2021 Fall Preview: Carthage Football

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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

John Guidie is entering his 17th season as head coach at Carthage and the Tigers are in a recently unfamiliar position – they aren’t looking to defend a district championship this year.

Carthage’s six-year district championship reign was ended by rival Webb City in the district title game.

Now the Tigers wave goodbye to a loaded senior class, headlined by three-year starting quarterback Pat Charlton, and will look to reload behind 12 returning starters from 2020.

“Losing a class like that presents a great opportunity but also a lot of expectations,” said Guidie. “They need to come in ready to play and compete at a very high level.”

One of the biggest returning names in the COC is Carthage junior Luke Gall, who had a breakout sophomore season as a two-way starter at running back and linebacker.

Gall – a First-Team All-COC selection at both positions – rushed for 1,051 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 76 tackles and 11 tackles for loss on defense.

He was an All-State pick at linebacker and is already a two-year starter entering the fall.

“It all starts with his work ethic,” said Guidie of Gall. “Not one player outworks Luke. He has one gear and it’s always going strong.”

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Gall will have some returning studs upfront to block for him as well with seniors Gavin VanGilder and Garrett Lilienkamp back in the mix. Both players return with immense starting experience, especially Lilienkamp who is entering his third season as a starter.

Senior Cale Patrick will return to receiver where he started last year, but will also return to his spot in the secondary. Classmate Caden Kabance – who started at receiver last year – will slide over to quarterback this fall. Kabance is also entering his third season as a starter in the secondary.

“Caden has started both ways for us for two years and was our back up quarterback last year even though he never took a snap,” said Guidie. “He is an athletic kid who is football savvy.”

The defensive side is loaded with experience for Carthage.

In addition to Gall and Kabance, seniors Sylas Browning and Zach Lansford started every game as juniors and form the most experienced linebacking corps in the COC. Guidie applauded their offseason work as well.

Junior Davion King will return to safety after starting nearly his entire sophomore season, adding speed and physicality to a unit that has plenty of it.

Senior Max Williams and junior Micah Lindsey both return to anchor the defensive line. Williams started every game last year and added 20 pounds since last season. Lindsey totaled eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss as a sophomore.

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Guidie is also excited about the development of some newcomers.

Senior Brett Rockers will slide into the H-back role for Carthage. Classmate Braxdon Tate will look to make an increased impact at receiver. Junior Clay Kinder – a three-sport standout – is expected to compete in the secondary as well.

The Tigers will always have championship expectations and this season is no different. To get there, they’ll have to navigate a brutal conference schedule and a district.

“The COC is very tough and lots of parity from top to bottom,” said Guidie. “Very good coaches and players. We have had a great off-season. We need to keep developing depth at all positions. And we need to compete every day in practice.”

Carthage will host Carl Junction, Monett and Nevada in a jamboree on Aug. 20 before visiting Ozark on Aug. 27 to open the 2021 season. The Tigers will play their home opener the following week on Sep. 3 against Carl Junction and host Webb City on Sep. 17.

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