Coach: BRANDON TAUTE
6-5
OFFENSE
The Wildcats return 10 starters this season as head coach Brandon Taute looks to build off the successes of last season. Despite graduating some key players, coach Taute is confident in his players and their ability to step up into starting roles this season.
“We took a huge step as a program last year. We started off the year very well but dropped some games late after losing some key players to injuries. We had some young kids step up and gain valuable experience that will help us heading into this season,” said coach Taute. The passing game was big for the Wildcats last season, mixed with a solid run game, expect the offense to display a balanced attack again this season. The offensive line is a strength again this season with Everson Tomlinson (6-2, 290, Sr.) making his return after grabbing All-Conference, All-District, and All-Area honors as a junior. Tomlinson also made the All-Academic All-State team proving why he is considered a serious next level prospect. Tomlinson is a four-year starter. Two other offensive lineman made All-Academic State as well. They are Gabriel Busteed (5-10, 225, Sr.) and Romario Cifuentes (5-10, 260, Sr.). Both players are key to the Wildcat’s offensive success. Look for Busteed to go both ways while Cifuentes has started at guard for the Wildcats for the last three seasons. Wide receiver Brock Pyle (5-11, 185, Sr.) is likely the go-to receiver in the offensive scheme. Pyle has excellent feet, good speed and good hands. If needed, Pyle can play tight end as well. Also look for Keisean Rhone (5-10, 170, Sr.) at running back. His elusiveness will cause problems for opposing linebackers and his speed will be key for the offense. Blayne Patterson (6-1, 180, Jr.) gained some valuable experience at quarterback last season and comes into 2025 as the full-time signal caller for the Wildcats. Patterson has worked hard this offseason and is poised for a big year leading the offense.
DEFENSE
“We will have a lot of experience coming back in the box. We will lean on these guys to lead our defense and set the tone,” coach Taute said. Last season the defense allowed 26 points per game on average, but this season the Wildcats are looking to eliminate the big plays and keep teams in a down and distance that favors the defense.
Linebacker Brody Crane (6-1, 220, Sr.) has committed to play baseball for the University of Arkansas, but before he graduates, his goal is to help his football team win games. His play sets the tone for the defense and will be a major factor in the overall success of the unit. Look for Tomlinson and Busteed to see time on the defensive line with Jackson Ertel (6-2, 210, Jr.) at defensive end. Ertel brings a high football IQ to the field and understands the assignment at end. Also look for Colby McGehee (6-0, 230, Jr.) at linebacker. McGehee stepped up as a sophomore last season and played big for the Wildcats. Expect more of the same from McGehee has they look to get him involved in the offense as well.
“We are looking to prove that we belong amongst the top of the COC West. We laid a solid foundation last year and are looking to build on that. We have a good combination of returning experience and new faces on both sides of the ball. We believe if we continue to focus on ourselves and getting better every single day the results will take care of themselves,” said coach Taute.
8-29 – vs. Glendale
9-5 – at Kickapoo
9-12 – vs. Lebanon
9-19 – at Waynesville
9-26 – vs. Webb City
10-3 – at Willard
10-10 – vs. Joplin
10-17 – at Republic
10-24 – vs. Carthage
