The Eagles will base the defense in a 4-3 again this season. Last year the Eagles only allowed 62 yards passing but gave up 227 yards per game on the ground. The focus is stopping the run and limiting the big plays.
Neil Barstow (6-2, 240, Sr.) was 1st Team All-Area and 2nd Team All-Conference last year. Barstow is an athletic, explosive player who will shore up the defensive line and possibly see time at tight end.
“I think we have great chemistry and trust in each other. We have a lot of solid players,” said Barstow.
Joining Barstow up front is Jasper at defensive end and two players vying for playing time in Vinnie Leonardi (5-11, 205, Sr.) and Jason Clark (6-1, 210, Jr.). Both Leonardi and Clark are listed at DE but will likely split some time at the position. Jasper is expected to be an impact player thanks to his strength and speed off the edge. Alexander Flinn (6-1, 230, Jr.) could see time on both sides of the ball while Kaiden Moore (6-3, 245, Sr.) will push for time in the interior of the defensive line. Also look for Jalen Deberry (6-4, 274, Sr.) to contribute upfront.
The linebackers have a good group that continues to develop into a solid unit. Andrew Snider (5-11, 195, Sr.) and David Bhend (6-2, 185, Sr.) are two players who grabbed numerous post season awards as juniors. Snider is a hard-nosed player who plays downhill and Bhend can fill inside or play well in space. Both run well and pursue sideline-to-sideline. Gryphon Price (5-8, 200, Sr.) is competing for playing time at linebacker and running back. James Clemens (5-9, 190, Sr.) is another player who is looking to help the team at linebacker giving the Eagles another player who can help shore up the defense.
Jariah Clark (6-1, 175, Sr.) is a two-way starter at DB and WR. Clark is joined in the secondary by Royle, Jordan Bozarth (5-10, 160, Sr.) and Robert Jones (6-1, 175, Sr.). Clark is a playmaker on defense. Bozarth has excellent speed in the secondary while Jones gained some valuable experience last season and appears ready to step up and be an every-down DB for the Eagles. Also look for Gabe Kabutha (5-7, 145, Sr.) and Jack Lewis (5-9, 160, Jr.) in the secondary. Lewis may see time at safety and Kabutha continues to develop and show he is a valid option at DB. Brandon Smith (6-0, 140, Sr.) is another player the Eagles have on the roster who can help this team at corner.
Special teams will feature retuning kicker Toby Ipsen (6-3, 180, Sr.) who garnered 2nd Team All-Conference honors last year. A consistent kicker for the last two seasons, Ipsen continues to improve and is a weapon the Eagles will lean on this season.
“In order to have a positive impact in the lives of students and student athletes, it is necessary to set a good example in the classroom, athletic arenas, and in the community. To achieve this, building individual relationships with all students and student-athletes I come into contact with is imperative to help generate quality citizens,” Jasper said. “We are very excited for the upcoming season with overall numbers that continue to grow. The team has worked very hard in the off-season, and we are looking forward to seeing how that translates into success in the season.”
8-29 – vs. Kickapoo
9-5 – at Lebanon
9-12 – vs. Nixa
9-18 – at Glendale
9-22 – at Republic
10-3 – vs. Carthage
10-10 – at Neosho
10-17 – at Willard
10-24 – vs. Webb City
