-10 5-7 5-9 5-8 5-8 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-0
Go Red Devils!
210 180 Wt. 165 140 160 165 175 190 230 165 205 195 205 280 270 160 Wt. 160 150 140 165 150 205 150 165 140 200 190 255 210 175 200 190 165 205 195
TE/LB RB/DL Pos. RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/LB QB/DB TE/LB QB/DB WR/DB RB/DL RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/LB
2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division
HarrisburgBulldogs BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
As the favorite in a preseason poll of the SIRR Ohio Division’s coaches, Harrisburg returns All-South defensive back Ryne Roper and one of the region’s top receivers in Capel Henshaw. “We’ve got a pretty good group of seniors coming back with Roper and Henshaw,” said Harrisburg coach Jason Roper. “Those two guys provide good leadership for us and hopefully that will carry through the season.” Roper grabbed five interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, in 2011 and was a unanimous all-conference
selection at defensive back. At quarterback, he threw for more than 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns in leading Southern Illinois’ top-ranked offense. For his part, Henshaw had 30 catches for more than 500 yards and hit the weight room hard this summer as a twosport athlete. Harrisburg will have to replace some key people on the offensive line, with AllSouth selections Caleb Beal and Alex Delgado having graduated. Still, Roper feels that his upperclassmen group with 10 returning starters can easily absorb the losses. SEE HARRISBURG / PAGE 29
HARRISBURG BULLDOGS Coach: Jason Roper Career Record: 31-28 2011 Record: 5-5 Conference: SIRR-Ohio (Class 4A) Key Returnees: Capel Henshaw (WR/DB), Ryne Roper (QB/DB), Justin Younger (WR/DB), Dylan Hathaway (RB/LB), Chris Willsey (OL/DL), Dakota Upchurch (TE/LB), Tyler Bebout (RB/DL), Gabe Oglesby (OL/DL), Austin Eldridge (OL/DL), Jordan Quertermous (OL/DL). Schedule Aug. 24 MOUNT CARMEL Aug. 31 At Du Quoin Sept. 7 At Marion Sept. 14 At Murphysboro* Sept. 21 MASSAC COUNTY* Sept. 29 At Herrin* Oct. 5 WEST FRANKFORT* Oct. 12 BENTON* Oct. 19 CARBONDALE *conference game Seniors Bryan Miller Capel Henshaw Ryne Roper Justin Younger Dylan Hathaway Brandon Pate Dylan Yates Chris Willsey Dakota Upchurch
Ht. 5-11 6-3 6-1 5-9 5-8 6-3 5-11 5-8 6-5
Wt. 165 195 181 170 217 205 180 198 240
Pos. WR/LB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/LB TE/LB WR/DL OL/DL TE/LB
Tyler Bebout Gabe Oglesby Austin Eldridge Brandon Thom J. Quertermous Isaac Ingram Dylan Stacey Juniors Zach Smith Nick Davis Brady Mayer Jacob Conkle Blake Buchanan Zach Perkins Daniel Lewis Brice Mauney Ross Bergman Brennan Street Dakota Schmook Luke Sheldon Daniel Martineau Garrett Betts Bryant Bennett Dylan Ragsdale Tyler Owens Triston Abraham Brandon Thai Cole Adams Ryan Dennison Ryan Luce Devin Reeder Sophomores Sykes Thompson Logan Hartley C. Thompson
5-10 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-6 5-9 Ht. 5-9 5-11 5-8 6-2 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-7 5-8 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-0 5-4 5-9 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-2 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-0 Ht. 5-9 6-2 5-10
235 195 220 245 253 318 262 Wt. 165 160 185 160 165 165 155 155 140 211 200 175 253 158 218 185 202 263 268 186 232 182 223 Wt. 165 180 198
RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/DB QB/DB WR/LB WR/DL WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/OL TE/LB TE/DL Pos. QB/DB WR/DB RB/LB
MASSAC COUNTY PATRIOTS Coach: Kelly Glass Career Record: 132-120 2011 Record: 2-7 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Key Returnees: Trey Copley (RB/LB), Jon Haverkamp (WR/DB), Zach Trumpower (OL/DL), Payton Hall (OL/DL), Austin Kendall (OL/DL), Cameron Koch (QB), Ethan Ramage (OL/DL), Jordan Troutman (RB/LB). Schedule Aug. 24 At Herrin Aug. 31 At Calloway County (Ky.) Sept. 7 ANNA-JONESBORO Sept. 14 WEST FRANKFORT* Sept. 21 At Harrisburg* Sept. 28 At Murphysboro* Oct. 5 BENTON* Oct. 12 HERRIN* Oct. 19 At Ballard Memorial (Ky.) *conference game Seniors Jordan Ablett Matt Buchanan Trey Copley Jon Haverkemp Curtis Kerley Daz Nickerson Jared Oliver Zach Trumpower Juniors Mason Bremer Israel Cherry L. Davenport David Dominguez Aaron Duncan Payton Hall Brice Hayden Austin Kendall Cameron Koch Brandon Looper Michael Marutz
Ht. 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-4 Ht. 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-0 6-6 5-11 6-0 6-3
Wt. 156 183 210 142 355 160 180 288 Wt. 205 182 152 215 360 290 156 202 172 204 176
Pos. RB/DB OL/DL RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL DB/RB DL OL/DL Pos. OL/DL OL/DL DB/WR OL/DL DL OL/DL LB OL/DL QB OL/DL LB
Jacob Myers Jacob Pegram Ethan Ramage Eli Rose TJ Runkle Zach Stevens Jordan Troutman Josh Wrye Sophomores Arron Ballou Braden Fritch Isom Anderson Bryce McCellan Ryan Looper Dillon Stoner Lane Wolfe Darin Rainey Austin Cherry Chandler Davis Jeff Stump Henry Bundren Johnny Towery Chris Smith Quinton Fisher Caleb Parks Freshmen Sidney Adams Alex Bama Jay Benard Aaron Boyd James Bradley Ty Copley Zach Donaldson J. Eggleston Keaton Faughn Tyler Herron Tyler Jennings Lincoln Lang Austin Little Ashton McDuffee Chandler Miller Malik Miller Bohdi Morris Tony Nielsen Malcolm Pass
5-10 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-3 5-9 5-10 5-8 Ht. 5-7 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-11 5-8 5-8 6-4 6-2 6-1 Ht. 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-6 5-7 6-3 5-8 5-7 5-8 5-8 5-7 6-2 5-11 5-7 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-0
160 160 280 175 208 216 185 175 Wt. 145 172 160 245 174 178 192 145 174 175 225 202 163 220 172 152 Wt. 180 190 172 132 138 188 250 165 158 138 132 196 328 270 122 200 185 125 165
WR/DB TE/LB OL/DL TE/LB OL/DL OL/LB RB/LB RB/LB Pos. DB/WR QB DB/WR RB OL/DL WR/LB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL LB DB/WR Pos. OL/DL DL/C S/QB DB/WR DB/WR LB OT/DE LB OL/DL DB WR/DB OL/DL NG OT/NG DB RB/LB OL/DL DB WR/DB
Massac County Patriots “I think we have several kids capable of running the ball, and several kids capable of catching the ball,” Glass said. “I’m not The annual enigma that are the Massac sure if we have that really exceptional guy County Patriots will have eight returning that’s going to open your eyes every starters this season, but coach Kelly Glass week.” always keeps things close to the vest on SEE MASSAC COUNTY / PAGE 29 how his team will be.
BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 9
2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division
West Frankfort Redbirds BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
West Frankfort hasn’t won more than one game in a season since 2008, and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2007, but secondyear coach Brian Beery believes there’s reason for optimism in Franklin County. “We’re definitely going to be more experienced this THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO year than last year when we West Frankfort’s Colton Williams recovers a fumble during a were still pretty new to the game against Carterville last season. option game,” Beery said. “Last year, our goal was to Frankfort’s struggles since finishing 7-4 in be competitive and our goal this year is to 2007 and depth will be an issue yet again pick up a few more wins than last year.” this season. Easier said than done in the tough SIRR “We don’t have a lot of depth again this Ohio, with five of West Frankfort’s nine year,” Beery said. “If we get banged up, it opponents in 2012 reaching the playoffs will be tough to predict where we’ll be in last year. conference.” “I think we’ve got the toughest schedule West Frankfort will begin the season on other than Harrisburg,” Beery said. “You the road against Anna-Jonesboro and go by the old mentality of if you’re gonna Pinckneyville the first two weeks before be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.” the home opener against Nashville, which Hadin Restivo took his lumps at quarter- has a new coach in Tim Kuhn. back in 2011 and returns for his senior year Two of the tougher weeks could be as one of West Frankfort’s two captains. Weeks 6 and 7, when the Redbirds travel to Senior linebackers Garrett Gibbs and face Benton and preseason conference Brady Karnes are two others who are in favorite Harrisburg. contention for the other captain’s spot. “Benton’s returning almost its entire “I am only naming two captains because offensive line and they’ve got some skill so many kids are competing for the cap- kids,” Beery said. “I think Murphysboro tain’s role,” Beery said. has improved the most in the shortest A lack of numbers and a coaching change amount of time and I look for them to be a have been the primary reasons for West quality ballclub again.”
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WEST FRANKFORT REDBIRDS Coach: Brian Beery Career Record: 24-17 2011 Record: 1-8 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 3A) Key Returnees: Garrett Gibbs (FB), Brady Karnes (C), Gavin Restivo (HB), Hadin Restivo (QB), Josh Rodely (T), Gage Williams (E), Ethan Sisk (T). Schedule Aug. 24 At Anna-Jonesboro Aug. 31 At Pinckneyville Sept. 7 NASHVILLE Sept. 14 At Massac County* Sept. 21 HERRIN* Sept. 29 At Benton* Oct. 5 At Harrisburg* Oct. 12 MURPHYSBORO* Oct. 19 CARTERVILLE *conference game Seniors Hadin Restivo Michael Dodd Gage Williams Garrett Gibbs Zach Fort Gavin Restivo Josh Rodely Brian Williams Brady Karnes Juniors Noah Drone Sean Seveski Dalton Williams Ian Davidson M. Holderfield Ethan Sisk Jon Gasper T. Holloway Cody Johnson
Ht. 5-8 5-7 6-3 5-9 6-1 5-7 6-0 5-10 5-10 Ht. 5-10 6-1 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-1
Wt. 155 140 170 210 160 145 190 160 190 Wt. 170 150 145 170 175 200 230 200 265
Pos. QB HB E FB E HB T T C Pos. QB E HB FB HB T G T G
Reid Talluto Kyle Law Colton Allen Sophomores Nick Riddle William Lenzini Jacob Bartoni Vance Cash Austin Blackley Michael Wyant Payton Taylor Collin Krivanko Jason Riddle Justin Benedict Garrett Mahan Reno Harrawood Jeremiah Teal Mason Osterhout Freshmen Wylee Fleck Zack Kelly Hunter Pulley Christian Shelton B. Shadowens C. Lamar-Cockrum Kyle Sailliez Darren Crain Joey Brown Justice Purdie Jason Spears John Sopko Cody Mash S.Wilkerson Ethan Arview Nate Tango Kenny Jacobs David Morris Bobby Williams Andrew Sullivan Noah Humphrey Tim Woods Dallas Jackson
6-4 5-7 6-2 Ht. 5-9 5-11 6-1 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-9 6-2 6-0 Ht. 5-5 5-9 6-1 5-9 6-1 5-9 6-0 5-5 5-8 5-9 5-10 5-4 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-9
255 140 175 Wt. 150 150 200 140 150 160 140 190 160 180 230 200 230 260 Wt. 140 140 160 140 160 130 160 140 140 180 140 150 230 200 180 150 200 190 190 190 250 190 135
G E E Pos. FB HB E E HB E E G C T G DT DT DT Pos. HB HB QB E E E HB HB HB FB E G G C T C T T T T G E E
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2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division
HerrinTigers
BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
With the loss of 25 seniors, the 2012 season can best be described as a transitional year for the Herrin
HERRIN TIGERS Coach: Jason Karnes Career Record: 41-21 2011 Record: 8-3 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Key Returnees: Austin Butler (WR/LB). Schedule Aug. 24 MASSAC COUNTY Aug. 31 At Carbondale Sept. 7 DU QUOIN Sept. 14 BENTON* Sept. 21 At West Frankfort* Sept. 28 HARRISBURG* Oct. 5 At Murphysboro* Oct. 12 At Massac County* Oct. 19 ANNA-JONESBORO *conference game Seniors Will Huggins Jared Daugherty Austin Starkweather Daniel Caylon Jonas Hogenschurz David Hacker Austin Butler Richard Oakley Nathan Vaughn James Emery
Ht. 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-11 6-5 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-8 5-9
Wt. 155 205 165 170 175 170 185 175 185 270
Pos. WB/DB WR/DE QB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/LB FB/LB OL/DL
Karissa Yoast Artur Romanishyn Jordan Lacy Jordan Balota Juniors Nick Hays Jimmy Pearsley Devante Branch Patrick McCowen Jayvon Yarbrough Joseph Hawkins Benjamin Abney Jeff Brown Trent Ladd Cody Sutcliffe Brett Green Hunter Kinsey Corey Vaughn Sophomores Josh Haynes Chase Merrill Ryan Snider Chris Butler Donoven McCarthy Dylan McRoy Brent Milner Roger Foss Quinn Groutage Freshman Trey Stevenson
5-10 380 OL/DL 6-1 195 K/OL/DE 6-4 320 OL 5-6 145 WR/LB Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-9 165 QB 5-8 135 WR/DB 6-0 175 WR/DB 6-1 170 WR/DB 5-10 200 FB/DE 5-6 185 OL/DL 5-9 175 OL/LB 6-0 190 OL/DE 6-0 215 OL/DL 6-6 355 OL 6-0 240 OL 6-2 300 DL 6-1 225 OL/DE Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 145 WR/DB 5-10 175 RB/DB 6-3 170 QB/DB 5-7 170 RB/LB 5-6 170 RB/LB 5-10 210 OL/DL 5-11 190 OL/LB 5-10 220 OL/DL 6-5 330 OL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-7 150 RB/DB
Tigers. Included in that group were four All-SIRR conference and All-South selections in defensive lineman Nolan Murphy, middle linebacker Tyler Mabry, running back DeMarlo Harris, quarterback Antuan Davis and offensive lineman Tyler Cravens. The graduation of Harris and Davis hurt the most. Davis, a Lindenwood Un ive rs i ty- Be l l ev i l l e recruit, accounted for 1,279 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, while throwing for 991 yards and 12 scores. Harris had 951 yards on 98 attempts with 10 touchdowns as a senior. “We lost some of the best athletes to ever come out of Herrin,” said Herrin coach Jason Karnes. “We had a good summer with
guys stepping up and we’re going to be young and inexperienced.” The lower levels hold the key for the long-term competitiveness of the program, but with only a nine-member junior class last season, the Tigers could take quite a few lumps this year. “The sophomore class was very good last year as freshmen and the incoming freshmen class went undefeated as eighth graders,” Karnes said. “I’ve got between four and six sophomores who are going to start for us.” One person Karnes and company are looking toward for leadership is senior Austin Butler, the team’s lone returning starter. With two years of experience at wide receiver and defensive back, he played a key part in last
season’s 8-3 campaign. “Austin is a very solid football player for us,” Karnes said. “I’ve had two other Butler boys come through and they were both good football players.” Senior Austin Starkweather is battling it out with junior Nick Hayes to replace Davis at quarterback and Herrin has a challenging schedule that includes playing Massac County twice in a homeand-home series. “Sometimes you get punished when you get your program up because nobody wants to play you,” Karnes said. “We tried to work out a deal with Du Quoin where we would play Highland and Du Quoin would play Massac. “It’s hard to get a twoyear contract in Southern Illinois.”
Go Her rin T igers!!
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 11
2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Ohio Division BENTON RANGERS Coach: Jeremy Clodfelder Career Record: 21-26 2011 Record: 8-3 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 3A) Key Returnees: Shane Bettenhausen (OL/DL), Dakota Cali (RB/LB), Cole Forby (WR/DB), Frank Kulich (OL/DL), Cameron Rock (RB/LB), Gavin Suver (OL/DL), Daulton Ward (OL/DL), Keegan Dawson (TE/DL), Charles Fisher (OL/DL)
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Benton Rangers
Dylan Sheeks points the other way after he recovered a Pinckneyville fumble during Benton’s 14-12 win last year.
BY PETE SPITLER
(lineman), Dakota Cali (linebacker), Cole Forby (linebacker) and Cameron Rock (safety). Cali appears to be the natural leader of the bunch. “We kinda have a sparkplug and that’s the Cali kid,” Clodfelder said. “He’s taken over the weight room in the offseason and he’s not afraid to call kids out for not doing their jobs.” To replace Leffler at quarterback, Benton is turning to junior Mat “Spike” Buntin, who has become known more by his nickname than his real one
THE SOUTHERN
Linemen are the strength of any team, and that’s where Benton hopes to bank its success. The Rangers are coming off an 8-3 campaign and the graduation of AllSouth selections Tyler Leffer, Mason Childers, Colby Allen and Landon LaBuwi. “We lost some pretty skilled kids,” said Benton coach Jeremy Clodfelder. “We have four offensive linemen coming back and that’s a core group for us.”
Benton hopes that group of linemen, consisting of Gavin Suver, Daulton Ward, Frank Kulich and Charles Fisher will bring the Rangers back to the playoffs in 2012. Ward, a 6-foot-4, 231-pounder, is getting Division I looks from Eastern Illinois, Illinois State and SIU. “Any time you look to reload, the best place to start is up front,” Clodfelder said. “Having those guys back is instrumental.” The Rangers have four returning defensive starters in Shane Bettenhausen
WEEKS IN BENTON
Schedule Aug. 24 At Carterville Aug. 31 SPARTA Sept. 7 At Pinckneyville Sept. 14 At Herrin* Sept. 21 MURPHYSBORO* Sept. 29 WEST FRANKFORT* Oct. 5 At Massac County* Oct. 12 At Harrisburg* Oct. 19 CARLYLE *conference game Seniors Jayson Allan Sean Bandy S. Bettenhausen Charles Boyd Dakota Cali Cole Forby Dillon Key
Ht. 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-3 5-9 6-1 5-10
by teachers and coaches alike. He will have wide receiver Keegan Dawson as his primary target. “He’s not the same as the kid that just left the building, but he does his own things well,” Clodfelder said. “He’s got some leadership ability, but we’re try-
Wt. 175 145 240 180 180 200 200
Pos. LB DB OL/DL WR RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL
Frank Kulich Ryan Lowery Austin Myers Cameron Rock Dylan Sheeks Gavin Suver Daulton Ward
6-3 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-2 6-4 6-5
225 180 150 170 205 245 245
OL/DL DL WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL
Juniors Lars Allen Justin Boyd Mat Buntin Conner Clark Keegan Dawson Blaze Dorchincez Andrew Einspahr Charles Fisher Hunter Foltz Nathaniel Higgins Tyler Owens M. Pemberton Joshua Price Dylan Tiberend Tyler Williams Sophomores Dakota Casey Mitch Dinn Gus Gibbs Dakota Head Trevor Johnson Dustin Minton Dalton Yates
Ht. 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-8 6-1 6-1 6-1 Ht. 5-7 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-7 6-2 5-5
Wt. 160 210 155 270 220 180 180 255 150 145 165 180 160 290 240 Wt. 135 170 165 150 240 280 240
Pos. RB/DB RB/DB QB/DB OL/DL TE/DL RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB OL/LB RB/LB QB OL OL OL
ing to not put all that on his shoulders right now.” Benton begins the season with road games in three of the first four weeks starting with the opener at Carterville. The team will close the regular season with a home game against Carlyle on Oct. 19, a new
opponent for the Rangers. “Carlyle upset CarmiWhite County and made a second-round appearance last year,” Clodfelder said. “A lot of people think Columbia is going to be really good and Carlyle is either No. 2 or No. 3 in the (Cahokia Conference).”
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2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division
Du Quoin Indians BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Although its remarkable 27-year playoff streak came to an end last season, look for a senior-heavy Du Quoin squad to make a big comeback this year. The Indians are hungry after a disappointing loss to Murphysboro at the end of the 2011 season, which basically blew up the playoff scenario across Southern Illinois. “It was a difficult season and a lot of things happened to us between our coaching staff and our players,” said Du Quoin coach Al Martin. “We had a lot of difficult situations to deal with, and we also just couldn’t get in the flow of things or get healthy. I know a lot of that is just part of the game, and we couldn’t get over the hump.” No one should expect another 5-4 season this time around. Martin’s team features 26 seniors to go along with 15 juniors. Martin said the bad taste from last year motivated the players and coaches to work even harder for the 2012 campaign. SEE DU QUOIN / PAGE 30
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Du Quoin’s Brandon Williams runs against Carterville last season.
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The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 13
2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division
Pinckneyville Panthers BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Pinckneyville enjoyed one of the best seasons in school history in 2011. The Panthers earned a playoff berth to go along with a conference championship. The team won games over perennial conference heavyweights Du Quoin and Anna-Jonesboro. The Panthers lost a ton of talent from last year’s team, but return eight starters. “We had a great senior class last year,” said Pinckneyville coach Tod Rushing. “It was a really good season, and we had a group of unselfish kids who really cared about each other. They started to dedicate themselves as sophomores, and it really ended up paying off.” Bryant Shute used his skills and athleticism to help make a Pinckneyville a very dangerous offensive team, but he was lost
to graduation. Colton Nelson, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior, takes over the reins at quarterback. “He doesn’t run the way Bryant could, but Colton throws it very well,” Rushing said. “But he did run for over 100 yards in the games Bryant was out last year. So he does have the ability. He has a really strong arm, and I think the kids have a lot of confidence in him.” Nelson will need some weapons to work with on offense, and Rushing believes the team will be able to score some points. Daulton Hubler and his 225-pound frame should cause opposing teams problems at fullback, and Ky Hamilton, who started as a sophomore, will see a lot of action at running back. Justyn Rushing and Chase Lazenby should also receive some carries. SEE PINCKNEYVILLE / PAGE 29
Page 14 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
PINCKNEYVILLE PANTHERS Coach: Tod Rushing Career Record: 42-60 2011 Record: 7-3 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 2A) Key Returnees (8): Zach Phillips (FB/LB), Brandon Edwards (FB/LB), Daulton Hubler (FB/DL), Logan Woods (OL/DL), Kelton Lively (WR/DB), Ky Hamilton (RB/LB), Justyn Rushing (RB/DB), Dalton Bathon (WR/DB). Schedule Aug. 24 at Red Bud Aug. 31 WEST FRANKFORT Sept. 7 BENTON Sept. 14 CARTERVILLE* Sept. 21 at Anna-Jonesboro* Sept. 28 at Nashville* Oct. 5 DU QUOIN* Oct. 12 at Sparta* Oct. 19 at Dupo * conference game Seniors Phillip Catt Brandon Edwards Tyler Harmon Steven Hess Dalton Hubler Michael Jones Hayden Kelly Kelton Lively Zach Phillips Derek Sizemore Logan Woods
Ht. 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-2 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-3
Wt. 180 185 230 225 225 210 180 170 180 175 315
Pos. OL/DL FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL FB/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB FB/LB DL OL/DL
Juniors Dalton Bathon Nick Bauersachs Lucas Carter Brayden Cowley Jacob Davis Colin Hagene Ky Hamilton Zach Hester Chase Lazenby Tanon Leonard Bobby Monaghan Colton Nelson Trevor Rice Justyn Rushing Jerod Winkleman Clayton Wyciskalla Sophomores Quinin Baker Adam Banach Caleb Dahn James Davidson Dalton Gant Chris Hagan Zach Hagene Trent Hicks Jakeb Jackson Richard Jones Austin Kreger Travis Laird Chris Mitchell Andy Opp Jacob Schmidt Gage Shearer Gabe Stroehlein Hayden Swain
Ht. 6-1 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-9 Ht. 5-8 6-0 6-4 5-9 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-10
Wt. 165 255 150 150 175 185 190 175 190 195 205 200 185 165 165 200 Wt. 165 175 205 200 235 140 200 175 165 170 160 265 145 180 210 180 175 210
Pos. WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB DL OL/LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DL OL/DL QB FB/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL Pos. OL/DL QB/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB WR/LB OL/DL RB/DB TE/LB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL
2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division ANNA-JONESBORO WILDCATS Coach: Brett Detering Career Record: 110-55 2011 Record: 9-3 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Key Returnees (7): Alex McRaven (WR/DB), Austin Noble (RB/LB), Seth Heern (RB/LB), Logan Tripp (OL/LB), Evan Hughey (OL/DL), Jay Kemp (QB/DB), Damian Reed (RB/LB). Schedule Aug. 24 WEST FRANKFORT Aug. 31 MURPHYSBORO Sept. 7 at Massac County Sept. 14 DU QUOIN* Sept. 21 PINCKNEYVILLE* Sept. 28 at Sparta* Oct. 5 NASHVILLE* Oct. 12 at Carterville* Oct. 19 at Herrin * conference game Seniors Alex McRaven Garyt Johnson Austin Noble Seth Heern Chris Hill Eian Mull Evan Hughey Logan Tripp Brandon Crosser
Ht. 5-10 6-0 5-8 5-9 5-11 5-9 6-2 6-1 5-11
Wt. 150 160 160 175 160 180 255 240 160
Pos. WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB WR/DB
Jacob Schaefer Juniors Jay Kemp Wyatt Goddard Josh Merriman Austin Mixen Damian Reed Joe Stark Brandon Stewart Nathan Sadler Derek Massey Jacob Blakley Sophomores Will Wright JD Johnston Derek Grass Taylor Anderson Zane DeWitt Travis Middleton Colton Jerolds Jacob Brush Trevor Smith Gavin Hooks C.Frankland-Searby Teddy Albert Dakota Hutchison Jesse Awbrey Devin Murphy Jared Rendleman Nick Shepard Dustin Ryan Dallas Marks
5-11 Ht. 6-2 5-7 5-6 5-9 6-2 5-11 5-6 5-10 6-3 5-10 Ht. 5-6 5-11 5-9 5-7 6-0 5-2 5-6 5-6 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-8 5-3 5-10 6-0 6-3 5-9 6-0 6-0
190 Wt. 185 135 150 160 195 175 170 225 285 210 Wt. 140 135 140 140 190 120 125 140 160 130 185 160 190 250 250 250 200 240
WR/DB Pos. QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB QB/DL WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB TE/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Anna-Jonesboro will have to reload this season after losing a bunch of talent from last year’s playoff quarterfinal squad. Most notably, the team lost Brady Wright at quarterback. But the program has proven to be one of the most consistent in the region. The Wildcats haven’t missed the playoffs since 1999. “We had so many seniors that were starters last year, so we’re a little inexperienced,” said Anna-Jonesboro coach Brett Detering. “We’re battling low numbers this year, too.” There are only 20 juniors and seniors combined on this year’s team. While those aren’t favorable numbers, the
Wildcats have dealt with that before and still done well. “I do think we have some pretty decent talent with the kids we’ve got,” Detering said. “We just don’t have as many as we need, so depth is an issue.” Jay Kemp, a 6-foot-2 junior, will start at quarterback. He was a starter on defense last year and played some offense as well. “He is an athletic kid, and he has pretty good size,” Detering said of Kemp. “He’s probably more of a traditional quarterback.” Austin Noble and Damian Reed should get plenty of carries at the running back position. Both players have starting experience on defense from last season. Garyt Johnson, Alex Merriman, Wyatt Goddard and Alex McRaven will run the ball as well.
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Anna-Jonesboro’s Austin Noble carries the ball during the Class 3A state quarterfinal game with Mount Carmel last season at Anna-Jonesboro.
“If you’re running the football effectively then you’ll also have some playaction passing,” Detering said. “You end up with the running backs in the pass routes, but we’ll have some guys that can catch the ball as well.” McRaven, Chris Hill, Jacob Schaefer and Brandon Crosser will see time at the receiving spots. Seth Heern, Evan Hughey and Logan Tripp also return to the starting lineup from last year’s 9-3 team. There was a lot of parity in the confer-
ence last season, and this year might be the same. “There are a lot of good coaches in our conference, and you know the teams will be well prepared,” Detering said. “There could be a lot of good games this year. Our two losses in conference were to Pinckneyville and Carterville, and we had chances to win both of those games late. If you’re lucky enough to get to the postseason, you know that your schedule has prepared you to handle any team that you’re going to see.”
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 15
2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division
Carterville Lions BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Carterville is looking to start another playoff streak this season after its 16-year postseason run ended with a 5-4 mark in 2011. The Lions have 13 seniors to go along with 26 juniors this year. The disappointment of missing the playoffs last season should be plenty of motivation in 2012. “It was a difficult year, but we did finish with three wins in a row to give us a chance to make the playoffs,” said Carterville coach Dennis Drust. “Hopefully, the momentum we closed last year with will carry over into this year. We need to get off to a better start than we did last season.” Like most of the teams in the conference, the Lions lost most of their offensive weapons to graduation. However, the team has a very talented junior, Michael Aschemann, taking over at quarterback. Aschemann tore up the lower levels as a freshman quarterback and started varsity as a defensive back last year. THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
SEE CARTERVILLE / PAGE 30
Carterville’s Michael Aschemann breaks out on a run during a game last season in Carterville.
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Page 16 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division
Sparta Bulldogs BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Joe Bevis is hoping to bring some energy and consistency to the Sparta football program. After serving as an assistant coach for one season, Bevis took over the head coaching duties this season. The Bulldogs haven’t had a winning record since 1994, so there is obviously a lot of work to do. There is always strength in numbers, and that’s the direction Bevis wants to take the program. “My No. 1 goal was to get about 60 kids in the program,” Bevis said. “That is a really ambitious goal here at Sparta. The most kids we’ve had is about 58 and right now we’re in the mid 50s. We didn’t quite hit the goal I set, but we got pretty darn close.” Bevis is trying to boost morale and show the players the benefits of being part of a football team. “Football has not been fun around here for a while, and I’m trying to show them how much fun it can be,” Bevis said. SEE SPARTA / PAGE 18
SPARTA BULLDOGS Coach: Joe Bevis 2011 Record: 0-9 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Key Returnees (8): Deunta Baker (TB/LB), Kyonta Fueller (WR/DB), Sharvel Austin (RB/DB), Hayden Beattie (QB/LB), Tyler Adams (OL/LB), Jon Lueth (OL/DL), Cedric Briscoe (OL/DL), Luke Henley (OL/DL) Schedule Aug. 24 DUPO Aug. 31 at Benton Sept. 7 MURPHYSBORO Sept. 14 at Nashville* Sept. 21 at Du Quoin* Sept. 28 ANNA-JONESBORO* Oct. 5 at Carterville*
Oct. 12 PINCKNEYVILLE* Oct. 19 RED BUD *conference game Seniors Deunta Baker Phil Lockhart Kyonta Fueller Elliot French Sharvel Austin Tyler Penny Hayden Beattie Greg Schiebal Sean Lukes Carlos Fuentes Jon Lueth Cedric Briscoe Justin Krantz Tyler Adams Luke Henley Jared Penny
Ht. 5-6 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-6 5-11 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-2
Wt. 150 195 140 145 165 150 170 145 175 220 261 205 180 235 254 263
Pos. TB/LB TB/LB WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB QB/LB WR/DB WR/LB K OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL
Jay Baue Juniors Bradley Williams Devante Garrett Brendon Wilson Charlie Rogers Jon Reinhardt Cody Hummert Josh Baue Sophomores Shaun Rogers Anthony Carter Jase Jordan Seth Ferguson Briyor Glasco Gailen Hall Colin Hawkins Justin Reinhardt Dylan Smith Brad Valleroy Steve Speakman
6-2 175 Ht. Wt. 6-0 140 5-9 165 5-9 160 5-8 145 6-1 276 6-2 190 5-7 155 Ht. Wt. 6-0 160 5-7 135 5-10 155 5-7 165 5-6 120 5-9 185 5-10 210 6-1 295 6-3 214 5-10 200 6-0 335
OL/DL Pos. WR/DB TB/DB WR/LB TB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB TB/LB WR/DB OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL
www.thesouthern.com z www.thesouthern.com
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 17
2012 Prep Football Preview: SIRR Mississippi Division
SPARTA: New coach, new attitude FROM PAGE 17 “There is no reason we should be 0-9 every year. We’ve got the talent, but we really need dedication.” Elliot French and Phillip Lockhart, a transfer from East St. Louis, will compete for the job of starting quarterback. “French knows what everybody is supposed to be doing on the field,” Bevis said. “Lockhart is a running threat, and if he gets in the open he’s a threat to score every time.” Sharvel Austin should be a key contributor at running back along with Devante Garrett. Kyonta Fueller and Shaun Rogers could be major players at the wide receiver spots. Lockhart might play some receiver, too. The Bulldogs will have plenty of speed, but they could be pretty good up front on the line as well. Jon Lueth, Cedric Briscoe, Tyler Adams and Luke Henley are all returning starters. “I really like what we’ve got on our offensive line,” Bevis said. “They are all seniors, and I think that will be a big strength on this football team. If we give some of our skill players a crease we could do some good things on offense.”
NASHVILLE HORNETS Juniors Ht. Jared Brammeier 5-11 Jacob Jablonski 5-11 Austin Grabowski 6-1 Luke Jablonski 5-10 Chase Hagene 6-1 Jeremy Gibson 6-2 Jonathan Williamson 5-7 Schedule Garrett Guest 5-11 Aug. 24 CARLYLE James Tyler 5-10 Aug. 31 BREESE MATER DEI Shawn Hockett 5-11 Sept. 7 at West Frankfort Sophomores Ht. Sept. 14 SPARTA* Austin Blumhorst 5-10 Sept. 21 at Carterville* Joe Blumenstock 5-8 Sept. 28 PINCKNEYVILLE* Josh Blumenstock 5-10 Oct. 5 at Anna-Jonesboro* Mike Peak 5-7 Oct. 12 at Du Quoin* Peyton Renken 6-2 Oct. 19 at Columbia Edgar Solis-Garcia 5-10 *conference game Kenny Gustafson 5-8 Dylan Mueller 6-3 Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-7 Austin Hagene 5-10 175 FB/DL Chandler Reid 5-9 Kennedy Vogt 5-7 160 RB/DB Isaiah Guinzy 6-1 Chris Stern 5-10 170 RB/LB Nick Wolf 6-1 Caleb Harper 6-0 180 RB/LB Daniel Thorson 5-9 Cody Buss 6-4 275 OL/DL Cody Rhine 6-1 Tristan Gill 6-0 200 OL/LB Colby Aussieker 5-11 Bujar Hysenaj 6-0 180 TE/DB/K Braden Barnett 6-2 Alex Caplin 5-10 165 QB/DB Hunter Cooper 6-1 Carlos Guardian 5-9 190 FB/DL Quaid Novak Coach: Tim Kuhn 2011 Record: 3-6 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Key Returnees (4): Austin Hagene (FB/DL), Alex Caplin (QB/DB), Tristan Gill (OL/LB), Chase Hagene (RB/LB).
Alex Caplin looks for an open reciever last season in Pinckneyville.
Page 18 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
Wt. 170 170 200 175 210 215 155 165 170 170 Wt. 175 145 170 160 205 190 165 180 160 185 240 190 180 215 175 190 190
Pos. TE/DB TE/DE OL/DL RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL RB/DL RB/DB TE/LB WR/DB Pos. TE/LB RB/DB TE/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL QB/DB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL RB/DB QB/DB TE/DE
Nashville Hornets BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
After coaching for more than a decade in Missouri, Tim Kuhn returned home to Nashville to take over the football program. A 1988 graduate, Kuhn hopes to get the Hornets, who finished 3-6 last year, back to their winning ways. “I think it was always in the back of my mind having worked for coach (Bruce) Reeder back in the 90s,” Kuhn said of coming back to his alma mater. “I’ve got some good experience that I will bring to this football program.” The team returns four starters and has eight total seniors this season. “We want to develop a culture where hard work and competition are expected week in and week out,” Kuhn said. “If Nashville is on your schedule then we’re going to play you for a full 48 minutes.” Alex Caplin, Hunter Cooper, Dylan Mueller and Garrett Guest are the four players competing for the starting quarterback spot. Caleb Harper, Chris Stern and Austin Hagene will set the table for Nashville at the running back position. Both Caplin and Austin Hagene are returning starters along with Chase Hagene and Tristan Gill. “Our running backs are more of a work horse than a show horse,” Kuhn said. “We want them to get the three, four or five tough yards. Anything after that is a bonus.” Gill, who will start at offensive guard and linebacker, is one of the senior leaders that Kuhn is counting on. “Tristan is really a leader by example with how he approaches football,” Kuhn said. “He focuses on the little things. He’s usually the first in line to help out the underclassmen.” As far as the conference goes, Kuhn believes it will be highly competitive as usual. “It really hasn’t changed a whole lot since I was coaching in Nashville in the ’90s,” Kuhn said. “We just have to take it one week at a time because THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO almost every game will be a challenge.”
2012 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
Hamilton County Foxes BY CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN
Hamilton County football will have a new look this season. Mark Beitler comes to McLeansboro from Canton, Ohio, where he was assistant football coach at Glenoak High School. “I was in a system for 13 years before I took this job at Hamilton County,” Beitler said. “It hasn’t been a huge change. I think it’s going pretty well. Before, I just had to worry about a certain position and now I have to focus more on the team as a whole.” In addition to a new coach calling the shots, a new quarterback is also taking the snaps from center. Replacing C.J. Lemmons at quarterback is junior Dylan Cottanaro. The Foxes’ high-flying offense will
likely spend a little more time on the ground this year. “Offensively, we’re pretty balanced,” Beitler said. “I like to run and throw in balance. I kind of go with the philosophy — whatever is working best for me that night is probably what we’re going to go with.” Junior Baylee Gay will be counted on to run the ball a lot more this year. Daniel Jamerson, David Busler and Levi Lueke will also be key pieces on both sides of the ball for Hamilton County. For the Foxes to improve on last year’s 2-7 record, they will have to find contributions from its bench. “We’re going to have to get some depth,” Beitler said. “Some of our younger guys, as the season progresses, are going to have to step up and become more comfortable with the offense and the defense.”
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Hamilton County defensive lineman Dalton Phillips takes down Johnston City quarterback Jory Kee in the backfield during a game last season.
HAMILTON COUNTY FOXES Coach: Mark Beitler Career Record: 0-0 2011 Record: 1-8 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returnees: Dylan Cottonaro (QB/DB), Levi Lueke (WR/DB), Baylee Gay (RB/LB), Daniel Jamerson (OL/LB), David Busler (OL/DL) Schedule Aug. 24 At Fairfield* Aug. 31 VIENNA-GOREVILLE* Sept. 7 At S-V-W-W* Sept. 14 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 21 At Eldorado* Sept. 28 At C-Z-R* Oct. 5 ELVERADO-TRICO* Oct. 12 JOHNSTON CITY* Oct. 19 At Chester* *conference game Seniors Levi Lueke Jonathan Stover Zach Childers Cody Cockrum Daniel Jamerson David Busler Jacob Strumpher Casey Fitzpatrick
Ht. 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-6
Wt. 180 200 140 180 205 180 235 245
Pos. WR/DB TE/DE WR/DB OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Philip Rexing David Potter Tyler Ragan Juniors Dylan Cottonaro Logan Billington Blade Potter Travis Stevens Wesley May Baylee Gay Slade Sisco Daniel Hart Tyler Potter Sophomores Eli Lueke Tyler Kelly Madison Wilkerson Brandon Craddock Anthony Mauser Levi Chapman Luke Stover Taylor Digby Nelson Lindhorst Scott Jenkins Dylan Taylor Trase Smith Austin Cravens Jake Scattone Logan Cross Tucker Braden
6-0 6-1 Ht. 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-3 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-7 6-0 Ht. 6-0 5-8 5-10 6-4 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-3 6-1 5-11 6-0
210 OL/DL 260 OL/DL OL/DL Wt. Pos. 180 QB/DB 170 TE/LB 165 WR/DB 200 WR/DE 165 RB/DB 205 RB/LB 180 OL/DL 150 OL/DL 340 OL/DL Wt. Pos. 160 QB/DB 150 WR/DB 170 RB/LB 185 WR/DB 150 RB/DB 190 RB/LB 150 RB/LB 120 WR/DB 220 OL/DL 150 OL/DL 160 OL/DL 205 OL/DL 235 TE/DL 155 WR/DB 185 TE/DL 155 TE/DE
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The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 19
2012 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference JOHNSTON CITY INDIANS Coach: Dan Mings Career Record: 68-60 2011 Record: 8-2 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returnees: Jake Davison (TE), Kegan Travis (G/LB), Tyler Winch (C/DE), Jon Bolte (T/DE), Levi Tanner (QB/DB), Tyler Johnson (RB/LB), Josh Woodhall (RB/LB), Jon Stroud (RB/FS), Jory Kee (RB/CB), Ben Farmer (OL/DE), Kyle Savant (G/LB), Christian Dawes (RB/LB) Schedule Aug. 24 At Sesser-Valier-WaltonvilleWoodlawn* Aug. 31 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 7 At C-Z-R* Sept. 14 ELVERADO-TRICO* Sept. 21 CHESTER* Sept. 28 At Eldorado* Oct. 5 At Fairfield* Oct. 12 At Hamilton County* Oct. 19 VIENNA-GOREVILLE* *conference game Seniors Josh Woodhall Blake Marshall Jory Kee Tyler Johnson Jon Stroud Landon Wolf Kegan Travis Kyle Savant
Ht. 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-9 5-10
Wt. 175 145 175 196 167 172 188 200
Pos. RB/LB RB/CB RB/CB RB/LB RB/LB TE/DE G/LB G/LB
Dylan Cook Tyler Winch Brendan Mings Ben Farmer Jon Bolte Juniors Levi Tanner Christian Dawes Levi Flute Jake Davison Cody Clark Colson Myers Riley Ward Andy Godell Austin Musgrave Zack Kellermeier Caleb Burns Sophomores Dakota Edwards Austin Street Justin Deaton Andy Ward Dalton Cobb Dylan Jeffords Drake Mayti Mychal Gibbens Tim Campbell Eli Claunch Cozmos Bullock Daniel Jackson Jacob Suitt Logan Essary Tyler Grider Brandon Brunk Dustin Dotson
5-11 5-9 5-10 6-4 6-4 Ht. 6-1 5-6 5-10 6-4 5-8 5-7 6-0 5-8 5-8 5-8 6-7 Ht. 6-0 5-9 5-7 5-7 5-9 5-10 5-2 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-3 6-3 5-10 6-4 6-0
231 175 243 200 287 Wt. 165 140 146 193 132 150 160 146 150 193 342 Wt. 170 160 128 145 165 190 142 193 169 190 270 200 243 290 292 200 150
OL/DE C/DE C/DT OL/DE T/DE Pos. QB/DB RB/LB RB/LB TE/A WR/CB RB/LB TE/LB RB/LB OL/N OL/DT T/DT Pos. RB/CB RB/LB WR/CB RB/LB QB/CB TE/LB OL/DT OL/DT OL/DT G/DE OL/N OL/DT OL/DE OL/DT OL/DT TE/LB TE/LB
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Johnston City’s Izzy Garrison brings in a pass while being defended by Eldorado’s Jared Brown on a scoring play last season in Johnston City.
Johnston City Indians BY CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN
A brief walk around the new Ralph Davison Field reveals things are different in Johnston City. But while the facility has changed, Johnston City football remains the same. “We’re going to need to play Johnston City football,” coach Dan Mings said. “We have to run the ball. That’s something that we’re definitely going to do. That won’t change with me.” The Indians will feature a “three-headed attack” in the backfield and a ballswarming defense. Johnston City finished 8-2 last season, winning seven straight games before losing to Casey-Westfield in the first round of the playoffs. Its two losses were to teams with a combined record of 21-2. Their only regu-
Page 20 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
lar season loss was to Carmi-White County. “We’re just going to try to get a little better than we were last year,” Mings said. The Indians do have some positions to replace. They will need to find players to step up at cornerback, defensive end, tight end and offensive tackle. The offensive line position has created stiff competition in practice. With a video scoreboard and a brandnew synthetic turf at its new field, Johnston City fans may find few familiar things about its new digs. But after a successful 2011 campaign, Johnston City is not counting on what’s new, but what has been here before. “I think experience will be a plus for us,” Mings said. “We have kids that have been on a varsity football field before.” Just maybe not one like this field.
2012 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference ELVERADO-TRICO FALCONS Coach: Zach Schumacher Career Record: 0-0 2011 Record: 2-7 Conference: Black Diamond (3A) Key Players: Kyle Whittington (QB/LB), Andrew Jeshke (OL/DL), Brian McClanahan (FB/DL), Kenny Loos (RB/DB)
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Elverado-Trico’s Kenny Loos stays hydrated during a game with Chester last season.
Elverado-Trico Falcons BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
The Elverado-Trico Falcons will try to build off of a two-win season last year. To complete that task, the Falcons will have to learn and adapt to their third coach in the three seasons. After three straight winless seasons under Duffy Sanders, the Falcons were able to break into the win column with two victories under the leadership of Jim Hammers last season. Hammers, however, did not return for the 2012 season. The head coaching job was handed over to Zach Schumacher, who was an assistant under Hammers. “It’s been a really smooth transition,” Schumacher said. “We’ve got really great kids and having eight assistant coaches really helps everything, it’s been really good so far.” To build on last year’s victories Shumacher said it will be important to focus on one game at a time and not getting too far ahead of themselves. “Our first game is C-Z-R and we want to win that of course,” Schumacher said. “We will have more senior leadership with about 15 seniors coming back, and we are better conditioned this year.” Schumacher said he will chart 10-12
keys the team will have to perform in order to win the game. “We have to completely change the culture and focus on the little things,” Schumacher said. “We have goals of no penalties, run X-amount yards and things like that. We’re focused on the small things right now and if we can do that it will hopefully turn out really big for us.” One of the Falcons key leaders on and off the field will be senior quarterback Kyle Whittington. “He’s a smart kid, he gets great grades and he’s one of our fastest kids,” Schumacher said. “He’s an all-around athlete and can really make some things happen. Him stepping up and taking a leadership role will be key.” Schumacher said one of the coaches’ main goals has been to try to get the kids to focus on everything that’s going on around them in the game so they will become fully involved and will not be passive football players. “We’re looking at who’s taking to the plays and the overall schemes that we throw out,” Schumacher said. “We’re trying to make these kids a student of the game. “We have a lot of team unity and these guys are ready to jump in and work against each other, everyone is there for a common cause and a common goal.”
Schedule Aug. 24 at C-Z-R* Aug. 31 FAIRFIELD* Sept. 7 ELDORADO* Sept. 14 at Johnston City* Sept. 21 VIENNA-GOREVILLE* Sept. 28 CHESTER* Oct. 5 at Hamilton County* Oct. 12 at S-V-W-W* Oct. 19 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* * conference game Seniors Josh Sarensen Brian McClanahan Kaleb Green-Light Kenny Loos Corey Hill
Ht. 6-3 6-0 5-9 5-10 6-1
Wt. 200 215 180 170 220
Pos. TE/DL FB/DL TE/DB RB/DB OL/DL
Marshall Bell Andrew Jeshke Dallas Blessing Nick Denning Kyle Whittington Jacob Jeschke Jacob Crabtree Shawn Farmer Logan Dallas Ben Blessing Juniors Seth Barnes Christian Kistner Austin Davis Tyler Pierson Jacob Bowlin Sophomores Mykol Majors Garret Schwebel Austin Baker Skylar Olmsted Skylar Crow Luke Jones Drake Olson Brendan Garcia Justin Sarensen Roger Languth
5-10 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-1 6-4 6-1 Ht. 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-10 Ht. 5-11 5-11 6-3 5-11 5-9 5-9 5-3 5-8 6-2 6-2
190 245 200 220 175 165 150 175 330 225 Wt. 180 175 195 225 155 Wt. 225 215 200 190 140 175 135 150 190 140
TE/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL QB/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. TE/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB TE/LB TE/LB
Go Falcons! Member FDIC
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 21
2012 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference CHESTER YELLOW JACKETS Coach: Bryan Lee Career Record: 24-15 2011 Record: 4-5 Conference: Black Diamond (2A) Key Players: Stephen Roth (RB/LB), Jake Cowan (QB/DB), Jake Lochhead (QB/DB), Joel Clendenin (RB/LB), Zane Wallace (OL/DL) Schedule Aug. 25 at Vienna-Goreville* Aug. 31 S-V-W-W* Sept. 7 at Carmi-White County* Sept. 14 C-Z-R* Sept. 21 at Johnston City* Sept. 28 at Elverado-Trico* Oct. 5 ELDORADO* Oct. 12 at Fairfield* Oct. 19 HAMILTON COUNTY* * conference game Seniors Jacob Fogle Stephen Roth Dillon Ladenbdecker Austen Barnhart Patrick McMath Casey Venable Caleb Arbeiter
Ht. 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-0
Wt. 270 185 160 160 210 185 160
Pos. OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL RB/DE OL/DL OL/LB WR/DB
Josh Louveau Zane Wallace Boyd Miles Jake Cowan Juniors Garret Alms Chase McCanty Jacob Long Matt Bohnert Caleb Golding Brad Asselmeier Jake Lochhead Joel Clendenin Brenton Atchison Kramer Eggemeyer Justin Marks Lane Gibbs Kaleb Vogt Austin Redeker Ed Shipley Sophomores Cody Eggemeyer Andrew Frazer David Lutman Zach Poe Issiac Wingerter Hunter Howie Trevor James Brandon Sauenhage
5-10 5-9 6-0 6-0 Ht. 5-8 5-9 6-3 5-11 5-11 5-9 6-1 5-8 5-0 5-9 5-8 5-8 6-1 6-2 5-5 Ht. 5-8 5-11 5-7 6-0 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-1
180 185 195 180 Wt. 140 165 185 140 150 145 160 205 150 170 165 180 23200 140 Wt. 170 180 130 180 150 130 235 285
OL/DL OL/DL TE/DE QB/DB Pos. WR/DB OL/DL TE/DE OL/DL WR/DL RB/DB QB/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/OL RB/LB RB/DL OL/DL TE/DE RB/DE OL/DL OL/DL
Chester Yellow Jackets BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
After an eight-win season in 2010, the Chester Yellow Jackets saw their win total cut in half, finishing 4-5 in 2011. That had a lot to do with nine starters losing significant time to injuries, including starting quarterback Jake Cowan. Cowan suffered a season-ending concussion in the third game. “There was a lot of adversity,” said coach Bryan Lee. “Clint Cole was our best athlete, and to lose him after having him all summer and then very shortly after that, having Cowan go down.” Despite last year’s injuries, the Yellow Jackets
have a lot of optimism going into 2012 as a lot of younger players got playing time. Chester will return a lot of experience at 19 of the 22 positions, including the return of Cowan. Senior running back Stephen Roth will look to bring leadership and to build on a strong junior season in which he compiled 716 yards and eight touchdowns. “I think the leadership factor is going to be very high,” Lee said. “Roth is going to do a good job for us and become more of a vocal leader.” Joining Roth in the backfield is junior Joel Clendenin. Clendenin and Roth combined for 1,437 yards on the ground and 18 touchdowns. Despite Cowan returning, the Yellow Jackets could see a quarterback battle as Jake Lochhead, who filled in for Cowan last year, threw four of Chester’s six passing touchdowns last season. “It’s going to have to be
an open competition and both kids understand that,” Lee said. “Both kids accept that and the program accepts that.” Defensively the Yellow Jackets boast a strong linebacking core, headed by team MVP and All-BDC second team Casey Venable. Joining Venable is Roth, Clendenin, Lane Gibbs, Kramer Eggemeyer and Cody Eggemeyer. First-team All-BDC and All-South lineman Zane Wallace also returns to set the tone up front defensively. “One of the things I really like about this team is the fact that our defensive backfield will be the best that it’s been here in a very long time,” Lee said. With the experience gained from a season ago, Lee has his kids looking to be more physical as they look forward to a new year. “We didn’t have to do as much teaching this summer and it allowed us to be a little more physical this summer and that was one of our goals,” Lee said.
‘One of the things I really like about this team is the fact that our defensive backfield will be the best that it’s been here in a very long time. We didn’t have to do as much teaching this summer and it allowed us to be a little more physical this summer and that was one of our goals’ BRYAN LEE CHESTER COACH
Chester quarterback Jake Lochhead makes a pass to tight end Boyd Miles last season against Johnston City. THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Page 22 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
2012 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton Bearcats C-Z-R BEARCATS Coach: Josh McCurren Career Record: 3-6 2011 Record: 3-6 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returnees: Tyler Atchison (QB/DB), Tony Hodge (RB/DB), Jared Myers (RB/DB), Kody Vanfossan (T/DT), RJ Kuh (T/DT), Ally Little (T/DT), Stetson Dial (C/DT) Schedule Aug. 24 ELVERADO-TRICO* Aug. 31 At Eldorado* Sept. 7 JOHNSTON CITY* Sept. 14 At Chester* Sept. 21 S-V-W-W* Sept. 29 HAMILTON COUNTY* Oct. 6 At Vienna-Goreville* Oct. 12 At Carmi-White County* Oct. 19 FAIRFIELD* * conference game
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Christopher-Zeigler-Royaltons’s Dylan Walter hauls in a pass for a touchdown just before halftime last season in Christopher. BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
Coach Josh McCurren enters his second year at the helm of the ChristopherZeigler-Royalton Bearcats. With just seven seniors, he will look to his juniors and sophomores to pick up the load on a team that went 3-6 last season. “We have a fairly young team this year,” McCurren said. “We’re going to work on improving every week and just making sure we have the kids prepared to play.” McCurren said the youth brings a lot of excitement and enthusiasm on both sides of the football. One of the seniors the Bearcats will have to replace is BDC All-Conference player
Scott Marchetti. Marchetti played a huge role running the ball and as a defensive back for C-Z-R in 2011. Fullback Tony Hodge will be looked upon this season to pick up where Marchetti left off. “Hodge is the fastest kid in our program and he has worked hard this offseason,” McCurren said. “He’s going to get the bulk of the carries, and if we stay injury-free up front, I think he should have a pretty exciting year.” The man who will be handing the ball to Hodge will be three-year starter at quarterback Tyler Atchison. “Atchison has made great improvements so far this year and he has really stepped it up,” McCurren said. “He’s
Seniors Tony Hodge Jared Myers Tyler Atchison Stetson Dial Ally Little Kody Vanfossan RJ Kuh
Ht. 5-9 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-5 5-8 6-1
Wt. Pos. 165 RB/DB 145 RB/DB 185 QB/DB 280 C/DT 130 T/DT 300 T/DT 230 T/DT
making great reads and is becoming a vocal leader. He gives me another coach on the field when he’s out there.” While Atchison takes command on the offensive side, he will also be a key leader defensively as mans the free safety position. McCurren said the coaches stress being competitive every day in everything they do, whether it is an individual drill or a team drill. “By being competitive it stresses that family atmosphere we’re creating, the C-Z-R family,” McCurren said. “If we can get that camaraderie going we can be successful in the long run.” Despite the fact the Black Diamond Conference is looking as strong as ever from top to bottom, McCurren believes that if the Bearcats stay injury-free that
Juniors Jacob Towers Zach Boehl Nick Eisenhauer Andrew Reece Maurice Brown Tristen Veach Garret Nikolich Dakota Gregge Austin Williams Keegan Greer Ryan Curry Josh Webb Jacob Jablonski Chris Richard Jocob Logsdon Ethan Conner Jake Overton Sophormores Luke Saweger Jeff Saddler Jacob Harris Davey Ridgeway Derek Lane Josh Hutchison Caleb Miner J. Brandalise Austin Risley Isaiah Hall Freshman Josh Bays
Ht. 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-8 6-4 6-1 Ht. 6-3 5-7 5-6 5-8 5-8 5-9 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-3 Ht. 6-0
Wt. 160 150 140 150 165 175 180 210 210 210 175 190 220 180 230 200 155 Wt. 170 140 130 145 160 215 285 150 170 200 Wt. 255
Pos. QB/RB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB TE/DE RB/LB G/LB G/LB C/DT G/LB T/DT T/DT T/DE T/DT TE/DE TE/DE Pos. QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB G/LB T/DT T/DT TE/DE TE/DE TE/DE Pos. C/DT
they can be right in the thick of things at the end of the season. “There will be the top couple teams and we’re going to strive for that as well, but at the same time I think we’ll be fighting right in the middle of the pack, anything can happen,” McCurren said. “I feel that each and every game we play that we’re going to be competitive and as long as we keep improving every week then we can be successful.” McCurren said they have the kids working hard and he is very proud with how they are working every day. “We’re excited about the upcoming season. We have a tough stretch of games to start out, but every single week is going to be a big match up in the BDC,” McCurren said.
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 23
2012 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
S-V-W-W Red Devils BY CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN
In his first head coaching gig, Johnny Hollis takes over a Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn team that made the playoffs three of the last four seasons, including last year’s team that went 5-4 in the regular season before losing in the first round of the playoffs. Hollis has been part of that run as an assistant coach under former coach Jon Shadowens. “I was mentored by Coach Shadowens, and so I’ve learned a lot of football from him,” Hollis said. “So we’re going to keep some of the stuff we’ve done over the years, but we’re also adding some new wrinkles on offense and defense. “So, it’ll be a different look, but I think it will still be a good brand of football.” Hollis will have to find a way to replace an all-state running back in Greg Jenkins, who is playing football at McKendree University, linebacker Johnny Vercellino and linemen Drew Dorris and Dylan Rock. But the Red Devils have 15 seniors returning. “That’s the biggest senior class we’ve had for a while,” Hollis said. “The cupboards not bare at all.” One of those returning is Justin Kulich. The 6-6, 240-pound tight end and defensive lineman is being looked at by Illinois State and should have plenty of opportunity to showcase his talents with S-V-W-W. “He’s really athletic, a big body,” Hollis said. “He’s one of those we don’t see very often at our level. We’re glad to have him.” S-V-W-W also returns quarterback Trey Witges, lineman Gunner Bailey and linebacker Matt Loucks. Hollis hopes the Red Devils will be able to turn last year’s bad luck into an asset. They were wracked with injuries early on, and some players had to step in that normally would have seen time on the bench. “At the time, it was rough and we took our lumps, but that means some younger guys got some reps they wouldn’t have got and that’s got us ready for this year,” Hollis said.
SESSER-VALIER-WALTONVILLE-WOODLAWN RED DEVILS Coach: Johnny Hollis Career Record: 0-0 2011 Record: 5-5 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Returners: Trey Witges (DB/QB), Derek Hood (LB/RB), Matt Loucks (LB/OL), Justin Kulich (DL/TE), Gunner Bailey (DL/OL), Jake Robinson (DB/WR), Cody Lingle (DB/WR), Kaleb Miller (LB/RB) Schedule Aug. 24 JOHNSTON CITY* Aug. 31 At Chester* Sept. 7 HAMILTON COUNTY* Sept. 14 At Vienna-Goreville* Sept. 21 At Christopher* Sept. 28 FAIRFIELD* Oct. 5 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Oct. 12 ELVERADO-TRICO*
Oct. 19 At Eldorado* *conference game Seniors Cody Lingle Trey Witges James Watts Derek Hood Shawn Hodge Zack Vieirra Caleb Johnson Lane Grob Reggie Eubanks Kyle Lynch Matt Loucks Hunter Sample Lonny Bailey Gunner Bailey Justin Kulich Juniors Dustin Payne
Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 170 DB/WR 6-2 170 DB/QB 5-10 170 DB/RB 6-0 180 LB/RB 5-8 180 LB/RB 5-8 120 DB/WR 5-11 160 DL/LB 5-8 165 LB/OL 5-11 185 LB/OL 5-10 200 LB/OL 6-0 195 LB/OL 6-0 190 DL/OL 5-11 250 DL/OL 6-1 225 DL/OL 6-6 240 DL/TE Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-11 140 DB/WR
Tyler Baxter Clayton Hoffard B. Cockrum Damon Hart H. Richardson Jeremy Queen Nick Nosalik Kyle Britton Dylan Bailey Zach Webb Jacob Woolsey Jake Robinson Sophomores Dylon Kelly Nick Marlo E. Hamburger Trey Bruce Kaleb Miller Jacob Hunsell Josh Wilson Kyle French Bryson Sanders
6-1 150 5-10 150 5-5 150 5-11 190 5-11 160 5-10 130 5-11 190 6-1 180 5-6 190 6-4 235 5-9 135 6-3 190 Ht. Wt. 5-6 125 5-9 130 5-11 155 5-11 150 6-0 230 5-7 190 5-8 180 6-4 200 6-0 220
DB/RB DB/QB LB/RB LB/TE DL/OL DL/OL LB/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DB/WR DB/WR Pos. DB/RB DB/QB LB/OL DB/WR LB/RB DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL LB/OL
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn’s James Watts tries getting past an Eldorado defender last season in Sesser.
Page 24 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
2012 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
Vienna-Goreville Eagles BY CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN
Vienna-Goreville is hoping the fourth time is a charm. The Eagles are entering the fourth year of varsity play and after a 2-7 campaign last season, they feel their program is poised to move to the next level. “We thought last year was when we might possibly get over the hump and we didn’t because we just didn’t do it when we had to do it,” said Vienna-Goreville coach Mike Rude. “We feel like this could be the year we maybe get to exactly where we want to be.” Vienna-Goreville was close in many games. The Eagles were tied with Carmi in the fourth quarter before losing and were ahead of Fairfield with less than two minutes remaining and lost. They also lost a contest with Hamilton County that Rude believes they could have won if they had played later in the year.
The Eagles return two juniors who started as linebackers. Dallas Melott and Connor Seavers will anchor the defense. Vienna-Goreville also returns a twoyear starter at defensive end Colten Brown, a defensive tackle in Wyatt Miles and a defensive back in Caleb Belcher. The Eagles also return starting quarterback Christian Dahncke. “When we look at our defense and our offense both, we have basically six to seven kids returning on both sides of the ball,” Rude said. Rude believes his team is ready to improve because this is the first year his team has football-first players. “When we started the program they were great kids, but they were basketball and baseball players who hadn’t played football and without them, we couldn’t have had the program. But, we feel like right now this is our first group that we truly believe the kids we’re dressing varsity are football players.”
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Vienna-Goreville’s Christian Dahncke hands off the ball during a game with Eldorado last year.
VIENNA-GOREVILLE EAGLES Coach: Mike Rude Career Record: 197-144 2011 Record: 3-6 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 3A) Key Returnees: Dallas Melott (OL/LB), Christian Dahncke (QB/DB), Wyatt Miles (OL/DL), Colten Brown (TE/DE), Caleb Belcher (RB/SS) Schedule Aug. 25 CHESTER* Aug. 31 At Hamilton County* Sept. 8 FAIRFIELD* Sept. 15 S-V-W-W* Sept. 21 At Elverado-Trico* Sept. 28 At Carmi-White County* Oct. 6 C-Z-R* Oct. 12 At Eldorado* Oct. 20 At Johnston City* * conference game Seniors Caleb Belcher Dallas Bent Mason Bishop Colten Brown Cody Edmonds
Ht. 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-1
Wt. 180 165 165 195 260
Pos. RB/SS TE/DB K TE/DE OL/DE
Blake Gray Nathan Goodley Alex Loyd Hayden McClain Wyatt Miles Tait Phillips Ty Preston Caleb Skelcher Andrew Trambley Logan Tweedy Juniors Blake Grom Christian Dahncke Will Dalhman Jacob Hosier Dallas Melott Caleb Miles Corey Painter Jamie Parsley Brandon Pyle Connor Seavers Dustin Shaffer Colten Skelcher Dakota Vest Adam Kettelson Sophomores Austin Krelo Kolten Morrison
6-0 6-2 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-1 6-0 6-0 Ht. 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-9 5-8 6-0 5-9 5-11 Ht. 5-9 6-4
170 260 185 190 215 160 140 250 230 175 Wt. 145 160 155 180 230 180 185 175 215 185 140 165 140 240 Wt. 150 205
RB/FS OL/DL SE/DE RB/LB OL/DL TE/DE RB/DB OL/DL C/DL QB/DB Pos. RB/DB QB/DB RB/DB OL/LB OL/LB RB/DB C/DL OL/DL TE/OL RB/LB DB OL/DE RB/DB OL/DL Pos. QB/DB TE/DT
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 25
2012 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
Fairfield Mules BY CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN
Moving vans were a regular sight, going in and out of the streets of Fairfield. Jarren Thomas, who had moved to Fairfield last year, is headed back to St. Louis this season, but Skylar Esmon was headed the other direction, moving back to Fairfield from O’Fallon, where he played his sophomore year after playing for the Mules his freshman season. “We’re happy to have him back,” Fairfield coach Justin Townsend said. “He’s going to be a starter on defense as
well as run the ball. We had one move away and one move in, so that’s been good.” Fairfield also will have to deal with the absence of tight end and defensive end Tyler Hutcheson and its second leading rusher Rolando Gomez. But all-conference players Dyllan Bailey, Andrew Garrison and Robby Hite all return. “We do return our leading rusher, Dyllan Bailey,” Townsend said. “We look for good things out of him as well as Andrew Garrison, who plays full back/linebacker for us. We’ll be look-
CARMI-WHITE COUNTY BULLDOGS
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Fairfield running back Luke Harl tries to run past a Johnston City linebacker.
ing for those two guys to carry us.” Forty of Fairfield’s 60 players are freshmen and sophomores. That gives a base for the future, but for the time being, the Mules will rely heavily on its juniors and seniors. With all the movement in and out, Fairfield will have some stability, returning six players on offense and six on defense.
FAIRFIELD MULES Coach: Justin Townsend Career Record: 51-55 2011 Record: 4-5 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 3A) Key Returners: Dyllan Bailey (RB/LB), Skylar Esmon (RB/LB), Robby Hite (FB/LB), Andrew Garrison (FB/LB), Cody Simpson (OL/DL), Triston Guthrie (OL/DL), Clayton Titzer (OL/DL) Schedule Aug. 24 HAMILTON COUNTY* Aug. 31 At Elverado-Trico* Sept. 8 At Vienna-Goreville* Sept. 14 ELDORADO* Sept. 21 At Carmi-White County* Sept. 28 At S-V-W-W* Oct. 5 JOHNSTON CITY* Oct. 12 CHESTER* Oct. 19 At C-Z-R* *conference game Seniors Dyllan Bailey Will Griffith Don Bielecki Jack Opell Robby Hite Andrew Garrison Jaymin Gregory Triston Guthrie
Ht. 6-1 5-10 5-8 6-1 5-9 5-7 5-11 6-3
Wt. 175 150 130 175 170 205 250 215
Pos. RB/LB QB/DB TE/DB TE/LB FB/LB FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL
Clayton Titzer 6-1 Dakota Toombs 5-7 Juniors Ht. Joseph Rodgers 5-10 Nathan Coomer 6-2 Derek Greifzu 5-7 Josiah Carter 5-8 Skylar Esmon 6-2 Corey Youell 5-7 Anthony Thomas 5-11 Thomas Toombs 6-0 Jacob DeJarnatt 5-7 Cody Simpson 6-3 Andrew Carter 5-7 Sophomores Ht. Collin Koker 5-11 Coltin Crawford 6-0 Orry Boles 5-11 Connor Scott 6-0 Shane Stinson 5-4 Jagger Wolf 5-8 Micah Hall 5-9 Jamie Buchanan 5-8 Tyler Tubbs 5-8 Jake Pollard 5-9 Alec Wood 5-10 Avery McKinney 6-0 Jonathan Scarbrough 5-9 Dustin Stuckey 6-1 Dakota Young 6-2 Adam Kemplen 6-0
Page 26 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
205 190 Wt. 160 145 155 155 200 120 185 195 190 245 150 Wt. 140 135 160 170 115 195 180 185 180 215 210 250 200 200 205 140
OL/DL OL/DL Pos. QB/DB TE/DB RB/DB TE/LB RB/LB RB/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. QB/DB TE/DB RB/DB TE/DL TE/DB RB/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL TE/DB
Coach: Kurt Simon Career Record: 24-15 2011 Record: 9-1 Conference: Black Diamond (2A) Key Players: Ryan Farr (RB/LB), Jake Russell (OL/DE), Lukas Matsel (RB/DE), Chase Sailer (QB/DB), Dylan Rankin (RB/DB), Greg Dillman (TE/DB) Schedule Aug. 24 ELDORADO* Aug. 31 at Johnston City* Sept. 7 CHESTER* Sept. 14 at Hamilton County* Sept. 21 FAIRFIELD* Sept. 28 VIENNA-GOREVILLE* Oct. 5 at S-V-W-W* Oct. 12 C-Z-R* Oct. 19 at Elverado* * conference game Seniors Josh Burtis Greg Dillman Ryan Farr Cody Purcell Dylan Rankin Jake Russell Lukas Matsel Juniors Colton Allen
Ht. 6-1 5-10 6-0 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-10 Ht. 6-0
Wt. 180 170 190 185 190 175 190 Wt. 215
Pos. OL/DL TE/DB RB/LB TE/DB RB/DB OL/DE RB/DE Pos. OL/DL
Eli Allen Nik Brown Quinton Chambliss Dakota Jolley Dylan Kuykendall Jon Lees Lucas Mercer Alan Murphy Cody Nelson Brandon Pollard Stephen Quitugua Chase Sailer Brett Short Ray Smock Hunter Welch Brady Willis
5-10 6-3 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-3 5-5 5-10 5-7 6-1 5-7 5-11 6-0 5-10
240 285 215 135 150 160 165 200 190 195 160 215 140 235 140 215
OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB RB/DB OL/DE TE/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB OL/DL WR/DE OL/DL
Sophomores Codi Cross Logan Deig Randall Essary Griffin Hart T.C. Headlee Austin Hunsinger John Lamp Jordan Large Joe Matz Tyson Russell Shane Trail Clay Vaught Logan Weller
Ht. 5-9 6-3 5-9 5-8 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-4 6-4 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-6
Wt. 160 300 145 260 185 165 190 195 150 200 140 155 140
Pos. RB/LB OL/DL TE/DE OL/DL OL/DL RB/DE OL/DL QB/DB WR/DE OL/LB TE/LB WR/DB RB/DB
Carmi-White Co. Bulldogs BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
Coach Kurt Simon has seven seniors coming back from a Carmi-White County team that went undefeated in conference play in 2011, en route to a 9-1 season. “Four or five of the seniors we have coming back have started for us the past three years,” Simon said. “We have a lot of experience in our underclassmen as well and we’re pretty excited about having all these kids coming back.” Seniors the Bulldogs will look to are three-year starters Dylan Rankin, a second team all-conference selection, and Lukas Matsel. The other returnees are second team all-conference wide receiver Ryan Farr and lineman Josh Burtis. “When you have talent you have talent, and when you don’t you don’t,” Simon
said. “This group is a group that has some talent and when you have a real passion about what you’re doing, you can have those special years.” Speaking of talent, the Bulldogs return all-conference junior quarterback Chase Sailer. “He’s an exceptional athlete and a great leader. He leads by example and is an extremely hard worker,” Simon said. “This is his third year on varsity and we’re looking forward to seeing him for another year.” Defensively, the team will expect to Rankin and Matsel to play big roles, but will also look to senior defensive back Greg Dillman and senior second team allconference defensive end Jake Russell to be key contributors. SEE CARMI / PAGE 27
2012 Prep Football Preview: Black Diamond Conference
Eldorado Eagles
BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
Coach Brandon Hampton led the Eldorado Eagles to their first winning season since 2003 and their second
ELDORADO EAGLES Coach: Brandon Hampton Career Record: 13-25 2011 Record: 6-4 Conference: Black Diamond (3A) Key Players: Austin Gollihur (RB/DB), Justin Wiseman (OL/DL), Dylan Roberts (RB/LB), Derek Mitchell (RB/LB), Nick Schimp (QB/DB), Tre Turner (OL/DL), Scotty Wiseman (RB/DL), Tyler Deaton (RB/DB) Schedule Aug. 24 at Carmi-White County* Aug. 31 C-Z-R* Sept. 7 at Elverado-Trico* Sept. 14 at Fairfield* Sept. 21 HAMILTON COUNTY* Sept. 28 JOHNSTON CITY* Oct. 5 at Chester* Oct. 12 VIENNA-GOREVILLE* Oct. 19 S-S-V-W* * conference game Seniors Jesse Burger Chance Gilbert Austin Gollihur Dustin McGuire Dakota Prather
Ht. 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-10
Wt. 250 150 160 175 190
Pos. OL/DL RB/DB RB/DB LB RB/LB
Tanner Smith Brennan Unthank Aaron Vailes Joseph Watson Dustin Williams Scotty Wiseman Juniors Tyler Deaton Blaine Duffee Colton Edwards Dylan Lawrence Austin Miller Derek Mitchell Tristen Morse Matt Pena Dylan Roberts Nick Schimp Tre Turner Kaleb Williams Justin Wiseman Sophomores Nathan Burnett Cameron Denbo Loban Kanady Christian McNabb Dillion Parker Braxton Roberts Jacob Smith Braydon VanZant Kasey Wells
5-10 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 Ht. 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-3 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-11 5-5 5-10 6-0 Ht. 6-2 6-4 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-10
200 150 200 300 150 165 Wt. 165 300 145 150 225 175 265 150 200 175 200 165 300 Wt. 150 315 190 160 160 200 130 140 230
QB/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL DB RB/DL Pos. RB/DB OL/DL RB/DB RB/DB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL K RB/LB QB/DB OL/DL RB/DL OL/DL Pos. QB/DB OL/DL LB OL/LB LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB OL/DL
straight playoff appearance last season. To do that again, the Eagles will have to overcome the loss of 16 seniors. “We have been trying to form our identity during this first week of practice,” Hampton said. “We have a bunch of new kids and only two returning starters on both sides of the ball, but the new guys are extremely talented, working super hard and doing a good job for us.” Returning on offense is junior offensive lineman Justin Wiseman and AllSouth and all-conference junior fullback Dylan Roberts. Roberts compiled 1,300 yards as a sophomore and Hampton only expects him to get better. “Dylan has worked hard this offseason to keep developing as a football
player,” Hampton said. “He’s gained strength and speed and I expect to see a lot more explosive plays from him.” Roberts will not be the only one carrying the ball. Hampton said the Eagles have six or seven other guys who will see carries throughout the season. If defenses start to cheat on the run Eldorado will look to go to the air and throw over them. Doing the passing will be junior quarterback Nick Schimp. “Schimp has worked hard this offseason,” Hampton said. “He’s a tremendous leader with the way he works and competes and he has really committed himself. We’re really excited to see him.” Schimp brings a combined freshman and junior varsity record of 17-1 as quarterback with him.
“My goal as a coach is to have a smart physical football team,” Hampton said. “If we have a team that can line up and be physical and knock the other team off the football then we’re going to succeed.” Defensively, the Eagles return senior defensive back Austin Gollihur and junior second team allconference linebacker Derek Mitchell. The defensive line is expected to be reckoned with as Tre Turner and Scotty Wiseman have become really tough guys to block up front. In the end, though, for the Eagles it all comes back to their smash mouth style of football and whether or not they can control the line of scrimmage. “We want to line up and stop the ball,” Hampton said.
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CARMI: Looking for continued success FROM PAGE 26 “These kids make plays and are in the pile constantly,” Simon said. “They don’t get a tremendous amount of press because they’re not scoring points, but they are in every play.” Simon hopes the team’s youth won’t result in excessive turnovers. “I think the team that turns the ball over more will be on the losing end of the stick, that will be really critical for us,” Simon said. The Bulldogs will field a team that has
good all-around speed, but not one break away runner, but Simon said that they have a handful of players that have the ability to break tackles and run. “This group is really passionate in doing everything the right way,” Simon said. “We’re really excited about this group of kids and we have a hard time believing that we won’t have a successful year. “Even if we do make some stumbles, this group will come back because they work extremely hard and they’re very passionate.”
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2012 Prep Football Preview
CARBONDALE: Goal is to return to playoffs FROM PAGE 4 Senior Walker Upton returns after sitting out last year to take over center. “The offensive line is our main priority,” Koester said. “We intend to rotate junior Kyle Turner at right guard and nose tackle with junior Brad Wood and maybe freshman Octavius McCloud filling in at left guard.” Koester deploys a 5-2 slant defensive alignment and will have six starters returning. The secondary will be in veteran hands with cornerbacks Isiah Jones
and Dion Wooley, and safety Mitch Lauder. Inside linebackers Tyrell Robison and Jarron Warren also return. “I think we’ll be a little smaller defensively this year, but I think we’ll be stronger and a lot faster,” Koester said. Koester has to rebuild his line with Turner the only returning starter rotating with Isaac Flores at nose tackle. Zach Doan will take over the other safety. Dom Johnson, Anthony Day and Brandon Blewett will battle for outside linebacker.
MOUNT VERNON: Cutting down on opponents FROM PAGE 5 Senior quarterback Clayton Reeves and the entire backfield of fullbacks Doug Gardner and Jacob Williamson, and halfbacks Travis Mitchell and C.J. Lloyd return. As does tight end/wide receiver Patrick Bradford. “We hope to become more efficient this year,” Shaner said. “We are definitely a run oriented team with everyone in the backfield being potential ball carriers on any play, but we aren’t afraid to pass it from play action.” Shaner will have to rebuild the offensive line with only senior Justin Armstrong returning at tackle. Defensively, Shaner plays a 4-3 and has to only replace his middle linebacker and
one of the safeties from a unit that gave up an average of 42 points a game. Back on the line are defensive ends Bradford and Josh Brinson and tackles Armstrong and Qwymann Cantley. “There were many reasons we gave up a lot of points, but the main one was we had a lot of injuries and essentially we were playing JV players on the varsity team out of necessity,” Shaner said. “Because those players got varsity experience hopefully we will be much improved.” Returning at outside linebacker are Williamson and Robert Grider, with Mitchell back at one cornerback and Jarron Liddell at the other. Reeves pulls double-duty as one of the starting safeties.
CENTRALIA: Hopes for continued success FROM PAGE 5 “The kids are anxious to learn and to get better.” Last year, Centralia improved from 3-6 to 8-2, and not only snapped a 44-game conference losing streak, but went on to finish 4-1. This year, Kauling returns seven starters from an offense that averaged 41 points a game with quarterback Dyman Sodsaikitch, running back Rashad Campbell and wide receiver Mason Wathan. Kauling will have to replace his leading rusher, Andrew Panega, and leading receiver, Stephonta Moore. “Dyman has started every game since week eight of his freshman year,” Kauling said. “He holds every passing record in
school history with over 4,000 yards and around 50 touchdowns. He’s had two really good years and hopefully his leadership and experience will carry us to good things again this year.” Four of the five offensive linemen are back, Drew Shores, Jason Boyer, Mark Pozeg and center Dustin DeKalb. Kauling runs a multiple 30 front defense and has only four starters returning in end Malik Scott, inside linebacker Shores, cornerback Travondis Lee and free safety Ryan Shipley. “Our defense is a pretty skeleton crew as far as experience, but we’re having a spirited competition with a couple people battling for each open spot, so I think we can be much improved over last year,” Kauling said.
Page 28 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
MARION WILDCATS Coach: Kerry Martin Career Record: 156-73 2011 Record: 7-3 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Key Returnees: Matt Lewis (QB), Henry Jones (RB), Jon Evetts (WR), Connor Jackson (C), Brock Stigall (OT), David Acree (OG), J.D. Ray (DE), Troy Slinkard (ILB), Jared Dorris (CB), Jake Weaver (S), Hunter Odum (S) Schedule Aug. 24 GRANITE CITY Aug. 31 At Mattoon Sept. 7 HARRISBURG Sept. 14 CAHOKIA * Sept. 21 MOUNT VERNON * Sept. 28 At Belleville Althoff * Oct. 5 At Centralia * Oct. 12 CARBONDALE * Oct. 20 At Normandy (Mo.) * conference game Seniors Chris Morris Greg Taylor David Acree Jon Evetts Logan Hunt Connor Jackson Henry Jones Matt Lewis Erik Neagle J.D. Ray Troy Slinkard Brock Stigall John Stutz Kaleb Terry
Ht. 5-11 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-11 6-2 5-9 6-5 6-3 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-10 5-9
Wt. 135 260 270 170 195 250 190 210 350 210 195 260 300 195
Pos. DB/WR DL/OL DL/OL LB/TE LB/RB DL/OL LB/RB QB DL/OL DL/OL LB/RB DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL
Jake Weaver Juwann Tucker C.J. Morrison R. Campbell B. Nordorf Juniors Ryan Bayer Jordan Bradford Hunter Odum Jared Dorris Tyrone Maples Mitchell Bartle John Dalton Chase Hughart Austin Morrison Olympus Graham Drayson Jones Logan Null Ben Smart Travis Wright Tristen Reid Brant Hill Justin Bradford Sophomores Jordan Evans Dustin Robertson Josh Parrish Paul Waddy DeRae Andrews Rex Manfredo Justin Nicholson Hunter Lincoln Mike Bradshaw Phillip Bolte Drake Grinnel Dontiel Taylor Jeremy Cook Matt McAuliffe Mitchell Wilkie
6-4 5-10 5-8 6-0 5-7 Ht. 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-7 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-7 6-0 6-1 5-9 6-2 5-11 Ht. 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-4 5-11 5-10 5-7 5-11 5-11 5-9 6-0 5-10 5-7
205 155 150 190 150 Wt. 150 170 160 165 195 155 175 180 195 240 205 125 200 280 160 170 270 Wt. 175 200 220 160 170 230 195 140 155 170 160 220 170 175 120
DB/TE DB/WR DB/WR DL/TE DB/WR Pos. DB/WR DB/WR DB/RB DB/RB LB/RB LB/RB LB/RB DB/WR LB/OL DL/OL DL/OL DB/WR DL/OL DL/OL LB/WR QB/WR DL/OL Pos. QB OL/DL DL/OL DB/WR DB/WR DL/OL LB/RB DB/WR DB/WR DL/OL LB/K DL/OL K DB/RB K
MARION: Set to defend its South Seven reign FROM PAGE 7 return in center Connor Jackson, guard David Acree and tackle Brock Stigall. Only five starters return on a defense that gave up 25 points a game, including a season high 38 points to Troy Triad in the first round of the playoffs. Martin runs a 3-4 defensive scheme, and will have to replace three linebackers, two linemen and a cornerback. Returning are J.D. Ray at defensive end, inside linebacker Troy Slinkard and safety Jake Weaver. Also returning are Jared Dorris at cornerback and Hunter Odum at safety.
“We were young there last year in the secondary so we feel that they will be our strength this year after getting valuable experience,” Martin said. “We will have to replace most of our linebacking crew, but we had some young men who played enough to be ready to step into the starting lineup.” Expected to move into the starting lineup are Hunt at inside linebacker, Bradford at cornerback with Maples and Dalton at outside linebacker. “Big John Stutz started some for us last year on the offensive and defensive line and we anticipate he will have quite a bit of playing time,” Martin said.
2012 Prep Football Preview
HARRISBURG: Ohio favorites once again this season
MASSAC COUNTY: Plenty of returnees FROM PAGE 9
FROM PAGE 9 “We have two pretty good senior and junior classes,” Roper said. “It seems like the two classes really get along and we’ve got a lot of weight room kids. “I think our team chemistry is pretty strong and hopefully we can build on that and that the kids stay motivated as the season goes along.” Harrisburg started out the 2011 season strong with a 4-1 record, but injuries mounted and the Bulldogs lost their final three games to finish 5-5. Two of those three losses were by a combined nine points and wins could have helped the team avoid its first round meeting with Mount Carmel, a 35-7 loss. The greatest challenge for the Bulldogs this summer was not filling holes left by graduation, but by the large amount of multisport athletes that Harrisburg always seems to have. “It was a tough summer because we have so many kids that are three-sport athletes,” Roper said. “It was just trying to improve on individual skills because it was tough to get kids together as a group.” This season, Harrisburg will open the season at home against the rival Golden Aces before beginning a three-week road trip. The Bulldogs will close the regular season with home games against West Frankfort, Benton and Carbondale.
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Murphysboro’s Diamante Bradley tries fighting off Du Quoin’s Brandon Williams last season in Du Quoin.
MURPHYSBORO: Looks to take the next step this season FROM PAGE 8 of players counted upon to help put Murphysboro in the postseason for the first time in the 21st century. “Our biggest question mark right now is the offensive line,” Carter said. “We are working on getting guys who can learn our system, be consistent with it and make sure our blocking schemes are solid.” Murphysboro’s schedule won’t make it easy for the Red Devils, with three straight road games to begin the 2012 campaign heading into the home opener with preseason conference favorite Harrisburg on Sept. 14. Three of the Red Devils’ first four opponents were playoff teams in 2011. “We’ve worked hard and if it was based on just working hard, I would be real happy about it,” Carter said.
CAHOKIA: Looks to improve FROM PAGE 6 “I’ve got two or three guys fighting for quarterback, and a host of guys fighting for the receiver spots,” Golliday said. Defensively, Golliday has a little better situation, with seven returning starters, including three defensive linemen, three linebackers and cornerback Mar’Quan Fridge. Returning linemen are Collins and Williams at tackle and Nicholson at end. Thomas returns as outside linebacker with Romeion Moore and Darnell Beverly on the inside.
Junior Cameron Koch will take the snaps at quarterback and Massac County has four returning starters on the offensive line to give him some protection. Linebackers Jordan Troutman and Trey Copley will hope to help the Patriots improve a defense that allowed an average of 38.2 points per game and went 0-5 in conference play in 2011. “Size, work well together and are a pretty intelligent bunch too,” Glass said on what he liked about his linemen. “I always think the offensive line is a tremendous key and an overlooked bunch. “That may be our strength.” Of the six teams in the SIRR Ohio Division, four are opening the season away from home and Massac County is one of them. The Patriots travel to Herrin in Week 1 for a non-conference
meeting with the Tigers that is an awkward situation for both schools. The Week 8 meeting between the teams at Massac County will be their regularly scheduled conference game. “We tried hard in both states to get a (different) opening game and it didn’t happen,” Glass said. “I’ve got some great friends on the Herrin coaching staff, so it will work out fine. “It’s better than not having a game, though.” Massac County hasn’t beaten Herrin in the regular season since 2002 and last year’s affair was a resounding 52-28 victory by the Tigers. “At this point in time, you’ve got to compare your kids against your kids and in a short time, I’ve got to compare my kids against Herrin’s kids,” Glass said. “This game can humble you. Those kids who have that drive and initiative, I hope we have that.”
PINCKNEYVILLE: Should be able to score FROM PAGE 14 Pinckneyville had a tremendous offensive line and great depth with that position. The team has a good line this season, but it isn’t nearly as deep. “We must have our line stay healthy this year because we don’t have the luxury of giving kids as many breaks,” Rushing said. “Our skill kids are very young, but they have good speed and size. I think we’ll be able to run it and
throw it well, and that should give people some problems.” Dalton Bathon, a starter last year as a sophomore, will be one of the team’s main receiving threats, along with Caleb Dahn, who is just a sophomore. Rushing and Hamilton will be slot receivers when the team goes to the spread offense. The balance of the Panther offense might even be more lethal than last year, according to Rushing.
BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF: Ready to turn it up FROM PAGE 6 Defensively, Turner runs the 4-3 and has all three linebackers back, Furmanek in the middle, Zach Donaldson on the strong side and Brett Silvestri on the weak side. On the line, Abernathy at defensive end and Merrick Jackson at tackle return
with McElligott going to end and Brandon Harris taking over at tackle. The secondary will be solid with returning starters first-team all-conference cornerback Michael Harris and safety Cole Reichert. Austin Mueller takes over at safety and Dennis Jackson at corner.
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 29
2012 Prep Football Preview DU QUOIN INDIANS
CARTERVILLE LIONS
Coach: Al Martin Career Record: 238-52 2011 Record: 5-4 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Key Returnees (12): Daulton Donoghue (WR), Brenden Fred (QB), Shayne Baxter (RB/DB), Jonah Spencer (RB/LB), Deeja Cole (DB/RB), Haeden Sweetin (RB/LB), Antonio Smith (RB/LB), Bryce Ford (OG/DT), Trey Ridgeway (DT), Bryce Willi (OL/DL), Garrett Dorsey (OL/DL), Daulton Beltz (TE/DE). Schedule Aug. 24 HIGHLAND Aug. 31 HARRISBURG Sept. 7 at Herrin Sept. 14 at Anna-Jonesboro* Sept. 21 SPARTA* Sept. 28 CARTERVILLE* Oct. 5 at Pinckneyville* Oct. 12 NASHVILLE* Oct. 19 at Murphysboro *conference game Seniors Shayne Baxter Brenden Fred John Erwin Aaron Clover D. Donoghue Jacob O’Rourke Jonah Spencer Dalton Pinski
Ht. 5-8 6-2 5-10 5-7 6-0 6-2 5-9 6-1
Wt. Pos. 160 RB/DB 190 QB 155 WR/CB 125 RB 170 WR 175 DB/WR 165 RB/LB 180 DE
Tim Cochran Deeja Cole Haeden Sweetin Austin Pinski Devin Harris Antonio Smith Thomas Hamlin Dalton Bigham Landon Kern Tommy Cooper Jacob Creekpaum Bryce Ford Trey Ridgeway Bryce Willi Dakota Behm Garrett Dorsey Travis Chapman Daulton Beltz
6-1 5-9 5-9 5-11 5-8 5-9 5-8 6-0 5-10 6-3 5-5 6-0 6-1 6-0 5-10 5-11 6-2 6-4
180 160 165 155 160 170 200 180 230 160 165 240 270 240 195 240 200 225
OL DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB LB OL C OL/DL DT OG/DT DT OL/DL OG/DE OL/DL TE TE/DE
Juniors Kody Hess Zach Meyer Dylan Porter Camden Youngman Cole Kirkpatrick Grant Ruffing Brendon Shepard Spencer Cook Justin Morgan Cole Cobin Trystin Mansfield Hayden Schubert Taron Cocke Zac McIntosh Corwin Fritts
Ht. 5-10 6-2 5-7 5-9 5-7 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-7 5-9 6-3 6-1 6-0
Wt. 170 140 110 180 140 130 160 210 160 180 220 185 280 265 160
Pos. FB/LB DB/WR DB/WB HB/DB DB RB/DB LB LB/FB LB/FB DL/OL DT/NT OL/DL OL/DL OL TE/DE
DU QUOIN: Looks to avenge tough finish FROM PAGE 13 The defensive line should be a major strength for the Indians, who are loaded with size and speed up front. “From what we’ve seen so far, I think our front people on the defensive line are going to be pretty strong for us,” Martin said. “I think our front four and our inside backers should be a strong point for us.” Brenden Fred returns at quarterback after starting the last few games last season. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior can throw the ball pretty well and should be a good leader on the field. “He has a very good temperament as an athlete and doesn’t get shook,” Martin said.
“He’s a very even keel performer. I think the kids will rally around him, and I think he’ll do a good job for us.” Shayne Baxter, Du Quoin’s small but explosive running back, had his junior season derailed by an injury. Now a senior, the Indians have Baxter returning in the backfield. “For his size, he’s got very good strength,” Martin said. “We feel like if we can keep him away from injuries, he’s going to be a good player for us. He’s also been a leader for us and has worked hard over the summer.” The team also has plenty of solid options running and receiving the football. According to some coaches both inside and outside of the conference, the Indians are the preseason favorite.
Page 30 Thursday, August 23, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan
Coach: Dennis Drust Career Record: 86-22 2011 Record: 5-4 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Key Returnees (6): Dalton Brown (SE/DB), Lucas Hunter (SE/DB), Patrick Brown (OL/DL), Tyler Horn (OL/DL), Sam Stearns (SE/DB), Mike Aschemann (DB/QB). Schedule Aug. 24 BENTON Sept. 1 at St. Joe-Ogden Sept. 7 SALEM Sept. 14 at Pinckneyville* Sept. 21 NASHVILLE* Sept. 28 at Du Quoin* Oct. 5 SPARTA* Oct. 12 ANNA-JONESBORO* Oct. 19 at West Frankfort * conference game Seniors Tylor Barber Dalton Brown Patrick Brown Shane Caudill David Eaton Tyler Horn Lucas Hunter Jacob Ninness Michael Oyler Brett Prince Sam Stearns Weston Toombs Neal Wachter
Ht. 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-0 5-9
Wt. 203 144 187 172 153 244 177 214 398 219 168 228 135
Pos. OL/DL SE/DB OL/DL OL/LB SE/DB OL/DL SE/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL SE/DB OL/DL RB/DB
Juniors Mike Aschemann Joe Behan Blaine Burk Leyton Bush Donnie Dawson Brayden Dees Phillip Frangello Nick Gooden Josh Gutierrez Dalton Hoch Jackson Holmes Nick King Cam Lenzini Steven Loury Julian Martin Brock Miller Grant Mills Chris Pearson Dakota Reese Jacob Smith Austin Snuffer Ty Ngov Zach Ury Braden Walker Caleb Wall Ben Williams Sophomores Brayden Bisaillon Dylan Church Mike Dennison Reese Hundley Gavin James Mitchell Morgan Dylan Samuel Blake Watson
Ht. 5-9 5-10 5-6 6-1 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-7 6-1 5-9 6-0 5-6 6-1 5-8 5-7 5-9 5-8 5-5 5-6 5-8 6-0 5-8 Ht. 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-8 6-2 5-7 6-0 5-7
Wt. 171 172 141 176 202 134 184 126 139 143 161 146 244 146 165 176 158 167 222 187 154 137 130 174 171 187 Wt. 228 212 282 190 259 161 208 138
Pos. QB/DB RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL SE/DB RB/LB SE/DB RB/DB SE/DB OL/LB RB/LB OL/DL SE/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE SE/DB SE/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL Pos. OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/LB QB/DB
CARTERVILLE: Lions have lots of motivation FROM PAGE 16 “He’s a true athlete, and he loves the game,” Drust said. “He’s got some explosiveness to him, and he’s a hard worker. He is dedicated to what he does in every sport. “He is really looking forward to running the team, and he’s got some leadership qualities as well.” One thing opponents will have to game plan for is the passing game. That’s one area that hasn’t been very good in recent seasons at Carterville. “Our passing attack will be much better than it has been,” Drust said. “We were a very limited passing team in the past, and I don’t think people will be
able to stack nine guys in the box this year against us. “He’ll also create some problems when he’s out on the edge with his ability to run.” Phillip Frangello and Joe Behan will carry the bulk of the load at running back. Sam Stearns, Dalton Brown and Lucas Hunter will handle most of the passcatching duties. One of the biggest strengths of the 2012 Lions will be its experienced defensive secondary. Brown, Hunter, Aschemann and Stearns all started last season. “I’m sure our players will be motivated,” Drust said. “Hopefully, we can secure six wins and get back to the playoffs.”
2012 Prep Football Preview: Season Schedule Week 1 Friday, Aug. 24
Week 3 Friday, Sept. 7
Week 5 Friday, Sept. 21
Week 8 Friday, Oct. 12
Eldorado at Carmi-White County Elverado-Trico at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton Hamilton County at Fairfield Johnston City at S-V-W-W West Frankfort at Anna-Jonesboro Benton at Carterville Highland at Du Quoin Carlyle at Nashville Pinckneyville at Red Bud Dupo at Sparta Mount Carmel at Harrisburg Massac County at Herrin Murphysboro at Carbondale Belleville-Althoff at Collinsville Cahokia at O’Fallon Salem at Centralia Granite City at Marion Rochester at Mount Vernon
Chester at Carmi-White County Johnston City at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton Eldorado at Elverado-Trico Hamilton County at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn Anna-Jonesboro at Massac County Salem at Carterville Du Quoin at Herrin Nashville at West Frankfort Benton at Pinckneyville Murphysboro at Sparta Harrisburg at Marion Belleville-Althoff at Mascoutah Carbondale at Waterloo Effingham at Centralia Mount Vernon at Troy Triad
Fairfield at Carmi-White County Chester at Johnston City Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton Vienna-Goreville at Elverado-Trico Hamilton County at Eldorado Pinckneyville at Anna-Jonesboro Nashville at Carterville Sparta at Du Quoin Murphysboro at Benton Massac County at Harrisburg Herrin at West Frankfort Belleville-Althoff at Centralia Carbondale at Cahokia Mount Vernon at Marion
Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton at Carmi-White County Chester at Fairfield Vienna-Goreville at Eldorado Elverado-Trico at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn Johnston City at Hamilton County Anna-Jonesboro at Carterville Nashville at Du Quoin Pinckneyville at Sparta Benton at Harrisburg Herrin at Massac County Murphysboro at West Frankfort Cahokia at Belleville-Althoff Carobondale at Marion Centralia at Mount Vernon
Saturday, Sept. 8
Saturday, Aug. 25
Fairfield at Vienna-Goreville Cahokia at St. Louis Miller
Chester at Vienna-Goreville
Week 2 Friday, Aug. 31 Carmi-White County at Johnston City Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn at Chester Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton at Eldorado Fairfield at Elverado-Trico Vienna-Goreville at Hamilton County Murphysboro at Anna-Jonesboro Harrisburg at Du Quoin Breese-Mater Dei at Nashville West Frankfort at Pinckneyville Sparta at Benton Herrin at Carbondale Massac County at Calloway County (Ky.) Belleville West at Belleville-Althoff Alton Sr. at Cahokia Centralia at Bethalto Civic Memorial Marion at Mattoon Mount Vernon at Mascoutah
Saturday, Sept. 1 Carterville at St. Joseph-Ogden
Week 4 Friday, Sept. 14 Carmi-White County at Hamilton County Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton at Chester Eldorado at Fairfield Elverado-Trico at Johnston City Du Quoin at Anna-Jonesboro Carterville at Pinckneyville Sparta at Nashville Benton at Herrin Harrisburg at Murphysboro West Frankfort at Massac County Belleville-Althoff at Mount Vernon Cahokia at Marion Centralia at Carbondale
Saturday, Sept. 15 Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn at Vienna-Goreville
Week 6 Friday, Sept. 28 Vienna-Goreville at Carmi-White County Chester at Elverado-Trico Johnston City at Eldorado Fairfield at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn Anna-Jonesboro at Sparta Carterville at Du Quoin Pinckneyville at Nashville Harrisburg at Herrin Massac County at Murphysboro Marion at Belleville-Althoff Centralia at Cahokia Mount Vernon at Carbondale
Saturday, Sept. 29 Hamilton County at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton West Frankfort at Benton
Week 7 Friday, Oct. 5 Carmi-White County at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn Eldorado at Chester Elverado-Trico at Hamilton County Johnston City at Fairfield Nashville at Anna-Jonesboro Sparta at Carterville Du Quoin at Pinckneyville Benton at Massac County West Frankfort at Harrisburg Herrin at Murphysboro Belleville-Althoff at Carbondale Cahokia at Mount Vernon Marion at Centralia
Week 9 Friday, Oct. 19 Carmi-White County at Elverado-Trico Hamilton County at Chester Fairfield at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn at Eldorado Anna-Jonesboro at Herrin Carterville at West Frankfort Du Quoin at Murphysboro Nashville at Columbia Pinckneyville at Dupo Red Bud at Sparta Carlyle at Benton Carbondale at Harrisburg Massac County at Ballard Memorial (Ky.) Troy Triad at Belleville-Althoff Chicago Hales Franciscan at Cahokia Centralia at Mascoutah Marion at Normandy (Mo.) Mount Vernon at Mount Carmel
Saturday, Oct. 20 Vienna-Goreville at Johnston City
Saturday, Oct. 6 Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton at Vienna-Goreville
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 23, 2012 Page 31
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