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2014 CHOUTEAU SPORTS

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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Cutting Edge Youth

Wednesday Nights at 7pm

www.IAmEdge.com

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Chouteau Sports Football Preview

Publishers Kenny Bowyer & Greg Rosamond

Feature Writers Kenny Bowyer & Greg Rosamond

Photographer Kenny Bowyer

Website: www.ChouteauSports.com

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5 | A Look Back

8 | Third And Ten 9 | Wildcat Preview 9 | 2A-7 Standings 10 | Just For Fun 16 | A Look At The Foes

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A LOOK BACK Wildcats found and enjoyed some

success during the 2013 football

season.

In 2013, the Chouteau Wildcats finished the season with a 4-6 record. For most teams, a record like that may not be some what of a success. However, for the Wildcats, a season like that doesn't indicate what all had happened during the season. First off, the Cats started the season 2-1, heading into their district opener at Chelsea. The game was close for the first three quarters, but just four plays into the games final period, Garrett Grossman rushed for a 20 yard TD - his third touchdown of the night. After the 2-point conversion, the Wildcats led 22-20 and would

never relinquish that lead. With 7:05 left to play in the game, Chouteau took possession of the football on their own 21 yard line. Highlighted by a couple of Isaac Carter catches from Wildcat quarterback Doug Mynahan, the Wildcats would use nearly 4 minutes and would march 79 yards down the field to score the games final touchdown of the evening on a 9 yard pass and catch from Mynahan to Carter. With 3:00 still remaining, Chelsea had visions of mounting a quick scoring drive themselves. However, after back to back sacks by Chouteau defensive lineman Payne King, Chelsea was left with nothing to do but throw the ball downfield. On third and 30 from the 48 yard line, the Chelsea quarterback stepped back and threw a ball deep down the side of the field. But Chouteau senior defensive back

Daniel Gordon came down with the

interception that sealed the fate of the

Green Dragons. The Wildcats won 30-

20, giving Chouteau their first

District victory since 2006 and improving

their record to an impressive 3-1.

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Sitting on top of District 2A-7 standings for the first time in six years, the Wildcats found themselves the favorites heading into the Oklahoma Union game. In a game that was marred by penalties, miscues, and missed opportunities, the Chouteau Wildcats suffered a disappointing home loss against Oklahoma Union. The Wildcats held the Cougars scoreless for nearly 47 minutes before giving up 2 touchdowns in the game’s final 64 seconds. Oklahoma Union escaped Wildcat Nation with a 16-6 victory over their District 2A-7 opponents. The next two weeks were difficult for the Wildcat, as they dropped a 67-0 blowout to county rival Adair, then lost to Pawhuska 42-14, sending the

Wildcats to a 1-3 district record. Despite the losses, Chouteau was still in the playoff hunt with a trip to winless Caney Valley on the way. The Wildcats took the opening drive in for six, but then turned around and gave up a kick return for a touchdown on the ensuing play, putting Caney Valley up 7-6 in the first quarter. The offense was missing from both teams, as sluggish play forced the game to remain that score, until two minutes left, when Caney Valley added some insurance, scoring a TD. Chouteau lost 13-6 and fell to 1-4 in district play. Chouteau was eliminated from playoff contention the next week, when Nowata beat the Cats, 64-6.

Members of “Wildcat Nation cheer on their Wildcats at a football game last season.

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With nothing to play for but pride, the Chouteau Wildcats wanted to make sure they ended the season just how it began ten weeks ago, with a win. Although it was sloppy, the Wildcats did just that. Led by senior Doug Mynahan’s 117-yard passing and two scores, the Wildcats rolled to a 28-0 win over Class A Canadian Friday night. The win moves the Cats' record to 4-6, matching their best record since 2005. It was also Chouteau’s first shutout win since Week 3 of the 2011 season. All in all, it was a great way to end a season that had some ups and downs. Chouteau was able to record their first district victory since 2006, win 4 games in a season for the first time since 2005,

and suffered two losses they really feel could have been wins. All in all, progress was made in 2013.

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Robert's favorite subject in school?

History Athletics Athletics

Favorite music entertainer? Blake Shelton Adam Sandler Lil Wayne

Favorite place to eat? Denny’s Denny’s Pizza Coral

Favorite athlete? LeBron James Troy Aikman Kevin Durant

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram? Twitter Twitter Instgram

If Robert could be anyone in the world, who would he be?

Bill Gates Bob Stoops His grandpa

What is Robert afraid of? Monkeys Angry

Monkeys Spiders

Robert's bedroom - clean, organized mess or the

Tazmanian Devil has gone through there?

Organized

mess

Organized mess

(but better than

mine)

Tasmanian Devil

What does Robert like to do in his spare time?

Fish Fish & Hunt Fish & Hunt

Reality show would Robert win? Bachelorette Survivor Dancing w/

The Stars

TOTAL POINTS: 10 5 out of 10

Mother knows best

1 out of 10

Needs more practice

Chouteau Sports caught up with senior Wildcat

football player Robert Evans, and asked him a

series of questions. We then asked the same

questions to his mom, Debbie Evans and to

coach Jones, to see how well they know

Robert. So, who has the better game, and who

needs more time in the weight room?

Welcome to THIRD & TEN!

Robert Debbie Coach

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2014 is still a blank canvas. But as the season approaches, there is an excitement in the air around Wildcat Stadium. “The guys have been working hard all summer. There is a core group of them that have been in the weight room every single day” said Chouteau head coach Mark Jones.

“We have players that are bigger, they are faster, and they’re looking really good” Jones went on to say. Those “Wildcat Pride” workouts during the dog days of summer are what separate special teams from average or below average teams. “We won our first district game since 2006 last year, and we’re looking to build on that,”

District 2A-7 Pre-Season Standings

1) Adair

2) Salina

3) Haskell

4) Colcord

5) Kansas

6) Chouteau

7) Hulbert

2014

WILDCAT PREVIEW Same old district, but new foes ...

Wildcats eager to kickoff 2014

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said Jones. We’re in a new district this year, but our kids want to win, and their effort shows me they believe they’ve got a shot at earning a spot in the playoffs.”

If the Wildcats want to earn that spot in the playoffs, they have a tough district to get through. The talent is heavy at the top of District 2A-7, which will most likely leave four teams vying for one playoff spot. Adair, Colcord, and Salina are all three ranked in the top 20 of class 2A. That leaves Kansas, Haskell, Hulbert, and Chouteau slugging it out for the fourth and final spot in the playoffs.

The good news for the Wildcats is the schedule works out favorably for them. Although Chouteau doesn’t have a home contest until week three, opening the season at Class A Foyil could get the momentum started for the Wildcats. Foyil is coming off of back to back 1-9 seasons, and the September 5

th date against Chouteau

will be the debut of the Panthers new spread offense and 3-4 base defense. Attempting to unveil a new offensive scheme, as well as a new defensive

scheme, should prove to be too large of a task for the undersized Panthers.

Week two sends the Wildcats to Ketchum to take on the now Class A Warriors. Ketchum is under the direction of new head coach Carl Lee, and they intend on using multiple formations to spread teams out and utilize the talent of their senior quarterback, who is a run/pass threat. Ketchum will match up more closely with Chouteau as far as size goes, but the Wildcats should have the upper hand at the skill positions. The Warriors have only won 12 games in the past 5 seasons, and Chouteau should be able to escape with a victory in 2014.

Finally, on September 19th, Chouteau will

host a home football game. The Porter Pirates will make their way to Wildcat Field for a showdown in front of the Wildcat faithful. Last season Chouteau spoiled Porter’s homecoming festivities, by beating the Pirates 36-20. Porter also has a new head coach, but they return only 7 starters to a team that finished last year 3-7. In 2013 Chouteau rushed for over 360 yards against the Pirates and scored 5 touchdowns on the ground. Expect more of the same in 2014.

If things go according to plan, the Wildcats could have a 3-0 record as district play begins on Sept. 26 The Wildcats will hope the momentum that a perfect record produces will help carry them to victory against District 2A-7 foe Haskell. The Haymakers are one of the 4 teams Chouteau will most likely be competing with for that 4

th and final playoff spot. Haskell

returns a senior quarterback who completed 52% of his passes a year ago, and a pair of senior wide receivers that are favorite targets. The offensive line for Haskell is

JUST FOR FUN In 1993, former Wildcat and now

Chouteau assistant baseball coach Jim Bob Ashley, set a school record for yards rushing in a season. What

was his total?

A. 1,801 B. 1,805 C. 1,809 D. 1,811

(answer on page 19)

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also anchored by senior talent. The Haymakers return two starters from a year ago on the line, including 1 senior who is 6-5, and 270lbs. The Haymakers play a swarming 3-4 defense and will send the entire defense to make plays on the ball. If the Wildcats can pull out a victory in their district debut, not only will it be back to back seasons with district victories, it could prove to be the victory that puts Chouteau into the playoffs.

On October 3rd

, Chouteau will travel to Colcord. The Hornets are ranked #9 in most pre-season publications and return 19 starters on a team that made the playoffs a year ago. The Hornets are loaded at all of the skill positions, and return all of their top playmakers from 2013. Running backs Brandon Harper and Cash Hayes will handle most of the load on the ground. Harper, a Senior, rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and scored 10 touchdowns. He is also a state power lifting champion, and finished 3

rd in the 100m last

spring at the state track and field championships. Senior quarterback Caleb Shawver threw for 2,165 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. As good as the Hornets are on offense, they may be better on defense. Defensive end Tyler Potter (6-3, 245lb Sr.), had 80 tackles and 12 sacks in 2013. Keifer Mendham (5-11, 215lb Sr.), returns at linebacker. A year ago Mendham had 130 tackles.

Although Colcord will enter this contest ranked higher than the Wildcats, Chouteau could very easily play the role of spoiler. Next week Colcord travels to Adair. There’s a very good chance the Hornets could be overlooking the Wildcats and looking ahead to their next opponent. Almost all “experts” have the Warriors and Hornets battling for the top spot in District 2A-7, Chouteau could

capitalize on that mistake by the Hornets and sneak out of Colcord with a huge district upset.

Week six pairs Mayes County rivals Salina and Chouteau on the grid iron. Salina will start the 2014 season ranked #18 in class 2A. The Wildcats have a new head coach, but return a solid core of players from a team that reached the second round of the playoffs a year ago. Salina will have depth and experience on the offensive and defensive lines, and possess a pair of talented tight ends. Colton Burgess (6-4, 230lb Sr.) and Tyler Underwood (6-3, 225lb Sr.) should be favorite targets for a new quarterback.

On defense, the Wildcats will run a 5-2 scheme with hopes of taking advantage of the size advantage they will have on most teams. Although the Wildcats enter the year with high expectations, they do have question marks at several skill positions, including quarterback. A rivalry game, in front of the raucous crowd at Wildcat Field, could prove to be too much for an inexperienced signal caller.

As fall break approaches, and most students are enjoying some rest and relaxation, things will be kicking into high gear for the Chouteau Wildcats football team. On October 16 Chouteau will travel to Kansas to take on the Comets. Most prognosticators have the Comets finishing 4

th in the district and securing the last

playoff spot. Chouteau hopes to have a say in that. The Comets reached the playoffs in 2013, but this year have a new coach at the helm. Jared Hogshooter will return at quarterback, and the Comets will have a trio of running backs. However, the strength of the team will be in the trenches. “Our size,

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strength, and experience up front will be a definite advantage for us,” said new Comet head coach Steve Patterson. Kansas will start Justus Hogshooter (6-1, 260lb Sr.), Alan Davis (5-8, 250lb Sr.), Jordan Robbins (6-1, 290lb Sr.), and Devon Watkins (6-2, 290lb Sr.) across the offensive and defensive lines.

Although the Comets will have more size and experience than the Wildcats, Wildcat fans can be hopeful that a tremendously difficult early schedule may have wreaked havoc on the Comets. Kansas will open the season with 4 of its first 5 games on the road, including contests against 3A #11 Lincoln Christian, 3A #3 Locust Grove, and 2A #5 Adair.

Week 8 has Chouteau once again stepping outside of district play for a home game against the Class A Gore Pirates. Gore is coming off of back to back 6-5 seasons, but they now have their third new head coach in 4 years. The Pirates will have senior leadership at quarterback and will split duties at running back with two seniors, including C.J. Lehnick, who rushed for over 1,000 yards a year ago. The defense for the Pirates will adopt a new 3-4 alignment this year. Wade Shanks, who will double as quarterback and defensive back, has 13 career defensive interceptions. The secondary for the Pirates could be tough and have experience, but the defensive line should be no match for the physical running attack the Wildcats will unveil this season.

Halloween night the Wildcats will host Adair. Adair is ranked in the top 5 in all pre-season publications and are expected to make a deep run in the 2014 playoffs. Sophomore signal caller B.J. Bradbury (6-2, 180lb) will return at quarterback.

Last season Bradbury threw for 2,321 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. Bradbury also finished with 985 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Cody Eby, Hunter Rosebrough, and Brock Martin expect to be some of Bradbury’s favorite targets in 2014. On defense the Warriors will line up in a 3-4, but they have speed all over the field and can get to the ball quick. Last season the Warriors jumped on the Wildcats quick, and never relented. Adair handed Chouteau their worst loss in recent memory, beating up on the Wildcats 67-0. After falling behind 41-0 in the game’s first 11 minutes, Chouteau showed a lot of class and heart by fighting until the end in a game they were obviously outmatched in.

Chouteau may not have as much skill or talent as the Warriors, but they will have heart and fight. This game should be much more competitive in 2014.

Chouteau will close out the regular season with a road game against Hulbert. Like many of Chouteau’s opponents, Hulbert will be under the direction of a new head coach. As a matter of fact, Rusty Harris will be the third coach for the Riders in the past three years. Hulbert struggled in 2013. The Riders finished the season 1-9 and only averaged 9.7 points per game. The Riders have a philosophy of run first and pass second. They will line up behind a pair of 240lb linemen and attempt to run the ball down the field. On defense they will operate out of a 3-4 formation. The Rider defense last year gave up an average of 37 points per game. This final game of the season could potentially determine who the fourth team making the playoffs from district 2A-7 is. If Chouteau can make it through the season relatively unscathed and injury free, this showdown with Hulbert has the

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potential to have giant implications. Chouteau should have the skill and ability to close out the regular season with a victory.

2014 could be a breakout season for the Chouteau Wildcats. The Wildcats have reason to believe they could contend for a playoff berth. Senior running back Garrett Grossman is coming off of a breakout junior season, and has gained explosiveness in the off season. That explosiveness, makes Grossman a threat to score from anywhere on the field. The Wildcats are expected to line up in a diamond formation on offense, with reps being split between Grossman, senior Robert Evans, junior Chris King and sophomore transfer Curtis Smallwood. Chouteau will have a new quarterback in 2014. Senior Colton Hunter will take over the play calling duties. “Colton is a great athlete, who brings a whole new dimension to the option attack,” says Coach Jones. “We were extremely pleased with his progress in the spring at team camp, and think he could have a great year for us.”

One of the strengths of this year’s squad will be the talent of the guys on the offensive and defensive lines. The Wildcats will return starters Payne King (2013 District 2A-7 Lineman of the year), junior Ben Cowan and senior Tyler Blalock. Joining the rotation with these guys in the trenches will be senior Cordell Whitener, sophomores Joe Quigley, Nick Owen and Brett Bowyer, as well as freshmen Tyler McMahan and Ike Harris.

Senior tight end Randy Kennell and sophomore wide receiver Trevor Searcy will be the primary receiving targets for Hunter.

Defensive Coordinator Jeff Kimball says the

Wildcats will line up in a 3-5 formation. “The 3-5 base formation allows us to make whatever adjustments we need to make based off of what the opposing offense is trying to do,” says Kimball. “It suits our personnel perfectly and allows us to make plays on the ball. With the kids we have, we can adjust from a 3 man front, to a 4 man, or even a 5 man front”

Sophomore’s Corbin Hershberger and Kolby Bowyer will join Grossman, Hunter, and Searcy in the defensive backfield rotation, along with seniors James Britton and Justice Sexton. Evans, Chris King, and Smallwood will play the linebacker positions, while Payne King, Cowan and Blalock will anchor the defensive line.

Chouteau has added a secret weapon for the 2014 season. For the first time in many years, Chouteau has a designated kicker, in sophomore Noah Rosamond. Rosamond, who has years of soccer experience, has been kicking the pigskin during summer workouts and will handle the kicking duties for the 2014 season.

“He (Noah) hasn’t even kicked an extra point or field goal in a game yet, but we feel he gives us more of an opportunity to put points on the board”, said Jones. “You can see when he practices that he has a strong leg. Having him, also gives us the ability to kickoff deep, if our players will do a good job on coverage.”

Assistant coach Jason Stimson says that a number of freshmen will get an opportunity to play this season.

“Dylan Reider, Tyler McMahan, Wyatt Cornelius, and Ike Harris have been in the

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weight room on a regular basis this summer and will have an opportunity to log varsity minutes in 2014,” said Stimson.

According to Coach Jones, “Our biggest weakness is our numbers. If we suffer a number of serious injures we could be in trouble,” said the coach; when referring to the fact that the Wildcats only have 30 kids going out for football this season.

Coach Jones is entering his fourth season at the helm for the Wildcats. Chouteau has a record of 9-21 in his previous three. However, all of the momentum seems to be trending in the Wildcats favor. Chouteau finished with 4 wins last season, the most since 2005. They also recorded their first district victory since 2006. School pride, fan involvement, and student participation is growing. These are all signs of a program on the rise.

2014 could be a very special year for this group of Wildcats. The Wildcats move to a new district, several opposing teams have new coaching staffs, and the Wildcats will be predicted to fight for a playoff berth.

It’s time; time for Wildcat football to make a comeback.

And 2014 could be the year.

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Each week during the season, check out our GAMEDAY CENTRAL for all

your info needed for the big game!

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A Look At The Foes We take a look at each team on Chouteau's 2014 football schedule, and break it all

down for you. So here is your first...LOOK AT THE FOES.

2013 Record: 1-9 District: Class A-7 Head Coach: Otis Crane

Projection: 6th in A-7

The Panthers struggled in 2013, so some changes are being made this

season. Foyil is moving to more of a spread offense to utilize their skill

position players. Sophomore quarterback Trey Hinton leads a very young

Panther squad on offense, while sophomore running back Austin Morrow

will be another playmaker to keep your eye on.

2013 Record: 3-7 District: Class A-7 Head Coach: Carl Lee

Projection: 5th in A-7

The Warriors drop down from 2A to A this season under first year head

coach Carl Lee. Ketchum plays five of their first six games at home (the

one road game is against Gore). Junior linebacker Frankie Delasante is an

old school linebacker who likes to hit. A solid secondary could help

propel Ketchum into a top four spot in the district and locking up a playoff

spot.

2013 Record: 3-7 District: Class A-8 Head Coach: Zac Ross

Projection: 7th in A-8

Zac Ross comes aboard the Pirate ship as Porter's new coach this

season. Seven offensive starters return, including junior signal caller Dean

VanVors. Also watch for TE Nick Jenkins.

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2013 Record: 5-6 District: Class 2A-7 Head Coach: Greg Wilson

Projection: 3rd in 2A-7

2013 Record: 7-4 District: Class 2A-7 Head Coach: Terrill Denny

Projection: 4th in 2A-7

2013 Record: 9-3 District: Class 2A-7 Head Coach: Matt Williams

Projection: 2nd in 2A-7

Haskell moves into 2A-7 and could make an immediate impact on the

district. Senior signal caller Brody Enkey completed 52% of his passes a

year ago. His major weapons come back this season as well, in receivers

Dillon Dobbins (31 receptions) and senior Chris Brown (22

catches). Defensively, the Haymakers will go to a 3-4 defense, led by

junior Kanyon Kelley, who had 68 tackles and three sacks in 2013.

Senior running back Brandon Harper leads the Hornets once again this

season. Harper had over a thousand yards rushing in 2013, in route to ten

touchdowns. Senior QB Caleb Shawver threw for 2,165 yards and 26

touchdowns, so watch for the Hornets to bring a nice balance of run and

pass in 2014. Defensively, ten starters return, including Tyler Potter, who

totaled 12 sacks and 80 tackles a year ago.

The Salina Wildcats welcome new coach Matt Williams with a solid

returning cast on offense. Salina went into the second round of the

playoffs, and will look to improve on that this year. The Wildcats return

five starters on defense and will anchor the 5-2 defense in place.

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The Comets have a tough first three weeks of the season, as they travel to

Lincoln Christian, host Locust Grove and then travel to Westville before

starting district play against Hulbert. Kansas is loaded in the backfield,

with a trio of backs ready to run wild, in seniors Levi Hyso, Takota Dobbs

and Tyler King. The Comets return 8 starters ib the defensive side of the

ball, anchored by Dobbs who had 75 tackles (12 for loss) in 2013.

Loaded! That's the one word that can describe Adair football. BJ

Bradbury enters his second year as the Warrior gunslinger. In 2013,

Bradbury threw for 2,300 yards and 35 touchdowns (he ran for another ten

scores) as Adair's high octane offense put up video game-like

numbers. Defensively, the Warriors only allowed 11 points per game a

season ago, with Bradbury racking up 7 interceptions. Chouteau hosts

Adair on Halloween night!

Jimmy Whitlock, a former assistant at Seminole, becomes the third head

coach in four years at Gore. The Pirates return six starters defensively for

the 2014 season, as they will be switching to a 3-4 alignment. Senior Wade

Shanks is the big playmaker at quarterback, along with thousand yard

rusher CJ Lehnick.

2013 Record: 6-5 District: Class 2A-7 Head Coach: Steve Patterson

Projection: 5th in 2A-7

2013 Record: 6-5 District: Class A-8 Head Coach: Jimmy Whitlock

Projection: 6th in A-8

2013 Record: 11-2 District: Class 2A-7 Head Coach: Mark Lippe

Projection: 1st in 2A-7

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2013 Record: 1-9 District: Class 2A-7 Head Coach: Rusty Harris

Projection: 7th in 2A-7

Former Chouteau head coach Rusty Harris joins the Riders as their new

head coach; it's the third time in as many seasons for Hulbert. Hulbert

averaged only 9 points a game last year, and will look to senior QB/WR

Justin Owens to improve on that. Defensively, the Riders weren't much

better, giving up 34+ points in a game, seven different times. Harris will

make a switch to a 3-4 formation this season.

Pass Protection is simply an 11-week devotional book/bible study guide, geared towards the course

of a football season.

Pass Protection merges

scriptures and actual football

stories, while tackling some

issues that parents, teachers,

coaches and athletes could face

on a daily basis.

Only

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Just For Fun (answer) B. Jim Bob Ashley rushed for 1,805 yards, setting

school records for rushing yards and scores.

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