Fall 2019 Preview: Willow Springs Football

willow-springs-tryton-henley-4-senior

By Chris Parker

Willow Springs experienced a tragic loss late this summer when players Zach White and Jonah Smith died in a car accident.

The Bears are rallying around each other and will play for the memory of their teammates this season.

On the field, Logan Schwalm enters his third season as the head coach of Willow Springs football with an experienced group leading the way. He returns eight starters on each side of the ball this year, as the Bears look to improve upon last year’s 1-9 record.

“Returning players on both offense and defense is our strength. We have a big senior class this year. Having those kids get experience last year and throughout the summer gain confidence I think will be the main focal point as to how much success we have,” Schwalm said.

Tryton Henley was an Honorable Mention All-SCA quarterback last year, but could see more time at running back this season.

“Tryton is a kid that from Day 1 has been a great leader and teammate for all the rest of the guys around him,” Schwalm said. “He is one of the hardest working kids we have. He is a great example for everyone else to see how he works and what he tries to accomplish day in and day out.”

Brady Walton will look to step in and play some quarterback this year to allow Henley to carry the ball. Bailey Iott and Kyle Wood are two more players in the mix for carries.

On the edges, Jon Baker and Wyatt Crudgington will be the threats in the passing game at wide receiver.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

Up front, Ethan Wake, Tristin Stetina, Jaron Story and James Collins all return to the offensive line. Landon Crudgington and Chase Jones are in the mix for the final spot on the offensive line.

Schwalm is looking for improvement across the board on the offensive line.

“Our offensive line has to get better from last year even though we have a lot of returning guys. They need to get better for the guys behind them getting the ball to have success,” Schwalm said.

On defense, Story will lead the way up front at defensive end after earning honorable mention all-conference honors last season. He will likely be joined at defensive end by Chase Jones.

Henley, Wood and Justin Chaney will comprise the linebacking corps.

Miller and Baker return as starters in the secondary. Miller was an honorable mention all-conference defensive back last season. Wyatt Crudgington and Carson Lowe are in the mix to see time in the secondary.

Willow Springs’ senior group of players has the experience necessary to get the Bears moving up the SCA standings this year.

“The senior group we have now were sophomores that (first) year. They have gotten plenty of experience. The commitment level in the weight room has gotten better gradually. The commitment on the field has gotten better,” Schwalm said. “These kids are starting to realize you have to work for what you get. There is nothing handed to you.”

Willow Springs opens the season on Aug. 30 at home against Strafford.

DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR APPLE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID

Related Posts

Loading...