2015 High School Football Preview

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SPECIAL SECTION • FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

2015 High School Football Preview FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

New Carbondale Terriers coach Bryan Lee talks to his team on the first day of football practice Monday, Aug. 10, in Carbondale.

BYRON HETZLER, THE SOUTHERN

Coaching carousel results in new looks

Three teams feature different coaches SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN

C

arbondale, Du Quoin and Harrisburg all have new football coaches this year.

The success of those programs has been hit and miss the past few years, so this season should be interesting to say the least.

Bryan Lee takes over the Carbondale program after seven successful years at Chester, in which the team earned six playoff berths.

“Our goal is to make the playoffs, but another goal is also just to cut the point difference down this year from what it was last year,” Lee said. “We also want to cut our turnovers in half. If we can do those things then we’re going to win some games.”

The Terriers, just 1-8 last season, have only made the playoffs three times in the past 10 years. Lee becomes the fourth head coach in the past four seasons. That’s not a good track record, but the new leader of the Terriers is motivated to turn things around.

“It’s been kind of a roller coaster, and you just have to become a creature of habit,” Lee said. “You just learn about a whole new set of kids and what’s important to them. Kids are kids.

If you do what you say you’re going to do, most of the kids will buy in. Kids need consistency.”

Carbondale had 91 players out for football about 10 days before the season started. That’s very good considering the state of the program.

“So far it seems like football is fun for them, and numbers won’t be a problem at all once we get things established,” Lee said. “We are constantly preaching family, and I know that sounds so lame because lots of people say it. But most kids are not jaded yet. If the kids realize you have respect for them and care for them, they’ll be yours for life.”

Lee’s biggest objective is to change the culture of losing and create a positive football environment. Carbondale hasn’t been a consistent winner in more than 20 years.

“We try to meet the needs of our kids,” Lee said. “I’m a creature of habit, and I like things the way that I like them. When you come into a new spot, you don’t always get things the way that you

ABOVE: Al Way talks to his players at halftime during his tenure as an assistant at Vienna-Goreville in 2012. Way is returning for a third go-round as head coach at Harrisburg this season.

RIGHT: A.J. Hill, here working the sidelines in a scrimmage last year, is the new coach of the Du Quoin Indians. Hill is succeeding Al Martin.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS

“We are constantly preaching family, and I know that sounds so lame because lots of people say it. But most kids are not jaded yet. If the kids realize you have respect for them and care for them, they’ll be yours for life.”

BRYAN LEE, CARBONDALE COACH

like it. You’ve got to build things up, and sometimes you change the way you do things. We’ll ride through this wave of tough times and emerge as a better program.”

Du Quoin

The Du Quoin Indians have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, and A.J. Hill has taken his first head coaching job with one of the state’s legendary programs.

“I never really imagined having this opportunity this early in

my coaching career,” Hill said. “I knew I wanted to be a coach and helped out my brother when he coached at Carbondale. It just so happened to work out here at Du Quoin, and I couldn’t be more thankful because it’s a great place to be a football coach.”

Expectations are always high in Du Quoin, and that’s just fine with Hill. He led the Indians to the state championship game in 2008.

“I don’t know if there is pressure here, but in Du Quoin there is always going to be an expectation to win,” Hill said. “The fans here have been spoiled since the 1960s when Coach (Bob) Karnes started here. That’s not a bad thing. We love football here and want to win.”

It’s not like Hill, who called the offensive plays last year, had to recruit a coaching staff and start from scratch. Al Martin is coaching the offensive line, and longtime assistants Keith Ellis and John Gross return as well.

SEE COACHES / PAGE 4

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High School Football

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South Seven Conference MARION WILDCATS

CARBONDALE TERRIERS

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Marion’s Izak Baker looks for a receiver during the Wildcats’ 41-7 win over Waterloo last year.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Carbondale’s Djimon Slaughter evades Marion defenders to head downfield last year.

Terriers looking for turnaround under Lee GEARY DENISTON THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌Former Chester coach Bryan Lee was hired on May 21 to become the 25th head football coach for the Carbondale Terriers. Lee is tasked with rebuilding a once proud program that has seen hard times since John Helmick led the Terriers to seven straight postseason berths from 1987 to 1993.

Since then the Terriers have had only four winning teams and four trips to the playoffs. The past three seasons have been especially tough on the players, with a different coach each year.

Lee coached the Yellow Jackets the past seven seasons, compiling a 51-20 record with six playoff appearances and a state quarterfinal trip last year.

“We had some playoff successes and were three points away from the Final Four last year,” Lee said. “I enjoyed my time in Chester, but now I’m happy to be here in Carbondale. What Carbondale needs is consistency, and we’ve already taken a step towards that.”

Lee takes over for Mark Albertini, who resigned to become the athletic director. Lee takes over a team that went 1-8 last year and 0-5 in the South Seven.

“We used all our 25 contact days during the summer because the kids will be learning a whole new offense and defense for the third straight year,” Lee said.

“I will tell you one thing — the Terriers will be better this year than they were last year. We already see better discipline and character, but if that translates into more wins this season, we’ll see.

However, I can guarantee we’ll be moving in the right direction.”

L e e w i l l h a ve f o u r re t u r n i n g s ta r te rs o n offense in running back Djimon Slaughter, wide receiver Tyler McCormick and tackles Tyrin Warren and Majed Naser.

“We were going to run the Wing-T and open it up a little bit, because we have a wealth of skill players and are literally two deep at every position,” Lee said.

“But quarterback was a question mark coming into the summer and in some ways it’s been answered and in some ways it hasn’t.

Right now junior Keondre Cobb has done some good

CARBONDALE TERRIERS Coach: Bryan Lee Career Record: 51-20 Schedule Aug. 28....... at Murphysboro Sept. 4.................... at Herrin Sept. 11...............WATERLOO Sept. 18............at Centralia* Sept. 25............... CAHOKIA* *denotes conference game Seniors Ivory Clark Khilan Vaughn Shahere Lark Emma Williams Andrew Weems Mikey Rochman P.J. Vaughn Jason Stanton Tajai Taylor Tyler McCormick Jermaine Ross Tyrone Bivines Jamonte Allison Dalton VanAvery Sean Scally Jordan Roseman Jesse Moorefield Majed Naser Tyrin Warren Octavius McCloud Juniors Djimon Slaughter Keondre Cobb JaJuan Smith Jamonte Rush Latrell Anderson Kenya Garner Lucien Dreux Zion Marshall D.J. Berry Kenan Abed D.J. Clark Adam Wallace Leland Campbell Kyle Hamby Sophomores Courtney Hunter Jaden Bradley Seth Germann Zee Johnson Rodney Porter Matt Gunderson Trey Jones Lucas Clough Tarrod Vaughn Xander Smith Mason Elugbadebo

2014 Record: 1-8 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Oct. 2........at Mount Vernon* Oct. 9.... at Belleville Althoff* Oct. 16...................MARION* Oct. 23............HARRISBURG

Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 185 RB/DB 5-8 165 RB/DB 6-1 205 RB/LB 5-7 115 K 5-10 175 TE/LB 6-0 220 QB/DB 5-9 175 RB/LB 5-10 160 WR/DB 5-6 140 WR/DB 5-8 165 RB/DB 5-8 155 RB/DB 5-9 145 RB/DB 6-4 190 TE/LB 5-8 160 OL/DL 5-11 250 OL/DL 6-1 240 OL/DL 5-11 235 OL/DL 5-10 200 OL/DL 6-3 325 OL/DL 5-10 260 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-0 190 RB/DB 5-9 160 QB/DB 5-10 165 RB/LB 5-8 170 RB/LB 5-8 140 WR/DB 5-10 200 OL/LB 6-3 290 OL/DL 6-3 295 OL/DL 6-3 295 OL/DL 6-0 205 OL/DL 6-2 270 OL/DL 5-10 230 OL/DL 6-2 265 OL/DL 6-2 165 WR/DB Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-8 145 RB/DB 5-9 150 WR/DB 6-1 170 QB/DB 6-1 170 RB/LB 5-0 180 RB/DB 5-8 180 TE/LB 5-9 180 OL/DL 6-2 185 OL/DL 5-7 250 OL/DL 5-7 185 OL/LB 5-9 175 OL/DL

things for us and all he needs is a little more seasoning.”

Lee has seven returning starters on defense, linemen Jamonte Allison, Jordan Roseman and Octavius McCloud, linebacker Shahere Lark and defensive backs P. J. Vaughn, Khilan Vaughn and Sam Brunaugh.

“We’ll run some 5-2 and some 4-4,” Lee said.

“We’ll have a rotation of about nine defensive linemen, probably five outside linebackers and four or five middle linebackers and a good stable of defensive backs. I like our depth and we have some pretty good edge defenders.”

Wildcats seek a third straight South Seven title GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

‌ he Marion Wildcats T have earned a playoff berth for the past 10 years and have won the South Seven Conference two years in a row and four times in the last five years. The Wildcats were 8-3 last year, sweeping the conference at 5-0.

However, since advancing to the state semifinals in 2007, the Wildcats have been eliminated in the second round the next three years, in the first round from 2011 to 2013.

Last year Marion had the bad luck of drawing the eventual state champ in the second round after beating Waterloo 41-7 in the first round.

“We felt like we had a shot to make a bigger run, but ran into a juggernaut,” coach Kerry Martin said.

“Hopefully we get back in there so we can make a run. We have a tough schedule starting off with Champaign Central, Champaign Centennial and Galesburg and those are two 5A and one 6A playoff teams before the conference starts.”

With 13 starters returning, Martin has a good foundation to build on, but he does have to replace Justin Nicholson, a threeyear starter at outside linebacker, Hunter Lincoln, a two-way starter at both wide receiver and defensive back, and tackle R. J. Manfredo, his top offensive lineman.

“Manfredo, Lincoln and Nicholson are big shoes to fill,” Martin said. “We lost some key people, but the cupboard isn’t bare at the skill positions or the line, so that’s a good place to start.”

Offensively Martin has six senior starters back, quarterback Izak Baker, running back Braden Ziegler, wide receiver Seth Bayer, center Chase McGee, guard Keshawn Lacy and kicker Mitchell Wilkie.

“We run the shotgun spread for the 11th straight year and you have to have a good trigger man and we have one in Baker” Martin said. “Ziegler was our leading rusher and Bayer our leading receiver and we’ve also got back most of our offensive line, so we’ve got a lot of good pieces, including Xavier Cambric, who was our second leading rusher.”

Defensively Martin runs a 3-4 and has five senior starters back in defensive

ROSTER MARION WILDCATS Coach: Kerry Martin Career Record: 178-82 Schedule Aug. 28............ CHAMPAIGN CENTRAL Sept. 4............. CHAMPAIGN CENTENNIAL Sept. 12.......... at Galesburg Sept. 18.............. CAHOKIA* Sept. 25...at Mount Vernon* * Denotes conference game Seniors Izak Baker Eli Barber Seth Bayer Damien Buchanan Richard Clemmons Alec Childers Jai Brown Kevin Harbon Chance Hilliard Jeremie Kragness Keshawn Lacy Parker Lively Chase McGee Tops Maarten Raynolds Tayri Aaron Porter Lucas Shevlin Mitchell Wilkie Tommy Wilson Braden Ziegler Juniors Kyle Hughes Kake Schmid Trey Farmer Broc Bundren Tucker Sullivan Alex Blaise Thomas Wright Jay Krumrey Josh Messamore Adolph Paulson Blake Horner Alek Jimenez Hunter Milligan Xavier Canbric Malcolm Berry Trayvon Johnson Sophomores Adam Erb David Fletcher Tim Burwell Jonathan Watson Clayton Bastien Caden Hilliard Jaden Lacy Ben McLaughlin Terrell Henderson Tyler Wilcox Brennan Pecord David Marino Austin Yates Michael Cantrell Jacob Rutledge

2014 Record: 8-3 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Oct. 2................ BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF* Oct. 9.............. CENTRALIA* Oct. 16........ at Carbondale* Oct. 24............ Rich South at Springfield

Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-2 175 QB 5-10 315 OL/DL 5-11 155 WR/DB 6-4 330 OL/DL 6-0 195 WR/DB 5-9 190 RB/LB 6-2 220 WR/DB 6-3 195 WR/DB 6-2 235 LB/OL 6-1 190 WR/DB 5-11 215 OL/LB 5-10 170 WR/DB 5-10 220 OL/LB 6-3 175 SE/DB 5-10 155 DB 5-10 155 WR/DB 6-3 220 K 5-11 170 K 6-1 220 LB/OL 5-8 190 RB/LB Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-9 195 RB/LB 6-1 195 QB/DB 6-3 195 TE/DE 6-0 180 RB/LB 6-3 275 OL/DL 6-4 270 OL/DL 5-10 150 RB/DB 5-10 150 SE/DB 6-0 265 OL/DL 5-8 160 RB/LB 6-0 180 SE/DB 5-9 175 RB/LB 6-1 175 SE/DB 6-1 215 RB/LB 5-10 160 SE/DB 6-0 220 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-1 180 QB/DB 6-1 180 QB/DB 5-11 180 OL/DL 6-1 200 OL/DL 6-1 185 RB/DB 5-7 180 RB/LB 6-1 190 SE/DB 5-10 165 SE/DB 6-4 215 TE/DL 5-10 200 OL/DL 5-11 240 OL/DL 5-9 185 OL/DL 5-10 240 OL/DL 5-10 180 OL/DL 5-10 190 OL/DL

e n d C h a n ce H i l l i a rd , defensive tackle Eli Barber, Cambric at outside linebacker, inside linebacker Tommy Wilson and cornerback Aaron Porter.

“We’re a little new

at linebacker and in the secondary, but, like the offense, we have key people back, so hopefully we get the young guys learned up in a hurry and try it keep rolling,” Martin said.

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3A High School Football 3

South Seven Conference CENTRALIA ORPHANS

BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF CRUSADERS

Orphans look to get back on winning track GEARY DENISTON THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌After two straight playoff berths and a South Seven Conference sweep three years ago, Centralia has been spinning its wheels the past two seasons going 4-5 in 2013 and 5-4 last year.

The Orphans posted 1-4 conference records the past two years.

This year, coach Ray Kauling begins his seventh season at the helm of the Orphans with half his starters returning.

“Our numbers aren’t great, so we’re going to have stay healthy on both sides of the ball to have a chance,” Kauling said.

“We hope to be better this year. However, when you have half your starters back that’s a good place to start from.”

Kauling runs a multiple spread offense and has junior running back KeShawn Marshall, senior wide receivers Darian Reeves and Shandon Webster, senior tackle Colton Kracht, senior guard Austin Eckhoff and junior tackle Ben Alli returning as starters.

“After losing one of the best players I’ve ever coached, running back Matese Scott, we’re going to go with a one-back set with Marshall,” Kauling said.

“We’ll have sophomore JaVon Williams, Jr. taking over at quarterback.

He’s a big physical kid who has the ability to run and throw.”

S o p h o m o re C o n n o r Kracht will be at center with Henegar, junior James Taylor and senior Treyton Jansen battling for the other guard spot.

Defensively, Kauling runs a 4-3 scheme.

Reeves returns at safety and Webster at cornerback along with senior Jerome Johnson at the other corner, juniors Will Henegar and Calbe Shipley at linebacker and senior Parker Lane at defensive end.

CENTRALIA ORPHANS Coach: Ray Kauling Career Record: 94-51 2014 Record: 5-4 Conference: South Seven Conference (Class 5A) Schedule Aug. 28................... at Salem Oct. 2................... CAHOKIA* Sept. 4............ at Wood River Oct. 9................... at Marion* Sept. 11.......... CHARLESTON Oct. 16.... MOUNT VERNON* Sept. 18....... CARBONDALE* Oct. 23.............MASCOUTAH Sept. 25.at Belleville Althoff* *Denotes conference game Seniors Brodric Green Dorian Reeves Deven Toennies Shandon Webster Damon Weathersby Parker Lane Octavis Keeler Jerome Johnson Colton Kracht Austin Eckhoff Treyton Jansen James Powers Juniors Keshawn Marshall Servante King Anthony Mays Sean Clark Caleb Shipley Will Henegar Jonathan Broadway Ronnie Madrey James Tayor Nathan Thomas Austin Juday Ben Alli Sophomores Javon Williams, Jr. Jonathan Keeler Peyton Long Jordan Maines TyRese Wallace Dontea Jones SirLando Calcutt Boston Closter Braden Mahlandt Connor Kracht Marsel Clark Owen Martin Justice Hynes Freshmen Brylon Englekins

Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-2 180 WR/DB 6-0 165 WR/DB 6-4 190 WR/LB 6-0 170 WR/DB 6-3 175 WR/DB 6-1 175 WR/DL 5-7 205 RB/LB 5-10 165 WR/DB 6-0 240 OL/DL 5-11 235 OL/DL 5-11 195 OL/DL 5-10 245 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-7 160 RB/DB 5-8 160 RB/DB 5-10 155 WR/DB 6-3 185 WR/DL 6-0 180 RB/LB 5-11 180 OL/LB 6-0 175 OL/DL 5-10 235 OL/DL 6-2 185 OL/DL 6-0 300 OL/DL 5-10 325 OL/DL 6-1 235 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-1 225 QB/LB 6-1 160 WR/LB 5-11 140 WR/DB 5-10 165 WR/DB 5-7 160 RB/DB 6-0 150 WR/DB 5-9 170 RB/LB 6-0 160 RB/LB 5-9 140 RB/LB 5-9 220 OL/DL 5-11 200 OL/DL 6-0 175 OL/DL 5-10 240 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-7 135 QB/DB

Althoff hungry for breakout year GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌B elleville Althoff has been a model of consistency since Ken Turner took the reins in 2008, making the playoffs five of the seven years, including the last four in a row.

Last year the Crusaders (7-4, 4-1 South Seven) finished second in the conference to Marion after suffering a 49-7 defeat in week 6. In the playoffs Althoff beat Columbia, 41-35, before being eliminated by Herrin, 21-14.

“We were awful young last year,” Turner said.

“The Herrin loss was a tough one to swallow, but most of those guys are back and they are hungry.”

Turner has a lot of weapons back from an offense that averaged 25 points a game, including senior Jordan Augustine, who threw for over 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns and ran for 300 more. Also back is the all-time leading receiver in school history, senior Keenen Young, who caught 56 balls for 651 yards and eight TDs. “Last year both backs averaged seven yards a carry and all four receivers averaged double digit yards per catch,” Turner said. “Augustine grew last year after missing the year before, and with the talent he has around him, he should even better.”

The running game will be a two-headed monster.

Senior Malik Easley led the team with 910 yards on 128 carries and six TDs. Junior Jaylon Bester added 543 yards on 78 carries with five TDs. The offensive line will be largely new, with only Bryce Evans returning to left guard and James Townsend moving from center to right tackle.

Tu r n e r r u n s a 3 - 4 defensive scheme and returns three three-year s ta r te rs i n C h r i s t i a n Wills, Chris Branson and Bryson Strong.

BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF CRUSADERS Coach: Ken Turner Career Record: 42-33 2014 Record: 7-4 Conference: South Seven (Class 4A) Schedule Aug. 28........COLLINSVILLE Oct. 2..................at Marion* Sept. 4.......at Jefferson City Oct. 9..........CARBONDALE* Sept. 11.BREESE MATER DEI Oct. 16..............at Cahokia* Sept. 18.MOUNT VERNON* Oct. 23..................... at Triad Sept. 25.......... CENTRALIA* * Denotes conference game Seniors Keenen Young Ishaiah Williams Tarkus Ferguson Jordan Augustine Jeremy Savannah Malcolm Brown Malik Easley Chris Leshikar Andy Tate Rory Keen Justin Polites Jody Howard Donovan Gagen Juniors Edwyn Brown Bryson Strong Tevon Mosely Jaylon Bester Stephon Belt Jordan Goodwin CJ Coldon Austin Carey Demond Salmond Christian Willis Chris Branson Royce Payne Sam Fitch James Simoneaux Zach Guerrero Anthony Hughes Ta’Jarian Falconer James Townsend Gage Rainey Sophomores Justin Strong Melvin Brock John Leskikar Zach Braunagel Devyn Nash Ronald Jones Dann Brueggemann Jordan Slaughter Patrick Ahrens Nick Lippert Xavier Williams

Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-2 223 WR/DB 5-11 170 WR/DB 6-4 175 WR 6-2 180 QB 5-10 166 WR/DB 5-9 176 DL 5-10 155 RB 5-10 210 OL/LB 5-9 200 DL 5-9 158 LB 5-9 195 RB/LB 6-2 327 OL/DL 6-1 160 K Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-5 174 WR/DB 5-11 203 RB/LB 6-0 186 QB/LB 5-9 150 RB 6-0 170 LB 6-3 226 TE/DL 6-0 170 WR/DB 5-7 160 RB/LB 5-7 120 DB 6-1 261 TE/DL 5-11 230 LB 5-11 182 DL 5-10 226 OL/DL 5-9 265 OL/LB 5-8 171 OL/LB 5-8 196 OL/DL 5-8 225 OL/DL 6-1 278 Ol/DL 6-0 215 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 170 RB/LB 5-10 157 WR/DB 5-7 144 WR/DB 5-9 185 FB/LB 5-9 325 OL/DL 5-5 274 Ol/DL 6-1 280 OL/DL 6-3 271 OL/DL 6-7 332 OL/DL 6-1 141 WR/DB 6-0 145 WR/DB

MOUNT VERNON RAMS

Defensive improvement a priority at Mount Vernon GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

T h e M o u n t Ve r n o n ‌ Rams want to regain their momentum this year.

The Rams went 1-8 and 0-9 in coach Jared Shaner’s first two seasons at the helm before posting a 7-4 mark in 2013. That marked Mount Vernon’s first playoff berth since 2008.

Last year the Rams took a step backward, falling to 3-6 overall, and fourth in the South Seven Conference at 2-3.

“I’m pretty optimistic that we’re going to find a way to win this season,” Shaner said. “In order to do, so the defense is going to have get better. We might not be any bigger this year, but we will be stronger and faster, which should translate into more turnovers and better field position for our offense.”

The Rams’ offense was the bright spot last year, averaging 28 points a game. Mount Vernon lost two key components of that offense in quarterback Dylan Reeves and running back DeMontez MillerGray, who was a 1,000 yard rusher last season.

Junior Brandon Rutherford is taking over behind center and will have five

“I’m pretty optimistic that we’re going to find a way to win this season.”

Jared Shaner, coach

returning seniors helping him run Shaner’s flex-bone offense. Returnees include guard Alex Bourland and tackle Trevor Schubert up front. Running backs Jailon Rush, Drew Hester and Remington Paris hope to take up the slack of losing Miller-Gray.

Shaner’s 4-3 defense gave up a lot of points last season, including four games with 40 or more points, and will have to be vastly improved. Stopping the big play and forcing turnovers, will be critical areas of improvement.

Returning starters are Schubert at defensive tackle, Hester at inside linebacker along with senior Brylan Bowers at defensive end, senior Jesse Green at outside linebacker and junior Gage Burroughs at cornerback.

ROSTER MOUNT VERNON RAMS Coach: Jared Shaner Career Record: 23-60 2014 Record: 3-6 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Schedule Aug. 28............. at Taylorville Oct. 2........... CARBONDALE* Sept. 4.............at Charleston Oct. 9................. at Cahokia* Sept.11...............TROY TRIAD Oct. 16..............at Centralia* Sept. 18.at Belleville Althoff* Oct. 23.......MOUNT CARMEL Sept. 25.................MARION* *denotes conference game Seniors Jesse Green Jailon Rush Darius Johnson Chaquielle Evans Reed Millwood Omar Jackson Pavel Harrington Drew Hester Remington Paris Lucas Savage Alex Bourland Zeke Hunter D.J. Jackson Adam Tate Trevor Schubert Roi’Yell Nesbitt Malcolm Ruff Brytan Bowers Juniors Travon Bray Brandon Rutherford Jacob Wylie

Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-9 180 RB/LB 5-8 155 RB/DB 5-10 170 RB/DB 6-1 205 TE/DL 6-0 175 SE/DB 5-9 145 SE/DB 5-8 155 SE/DL 6-2 225 RB/LB 5-5 175 RB/LB 5-4 170 RB/DL 5-11 240 OL/DL 6-0 180 OL/LB 5-9 225 OL/DL 6-0 300 OL/DL 5-11 255 OL/DL 6-9 275 TE/DL 6-6 200 SE/DB 6-0 220 TE/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-4 140 SE/DB 6-0 170 QB/DB 6-0 200 SE/LB

Jimmy Smith Gage Burroughs Jacob Graham Tyler Norris Jacob Roberson Garrett McFarlin Ryan Clark Brendon Donoho Zion McMillan KaMijah Hawthorne Hayden Brown Chandler Hemby David Gordon Sophomores Amier Trimble Cade Scarbrough Zach Tobin Torean Moore Collin Evans Dylan Boykin Dakotah Bodine Eli Hernandez Jacob Mick J.T. McElroy Keimontae Craig Jordan Jones Dawsen Winkleman Derick Robinson Devin Jackson Dylan Martin Adam Prusz DeaVonnie Tate Chris Singh TaJai Gibson Zhaaqil Jones Gabe Bluemeyer Brennan Docherty Jared Palmer

510 175 RB/DB 5-9 180 RB/LB 5-7 160 RB/LB 5-6 135 RB/DB 6-0 205 OL/DL 5-7 185 OL/DL 5-10 205 OL/DL 5-9 240 OL/DL 6-0 195 OL/DL 5-7 345 OL/DL 6-2 350 OL/DL 5-9 145 SE/DB 5-10 150 SE/LB Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-6 110 RB/DB 5-11 150 RB/DB 5-11 145 RB/DB 5-7 180 RB/DB 6-0 200 SE/LB 5-9 140 RB/DB 5-3 160 RB/LB 5-6 190 RB/LB 5-4 140 RB/DB 5-7 140 RB/DB 6-0 215 RB/LB 5-10 190 RB/LB 5-9 210 OL/DL 5-7 175 OL/LB 6-1 245 OL/DL 6-0 215 OL/DL 5-7 210 OL/DL 5-8 230 OL/DL 5-11 215 OL/DL 6-0 300 OL/DL 5-11 225 OL/DL 6-0 270 OL/DL 6-2 250 OL/DL 6-2 245 OL/DL

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South Seven Conference CAHOKIA COMANCHES

Cahokia in youth movement pattern GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

‌It’s been six years since Cahokia has had a winning season, and with only five returning starters, coach Antwyne Golliday hopes an infusion of new blood will get the Comanches back on track.

Cahokia (4-5, 3-2 South Seven) has been struck in a rut since winning four of five conference championships in 2004-09, posting 4-5 records four times, including last year, and a 3-6 mark in 2013.

“We’ll again be young this year,” Golliday said.

“We return only three on offense and lost almost everybody on defense. I won’t have many seniors, so I’m going to play a lot of sophomores and juniors.

We’re going to be young everywhere, so we’re definitely going to be tested.”

“We’ll again be young this year.”

Antwyne Golliday, coach

Offensively, Golliday has only three senior starters back in wide receiver Tyran Lyons, tight end Leo Stewart and tackle Courtney Hoffman. He will have to find a replacement for quarterback Korrion Session and running back Keveion Akins.

“I have a couple guys in the picture at quarterback and the rest of the starting jobs are going to be real competitive,” Golliday said.

“We’re going to try to be balanced, but if throwing is not working, I’m going to run it and vice versa.”

The only returning starters on defense are junior cornerbacks Robert Jackson and Keondre Wells.

ROSTER CAHOKIA COMANCHES Coach: Antwyne Golliday Career Record: 77-48 Schedule Aug. 28...............at Highland Sept. 5..........CRYSTAL LAKE Sept. 12.............. at Northwest Academy Sept. 18.................MARION* Sept. 25........at Carbondale* * denotes conference game Seniors Tyran Lyons Robert Jackson Darrius McClatchery Antez Stevenson Earon Dukes Leo Stewart James Jones Nate Hardaway Nate Williams Courtney Hoffman Juniors Kenyon Sanders

2014 Record: 4-5 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Oct. 2................at Centralia* Oct. 9...... MOUNT VERNON* Oct. 16................. BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF* Oct. 23..............CROSSROADS ACADEMY

Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-5 150 RB/WR 6-1 180 DB/WR 6-0 160 QB/WR 5-6 150 WR 5-7 140 DB/WR 6-0 180 WR/DB 5-8 195 LB 6-0 180 TE/DE 5-8 215 OL/LB 5-10 270 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-9 155 RB/DB

Keondre Wells Wayne Grant Jr. Chrishawn Crosby Marquis Murray George Smith Calvin Dowell Chris Stanley Calvin Prater Breon King Robert Johnson Aaron Mimbes Jemor Taylor Sophomores Demarion Hinkl Cortez Moore Da’Veyon Towers Khairy Mosley Julian Smith Marquwon Walker Elliott Lee Brian Williams Marquis Charles Brycton Jefferies Freshmen Cortez Brown Danny Brownlee

6-0 180 WR/DB 5-9 150 QB/DB 5-7 150 WR/DB 5-8 160 WR/DB 5-11 145 WR/DB 5-11 155 WR/DB 5-7 145 WR/DB 5-11 170 WR/DB 5-8 180 OL/DL 6-2 200 OL/DL 6-0 305 OL/DL 6-4 175 WR Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-8 155 WR/DB 5-7 150 WR/RB 5-7 140 WR/DB 5-7 145 WR/DB 5-11 245 RB/LB 5-8 215 OL/DL 6-0 275 OL/DL 6-2 235 OL/DL 5-10 230 OL/DL 6-4 330 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 160 WR/DB 5-6 200 OL/DL

Sirr Ohio Conference HERRIN TIGERS

Herrin Tigers reloaded for 2015 playoff run SCOTT MEES

ROSTER

THE SOUTHERN‌

‌ fter enjoying one of A the best seasons in school history, the Tigers bring ba c k p l e n ty o f ta l e n t despite losing some key pieces to last year’s semifinal squad.

Herrin tied a school record for wins in 2014 and has to replace standouts like Chase Merrill, Josh Haynes and Brent Milner.

The cupboard isn’t bare either. Gavin Pickel returns at quarterback, and he’s got plenty of weapons at his disposal.

“Anytime you have your quarterback return it’s big for you,” coach Jason Karnes said. “He’s a hardnosed player who knows the offense well and can throw the football well.

He really understands the intangibles of an offense.”

The Tigers have three starters from an excellent offensive line back as well. Josh Batson, Caleb Culbreath and Gage Wells should give Pickel and the running backs plenty of space to excel.

Wells, a 6-foot-2, 290pound tackle, was an allconference selection as a freshman a year ago.

“First time I’ve ever started a freshman in my life and he played 13 games,” Karnes said of Wells. “He gets stronger every year.

If he was 6-4 or 6-5, he’d be going big time in college football. He reminds me of Tanner Crum (SIU) from Mount Carmel.”

Gavyn Gosha played the third option out of the backfield last season and enjoyed some big games in limited action. He’ll be the featured back this season.

“He plays at one speed and that’s it,” Karnes said.

“Last year, he made some huge runs for us. He’s a game breaker. He can just get it and go. If he gets a little seam, he can take it 60 or 70 yards in a hurry.”

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Herrin’s Gavin Pickel looks for an open receiver during last year’s game with West Frankfort.

Gavin Jordan, the team’s leading tackler a year ago, will see time at fullback as well as linebacker this year.

“He’s an old fashioned football player that hits you hard every time,” Karnes said of Jordan. “He doesn’t say much at all. He just goes about his business. He breaks kids in half.”

Karnes hopes to open up the passing game more this year, and D.J. Spell, a 6-foot-4 junior at wide receiver, is a good place to start.

“I think he’s going to have a great year,” Karnes said of Spell. “He started

most of the season and didn’t get many touches last year. He could’ve had more, but that’s hard to do with the guys we had last year. He’s had a great summer and has that wide receiver body. He can really make some plays for us, and I’m excited to see what he can do this year.”

The Tigers fell to the Rochester machine in the Class 4A state semifinals last year. Only time will tell if this team can replicate the accomplishments of last year’s squad. But all the pieces are there.

“This is a whole new

team with a new identity this year, but we’ve set the bar high,” Karnes said.

“The loss of Josh Haynes at kicker for four years is huge. That will hurt us even more than the loss of Milner and Merrill. I’m looking forward to seeing guys step up in new roles.

This senior class has not only great football players, but great young men.

They’re going to leave a footprint behind for our future players.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086 On Twitter: @SIprepsports

HERRIN TIGERS 2014 Record: 11-2 Coach: Jason Karnes Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Career Record: 65-31 Schedule Aug. 28............... at Waterloo Oct. 2..... at Massac County* Sept. 4...........CARBONDALE Oct. 9....WEST FRANKFORT* Sept. 11...............at Du Quoin Oct. 16..........HARRISBURG* Sept. 18...............at Benton* Oct. 23...... at Breese Central Sept. 26... MURPHYSBORO* * Denotes conference game Roster Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Gavin Pickel 5-10 190 QB-DB Kolton Lannom 6-2 205 TE/LB Logan Reagan 5-8 150 WR/DB Jason Antoine 5-10 145 WR/DB Tre Mason 5-10 160 WR/DB Trey Stevenson 5-8 180 RB/DB Dylan Young 6-0 180 WR/DB Gavin Jordan 5-7 195 RB/LB Zak Moore 5-7 160 RB/LB Gavyn Gosha 5-11 190 RB/LB Tristan Houseworth 6-0 230 OL Keire Jefferson 5-11 170 DE John Ladd 6-0 260 OL Caleb Culbreath 6-2 250 OL Keiman Jefferson 6-0 185 DL Austin Bennett 6-0 260 OL/DL Travis Davie 6-3 220 WR/DB David Hickey 6-3 170 WR/DB Dakota Josten 6-1 160 WR/LB Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Evan Smith 6-0 180 K Jacob Hartline 6-0 170 WR/DB Maclane Parks 5-8 170 RB/LB Blake Starkweather 5-10 205 RB/LB Jacob Downen 6-4 190 QB/DB D.J. Spell 6-4 190 WR/DB John Vaughn 6-0 230 TE/DE Taylor Thompson 5-10 150 K Wes Yates 6-2 165 K Branden Fowler 5-10 165 WR/DB Ty Downen 6-4 200 WR/DE Dustin Turner 5-8 145 WR/DB Drew Merrill 6-0 190 RB/DE Rielly Dickerson 6-2 160 WR/DB Tristen Wells 5-10 250 OL/DL Josh Batson 6-1 250 OL Austyn Holden 6-0 210 OL/DL Lamont Ellis 5-11 340 DL Alex Vaughn 5-6 285 OL Jake Natyshok 5-9 230 OL Ryan Olsen 6-0 180 DB Dalton Bush 6-0 210 TE/DE Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Gage Wells 6-0 300 OL/DL

COACHES: Way returns, Lee moves and Hill moves up FROM PAGE 1

“Defensively, I’ve been fortunate to inherit some great coaches, Keith Ellis and John Gross,” Hill said.

“They’ve been around the game for a long time. Coach Ellis just got inducted into the Hall of Fame recently.

I’ve really got some good guys around me. This has been a great transition.”

The Indians should be right in the mix for the SIRR Mississippi Division

title, along with a few other schools. Hill has the luxury of being a first-year head coach that isn’t taking over a program in shambles.

“There will be things I see this fall that I haven’t come across before,” Hill sa i d . “ Be twe e n t h ose coaches, including coach Martin, there probably isn’t anything they haven’t seen.

I will utilize them when I need them and lean on them when I need them.”

Harrisburg

Jason Roper stepped down after nine seasons coa c h i n g t h e H a r r i s burg Bulldogs. A familiar face takes over this season. Al Way, who previously coached the Bulldogs from 1981-2001 and again in 2005, returns to the sideline.

Way accumulated 175 wins at Harrisburg, including a state championship and a state runner-up finish during his previous tenure.

“It’s something I really enjoy doing and being around the kids helps keep you young,” Way said. “One of the reasons I retired the first time was I just got to the point where things like injuries, suspensions and stuff like that began to wear on me. It was time to step away for a while.”

For the past 10 years, Way coached in a variety of capacities, including assistant positions at Vienna-Goreville and

Eldorado. He’s ready to get back in the swing of things as the man in charge of the Bulldogs.

“The kids seem enthused about it,” Way said. “It’s something different now being out for 10 years. I was at Vienna and Eldorado helping out. The biggest difference is I haven’t coached these kids. When I came back before in 2005 I’d coached them as freshmen. But there is not nearly as much pressure being an

assistant coach.”

Harrisburg finished just 2-7 last season. The Bulldogs should be improved this year.

“It’s nice being back at Harrisburg, and this is where my roots are,” Way said. “I would assume this is where I’ll end my career.

Still coaching after all this time isn’t a surprise to me because I really enjoy it.”

Scott Mees; 618-351-5086; On Twitter: @ SIprepsports

Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015 Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015

www.thesouthern.com

5A High School Football 5

Sirr Ohio Conference BENTON RANGERS

MURPHYSBORO RED DEVILS

2015 marks a new beginning at Benton SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN‌

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Murphysboro’s Clay Rendleman looks upfield for yards against Carterville. Rendleman ran for over 1,000 yards last year.

Red Devils ready to continue ascent SCOTT MEES

THE SOUTHERN‌

‌It seems like each season of Gary Carter’s tenure at Murphysboro has seen a new wall broken down.

Carter, entering his fifth year as head coach, took over a program that was in rough shape in the fall of 2011.

The Red Devils enjoyed their first winning season since the 1990s in 2013 and followed with their first playoff berth since 1996 last season. The squad is expected to be one of the best teams in Southern Illinois this year.

“It was neat to get to that level, and every year since we’ve been here it seems like we’ve overcome some kind of milestone,” Carter said. “But we want to win a game in the playoffs and try to make a run. This year, the expectation is to do something in the playoffs. That’s the way the kids feel about it, and I agree with them.”

This is the senior class that Murphysboro football fans have been waiting on.

“We’ve got a really good group of kids and coaches, and I feel blessed to have the kids that we have,” Carter said. “They’re buying in to what we’re doing, and if you don’t have that, it doesn’t really matter what you’re doing. We’ve had a little success now, and that helps.”

Braden Miller returns for his third year as the starting quarterback, and Clay Rendleman is back at running back and linebacker.

“Having Braden makes us harder to defend because people have to worry about the pass as well as the run,” Carter said. “I’m a runfirst guy, but he’s got some weapons to throw to. We’ll be able to stretch the field vertically this year.”

Rendleman made a name for himself as one of the best all-around players in the area last season.

“He had over 1,100 yards last year, and he’s one of the hardest workers we’ve got,” Carter said of Rendleman.

“He’s the epitome of what I want as a coach. He’s a gym rat and a leader on our team.

He’ll do whatever it takes for us.”

Add in Justin Pulcher and Kane Toliver, and the Red Devils have plenty of viable options to run the ball.

Brandon and Connor Graeff, who are twins, are expected to contribute in that area as well.

Marshall Grammer has been a playmaker at wide receiver for a few years,

ROSTER MURPHYSBORO RED DEVILS 2014 Record: 7-3 (Class 4A) Coach: Gary Carter Conference: SIRR Ohio Career Record: 19-18, 5th year Schedule Aug.28.........CARBONDALE Oct. 2.WEST FRANKFORT* Sept. 4.at Anna-Jonesboro Oct. 9...........at Harrisburg* Sept. 11........ CARTERVILLE Oct. 16................ BENTON* Sept. 18.MASSAC COUNTY* Oct. 23............. at Du Quoin Sept. 25.............. at Herrin* *denotes conference game Roster Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Zack Easton 6’3” 175 WR/DB Staci LaBranche 6’1” 155 WR/DB Braden Miller 5’11” 170 QB Aaron Wyatt 5’10” 180 TE/LB Marshall Grammer 6’0” 180 WR Noah Baird 5’11” 150 K/P/DB Justin Pulcher 5’8” 155 RB/DB Kane Toliver 5’11” 180 RB/DB Brock Barnes 5’10” 180 RB/DL Clay Rendleman 5’9” 200 RB/LB Dehen Mulrooney 5’9” 200 OL/LB Ryan Chrum 6’2” 210 OL/DL Jesse Stilley 6’0” 205 OL/LB Scott Rose 6’0” 230 OL/DL Zach James 6’3” 215 OL/DL Ronald Gaston 6’2” 290 OL/DL Charles Cunningham 5’8” 145 WR/DB William Lynch 5’9” 155 WR/DB Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Tyler Reeves 5’7” 125 WR/DB Hunter Neef 6’1” 180 QB/LB Chase Stamm 5’8” 140 WR/DB Brandon Graeff 6’1” 160 RB/DB Connor Graeff 6’1” 155 WR/DB Ethan Cook 6’0” 185 TE/LB Cole McNitt 5’10” 185 RB/LB Tucker Landewee 5’7” 135 WR/DB Johnny Rendleman 5’11” 170 TE/LB Dalton Craig 5’10” 190 OL/LB Dalton Grammer 6’2” 245 OL/DL Dalton Miller 5’11” 225 OL/LB Zakevion Harris 5’6” 250 DL Devan Austin 5’10” 200 OL/DL Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Brandon Caldwell 5’10” 160 RB/DB DeVondre Gaston 5’9” 145 RB/DB Jaron Gaston 5’10” 145 QB/DB Blake Niesporek 5’6” 125 RB/DB Jeremy Norris 5’1” 115 WR/DB Arieh Hart 5’7” 150 RB/DB Justin Johnson 5’10” 120 WR/DB Justin Taylor 6’1” 185 TE/LB Marcus Gilmore 6’0” 175 OL/DL Jared Rowald 5’10” 175 OL/DL Matt Satterlee 5’10” 175 OL/DL Cameron Wisinski 5’11” 205 OL/DL C.J. Rayford 6’2” 230 OL/DL Solomon Caraway 5’10” 150 TE/LB and Aaron Wyatt returns at tight end.

“Aaron is one of our fastest and most physical kids,” Carter said. “Marshall can really make some big plays for us. We’re fortunate to have both of them as receivers again this year.”

Murphysboro will have six returning starters on defense, and Carter believes his team should be very solid on that side of the ball, too.

‌ fter a couple seasons A where the team didn’t perform very well on the field, Benton coach Jeremy Clodfelder felt like some basic changes needed to be made in the football program.

The Rangers finished below .500 in 2013 and 2014.

“There were some relationships we kind of lost along the way,” Clodfelder said. “Sometimes it can be because of a class, and sometimes it can happen because of a few kids. And I’m not going to say that I was perfect and didn’t make any mistakes along the way because I certainly did. I had to go back and reevaluate some of the things that we’d done.”

Clodfelder feels like the program has a newfound energy, which was obviously missing the past few years.

“I’m excited about our whole culture, and our eight days of camp was reinvigorating,” Clodfelder said. “It was exciting to coach football again. That’s not to demean anyone from the past, but we had to get ourselves going again.”

Hamilton Page became the rare freshman to start at quarterback and actually win some games last season. Clodfelder is expecting quite a bit from the sophomore this season.

“The way he played as a freshman was remarkable at times,” Clodfelder said.

“He goes on the road and helps us beat Harrisburg in his first varsity start at quarterback. I would challenge anybody to find the last time that’s been done.”

Caleb Rock, who played quarterback as well last season, will see time at defensive back, but Clodfelder wouldn’t rule out using multiple quarterbacks this season, depending on the situation.

“I love what Steve Spurrier said on media day,” Clodfelder said. “He said there ain’t nothing in the rule book that says you can only play one quarterback.”

Jordan Kulich and Clay Kelley, the team’s leading a rusher a year ago, should see quite a bit of action at running back. Kruz Hayes and Blane Pankey will be in the mix as well.

“Jordan Kulich is a kid who has come on strong,” Clodfelder said. “He’s a

ROSTER BENTON RANGERS Coach: Jeremy Clodfelder Career Record: 29-39 Schedule Aug. 28........ CARTERVILLE Sept. 4................. at Sparta Sept. 11.... PINCKNEYVILLE Sept. 18............... HERRIN* Sept. 26.at West Frankfort* *Denotes conference game Seniors Chase Owens Cole Richardson Caleb Rock Nick Goffinet Marc Torres George Styles Dakotah Lampley Kruz Hayes Jordan Kulich Clay Kelley Joseph Hedger Devon Sieveking Tyler Ore Raymond Smothers Benjamen Pankey Jeremy Clements Braxton Pulliam Brendan Ritchason Juniors Oliver Davis Grante Hungate Lance Cockrum Trevor Key Benjamin Schilli Dylan Summers Hunter Shockley Gavin Richardson Alexander Longfellow Bryden Picklesimer Jourdan Garbo Elijah Lampley Sophomores Cade Thomas Neal Carlton Hamilton Page Caleb Pemberton Blane Pankey Bret Furlong Warren Smothers Ian McMahon downhill runner, and I like the way he has embraced some leadership things on our team.”

Hayes and Marc Torres provide a solid receiving core. Clodfelder also has the basketball team’s center, Brendan Ritchason, out for football.

“Brendan has a chance to help us, but so much of football was foreign to him before now,” Clodfelder said. “But he’s really grown into one of those receiver spots.”

Clodfelder admitted that Murphysboro and Herrin are the teams to beat at the top of the conference this

2014 Record: 3-6 Conference: SIRR Ohio Division (Class 3A) Oct. 2..........HARRISBURG* Oct. 9.. MASSAC COUNTY* Oct. 16.... at Murphysboro* Oct. 23.at Anna-Jonesboro

Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 150 WR/DB 5-10 155 WR/DB 5-10 155 QB/DB 5-8 170 WR/LB 6-3 180 WR/LB 5-6 145 WR/DB 5-11 150 WR/DB 6-0 190 WR/LB 5-7 170 RB/LB 5-9 150 RB/DB 6-4 258 OL/DL 5-10 250 OL/DL 6-1 230 OL/DL 5-9 200 OL/DL 6-2 200 OL/DL 6-1 217 OL/DL 6-0 225 OL/DL 6-4 255 WR/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-6 145 WR/DB 5-8 150 WR/DB 5-5 135 WR/LB 5-6 151 WR/LB 6-1 175 WR/DB 6-3 240 OL/DL 6-1 230 OL/DL 5-10 190 OL/LB 5-7 200 OL/LB 6-0 235 OL/DL 5-11 190 OL/DL 5-10 300 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-6 135 WR/DB 5-9 130 WR/DB 5-10 145 QB/DB 5-9 140 WR/DB 5-10 200 RB/LB 5-9 210 OL/DL 5-6 205 OL/LB 5-9 170 K season. As for his Rangers, he just hopes the squad has improved enough to get back in the playoffs.

“When people have asked me about this year, my response is typically that I don’t know,” Clodfelder said. “But the absolute truth is that we’re a better football team than we were before. We are close with our relationships. We are closer attitude-wise to how we were when we had a nice little run a few years ago.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086 On Twitter: @SIprepsports

“Every game on our schedule is winnable, but we could lose some games in there too,” Carter said.

“We’re not going to sneak up on anybody. People know we’ve got some kids back that can play. It’s just a matter of going out and taking care of business.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086 On Twitter: @SIprepsports

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Benton’s Kruz Hayes tries to block a pass from Sparta’s Trei Greer during a game this past season.

6A 6

High School Football

Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015 Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015

www.thesouthern.com

Sirr Ohio Conference HARRISBURG BULLDOGS

WEST FRANKFORT REDBIRDS

Harrisburg hopes to thrive under Al Way SCOTT MEES

NICOLAS GALINDO FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

The strong-armed Hunter Pulley will start at quarterback for West Frankfort this season.

Promising Redbirds a year bigger and stronger SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌Despite a 2-7 record, the West Frankfort Redbirds certainly had their chances to enjoy a solid season.

Brian Beery’s squad won two games and lost three others by single digits.

“Everyone from the fans to the community just looks at things by wins and losses, but as a coach there are a couple things I can walk away from last year feeling pretty good about,” Beery said. “With the three games we lost by single digits, we very easily could have had a winning record for the first time in many years if we’d caught a break here or there.”

West Frankfort started five sophomores, or what Beery basically called a junior varsity team, when it played a Week 4 game against Harrisburg. The Redbirds fell 21-12, but t h o s e u n d e rc l a s s m e n gained valuable experience along the way.

“That wasn’t the only game like that,” Beery said.

“I played a lot of sophomores last year because the senior class was small, plus they got banged up.

We can turn some of those losses into wins this year if we play good disciplined football and we continue to grow as a team.”

H u n t e r P u l l e y, a 6 - fo o t - 4 se n i o r, w i l l start at quarterback, and Beery is excited about his potential.

“The sky is the limit for him, and he can throw the ball almost 70 yards in the air,” Beery said of Pulley.

“He’s got a cannon for an arm. He’s worked on his footwork, and his accuracy for his short passes has gone way up from last year. He has also proven that he can punt and kick a football, so he’ll do that as well. He’ll be taking a big leadership role, and I look for good things from him.”

B ra n d o n B e e r y, t h e coach’s son, was also in the mix at quarterback, but he’ll play running back and do some receiving as well on the offensive end.

“I feel pretty good about the core of running backs that we have,” Beery said.

“Josh McReynolds and Logan Tomanovich can run the ball well up the middle.

Kyle Sailliez looks good running the ball and he’s a fast kid. My son Brandon has also done well running the ball. Dalton O’Connor is coming back to football

WEST FRANKFORT REDBIRDS Coach: Brian Beery 2014 Record: 2-7 Career Record: 28-40 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 3A) Schedule Aug. 28. ANNA-JONESBORO Oct. 2.............Murphysboro* Sept. 4....... PINCKNEYVILLE Oct. 9.................... at Herrin* Sept. 11...................at Sparta Oct. 16........Massac County* Sept. 18.........at Harrisburg* Oct. 23..............at Carterville Sept. 26................ BENTON* * Denotes conference game Seniors Brett Reiger Jason Spears Dalton O’Connor Hunter Pulley Gavin Gunter Kyle Sailliez Josh McReynolds John Sopko Stephen Wilkerson David Morris Cody Mash Kenny Jacobs Noah Humphrey Chaz Centore Juniors Brandon Beery Logan Tomanovich Garrett Willmore Brandon Glass Terry Flute Peyton Overturf Alijah Roman Tyler Riddle Trey Snyder Jaryd Clark-6-0 Jake Upton Zach Lindsey Luke Morris Sophomores Jordan Brewster Andrew Ragsdale Ben Souders Chance Hasty Zane Uhls Jacob Novak Shane Veil Bradlee Croslin Greg Cooper

Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-3 180 WR 6-2 175 WR 6-0 180 WR 6-3 220 QB 5-11 170 WR 5-11 195 RB 5-8 190 RB 5-7 170 OL 5-8 230 OL 5-7 240 OL 6-0 325 OL 6-0 282 OL 6-4 340 OL 6-0 200 K Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-0 180 QB/RB 5-9 204 RB 6-0 185 RB 5-7 165 RB 5-9 140 RB 5-10 160 RB 5-8 150 RB 5-11 180 RB 5-11 235 OL 235 OL 5-11 220 OL 6-0 205 OL 6-5 330 OL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-11 130 RB 5-8 203 RB 5-7 160 RB 6-0 175 RB 6-3 300 OL 5-10 160 OL 5-11 186 OL 6-5 285 OL 5-11 220 TE

to give it another try, and he’s a great athlete, too.”

The Redbirds should be able to implement a good mix of passing and running this season. Jason Spears and Tyler Riddle are expected to be the primary receivers.

The five sophomores who started quite a bit last year should be much improved. Beery expects positive results from Jaryd Clark (linebacker), Trey Snyder (offensive line), Brandon Glass (safety), Tomanovich (linebacker), and his son, Brandon (defensive back).

B e e r y b e l i e ve s h i s team’s first game against

THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌Al Way returns to head coaching duties for the first time in 10 years this season.

Way coached the Bulldogs from 1981 to 2001 and again for the 2005 season. He replaces Jason Roper, who coached Harrisburg for the past nine years and stepped down in the offseason.

Harrisburg won just two games a year ago, but the Bulldogs have quite a few key players back this season.

Noah Vallette returns at quarterback, and Way is expecting a solid senior year from the senior.

“He’s really smart and a good leader for us,” Way said. “He throws the ball well, but he can also run.

That’s a good place to start with a senior like that.

He’s used to being in very competitive situations.”

The Bulldogs have a handful of players capable of making some noise in the running game.

“We’ve got some speed and some size, but you’ve got to put it all together,” Way said. “We’ve got to put the right people in the right spots, and we’ve got to be able to utilize the speed that we have. It all starts up front. We’ve got to come up with an offensive line to give these kids a chance.”

Tylor Marler and Corbin Crim provide plenty of speed, and Kane Carrigan brings some power to the backfield.

“Kane will probably be our fullback, and he is a versatile player,” Way said.

“We’re hoping he’ll be right there in the middle of all of it. Tylor just needs to get in a position and stay there to utilize his speed.

Crim has the potential to be a really good defensive back for us as well.”

The offensive line is somewhat of a mystery at this early stage, but the Bulldogs will have some good size up front.

“The offensive line is definitely a work in progress,” Way said. “We return Lucian Hicks, who I think will be solid for us. Jared Barger and Walker Shavez are a couple kids we think could give us good production as well.”

H a r r i s b u rg a l l owe d an average of 30 points

HARRISBURG BULLDOGS Coach: Al Way Career Record: 175-66 2014 Record: 2-7 Conference: SIRR Ohio Division (Class 4A) Schedule Aug. 28..... at Mount Carmel Sept. 25.at Massac County* Sept. 4.................DU QUOIN Oct. 2................... BENTON* Sept. 11..... BOONVILLE, Ind. Oct. 9........at Murphysboro* Sept. 18...................... WEST Oct. 16................. at Herrin* FRANKFORT* Oct. 23...........at Carbondale *denotes conference game Seniors Reece Owen Aaron Stephens Noah Vallette Joshua Craig Tylor Marler Dylan McDowell Corbin Crim-Harbison Jake McGowan Blane Satterfield Kane Carrigan Cody Rightnowar Walker Shavez Lucian Hicks Tyler Morgan J.D. Fugate Jared Barger Logan Mitchell Zaquary Stevens Tyler Lightner Juniors Austin Hefner Dalton Drone Jordan Gould Ryan Ragsdale Matt Upchurch Preston Wargel James Tanner Peyton Jackson Nathan Abraham Jeremy Wright Brandon Sherrod Chase McDaniel Nicholas Foster Sophomores Blake Drue Isaiah Saulsberry Hunter Smith Jordan Bartok per game last season on defense. That will obviously have to change if the team wants to turn things around.

“We’re going to have kids playing different positions than they played last year,” Way said. “I like our speed in our secondary. At the same time, a couple of the kids didn’t play much back there last year, but we like what we’re seeing in practice right now. We have six or seven defensive linemen we’re looking at. I think our linebackers will be

Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-11 155 K/DB 5-10 170 RB/DB 6-0 200 QB/DB 6-0 190 TE/DE 6-0 191 RB/LB 6-4 200 TE/DE 6-3 175 WR/DB 6-0 165 RB/DB 6-0 200 TE/DE 5-11 205 RB/LB 6-0 205 TE/DE 6-0 250 C/DT 5-10 206 OG/LB 5-8 185 OG/DT 6-0 205 OG/DE 6-6 305 OT/DT 5-10 230 OT/DT 6-3 280 OT/DT 6-0 205 TE/DE Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 155 WR/DE 5-11 150 RB/K 5-11 150 QB/DB 5-8 175 RB/DT 6-0 190 RB/LB 5-9 135 DB 5-10 180 OT/DT 6-0 220 C/LB 6-1 210 OG/DT 5-10 250 OG/DT 5-9 185 OG/LB 6-0 240 OT/DT 6-0 280 OT/DT Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 160 WR/DB 6-0 155 QB/DB 6-0 144 RB/DB 6-0 215 TE/LB athletic, which is really important.”

Although things are kind of new for Way with this group of players, he’s looking forward to seeing what his team can do this season.

“I’m dealing with kids I haven’t coached before,” Way said. “I think our schedule is tough again, even though we don’t play Marion anymore. This year is kind of scary because there are lots of potentially good teams on our schedule. We’ll have to be ready to play every single week.”

Anna-Jonesboro is crucial.

The Redbirds have been competitive with the Wildcats in recent years, but don’t have much to show for it.

“If your No. 1 goal isn’t to have a winning season, I think you’re selling these kids short,” Beery said. “In order to do that, we’ve got to play more disciplined football. We had way too many penalties called on us last year. We’ve got to get off to a good start against Anna, and our first two or three games are very important to us.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086 On Twitter: @SIprepsports

Harrisburg’s Corbin Crim turns up field against Herrin.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

7

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8A 8

High School Football

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Sirr Ohio Conference MASSAC COUNTY PATRIOTS

Patriots look to rebound from winless 2014 SCOTT MEES

THE SOUTHERN‌

‌Massac County looks to rebound from a rough and injury-plagued 2014 campaign, in which they didn’t win a game.

Ryan Lott was a first-year head coach last season, and his squad had an explosive rushing attack before injuries decimated the team.

Dillon Stoner, who graduated, missed half the season at running back. Malik Miller, a running back, lost almost his entire season to injury, and Zach Donaldson, an offensive linemen, endured a knee injury as well.

“We seemed to get further and further behind each week with an injury here or there,” Lott said.

“Before you know it, we had some younger guys starting for us. It was great experience for them, but the key injuries definitely hurt us.”

Miller and Donaldson are back for their senior year, and Lott is optimistic that this season will turn out better. Jay Benard returns at quarterback, and expectations are high for the senior.

“Jay has everything you want as far as a leader at the quarterback position,” Lott

ROSTER MASSAC COUNTY PATRIOTS Coach: Ryan Lott Career Record: 0-9 2014 Record: 0-9 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Schedule Aug. 28.............. FREEBURG Oct. 2......................HERRIN* Sept. 4..............at Carterville Oct. 9...................at Benton* Sept. 11...at Anna-Jonesboro Oct. 16.....at West Frankfort* Sept. 18.....at Murphysboro* Oct. 23.HAMILTON COUNTY Sept. 25........HARRISBURG* * Denotes conference game Seniors Malik Miller Brock Costello Devon Wade Jay Benard Hunter Wiley Sidney Adams James Bradley Bohdi Morris Ty Copley Zach Donaldson Brayden Campbell Juniors Micah Skidmore Lane Pegram

Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-10 220 RB/LB 5-8 170 WR/DB 5-8 180 WR/DB 6-2 205 QB/DB 5-10 150 WR/DB 5-9 200 FB/LB 5-6 160 RB/LB 5-7 205 RB/LB 5-9 205 OL/LB 6-5 275 OL/DL 6-3 250 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-8 150 WR/DB 6-1 210 TE/DE

said. “He’s a real smart kid and knows where he needs to go with the ball. He definitely grew into that position even more with all the experience from last year.”

At 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds, Miller should be a

force to be reckoned with in the backfield.

“We’re glad to have Malik Miller back from his injury,” Lott said. “He got injured in Week 3 when he was kind of just getting started. He’s got a pretty

Evan Hughes Darien Roundtree Gavin Thomas Corey Atkinson Jonathon Shelton James Dahl Caleb Ashley Sophomores Eli Windhorst Darrell Strickland Stevie Jeffords Daniel Hanns Mason Corzine Zuri Turner Anthony Shinn Zeke Crim Michael Hall Cade Burgess JJ Griffin Trentin Sronce Kenny Jones Noah Carter Ethan Hornback Wyatt Helland John Bremer Gabe Russell Blaze Mitchell Kevin Meier

5-11 150 WR/DB 5-10 150 WR/DB 6-0 200 WR/LB 5-6 175 RB/LB 5-9 215 OL/DL 5-10 250 OL/DL 5-10 250 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-8 150 WR/DB 5-6 150 QB/DB 5-5 150 WR/DB 6-0 150 WR/LB 6-2 160 QB/DB 5-5 195 RB/LB 5-2 130 WR/DB 5-10 170 RB/LB 5-6 150 WR/DB 6-2 170 WR/LB 5-6 130 WR/DB 5-5 150 RB/LB 6-0 210 OL/DL 6-0 225 OL/DL 5-8 215 OL/DL 6-2 250 OL/DL 5-10 190 OL/DL 5-8 275 OL/DL 6-3 250 OL/DL 5-10 150 WR/DB

solid build, and we think he’ll do a good job for us.”

Devon Wade, a transfer from Paducah, should help out as well in the backfield and at receiver.

“He’s a pretty good athlete, and he’s not built like

him make things happen.

We’re excited to have him.”

Brock Costello played a bit at running back last year, but he’s better suited at a receiving position along with Darien Roundtree, Evan Hughes and Lane Pegram.

Donaldson, a 6-foot5, 275-pound lineman, returns and should spark the boys up front.

“Getting Zach Donaldson back is really big for us,” Lott said. “It was really disappointing for us and for him when he went down so early in the season last year.

He lost some weight recovering from his knee injury, but he worked real hard in the weight room, and he’ll bounce back.”

The Patriots scored just 15 points per game last season and allowed a stunning 46 per contest. Those numbers must change, and Lott is confident that his team will be improved.

“I feel good that we’ll have a solid offensive line, especially with two seniors leading the way for us,” Lott said. “We’ll have mostly juniors and seniors starting on defense, and I feel pretty good about them.”

Malik, but he’s still pretty put together,” Lott said.

“His skill set is a little different, and we’re going to play him at receiver as well.

He’s a guy you can move scott.mees@thesouthern.com around and put the ball in 618-351-5086 his hands in space and let On Twitter: @SIprepsports

Sirr Mississippi Conference CARTERVILLE LIONS

Rebuilt offensive line play will determine Lions’ success BUCKY DENT FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌For the Carterville football team, this preseason is a 180-degree turn from last year.

“Last year, we didn’t have any idea what our skill (positions) would be like, but we had the linemen,” veteran coach Dennis Drust said. “This year, we lost four offensive linemen and have to build it with juniors and seniors that don’t have a lot of game experience.”

How quickly the Lions cohere up front will determine if their season goes far into November. Given confidence by a veteran group of linemen that included the road-grading Gavin James, quarterback Blake Hicks made his name quickly and often.

Rushing for 1,800 yards and throwing for almost 1,000 for good measure, Hicks was one of the best quarterbacks in Southern Illinois and helped Carterville win its first 11 games before a Class 4A quarterfinal loss to Herrin.

Back for his senior year, Hicks can no longer float under anyone’s radar.

“He’ll be the focus of everyone’s defense this year,” Drust said of Hicks.

“He’s a very capable runner and is capable of throwing the ball really well. He performed at a high level last year. We’re hoping our passing attack will be much more evident.”

Senior Austin Swalls, who at 6-foot-3 rates as one of the top all-around athletes in the area, will be a tough cover for anyone at wide receiver. Darien Miller also figures to get his share of touches as a receiver.

The Lions can also turn to a variety of running backs. Blake Vaughn, Isaac Beauchem and Drew Moore all drew starts last year alongside the powerful Brayden Bisaillon, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

“Our run game will be much different,” Drust said. “With Brayden last year, we had a good power game. I think our outside edge game will still allow us to have a good rushing attack.”

But as Drust admits, that will only happen if the line can get up to speed. Other than three-year starter

CARTERVILLE LIONS 2014 Record: 11-1 Coach: Dennis Drust Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Career Record: 115-28 Schedule Aug 28...................at Benton Oct 2................ NASHVILLE* Sep 4.......MASSAC COUNTY Oct 9.......................SPARTA* Sep 11......... at Murphysboro Oct 16........ at Pinckneyville* Sep 18................DU QUOIN* Oct 23....WEST FRANKFORT Sep 25..at Anna-Jonesboro* * Denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Justin Parson-Nalley 6-1 185 TE/LB Blake Hicks 6-0 172 QB/DB Ashton DeRousse 5-9 153 SE/DB Colt Wilkey 6-0 164 SE/DB Jeff Giffey 6-2 162 SE/K Blake Vaughn 5-11 178 RB/LB Bret Wojciechowski 5-7 230 OL/DL Brennan Lentz 5-9 190 OL/LB Madison McCain 6-1 195 OL/DL Derek Mann 6-1 260 OL/DL Travis Hunsaker 6-0 217 OL/DL Michael Zarnoth 5-9 190 OL/DL Noah Ford 6-1 210 OL/DL Austin Swalls 6-1 171 SE/DB Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Alex Griffin 6-0 162 RB/DB Max Gray 5-11 175 SE/LB Darien Miller 6-3 186 SE/DB Isaac Beauchem 5-11 176 RB/DB Kaleb Vaughn 6-2 175 SE/DB Braiden Anderson 5-10 160 RB/DB Drew Moore 5-10 172 RB/LB Matt Fulford 5-6 157 RB/LB Christian Albert 6-0 173 SE/LB Ryan Gaddis 5-10 192 RB/LB Luke Snider 5-10 142 SE/DB Logan Brown 6-0 229 OL/DL Kaden Hundley 6-2 199 OL/DL Cole Landon 6-1 162 OL/DL Hunter Hays 6-2 185 OL/DL Garrett Fozzard 5-10 254 OL/DL Ryan Kinnard 5-9 247 OL/DL Alex Haake 6-0 215 OL/DL Dylan Farrar 5-7 175 OL/DL Dale Parker 5-4 230 WR/DB Daniel Lutchka 5-10 265 OL/DL Tyler Rasor 6-2 155 SE/DB Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Harley Vaughn 5-9 161 QB/DB Connor Henderson 5-9 120 SE/DB Justin Johnson 6-2 173 SE/DB Nick Terry 5-7 152 RB/LB Markas Lazdinis 5-9 158 RB/LB Cameron Meade 5-6 145 RB/LB Bennett Speith 5-9 128 SE/DB Sean Spoerre 5-10 150 SE/DB Brock Tuttle 5-11 188 RB/LB Luke Ford 6-4 200 SE/LB Cole Sizemore 5-10 164 OL/LB Brendan Fitzpatrick 5-10 178 OL/DL Colton Snuffer 5-7 145 OL/DL Cameron Kistner 5-8 210 OL/DL Zach Schlindwein 5-8 207 OL/DL Zack Liddell 6-0 233 OL/DL Jack Currie 6-0 236 OL/DL Hayden Floyd 6-0 180 OL/DL Daniel Velarde 5-8 121 SE/LB

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS‌

Carterville’s Blake Hicks tries to shake off Roxana’s Billy Mathis during the Lions’ 49-22 playoff win last year.

Derek Mann, an all-conference pick last year at guard, no one else has meaningful game experience.

Mann is also the only returning starter on an equally green defensive line. Other parts of the defense are a little more seasoned, particularly the secondary, where Hicks, Miller and cornerback Colt Wilkey are back.

Senior outside linebacker Justin Parson-Nalley and senior inside linebacker Brennan Lentz, who earned a starting job late last season, should rack up their share of tackles.

Drust says the season’s first three non-conference games are vital for Carterville. They include trips to Benton and Murphysboro, along with a visit from

Carterville’s Brayden Bisaillon runs through a gap during last season’s 49-22 playoff win over the Roxana Shells.

Massac County.

“We’ve got to get off to a good start,” Drust said.

“We have a big challenge in week one at Benton, Massac County is improving and Murphysboro might be one of the best teams

around here. If we can get off to a good start, we have the potential to be a contender.”

As Drust’s 14-season record of 117-35 indicates, the Lions’ potential will likely turn into production.

Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015 Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015

1B High School Football 9

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Sirr Mississippi Conference DU QUOIN INDIANS

ANNA-JONESBORO WILDCATS

Wildcats look to extend their playoff string to 16 BUCKY DENT

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Du Quoin’s Zayne Fornear assists in a tackle of Harrisburg’s Sean Crisenbery during a game this past season.

Hill succeeds legendary Al Martin at Du Quoin BUCKY DENT FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

W h e n m os t yo u n g ‌ coaches get their first head coaching job, it’s usually at a place which either possesses little tradition, lacks in facilities or doesn’t have enough talent.

A.J. Hill has none of those three strikes against him as he prepares his first Du Quoin team for the 2015 season.

Hill is only the Indians’ third coach since 1968. The previous two, Bob Karnes (1968-87) and Al Martin (1988-2014) combined to win 393 games, lose 125 and tie 4. Simply put, they won more than three times for every defeat, and also combined for two state titles as well as five runnerup finishes.

D u Q u o i n ’s f i e l d i s also one of the nicest in an area brimming with facilities which have either been renovated or erected from scratch.

Finally, as Hill himself admits, the Indians are rife with young talent. Or as an old coach once put it, “I’d rather be green and growing than ripe and rotting.”

Count Du Quoin in the former category. Even though it returns less than half its starters on each side of the ball, that’s not necessarily a bad thing for a 4-5 team which was blown out in four losses last year and didn’t beat a single foe on the north side of .500.

“I know we’ll be young at some positions, so inexperience will be a weakness,” Hill said. “But they’re willing to work hard and listen, and that can take kids a long way.”

So can the nucleus this team boasts. Devin Jones (6-foot-3, 240, jr.) could become a two-way stud at defensive end and tight end. Hill said that Jones, who finished fifth in the discus at the IHSA Track & Field Championships in May, is “kind of a special athlete.”

Zayne Fornear (5-10, 180, jr.) offered signs last year of being the kind of bellcow running back most high school teams need, while Bryce Clarry (5-9, 180, jr.) will provide a physical presence at fullback and middle linebacker.

Junior Caleb Vogel (6-3, 160) should be the quarterback. A three-sport athlete who made the state finals in the long jump and also made solid contributions in basketball, Vogel could make the offense dangerous.

“Look for him to run around a bit and make some plays with his arm,” Hill said.

Hill knows a thing or two about making plays, given

DU QUOIN INDIANS Coach: A.J. Hill Career Record: 0-0

2014 Record: 4-5 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A)

Schedule Aug. 28....... SESSER-VALIER Oct. 2....................at Sparta* Sept. 4.............at Harrisburg Oct. 9....at Anna-Jonesboro* Sept. 11.....................HERRIN Oct. 16............. NASHVILLE* Sept. 18..........at Carterville* Oct. 23....... MURPHYSBORO Sept. 25... PINCKNEYVILLE* * Denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Trace Klein 5-9 140 WR/DB Cole Hopkins 5-6 140 WR/DB Braden Tuthill 5-11 150 WR/DB Tucker Kuhnert 6-2 175 QB/WR/DB Alijah Mitchell 5-8 155 RB/LB Brock Bullar 5-10 160 WR/DB Keaton Tyner 5-10 170 TE/LB Reggie Dixon 5-6 155 FB/LB Antonio Aguiniga 5-10 165 OL/DL Thomas Spurlock 6-1 180 OL/DL Charlie Gaines 6-0 260 OL/DL Ryne O’Rourke 6-3 245 OL/DL Alec Valerius 6-1 225 OL/DL Derek Cooper 5-10 235 OL/DL Hunter Behm 5-10 225 OL/DL Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Blaine Bradley 5-10 150 WR/DB Harley Gassel 5-4 140 RB/LB Michael Worthington 6-2 155 WR/DB Isaiah Francis Caleb Vogel 6-3 160 QB/DB Noah Barnes 5-11 195 RB/LB Zayne Fornear 5-10 185 RB/DB Anthony Spiller 5-6 165 RB/LB Jaiden Provart 5-9 165 RB/DB Bryce Clarry 5-8 190 FB/LB Zach Berner 5-7 190 FB/LB Chandler Stevenson 5-9 190 FB/LB Dylan Ford 5-6 205 FB/LB Zach Rodely 6-1 210 OL/DL Braden Lee 5-9 225 OL/DL Drayton Allison 5-7 210 OL/DL Logan Cavitt 6-0 310 OL/DL McKinley Carver 5-10 280 OL/DL Jake Patterson 6-1 205 OL/DL Jordan Edwards 6-2 185 WR/DB Noah Mabrey 6-2 180 TE/DE Devin Jones 6-4 240 TE/DE Sam Zettler 6-0 170 WR/DB Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Klayton Donoghue 5-6 140 WR/RB/DB Ashton Smith 5-11 160 WR/LB Hank Stewart 6-0 155 QB/WR/DB Eliot Gross 5-10 155 RB/DB Donovan McBride 5-8 160 RB/DB John Stroud 6-0 225 FB/LB Ryan Myers 5-10 190 TE/LB Charley Mercier 5-10 180 TE/LB Kameron Johnson 5-10 180 K Clayton Berger 6-1 290 OL/DL Cullen Higgins 6-3 230 OL/DL Tevin Lee 5-10 175 WR/DB Brandon Melvin 6-1 190 DL his standout prep career with the Indians followed by a college career which took him from Northern Illinois to Southern Illinois. Between Martin, Jerry Kill and Dale Lennon, Hill played for three coaches which know a little bit about constructing winning teams.

How Hill builds his first Du Quoin squad and future teams will be an interesting follow. For now, he’s

pledging not to bog his players down in playbook overload.

“We’re figuring out what these kids are comfortable with running,” Hill said. “When it comes to Friday night, it’s got to be simple. Just let these kids play football.”

And if he can get them to play it like most Indian sides have played it for nearly 50 years, Hill will add to the program’s rich history.

FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌If the Anna-Jonesboro football team is to make their 16th straight playoff appearance, it will have to overcome a shortage of players and a lack of experience.

Entering his 19th year as coach, Brett Detering welcomes a roster which numbered just 36 on the opening day of practice. Only seven of those are seniors, and like most coaches, Detering believes you win with experienced hands.

“You win with seniors and juniors, and you use sophomores to generally fill in,” he said. “We’re low in numbers. We’ve got to stay healthy, which will be a challenge. Early in the season, we’ll have to deal with the heat. “ Last year’s edition of the Wildcats was pretty explosive offensively. With dual-threat quarterback Zane DeWitt and big-play receiver Noah Fuller serving as the headliners, A-J averaged 27.1 points.

But DeWitt, Fuller and five other starters on offense accepted diplomas in the spring, so the Wildcats will have to find a different way to move the ball.

Senior Jake Stark (6-foot-1, 190) is the likely successor to DeWitt.

Stark actually started the first two games last year and played the second half of a third, meaning that A-J won’t have a total neophyte at the game’s most important position.

“He does a good job running the option and he makes good decisions,” Detering said of Stark.

“You can coach him up during the week and it will transition pretty well (to the game). He also has deceptive speed.”

Alec Gold (6-0, 190, jr.) rushed for 450 yards last year, while Dakota Earnhardt (6-5, 175, sr.) gives Stark a tall target when it comes time to throw the ball. Up front, the marquee names are seniors Ryan Hileman (6-0, 300) and Michael Hoedbecke (6-4, 225), both returning starters.

Hileman also started on defense, the only experienced lineman the Wildcats return on that side of the ball. Trenton Turner (6-0, 210, jr.) is back at linebacker, while Stark and Collin Prather (5-10, 175, sr.) offer experience in the secondary.

If A-J is to challenge the likes of Carterville and Nashville in the SIRR Mississippi, a defense with seven new starters must tighten up. The Wildcats coughed up 34.3 ppg, giving up at least 32 points in eight of their 10 games.

D e te r i n g s a i d h i g h school football’s evolution

ANNA-JONESBORO 2014 Record: 5-5 WILDCATS Conference: SIRR Coach: Brett Detering Mississippi (Class 3A) Career Record: 128-67 Schedule Aug 28......at West Frankfort Oct 2......... at Pinckneyville* Sep 4... vs. MURPHYSBORO Oct 9............ vs. DU QUOIN* Sep 11.vs. MASSAC COUNTY Oct 16..................at Sparta* Sep 18.............at Nashville* Oct 23.............. vs. BENTON Sep 25... vs. CARTERVILLE* * Denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Collin Prather 5-9 180 WR/DB Zach Parr 5-9 175 WR/DB Dakota Earnhart 6-5 190 WR/DB Jake Stark 6-1 185 QB/DB Brayden Benefield 5-9 190 WR/DB Ryan Hileman 6-0 300 OL/DL Michael Hoedebecke 6-4 220 OL/DL Zach Van Hooser 6-2 315 OL/DL Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Caleb Clover 5-10 150 WR/DB Dylan Fox 5-10 155 WR/DB Alec Gold 6-0 195 RB/LB Jake Wright 5-10 220 TE/DE Jade Gillis 6-1 180 WR/DB Trenton Turner 5-10 190 RB/LB Keaton Busby 5-10 200 OL/DL Austin Dillow 6-2 225 OL/DE Austin Beszczynski 6-3 320 OL/DL Aaron Lence 6-1 250 OL/DL Eric Reed 5-8 240 OL/DL Nick Harvel 5-10 210 OL/DL David Cardenas 6-3 320 OL/DL Jeff Fombelle 5-7 240 OL/DL Kris Potter 5-8 240 OL/DL Shad Turner 6-0 220 OL/DL Nick Jimenez 5-10 285 OL/DL Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Noah Smith 5-10 150 QB/DB Jackson Boyd 5-9 165 RB/DB Bryce Henderson 5-8 125 RB/DB Johnny Morgan 6-0 150 WR/DB Bryce Osman 6-0 170 QB/DB Ross Pinnon 5-3 115 WR/DB Michael Camargo 5-10 180 RB/LB Drake Pyle 5-10 175 RB/LB Jayce Turner 5-10 190 RB/LB DJ Latham 5-8 260 OL/DL Jared Schultz 6-1 260 OL/DL Nate Frankell 5-5 150 OL/DL Garrett George 5-11 175 OL/DL

`vv

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Anna-Jonesboro’s Alec Gold takes a handoff from quarterback Jake Stark. Gold and Stark are two key returnees for the Wildcats.

into a more wide-open mode offensively has inflated scoring.

“But we have to find a way to get better defensively,” he added.

That could be problematic, given the lack of experience and depth in the program. There will be

some players who rarely get off the field during games.

“You hear coaches talk about two-way players,” Detering said. “Here, they will have to be three-way players when you count special teams. We’ll have to push them really hard in conditioning.”

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Sirr Mississippi Conference PINCKNEYVILLE PANTHERS

SPARTA BULLDOGS

Bulldogs hope to build on last year’s success BUCKY DENT

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Pinckneyville’s Clayton Houghland unloads a pass against Anna-Jonesboro this past season.

Youthful Panthers could experience growing pains BUCKY DENT FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

‌The construction project that has been the Pinckneyville football field is done. Now comes the almost total rebuilding of the team which calls the gleaming facility home.

With 16 starters gone from a 4-5 team which didn’t win a game in SIRR Mississippi last year, thirdyear Panthers coach Todd Thomas is keeping expectations down and goals very basic this August.

“We lost 13 seniors last year, including all five of our offensive linemen,” Thomas said. “We’re going to be young, but we do have a lot of numbers and the kids have bought into what we’re trying to do. We’ve got to grow up real quick.”

The majority of Pinckneyville players will need rides to and from practice, as well as games. Of the 43 players that have consistently attended off-season workouts and camps, seven are seniors. Seven others are juniors.

That leaves 29 underclassmen, some of whom will have to shoulder a big load for a team which will probably be picked to finish last in the conference.

“We’re going to work to get better and not worry about a win-loss record,” Thomas said. “We’re not going to put any pressure on the kids. We’re not supposed to be a contender in our conference.”

That doesn’t mean the Panthers don’t have players who wouldn’t be welcome on any field in the league.

Junior defensive lineman Nick Cannon (6-foot-2, 235) was a second team allconference pick last year and gives the stop unit an anchor around which it can build.

Alex Howard (5-11, 200, jr.) returns at inside linebacker, while outside linebacker Ryan Kling (5-10, 160, jr.) is moving to safety.

Last year’s safety, Caulden Lazenby (5-9, 165, sr.) is shifting to cornerback.

That’s it for familiar faces on defense, but that unit looks positively seasoned compared to the offense.

Lazenby, a starter at running back, is one of just two returnees to an offense which averaged nearly 29 points per game in 2014.

ROSTER PINCKNEYVILLE PANTHERS Coach: Todd Thomas Career Record: 9-9 Schedule Aug. 28..............Red Bud (N) Sept. 4.......at West Frankfort Sept. 11..................at Benton Sept. 18..................SPARTA* Sept. 25............at Du Quoin* * Denotes conference game Seniors Clayton Houghland Dalton Peradotto Caulden Lazenby Sam Simpson Andrew Kelly Hunter Hicks Josh Lloyd Juniors Austin Nehring Dylan Carns Brian Kling Alex Howard Jonathan Gulley Grant Murphy Nick Cannon Sophomores Ryan Brueggemann Blain Riley Alex Bechtel Colton Kling Zach Obertini Chase Witbract Keaton Hawk Ryan Rury Jeremy Opp Freshmen Lucas Downard Stetson Lappin Chase Fulkerson Draeden Kreger Sean Allgire Seth Witbract

2014 Record: 4-5 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 2A) Oct. 2.. ANNA-JONESBORO* Oct. 9................at Nashville* Oct. 16..........CARTERVILLE* Oct. 23.........................DUPO

Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-2 210 QB/LB 5-10 170 RB/LB 5-9 165 RB/DB 6-4 220 TE/LB 6-0 235 OL/DL 6-4 220 OL/DL 6-0 240 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-9 155 TE/LB 6-2 185 SE/LB 5-11 160 RB/DB 5-11 195 RB/LB 5-11 205 OL/DL 5-10 170 OL/DL 6-1 245 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-9 145 SE/DB 5-8 150 RB/LB 5-8 155 OL/DL 5-8 155 RB/LB 6-4 175 TE/LB 5-8 155 OL/LB 5-8 145 OL/DL 5-9 210 OL/DL 5-10 225 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-7 140 RB/DB 5-10 155 RB/LB 5-10 220 QB/LB 5-10 170 RB/LB 5-8 225 OL/DL 6-0 350 OL/DL

The other just happens to be the quarterback, Clayton Hougland (6-2, 205, sr.), who Thomas says has improved his decisionmaking and throwing ability. But can a brand-new offensive line give Hougland the time he needs to find an inexperienced receiving corps in order to produce points?

“We’re going to play some young kids,” Thomas said. “A couple of sophomores and possibly a freshman. We’ll be getting them reps, some confidence and muscle memory. Hopefully, they can build confidence through repetition.”

In the last 21 years, Pinckneyville has won only 62 games, just under three

per year. Thomas has nine of those wins, although none has been the one to seal a playoff berth for a program which has only made the postseason three times in that span.

Expecting this team to buck the program’s recent trend may not be realistic. But a year of on-thejob training could enable future Panther squads to bring glory to their small, sparkling stadium.

“We have a lot of question marks, but we’re going to take the attitude that we’re going to work every day and be very sound offensively and defensively,” Thomas said.

“We’re still trying to get over the hump.”

THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌In t h e e i g h t ye a rs before Rob Kirk’s arrival at Sparta, the Bulldogs had four head coaches and went 5-67, a success ratio usually reserved for terrible-hitting National League pitchers.

If Kirk’s first season in Randolph County is any indication, Sparta is no longer an easy out for its SIRR Mississippi foes. It went 4-5 in 2014, even mixing in its first conference win since 2007 when it edged Pinckneyville 13-9 on Sept. 19.

With 18 seniors and 14 returning starters in a league where most teams are replacing most of their starters, the Bulldogs seem to have a real chance to move up the conference batting order. In fact, they can actually dream of taking their first cuts at the IHSA playoffs since 1992.

“Our conference is one of the strongest in Southern Illinois with great traditions, coaches and support, but we have the talent to be a great football team this year,” Kirk said.

Sparta boasts an allconference quarterback in Drew Kordys, who will be a three-year starter. Kordys battled injuries last year that affected his stat line, but is a dual-threat performer when 100 percent.

All-conference tight end Ethan Gwinn has the potential to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, while the likes of Devin Brown, Gabe Yearian and Alyzae Nesbit are also capable of producing game-changing plays.

The big issue for the Bulldogs might be replacing Seth Ferguson, who Kirk felt was the conference’s top linebacker and running back. Kirk also wants his team to improve its run-blocking, essential if the Bulldogs are to execute their plan to be a run-first offense.

Defensively, Sparta figures to be strong at linebacker. Will Price, William Monroe and Micah B ra d s h aw a l l ea r n e d

SPARTA BULLDOGS Coach: Rob Kirk Career Record: 4-5 Schedule Aug 28..................... at Dupo Sep 4..................... BENTON Sep 11....WEST FRANKFORT Sep 18...... at Pinckneyville* Sep 25.............NASHVILLE* * Denotes conference game Seniors Devin Brown Trent Ogilvie Alyze Nesbitt Gabe Yearian Alex Bennett Trei Greer Octavion Conners Andrew Kordys Will Price William Monroe Tyler Markley Jeff Moore Aaron Schneider Alex Hagene Bradley Kellerman Micah Bradshaw Avery May Ethan Gwin Juniors Naseur Hobbs Justyce Bulliner Brian Kling Rylee Sheldon Josh Cullon Levi Moonier Sophomores Ethan Evans Jake Price Jon Williams Trevor Heinemeyer Cole Ogilvie Clayton Sheldon Jason Dobyns Ostyn Connors

2014 Record: 4-5 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 2A) Oct 2..................DU QUOIN* Oct 9..............at Carterville* Oct 16.ANNA-JONESBORO* Oct 23................at Red Bud

Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-0 165 WR/DB 6-0 170 TE/LB 5-9 150 RB/DB 6-0 175 WR/LB 5-9 145 WR/DB 5-9 170 RB/LB 5-7 160 SE/DB 5-11 170 QB/DB 5-11 200 RB/LB 6-4 225 RB/DE 5-10 15- OL/DL 5-11 200 OL/DL 5-10 170 OL/DL 6-1 200 OL/DL 6-4 245 OL/DL 6-5 195 OL/DL 6-1 180 OL/DL 6-3 210 TE/DE Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-2 185 TE/DE 5-7 225 RB/LB 5-11 160 RB/DB 5-10 160 OL/DL 6-0 245 OL/DL 5-11 175 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-7 125 RB/DB 6-0 170 QB/LB 5-9 160 RB/DB 5-9 160 WR/DB 6-0 330 OL/DL 6-1 215 OL/DL 5-9 250 OL/DL 5-9 210 OL/DL

all-conference honors last year. Depth along the line is also a strength, but the secondary could be a problem as it will be almost brand new.

“We’re looking at continuing our aggressive d e fe n s ive p h i l oso p hy and improving our pass defense,” Kirk said. “Our defense will be based on speed and athleticism, with many returners who competed on the state level in track and wrestling, forcing and spilling

out the play to our playmakers on the edge.”

With five home games and a non-conference schedule composed entirely of teams which didn’t make the playoffs last year, the Bulldogs appear to have a realistic chance for their first winning season since 1994.

Six wins would get them a playoff berth that just a short time ago, seemed as unlikely as that bad-hitting NL pitcher launching a walkoff homer.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Sparta’s Drew Kordys prepares to throw a pass during his team’s Week 2 game against Benton this past season.

11

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3B

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4B 12

High School Football

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Sirr Mississippi Conference NASHVILLE HORNETS

Hornets’ offense will have to grow up fast BUCKY DENT FOR THE SOUTHERN‌

‌ alk about your ironies.

T Nashville’s best player has verbally committed to the University of Missouri to play in the offensive line.

B u t Royc e New m a n won’t be able to help the Hornets stabilize their most inexperienced position, because he’ll spend his senior year at his familiar position of tight end, catching passes and occasionally throwing the crunching block that Mizzou coaches look forward to seeing next fall.

“We have to replace our entire line,” Nashville coach Tim Kuhn said. “Our line got some cleanup duty, but not really that Friday night test. That’s the biggest thing they need — that Friday night experience.”

Few Hornets have that Friday night experience, especially on offense. The list of returning starters numbers three — Newman, fullback Jaris Dalman and running back Hunter Schultze, all seniors.

Among the departed are big-armed quarterback Hunter Cooper, their top wide receivers and all five

ROSTER NASHVILLE HORNETS Coach: Tim Kuhn Career Record: 12-17 Schedule Aug. 28.................. at Carlyle Sept. 4..........at Carmi-White County Sept. 11.TRENTON WESCLIN Sept. 18.ANNA-JONESBORO* *Denotes conference game Seniors Kyle Schnitker Hunter Schultze Nick Brown Jaris Dalman Chase Stanowski Bryce Paszkiewicz Ethan Evans Gable Evans Matthew Straughter Royce Newman Juniors Hunter Hutchison

2014 Record: 8-3 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Sept. 25................at Sparta* Oct. 2..............at Carterville* Oct. 9....... PINCKNEYVILLE* Oct. 16..............at Du Quoin* Oct. 23.................COLUMBIA

Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-8 160 RB/DB 5-9 165 RB/DB 5-11 190 TE/LB 5-11 200 RB/LB 5-10 190 FB/LB 5-7 130 RB/LB 6-0 220 OL/LB 6-0 220 OL/DL 5-9 175 OL/DL 6-6 260 TE/DE Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-8 140 OL/DL

offensive linemen. It’s that part that clearly worries Kuhn, although he says his assistant coaches are doing their best to speed up the maturation process.

“They are doing an outstanding job of teaching and coaching,” he said. “I

think there’s always room for improvement.”

Replacing Cooper is senior Andrew Kash, who doesn’t possess Cooper’s arm strength but does offer mobility, which will allow Nashville to put wrinkles in its attack.

Grant Reed Neil Kachuba Andrew Kash Arturo Garcia Alec Johns Ethan Reid Ross Gomora Tristan Meinert Erik Harkness Cameron Wilson Brogan Kemp Cole Pedtke Jacob Heck Drew Barczewski Elijah Sexe Sophomores Cameron Parker Chase Coffel Seth Guinup Dylan Malone Brendyn Kelly Derek Kirgan Kyler Klingenberg

5-10 5-10 5-10 5-9

145 130 150 165

RB/DB RB/DB QB/DB RB/DB

5-10 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-8

155 150 200 245 165

RB/DB FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

6-1 175 TE/LB 6-1 165 TE/DL 5-10 140 WR/DB 5-10 155 TE/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-11 140 QB/DB

“He’s a little shiftier, so we can move the pocket with him,” Kunh said of Kash. “I wouldn’t say we’ll accent the passing game, but we have some skill guys who can go get the ball.”

Especially Newman, who at 6-7 and about 250

pounds is just impossible for typical high school defensive backs to cover.

His hands and footwork, as he regularly shows during the winter for the Hornets’ basketball team, are matchless.

“In my opinion, you

have to find a way to get yo u r b e s t a t h l e te t h e ball in space,” Kuhn said of Newman.

The Hornets are much m o re ex p e r i e n c e d o n defense, returning seven starters. Newman should be a disruptive force at end, his presence perhaps allowing inexperienced folks along the rest of the line to make some plays that could build confidence.

Dalman, Schultze, senior Nick Brown and senior Chase Stanowski are all back at linebacker. Junior Ethan Reid and senior Kyle Schnitker return at cornerback, so the back end of this defense should be stout.

Last year was a breakthrough season for Nashville, which went 8-3 and owned a fourth quarter lead in their Class 3A second round matchup with Mount Carmel before the Golden Aces eliminated them 44-30.

“There can be a lot of carryover from last season, but the secret is hard work,” Kuhn said. “The seniors off that team set a great example for future classes to come in terms of work ethic.”

Black Diamond Conference JOHNSTON CITY INDIANS

Defending champion Indians looking for encore LES WINKELER THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌J ohnston City coach Dan Mings hopes the Indians can ride the wave of momentum the team created last year.

The Indians won the Black Diamond championship and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, finishing at 9-2.

Johnston City met Chester in the second round and struggled after quarterback Dakota Edwards suffered a broken leg on the first offensive series.

“We return a lot of starters and a lot of kids with playing time,” Mings said. “We played a lot of young kids last year. Last year we did a complete platoon. We got a lot of kids on the field last year.

We got a lot of experience everywhere.”

Junior Alec Blades and sophomore Luca Gualdoni are battling to replace Edwards. Mings must also replace tight end Brandon Brunk and All-South guard Jake Suitt.

Competition for any spot is spirited this year.

“You have to be very d i s c i p l i n e d a n d yo u r motor has to go all the time,” Mings said. “I don’t know what our talent is compared to anyone else.

To get on the field you have to buckle down and work pretty hard.”

Nico Gualdoni, Austin Thompson and Nick Summers should all see action in the backfield.

“We’re going to be a multiple (offense),” Mings said. “We have a little bit of the spread in. We have 3-4 running backs at all times and we can spread those guys out. We can try to put people in positions where others have trouble defending them.”

Physically, Mings like the team’s quickness. “ I wo u l d s ay we ’re quick,” he said. “We’re not fast. I would say our size is average for a 2A football teams. We’re 240260 across the front. Our running backs are right at 200 pounds. I think we’re about the same size as everybody else. I’m just amazed at how big kids are right now.”

Defensively, Clayton Selby, an all-conference linebacker returns. Mings is counting on Selby to be

JOHNSTON CITY INDIANS Coach: Dan Mings Career Record: 27-13, 5th season 2014 Record: 9-2 Conference: Black Diamond Conference (Class 2A) Schedule Aug 28.HAMILTON COUNTY* Sep 25................at Chester* Sep 5....at Vienna-Goreville* Oct 3...........................C-Z-R* Sep 11....................S-V-W-W8 Oct 9.....BREESE MATER DEI Sep 18........... at Carmi-White Oct 16...............ELDORADO* County* Oct 23................FAIRFIELD* *Denotes conference game

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Johnston City’s Nick Summers runs the ball into the end zone for a score during last year’s playoff game against Chester.

his defensive anchor. In addition, Colton Jeralds and Brandon Crawford return in the defensive backfield and Keith Galbraith will be back at an outside linebacker spot. “ D e fe n s ive ly, we ’re

trying some new things because we really liked the idea of platooning last year,” Mings said. “We’re playing some kids on the defensive side that might not have the size, but they some speed on them.

We’re trying to stay as fresh as we possibly can.”

Johnston City has qualified for the playoffs three of the last four seasons. les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/618-3515088/On Twitter @LesWinkeler

Seniors Trent Johnson Brandon Crawford Gavin Jones Keith Galbraith Darrick Davis Dustin Long Andrew Friess Austin Thompson Noah Bearden Nick Summers Nicolai Gualdoni Nathan Payne Tyler Donahue Logan West Tyler Haley Cody McCune Garrett Hermetz Juniors Alec Blades Zack Kosco Jackson Galbraigh Coleton Jeralds Matthew Friess Stephen Garland Caleb Holtzclaw Alex Myers Trace Creek Michael Garland Hunter Peek Clayton Selby Cole Brymer Max Edwards Sophomores Dakota Bennett Johnny Steed Vickie Mueller Hunter Creamer Cory Norris Jacob Crawford Jacob Farmer Matt West Lucas Young Seth McPheron Dalton Norris Tanner Burns Nathan McRoy Nathan Garris

Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-3 230 E/LB 6-0 140 E/DB 6-2 140 E/DL 5-9 170 E/LB 6-1 200 E/LB 6-2 180 E/DL 6-0 170 E/DB 5-11 190 RB/LB 5-9 210 E/DL 5-11 195 RB/DL 6-0 215 RB/LB 6-3 205 E/DL 5-9 220 OL/DL 6-1 220 OL/DL 5-10 180 OL/DL 6-1 220 OL/DL 5-10 240 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-2 170 QB/DB 5-9 190 RB/DL 6-0 160 RB/LB 5-11 140 E/DB 6-2 140 E/LB 5-10 140 E/DB 5-9 190 RB/LB 5-9 130 RB/LB 6-0 235 OL/DL 5-9 170 OL/LB 5-10 200 OL/LB 5-10 180 C/LB 6-1 240 C/DL 6-6 265 OL/DL Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-8 160 RB/DB 5-7 165 RB/DL 5-5 145 E/LB 5-8 210 RB/DL 5-7 120 RB/DB 5-10 180 OL/DL 5-10 180 OL/DL 6-0 210 OL/DL 6-0 250 OL/DL 5-9 175 OL/DL 6-3 225 OL/DL 6-3 280 OL/DL 6-2 200 OL/DL 5-9 290 OL/DL

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5B High School Football 13

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Black Diamond Conference CHRISTOPHER-ZEIGLER-ROYALTON BEARCATS

C-Z-R has playmakers; lacks depth LES WINKELER THE SOUTHERN‌

‌ ith a roster full of expeW rienced players speed at the skill positions, the Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton football team should see some improvement. The Bearcats were 2-7 last year.

On the other hand, improvement in the Black Diamond Conference might not be measured in wins and losses this year.

“It could be that way for several of us that have been on the brink,” said fifthyear coach Josh McCurren.

“It’s one of those times where our conference top to bottom is very tough. We could improve a lot and end up 3-6, but depending what happens with breaks and penalties we could be 6-3.

“We have a pretty good group of returning starters back. We’re looking for some really good senior leadership from this class.

Two or our top three running backs are coming back and three linemen that started last year.”

Senior speedster Hunter Wheeler should again be a spark for the Bearcats.

“He brings some speed.

ROSTER Coach: Josh McCurren Career Record: 10-26

2014 Record: 2-7 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A)

Schedule Aug. 28.......... CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 4................at Fairfield* Sept. 11........ TOLONO UNITY Sept. 18............ELDORADO* * Denotes conference game Seniors Hunter Wheeler Tyler Thuilliez Dustin Barnett Nick Redding Clay Humerickhouse Josh Bays Nick Anderson Austin Walker Luke Winget Logan Giles Cole Johnson Tyler Huie Ricky Tochtrop

Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-9 175 RB/DB 5-7 130 RB/DB 5-9 190 RB/LB 5-8 160 RB/LB 6-0 235 T/DT 6-0 225 OT/DT 6-1 190 G/LB 6-0 180 G/DT 6-1 230 C/DE 5-10 210 G/DT 6-3 260 OT/DT 6-0 160 TE/LB 6-3 180 TE/LB

He can run the ball for us and he can catch the ball for us,” McCurren said. “He is also a returner and plays free safety for us. He had four interceptions last year.”

Wheeler earned allconference honors at wide

receiver last year.

Leading rusher Dustin Barnett returns at fullback and Josh Calloni is back at tight end. Two starting linemen, Josh Bays and Luke Winget return. In addition, Logan Giles, who missed the

Sept. 25..... at Sesser-Valier* Oct. 3........ at Johnston City* Oct. 10.................CHESTER* Oct. 16.at Hamilton County* Oct. 23.VIENNA-GOREVILLE*

SESSER-VALIER-WALTONVILLE-WOODLAWN RED DEVILS

Josh Calloni Juniors Isaac McPhail Zach Snell Colton Phillips Cam Newton Steven Anderson Brennen Kelly Derek Mueller Andrew Dunford Wardell Williams Austin Bolinger Levi Simpkins Noah Huff Michael Holt Sophomores Bradley Young Steven Anderson Cole Sanders Preston Rider Zach Marvell Dakota Duvall Jacob Holdren

6-3 190 TE/DE Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-11 150 QB/DB 5-9 130 RB/DB 5-9 140 RB/DB 6-0 160 QB/DB 5-9 155 RB/DB 5-8 155 RB/DB 5-10 180 RB/LB 5-9 195 G/DT 5-9 205 G/DT 6-0 210 C/DE 5-9 175 G/LB 6-1 200 OT/DT 6-4- 190 TE/DE Ht. Wt. Pos. 6-2 180 QB/DE 5-9 160 RB/DB 6-2 165 RB/DB 5-8 180 RB/LB 6-1 240 OT/DT 6-0 200 G/DT 6-3 225 G/DT

last season and a half with illness and injury, finally appears to be healthy.

Junior quarterback Isaac McPhail is back a year older and stronger.

“He’s a very intelligent kid,” said McCurren. “He

be very solid offensively.

We have the majority of our kids back. They know the system now. We’ve got some speed this year as well.”

The key to C-Z-R’s success will be defensive improvement.

“We lost only 2-3 kids on defense,” McCurren said.”

We were young last year and took some beatings. A lot of it, we weren’t tackling very well. We had to play a lot of sophomores last year. With a lot of those kids, especially in our secondary, they are going to be juniors with a year of varsity experience, we’re very optimistic about our defense this year.

“It’s a brand new year.

We don’t care what happened last year.”

As is the case in most Black Diamond programs, depth is a concern.

“We do have some playmakers, but if you lose like a Hunter Wheeler, that’s a really hard to fill,” McCurren said. “Our depth at quarterback, Wheeler has to step in and that eliminates him getting the ball.”

has a great arm. We’re not asking him to do a lot of things. We just want him to run the offense. He’s pretty fast. If he gets in a position where he needs to scramble it’s not a big deal. les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/618-351“On paper, we should 5088/On Twitter @LesWinkeler

ELDORADO EAGLES

Eldorado retooling running game Coach John Shadowens returns to S-V-W-W sidelines LES WINKELER

LES WINKELER THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌John Shadowens returns as head coach of the SesserValier-Waltonville-Woodlawn Red Devils after a three-year hiatus. He has been varsity coach at S-VW-W for 11 years, compiling a 51-52 record. The Red Devils made the playoffs in the last three years of Shadowens’ earlier tenure.

The “new” coach will have something of a dual role this year – nurturer and coach.

“I’m the third head coach in three years,” Shadowens said. “I want to bring stability to them and make them feel they are wanted.

“Actually, I got back in it last year coaching freshmen.

I had my hand in the program last year trying to help out. Because of that it’s been a seamless transition.”

The Red Devils had one of the most potent offenses in Southern Illinois last year.

But, all-purpose quarterback Nick Marlo was lost to graduation. On the other hand, Ross Owens, Marlo’s favorite target, returns.

“I’ve got a shiny toy to play with that I’ve never had before, which is a 1,000-yard receiver,” Shadowens said.

“We have to be more creative in how we get him the ball; Nick Marlos don’t grow on trees. We want to continue some of the things the kids had confidence in. We don’t want to change too much.”

Owens is 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds.

“He’s a weapon,” Shadowens said. “He has excellent hands. He has aboveaverage speed. He’s very, very athletic.”

While Shadowens would like to duplicate last year’s offensive production, the Red Devils have to get better on defense — much better.

“Job No. 1 is to improve the tackling and the overall defense,” he said. “We just have to improve defensively.

That is the key. I believe we have the weapons. We’re going to move the ball. You can’t give up 40 points in a football game and expect to win.”

In addition to Owens, Shadowens has some key performers back, including most of the offensive line.

Jake Styve, an all-conference selection, returns at center. Beau Jones started at both offensive tackle and nose guard last year. And, Jared Leslie, an honorable mention all-conference player, returns

S-V-W-W Red Devils Coach: John Shadowens 2014 Record: 4-5 Conference: Black Diamond Career Record: 51-52 Schedule Aug 28 at Du Quoin Sep 4 ELDORADO* Sep 11 at Johnston City* Sep 18 CHESTER* Sep 25 C-Z-R* Oct 2 at Hamilton County* Oct 9 VIENNA-GOREVILLE* Oct 16 at Fairfield* Oct 23 at Carmi-White County* * denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt Pos. Jared Leslie 5-10 185 RB/LB Ross Owens 6-4 180 WR/S Taylor Coggins 5-10 150 WR/CB Logan Miller 5-11 180 RB/DE Matthew Downs 6-0 170 G/DE Jake Styve 6-0 235 C/NG Blake Dorris 5-11 175 G/LB Matt Myers 5-10 275 T/NG Tyler Smart 6-1 210 T/DE Beau Jones 6-0 270 T/NG Garrett Minks 6-4 190 TE/DB Juniors Pos Wt Tyler Fennes 5-11 160 WR/S Gavin Green 5-10 150 RB/CB Charles Farmer 6-1 160 QB/CB Cole Griffith 5-10 150 WR/S Zane Wilson 6-1 175 TE/LB Addison Baxter 5-11 180 TE/LB Zach Ashby 5-9 165 RB/LB Kenny Eubanks 6-1 175 TE/DE Kyle Phillips 5-10 165 G/LB Jamie Lance 6-3 190 SE/CB Dakota Bowen 5-10 180 G/NG Sophomores Pos Wt Kadin Kiselewski 5-8 145 WR/CB Lukas Gunter 5-10 150 WR/CB Clayton Smith 5-11 140 QB/CB Mitchell Bulla 5-10 150 G/LB Jon Copple 5-10 165 G/DE Bryce Jones 6-0 245 T/NG Josh Gunter 5-11 140 WR/LB Landen Richardson 6-0 175 C/DE Billy Heard 6-2 210 T/DE Seth Green 5-10 180 G/LB Peyton Rock 5-11 165 LB/RB Addison Page 6-1 175 C/DE Dakota Reininger 6-0 165 T/NT Justin Womack 5-11 175 G/DE Hunter Shields 5-10 155 WR/LB at running back.

“We do have the whole offensive line back,” Shadowens said. “They do have experience. I think we will be average to above average this year. We don’t have much size. We do have some experience up front. There are some tools there. It’s not like the cupboard is bare.”

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌ The Red Devils open at S-V-W-W’s Ross Owens catches Du Quoin. the ball over Vienna-Goreville’s les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/618-3515088/On Twitter @LesWinkeler

Edmund Massie. Owens had more than 1,000 receiving yards this past year.

THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌With the graduation of quarterback Nathan Burnett and bruising fullback Braxton Roberts, Eldorado football coach Brandon Hampton will have to retool his offense. But, it may be a matter of simply plugging in new parts.

“Those are the big two replacements,” He said.

“We lost Braxton Roberts and our quarterback, but offensively we have five returners. We have a lot of guys that have had success on the lower level.

They are just inexperienced.

“I think we have a couple guys back there at fullback — in Tre Vessel and Alex Molinarolo — who will be kind of a two-headed monster back there. It’s kind of their turn to step up and contribute at the varsity level.”

Ve s s e l i s a j u n i o r.

Molinarolo is a senior.

Senior Adam Ninness will step in for Burnett. He started the Eagles’ playoff game against Johnston City last year because Burnett was ejected from the final regular season game after being flagged for an illegal hit. “ H i s s t re n g t h s a re a little different than Nathan’s,” Hampton said.

“We have to focus on the things he does really well.

I think he’ll be a real key to our offense. He throws the ball exceptionally well.”

T h e E a g l e s re t u r n several other key players on offense, including Drew Woolcot and Payton Price.

On the defensive side, Hampton welcomes back eight starters.

“A year ago we played with a couple freshmen and several sophomores,” he said. “That’s a real key for us. We’ll be really good up front. We have a really good linebacking corps (Jacob Traxler, Ross Harris and Max Kasiar).”

Hampton added that the Eagles will have to improve on the defensive line and shore up their kicking game.

“For us, we’ve got to get off to a good start,” he said. “Four of our first five games are on the road.

When you play on the road early you have to take care of the football and play penalty free. We have to continue to get better each week. Our schedule

ELDORADO EAGLES 2014 Record: 6-4 Coach: Brandon Hampton Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Career Record: 30-37 Schedule Aug. 29................at Vienna* County* Sept. 4...... at Sesser-Valier* Oct. 3.................. RIVERTON Sept. 11......... CARMI-WHITE Oct. 9.................FAIRFIELD* COUNTY* Oct. 16..... at Johnston City* Sept. 18..................at C-Z-R. Oct. 23................CHESTER* Sept. 25.............at Hamilton * Denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Keaton Baird 5-6 180 OL/DL Logan Bowen 6-0 250 OL/DL Stanton Hathaway 6-2 225 E/LB Kody Kress 6-0 210 E/DL Alex Molinarolo 6-2 210 RB/LB Adam Ninness 6-0 175 QB/DB Teton Prather 6-3 265 OL/DL Dillion Quetermous 6-2 225 OL/DL Denzel Smith 6-0 300 OL/DL Luke Wargel 5-7 150 RB/DB Drew Woolcott 5-10 170 RB/DB Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Isiah Barton 5-5 145 RB/DB Isaac Bethel 6-2 175 E/DB Tysen Bradley 6-1 265 OL/DL Tyler Gass 6-1-200 RB/LB Ross Harris 5-10 185 OL/LB Nick Hudnell 5-11 220 OL/DL Max Kaisar 6-2 210 E/LB Davin Lester 5-11 230 OL/DL Payton Price 5-10 190 RB/DB Tre Vessel 5-9 225 RB/LB Chase Williams 6-2 245 OL/DL Bryson Sigler 5-9 175 OL/LB Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Braden Attebury 6-2 220 E/LB Garrett Canimor 5-7 130 E/DB Ethan DeBose 5-9 230 OL/DL Taylor Lamar 6-0 300 OL/DL Moses Lorenzo 5-10 220 OL/DL Gannon Mahoney 5-5 165 OL/DL Trenton Martin 5-9 210 OL/DL Johnathan Meredith 6-2 150 E/LB Kale Ogelsby 5-10 150 QB/LB Wayne Roberts 5-5 130 RB/LB Jacob Traxler 6-2 210 RB/LB Conner Watt 5-9 145 RB/LB Kyle Worley 6-2 225 OL/LB

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Eldorado’s Payton Price tries to escape from Johnston City’s Brandon Crawford during a game this past season.

is back-loaded with teams les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/618that will be picked to win 351-5088/On Twitter @LesWinkeler the conference.”

6B 14

High School Football

Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015 Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015

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Black Diamond Conference VIENNA-GOREVILLE EAGLES

Vienna-Goreville’s fortunes rest on defense LES WINKELER THE SOUTHERN‌

ROSTER

‌The bad news: ViennaGoreville’s Eagles were 0-9 last year.

The good news: The Eagles gave up a score with 1.2 seconds left on the clock to lose a game at Hamilton County. They played with Sesser-Valier and Christopher-ZeiglerRoyalton until the last two minutes.

“We were competitive,” said second-year coach Brian Trambley.

And, now Trambley has had more than a year to work with the team.

“I wasn’t even selected to be the head coach until the end of June,” he said.

“It was a scramble to get everything together. We had our first day or two of camp last year, then I found out I was going to be the head coach. It was pretty nerve-racking.

“I think it will be easier because we understand what we’re doing. We’ve been working real hard t h i s s u m m e r to m a ke sure we are in shape for this season.”

Jarred Wiggs will be one of the keys to Vienna’s success. “ He wa s a p l ea sa n t

VIENNA-GOREVILLE EAGLES Coach: Brian Trambley Career Record: 0-9

2014 Record: 0-9 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 3A)

Juniors Sean Longcur Paul Browning Chase Dauksavage Nate Wilcox J.T. Waters Eli Manier Amos Rutherford Brody Hazel John Foss Ethan Moore Christian Funk Anthony Davidson Davis Helton Ryan Shaneyfelt Sophomores Jakob Breeden Dilynn Poper Nolan Dahncke Peyton Massey Gary Troyer Mason Novak Jacob Calhoon Brody Connely Colton Harner Andrew Ruiz Nathan Foss

Schedule Aug. 29.............ELDORADO* Oct. 2..................at Fairfield* Sept. 5.....JOHNSTON CITY* Oct. 9......... at Sesser-Valier* Sept. 11...............at Chester* Oct. 17........... CARMI-WHITE Sept. 19.HAMILTON COUNTY* COUNTY* Sept. 25.at Ballard County, Ky. Oct. 23................... at C-Z-R* * Denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Dell Cantrell 5-10 130 SE/DB Rocky Henderson 5-7 175 RB/LB Ryan Bradley 6-1 170 SE/DB Jarred Wiggs 6-1 170 RB/DB Quin Colson 5-9 180 FB/LB Collin VanAusdoll 5-11 175 RB/DB Zach Moore 6-2 165 RB/DB Will Tippett 5-9 135 RB/LB A.J. Thompson 6-3 220 G/DE Jase Ennis 6-2 225 T/DT Will Stevenson 6-0 160 TE/DE Kobe Pope 6-1 160 TE/DB Kash Johnson 6-1 170 TE/DB

surprise,” Trambley said.

“It was his first year playing football. He’ll be carrying the ball quite a bit this year.”

Other offensive starters returning are running back Quin Olson and lineman

Jase Ennis. Ennis, a senior, has been a fixture on the line since his sophomore season. And, Trambley will be counting on a number of sophomores this year.

“We have a great sophomore class, a lot of kids

Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-9 155 RB/LB 5-7 150 RB/LB 6-1 180 RB/NG 5-7 160 RB/LB 6-0 175 FB/LB 5-9 160 G/LB 6-0 189 G/LB 6-0 225 T/DT 5-9 175 G/LB 5-11 180 T/DE 5-9 230 T/DT 5-10 160 TE/DE 6-4 220 TE/DT 5-7 125 RB/LB Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-7 130 RB/DB 6-1 135 RB/DB 6-1 150 RB/LB 5-10 165 RB/LB 5-3 140 TE/DB 5-8 135 RB/DE 5-11 195 G/DE 5-9 210 C/NG 5-11 200 T/NG 6-0 225 T/DE 6-0 200 T/DE

that have really dedicated t h e m se lve s,” h e sa i d .

“Some of them will have to step up even this year.”

While Vienna was able to move the ball well last year, the defense struggled.

The defense is a point of

hurt. Wiggs will be back as a defensive back. I have probably five starters coming back on defense.”

The Eagles should be solid in the middle of the line with Ennis and A.J. Thompson returning at the tackle spots.

Physically, quickness is the team’s strength.

“We have a lot of speed,” Trambley said. “We’ve got young men who are lean, have good speed and move well. All around, I think we are pretty quick.”

Team chemistry will be vital for success.

“We’re going to have to all get on the same page and put the team above individual glory,” Trambley said. “If we can do that, we can have success. I believe last year at times we got to the point, on defense mainly, we just had no consistency at all.

“We held Johnston City to seven points for three quarters and they go to the second round of the playoffs, and we couldn’t hold them in the fourth quarter.”

The Eagles will be tested early, facing Eldorado, Johnston City and Chester in the first three weeks.

emphasis this year.

“We will probably (be) hurt again because we are so small,” Trambley said.

“Kids are having to play both sides of the ball. Colson started several games les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/618-351at linebacker until he got 5088/On Twitter @LesWinkeler

CHESTER YELLOW JACKETS

Blechle takes the baton from Bryan Lee at Chester LES WINKELER THE SOUTHERN‌

‌T he baton has been passed at Chester.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s Dennis Roth transformed a struggling program into a perennial playoff contender before turning the reins over to Bryan Lee. Lee’s Yellow Jacket teams rolled to a 51-20 mark, qualifying for the playoffs six of seven seasons.

Now, Jeremy Blechle is at the helm. And, he’s hardly a stranger.

“I’ve been defensive coordinator for coach Lee while he was here, Blechle said.

“The program will stay basically the same with some of my twists. The transition won’t be that tough.

“You never want to be that guy that has to replace a legend. Coach Lee really won the heart of the community while he was here.

That’s a good thing for me; I learned from the best.”

The Yellow Jackets finished 10-2 last year, advancing to the third round of the playoffs. Chester took significant hits through graduation. Several key components return, most notably Jordan Berner, a 6-foot-5, 210 pound tight end/linebacker.

“As far as Jordan goes, he comes to practice ready to work,” Blechle said. “It’s all about team. It’s not about Jordan. He’s a guy we’re going to build our offense and defense around. He’ll be a guy who will throw the team on his back. That’s what he’ll bring to the table.

“He’s an all-around football player. He’s fast, has great hands and he’s physically intimidating. He’ll punish you. He’s not going to juke you, he’ll run through.

He’s a guy you’re going to have to game plan around.”

And, Berner is hardly alone.

Blechle has two starting offensive linemen back in Tyler Redeker and Garrett Hoffman. Blake Eggemeyer is back at fullback and Luke Hartman returns at wingback.

Curt Meyer, a sophomore, is tasked with replacing Wyatt Ruehling at quarterback. Junior Savion Smith will also see action at running back.

And, there is an equal amount of experience returning on defense.

Berner will anchor the linebacking corps and be joined by Hoffman and Jacob

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Chester tight end Jordan Berner tries to evade a Fairfield defender.

Golding and Eggemeyer on the defensive line. Hartman returns to his familiar spot in the backfield.

“We have a really good foundation,” Blechle said.

“Three of them will be three-year starters. One thing we have experience back at important positions. We are not starting from scratch.”

And, this team also brings intangibles to the table.

“They work hard, no matter what you ask them to do,” Blechle said. “They focus. They get the job done.

They don’t stop.”

One of Blechle’s biggest concerns is Chester’s first opponent – Fairfield. The Mules are expected to contend for the Black Diamond Conference title.

“A new coach, somewhat of a new system and you play your best opponent,” Blechle said. “That will keep you up at night.” les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/618-3515088/On Twitter @LesWinkeler

ROSTER CHESTER YELLOW 2014 Record: 10-2 JACKETS Conference: Black Diamond Coach: Jeremy Blechle (Class 2A) Career Record: 0-0 Schedule Aug. 28...............FAIRFIELD* Oct. 2................CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 4.................. at Hamilton County* Oct. 10................... at C-Z-R* Sept. 11.....................VIENNA- Oct. 17.........................VIRDEN GOREVILLE* NORTH MAC* Sept. 18........at Sesser-Valier* Oct. 24..............at Eldorado* Sept. 25....JOHNSTON CITY* * Denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Jordan Berner 6-6 250 TE/LB Austin Carpenter 5-11 175 QB/DB Luke Hartman 6-2 170 WB/DB Blake Eggemeyer 5-9 195 FB/DT Luke Rock 5-11 150 SE/DB Zack Conner 5-9 175 G/DT Christian Gray 5-10 245 C/DT Reilly Holley 6-3 205 G/DE Christian Mitchell 5-11 185 G/DE Tyler Redeker 6-4 280 C/DT Garret Hoffman 6-1 255 T/DT Klayton Owens 6-2 225 T/DT

Kristian Thompson Demonyia Lewis Juniors Demontae Martin William Morefield Savion Smith Chris Lang Joe Stahlheber Jake Golding Kaltyn Korando Sophomores Brandon Wright Calvin Clendenin Nick Heffernan Curt Meyer Jack Hathaway Scott Kozora Alex Hamilton Wyatt Roth Garret Welker Brady Kelkhoff Adam Shipley Russ Stallman Jared Meyer Clayton Richelman

6-3 300 T/DT 6-0 170 SE/DB Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-11 155 WB/DB 6-0 170 SE/LB 6-3 185 SE/DB 6-2 180 TB/DB 5-11 175 QB/DE 6-2 195 FB/DE 6-2 240 T/DT Ht. Wt. Pos. 5-5 135 TB/DB 5-11 130 SE/DB 5-11 160 TB/DB 6-1 165 QB/DB 5-8 155 TB/LB 5-9 140 WB/DB 5-11 160 G/DE 6-0 200 G/LB 6-2 270 C/DT 5-7 175 G/DE 5-11 180 T/DT 6-0 180 T/DT 6-0 255 T/DT 6-2 170 TE/DB

Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015 Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015

www.thesouthern.com

7B High School Football 15

Black Diamond Conference Fairfield Mules

Carmi-White County Bulldogs

Mules poised for Black Diamond run Les Winkeler The Southern‌

have a big year.”

Fairfield also returns q u a r te r b a c k B re n d a n Mitchell, running back Wyatt Borah and fullback Scott Esmon. Borah has been a big play specialist and Esmon has been solid.

“Esmon has been in basic training all summer,” Townsend said. “We think when we get him back he’ll be ready to go. He was kind of the forgotten guy for us last year, and he had some really big games.”

Also returning will be two-way lineman Robert Debenport and allconference linebacker Ryan Estheimer.

“Estheimer will kind o f l ea d o u r d e fe n se ,” Townsend said. “His nickname is Rodeo. We have to keep him out of the rodeo to keep him healthy. He’s not overly huge. He’s not overly fast, but he plays the game hard. He’s going to do what he can to make the tackle.”

While the Mules are athletically gifted, inexperience on the offensive and defensive lines is a concern.

“The guys we have coming in have all had success at the lower level,” Townsend said. “And they all contributed at times on the varsity level. It’s just a matter if they can do it over the course of a varsity season.”

Fairfield will find out where it stands early, traveling to Chester for its season-opening contest.

‌With plenty of size and speed returning, the Fairfield Mules will be one of the Black Diamond Conference favorites this year.

The Mules finished 6-4 last year and will be seeking their third straight playoff berth this season.

“We definitely lost some quality kids last year,” said coach Justin Townsend.

“We lost our two guards and center, they are going to be tough to replace. We feel pretty good. We have quite a few guys returning. Several of the guys returning are our playmakers. We feel like we have pretty good depth overall. That’s something in 2A-3A football you don’t always have that luxury.”

And, Townsend is hoping that combination of size and speed can help the Mules turn some near misses into wins.

“Last year all the games we lost were close,” he said.

“We were right there. We felt like we didn’t make our breaks last year. It’s real important this year when we get in those tight games and figure out how to win.”

Among the returnees the Mules feature is running back Colton Land. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year.

“He’s going to get a lot of touches,” Townsend said.

“We’ve moved him out to corner. He’ll be one of the biggest corners in the state. les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/618-351“We think he’s going to 5088/On Twitter@LesWinkeler Colton Land takes a pitch against Vienna.

Land rushed for 1,000 yards last year.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO‌

Roster FAIRFIELD MULES Coach: Justin Townsend Career Record: 69-66 2014 Record: 6-4 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Schedule Aug. 28...............at Chester* COUNTY* Sept. 4........................C-Z-R* Oct. 2...................... VIENNA* Sept. 11..at Hamilton County Oct. 9................at Eldorado* Sept. 19............... at Tremont Oct. 16...... SESSER-VALIER* Sept. 25......... CARMI-WHITE Oct. 23...... at Johnston City* * Denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Colton Land 6-1 205 RB/LB Brendan Mitchell 6-3 205 QB/LB Bryce Maguire 5-8 145 RB/DB Scott Esmon 6-0 170 FB/LB Ryan Estheimer 6-0 200 FB/LB Dylan Toombs 6-2 260 OL/DE Anthony Like 6-1 185 OL/LB Dalton Dickey 5-10 215 OL/DT Robert Debenport 6-0 230 OL/DE Curtis Barnfield 6-0 330 OL/DT Sky Kollak 6-2 205 TE/LB Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Macklin Snyder 5-11 160 QB/DB Wyatt Borah 6-0 165 RB/LB Brant McGill 5-11 170 RB/DB Devon Butler 5-7 175 FB/DB Tyler Lee 5-6 170 OL/LB Levi Belangee 5-11 215 OL/DT Ryan Walter 6-1 235 OL/DT Alex Slunder 6-0 285 OL/DT David Glodo 5-10 235 OL/DT Brandon Thomas 6-2 290 OL/DT Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Eric Martin 6-0 120 TE/DB Lance Jolly 5-7 150 RB/LB Jaxson Crnovich 5-7 150 QB/DB Skylar Gray 5-11 150 RB/DB Leander Carstensen 5-10 175 RB/LB Joshua Hoffman 5-10 135 TE/DB Theron Stewart 6-1 190 RB/DT Tyler Hooper 5-11 210 FB/LB Kobi Dagg 6-2 205 TE/DE Jacob Simpson 6-0 190 OL/LB Alex King 5-11 175 OL/LB Jesse Manning 5-1 120 OL/DT Jayden Lafferty 6-0 250 OL/DT Blake Bunting 5-9 220 OL/DT Jayden Stuessel 5-11 190 OL/DT Bryce Lane 6-1 225 OL/DT Jayden Lewis 6-2 205 TE/LB

Hamilton County Foxes

Execution will be key for young Foxes Les Winkeler The Southern‌

I‌ f nothing else, this will be an interesting year for the Hamilton County Foxes.

Second year coach Brian Blades has just one-full time starter and one parttime starter back from last year’s 1-8 team.

The Foxes started 10 seniors on offense and nine on defense last year.

“I don’t know how to gauge this team this year,” Blades said. “We’re taking a bunch of new guys and throwing them in there.”

Damian Pike, a senior, started at offensive guard and nose tackle last year.

He will be starting both ways this year, albeit at different positions. Pike will be the Foxes tailback and middle linebacker this year.

“He’s one of the fastest kids on the team for his size, 5-foot-7, about 200 pounds.” Blades said. He’s built like a tank. He’s all muscle. He has one of the best 40 times on the team.”

The only other player to see relevant playing time last year was senior Sawyer Lueke. He played wide receiver and cornerback last year.

“I think we can compete,” Blades said. “It’s hard for me to get a bead. I have a handful of kids that are going to be physical.”

On the plus side, the Foxes have better numbers than in the past.

“The good thing for us is there will be a handful of guys that will go both ways,” Blades said. “In the past, we usually haven’t had enough guys. We usually have 40-45 kids in our program. We’re around 65.

“We’re really number heavy on my freshman and sophomore class. Only have 10 seniors and 11

“I don’t know how to gauge this team this year,. We’re taking a bunch of new guys and throwing them in there.”

Brian Blades, coach

juniors playing.”

Another plus for the Foxes is Blades has had a year to work with the team.

He was hired on June 17 last year — his birthday.

“I got started late last year,” he said. “I was in limbo. I pretty much took control, but I wanted to be cautious.”

With a young team, Blades plans to simplify things this year.

“I think that might have been one of our problems.

I implemented what I wanted to do, but we were so far behind,” he said.

“This year I’ve trimmed it back offensively. I have two offensive sets I want to run and not nearly as many plays.”

Execution will be the key to the Foxes success this year.

“We’re going to have to work hard and make very few mistakes,” Blades said.

“We have to play hardnosed football. We’ll have to be tougher mentally and physically. You can’t teach people to be mentally tough, but you can work on them a little bit.

“In a way, I want to build (for the future), but I’ve got guys here that are seniors.

We’re going to do the best we can.” les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/618-3515088/On Twitter @LesWinkeler

Roster HAMILTON COUNTY 2014 Record: 1-8 FOXES Conference: Black Diamond Coach: Brian Blades (Class 2A) Career Record: 1-8 Schedule Aug. 28..... at Johnston City* Oct. 2........ SESSER-VALIER* Sept. 4.................CHESTER* Oct. 9............at Carmi-White Sept. 11...............FAIRFIELD* County* Sept. 19.at Vienna-Goreville* Oct. 16..........................C-Z-R Sept. 25............ELDORADO* Oct. 23... at Massac County* * Denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Zack Page 5-10 160 QB/S Sawyer Lueke 5-11 160 WR/S Tyler Morrison 5-10 160 WR/LB Colton Bond 5-9 175 RB/LB Nathan Marquardt 6-0 180 TE/CB Damian Pike 5-10 220 RB/LB Kyle Hand 6-2 205 OL/DL Matt Anselment 6-2 275 OL/DL Chance Grein 6-2 200 OL/DL Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Zack Rapp 6-1 155 WR/CB Noah Rapp 6-1 160 WR/CB Austin Potter 5-10 195 RB/LB Tyler Gray 5-8 200 RB/LB Dalton Miller 5-11 175 TE/LB Ethan Rapp 6-3 270 OL/DL Remington Carrell 5-11 210 OL/DL Ryan Brockett 6-3 270 OL/DL Shane Atkinson 6-1 225 OL/DL Austin Redmon 6-0 330 OL/DL Jordan Pike 5-8 170 WR/CB Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Landon Webb 5-11 165 QB/CB Waylon Webb 6-0 210 RB/LB Gavin Staller 5-9 155 WR/CB Caleb Chapman 5-8 155 RB/S Noah May 5-8 150 WR/CB Wyn Duran 5-11 180 TE/DL Brent Beard 5-11 170 TE/LB Hunter Adams 5-10 200 RB/LB Korey Summerville 5-7 155 WR/CB Corey Frailey 5-11 170 RB/LB Bryce Meade 5-11 185 OL/LB Austin Lemmons 5-9 250 OL/DL Braden Showers 6-0 210 OL/DL Zane Clagg 6-0 275 OL/DL Zack Stilley 5-8 175 OL/DL Gregor Garrett 6-1 320 OL/DL Jack Whipple 6-0 170 WR/CB

Carmi leaning heavily on sophomore class Les Winkeler The Southern‌

bolstered by the addition of junior Andrew Burnett.

Burnett, a 180-pound running back, was sidelined by injury.

“This is the smallest team I’ve ever had,” Simon said. “I have two kids over 200 pounds.

They’ve worked really hard, but our receivers are all 5-foot-8. But, they’ve got a lot of fight in them.

The expectations we put on ourselves are really big.

It’s hard for me to predict because nobody has really played before.”

Simon said numbers are better than in previous years, meaning fewer players will go both ways. On the other hand, many of those players will be sophomores. As many as 6-7 sophomores could start on offense and at least three on defense.

“Our sophomores are skilled, just small,” Simon said.

The Bulldogs will try to utilize that speed and skill by running a spread offense this year.

Despite the lack of size and experience, Simon said the Bulldogs should be in the middle of the Black Diamond Conference pack.

“The margin of error is like nil because of our size and lack of experience,” he said. “We won’t be able to make mistakes this year. I really don’t know defensively if we can stop people. We have to score with them.”

‌K urt Simon’s Carmi Bulldogs will be small and inexperienced this year.

Simon, the dean of Black Diamond coaches, is beginning his 19th season at Carmi. The Bulldogs were 6-4 last season and are seeking their sixth straight playoff berth.

“The biggest thing is, we are very inexperienced,” Simon said.

“Every year I’ve been here, we’ve always had that one returning linebacker, one playmaker, and we don’t return any of those. We are replacing those with sophomores and young kids that have not played football before.

“The numbers aren’t that bad, but experience is pretty thin.”

One of the few returnees is junior Jake Simon, Kurt’s son. The younger Simon took over the quarterback job in midseason last year.

“It’s been fun,” Simon said. “He’s a good kid and works hard. He’s far exceeded my expectations so far. Hopefully, we have two good years left.”

In addition, the Bulldogs return two offensive linemen in junior center Dakota Mullins and senior Drew Marshall. Mullins is one of two players on the roster that tips the scales at 200 pounds. Marshall also started on the defensive line last year. Drew Lucas, a wide receiver/defensive back also returns. les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/618-351The Bulldogs will be 5088/On Twitter @LesWinkeler‌

Roster CARMI-WHITE COUNTY 2014 Record: 6-4 BULLDOGS Conference: Black Coach: Kurt Simon Diamond Conference (Class 2A) Career Record: 115-55 Schedule Aug. 28................. at C-Z-R* Oct. 2................ at Chester* Sept. 4.............. NASHVILLE Oct. 9.HAMILTON COUNTY* Sept. 11............at Eldorado* Oct. 17.at Vienna-Goreville* Sept. 18..JOHNSTON CITY* Oct. 23..................S-V-W-W* Sept. 25............ at Fairfield* *Denotes conference game Seniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Drew Lucas 6-0 175 WR/DB Wyatt Nelson 5-9 180 RB/LB Joseph Rulo 5-9 170 RB/DL Drew Marshall 5-8 190 OL/LB Wade Marshall 5-8 175 OL/LB Trae Smith 5-10 200 OL/DL Braeden Masterson 6-1 180 OL/DL Kristian Newman 6-1 210 OL/DL Tony Jackson 6-1 205 OL/DL Juniors Ht. Wt. Pos. Justice Stubblefield 5-8 150 WR/DB Jake Simon 6-3 175 QB/DB Andrew Burnett 6-1 180 RB/LB Braxton Williams 5-10 170 OL/LB Andrew Hunsinger 5-10 190 OL/DL Dakota Mullins 6-2 245 OL/DL Peyton Turrentine 6-0 170 OL/DL Sophomores Ht. Wt. Pos. Drew Huffer 5-6 135 WR/DB Adam Fifield 5-8 125 WR/DB Easton Stewart 5-10 150 WR/DB Zach Coale 5-7 115 WR/DB Colton Yates 5-11 165 RB/DB Justin Lamp 5-10 170 WR/DB Bryce Chambliss 6-1 150 TE/DL Tyler Thompson 6-0 140 WR/DB Bryce Northcott 5-10 135 WR/DB Tyler Robinson 5-8 125 TE/DB Luke Chitwood 5-8 180 TE/LB Wyatt Weinbrecht 5-9 155 RB/LB Cole Carter 6-1 210 OL/DL Cale Marshall 5-8 230 OL/DL Mitchell Nelson 6-0 205 OL/LB Alex Hunsinger 5-11 210 OL/DL Jacob Ferguson 6-0 200 OL/DL Tylor Taylor 5-10 190 OL/DL Trenton Kittinger 5-8 180 OL/DL David Conner 6-3 240 OL/DL Sean Flanagan 5-9 210 OL/DL

16

Special Section • Friday, August 28, 2015

Proud to SuPPort Southern IllInoIS hIgh School

Good Luck

this season!

Carmi Bulldogs

Chester Yellow Jackets

Christopher Zeigler Royalton (CZR) Bearcats

Eldorado Eagles

Fairfield Mules

Johnston City Indians

Hamilton County Foxes

Sesser Valier Red Devils

Vienna Eagles

Belleville Althoff Crusaders

Cahokia Comanches

Carbondale Terriers

Centralia Orphans

Marion Wildcats

Mt. Vernon Rams

Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats

Carterville Lions

Du Quoin Indians

Nashville Hornets

Pinckneyville Panthers

Sparta Bulldogs

Benton Rangers

Harrisburg Bulldogs

Herrin Tigers

Massac County Patriots

Murphysboro Red Devils

West Frankfort Redbirds