Optimism is probably the key word for the Sarcoxie Bears football Head Coach Jeff Kabance (20-39 school record) this year, as he and his coaching staff attempt to reverse a last place finish in 2008 that saw them outscored 117-50 during the all-important district play.
The Spring River Valley Conference remains one of the toughest in the state, however, and perennial powerhouse Lockwood, Jasper and archrival McAuley will again field solid teams. Yet optimism remains partly due to 14 returning offensive starters, as well as the new playoff format that allows the two top district teams to move on into the playoffs. In the end, Kabance and his hungry team hope to be the team outscoring their district opponents this fall — particularly the Joplin-based Warriors, who have knocked the Bears out of the playoff race the last few years.
OFFENSE
Despite losing eight senior starters from last year’s squad that averaged 17.9 points a game, 86.3 yards through the air and nearly 200 yards on the ground. This year’s offense should be more balanced in the run/pass ratio. Though the option-oriented offensive scheme remains intact, Coach Kabance said the offense should open it up a little more this year. Still, like most teams in the area, the overall success of the offense will be decided by how quickly the offensive line develops into a cohesive unit.
The purple and gold bring back 14 starters, with most of the spotlight on senior quarterback Nathan Freeland (6-0, 170), who has started under center since his sophomore year. He is the team’s impact player, and possesses enough speed to score at any time and from any point on the field.
Also returning is junior fullback Ryan Bernard (6-1, 190), a bruising, physical runner who became the starter last year due to injury and never looked back. Joining him in the backfield is junior tailback Aaron Parsons (5-11, 165), who saw considerable playing time last year and demonstrated “excellent talent,” Kabance said.
Senior Eddie Salyer (5-10, 180) will be Freeland’s primary go-to man at wide-out, described by his coach as a “leader.” Fellow senior Colton West (6-0, 170) and juniors Cody Chapman (5-9, 150) and Charles Vogel (5-8, 140) will also see significant playing time. And keep your eye out for sophomore receiver Kurt Bloss (6-3, 180), whose height and weight could make him a significant target and impact receiver in 2009 and beyond.
Last year’s tailback, senior Nate Bloss (6-2, 180), will start at tight end, where his size will help stabilize the end of the offensive line; he’s also demonstrated excellent receiving skills. Joining him on the line will be three-year starter Tyler Hall (6-3, 270) at tackle. His sheer size and athleticism gives him the ability to dominate the line. Juniors David Maggard (5-11, 240), Levi Cope (5-10, 220) and Alex Baldwin (5-10, 170) will join Hall on the line. Maggard has the ability to be an impact player, while Baldwin possesses good agility in the trenches. Cope returns from an injury that sidelined him last year. Seniors Joe Cantu (5-10, 210), Andrew Jackson (6-0, 190) and sophomore Alex Russell (6-0, 180) will all receive varsity action on the line.
DEFENSE
The 2008 defensive squad allowed 34.4 points per game, including 118.5 passing yards and nearly 230 yards per game on the ground. Coach Kabance promises the defense will be better this year, including considerable more speed than last year’s squad showed. Though they lose linebacker Seth Root, who averaged 12 tackles per contest, there are several returning players who saw considerable action last year and will do so again in 2009.
“We have very few positions that are occupied by probably starters and I anticipate great competition for positions this year on defense,” Kabance said.
Hall will settle in at defensive tackle while Bloss and Barnard start at defensive end — Barnard anticipates well on defense, particularly on pass rush. Maggard and Baldwin will lead the linebackers. Filling out the backfield will be, among others, Freeland and Parsons.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior Issac Freeland (5-8, 160) has been named the team’s punter, who can get the punt off quickly and cleanly and, due to that quickness, is tough to block. Junior kicker Cesar Garcia (5-10, 150) has a strong leg, helping to elevate the Bears’ kicking game to well above average.
