2020 Fall Preview: Mt. Vernon Football

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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Mount Vernon is coming off the program’s third consecutive double-digit win season after going 10-1 before being upset by Seneca in the Class 3 – District 6 semifinals 14-12.

The ‘Neers are entering their seventh season under Tom Cox with the Class of 2020 being the winningest group in decades, posting 39 wins in four seasons with a pair of district championships.

“Last year’s seniors were special,” said Cox. “They went 22-3 their junior and senior years and played for a state championship as sophomores. That’s a pretty good run by anyone’s standards. There were so many different personalities in that class and each one brought something unique to our team chemistry. I will certainly miss them as football players, but more importantly, as young men.”

But, don’t feel too bad for Coach Cox quite yet. Mount Vernon is in the midst of another reload, returning 14 starters from last year’s team, including some of the top talents in the Big 8.

They’re particularly talented on the defensive side of the ball, where Mount Vernon allowed just 11 points per game last season, the unit’s best number under Cox.

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“Coach Chris Johnston does an outstanding job with our defense,” said Cox. “That’s what we want to be known for. No doubt we’ve had some great players in the last few years, but they are well prepared each and every week by our defensive staff that includes Johnston, Khelon Hayes and Kaleb Cason. We have high expectations for our defense again this year.

“There are some holes to fill, but we have a nucleus returning at linebacker in Justin Moore, Braydan Martin and Payton Presnall. Up front we have Josh Kerr, Isaac Burks and Dominic Dawson returning with a big group of others who will get their opportunity to shine on Friday nights. Rafe Darter and Mason Ballay return in the defensive secondary and will be joined by two new starters.”

Moore was an All-Big 8 pick on both sides of the ball and his 113 tackles is the highest returning number on the team. Burks was an All-Big 8 defensive tackle and Dawson was a two-way starter, as was Ballay and Darter.

Ballay and Darter, both seniors, will also be a focal point of the offense, with Ballay sliding over from receiver to quarterback. Darter will likely be his go-to weapon on the perimeter.

Darter posted 57 receptions for 821 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior.

“Mason has looked really good in our summer workouts and I expect a great season from him,” said Cox. “He just finds a way to get the job done. Sophomore Dominick Farley had a really good season as our JV quarterback last year. He has worked hard in the weight room to improve his strength and size. His accuracy has never been a question and he is throwing the ball with a lot more zip this year.

“Rafe has the physical size and skills you dream about in a wide receiver. He is one of the best when it comes to 50/50 balls. He can go up and get it. He also has the speed to run by opponents. On top of all of that, he is No. 1 in class rank. Rafe hasn’t said a lot in his first three years of high school. He’s let his numbers do the talking. However, he has taken on more of a leadership role and has become more vocal in the weight room and on the practice field. If anyone gets confused out there, he helps get them in the right coverage or the right route.”

Mount Vernon will again enter the season as the favorites in the Big 8 East. They’ve lost just three divisional games since 2016.

While Cox admitted that COVID-19 has made this offseason unlike any before it, he acknowledged that every program must overcome that obstacle.

What that does create is a situation where continuity and experience will be even more important.

For Mount Vernon to build on what has been an incredible run, Cox believes they’ll have to navigate another brutal conference slate, as well as adjust to new roles within the program.

“I love the Big 8; it is such a quality Class 3 conference,” said Cox. “It is filled with outstanding coaches who do such a good job of preparing their teams. Big 8 football just keeps getting better year after year because we all have to work harder and be better every season or we’re going to find ourselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard every week. Friday nights in the Big 8 are awesome.

“We will have to have some 2019 JV players step into starting roles in 2020 and excel. We need a great summer in the weight room and on the practice field to be ready August 28 when we open with the Class 3 runner-up Cassville Wildcats. We need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and we need to take care of the ball on offense and generate takeaways on defense. Our kicking game must improve and I know it will. Depth is a key for us so we need to stay healthy.”

Mount Vernon will open the 2020 season on Aug. 28, at home, against Cassville. The following Friday the ‘Neers will head to East Newton.

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