2017 Fall Preview: Ash Grove Football

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Ash Grove finished 8-3 in 2016 and came up one touchdown short of winning a district championship.

Gone from that team are nine seniors that garnered 13 total all-conference honors.

The seniors last year played a lot of varsity football in their high school career,” Ash Grove coach Ryan Long said. “Most of them were forced into a starting role before they were ready which gave them experience which you can’t coach.”

The Pirates return five offensive and three defensive starters this year.

Things start with quarterback Chase White returning to lead the offense after throwing for 1,009 yards and 12 touchdowns to go with 601 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

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“Chase grew a lot last year as a passer. He has always been a good runner, however this year we look to improve on his passing,” Long said. “Having him behind center the rest of the team know who they have back there, they know they have a hard-nosed quarterback that wants to win.”

Spencer Eagleburger will return to the backfield with White at running back. He rushed for 1,009 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He also had 254 yards receiving.

“Coming into last year I told him he needed to run tougher between the tackles and he responded with a 1000-yard season,” Long said. “He will be a great weapon to have this year. He has excellent hands and we look to get him more involved in the passing game this year.”

Trenton Climer is the lone returner on the offensive line. He will be joined by juniors Deaven Phipps and Miles Nentrup along with senior Kenneth Steeley.

Noah Branham and Keegan Hosman also return to start on offense, but will be switching positions. Branham will move to tight end and Hosman to fullback.

Defensively, Hosman will lead the way as he moves from the defensive line back to linebacker after the Pirates lost three all-conference players at the position.

Climer, Phipps and Miles Nentrup will be the key pieces on the defensive line.

White, Eagleburger, Brayden Trammel, Turner Davis, and Alex Spuibb will all see time in the secondary.

Even with the loss of a strong senior class, Long is confident his team can be successful again in 2017.

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“After falling to Thayer in a 6-0 loss in the district championship game last year we feel returning to that championship game again is in our reach,” Long said. “We have a good group of kids with a lot of potential.”

Ash Grove will host Sarcoxie, Lockwood and Lighthouse Christian for a Jamboree on Aug. 11.

The Pirates open the season on Aug. 18 at home against Houston.

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