By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Few programs are more eager to start the 2021 season than Marionville.
The Comets ran through the regular season unblemished, advancing to the Class 1 quarterfinals before losing to eventual state champion Windsor. Marionville was more competitive with Windsor than Mid-Buchanan was in that title game, and with 14 starters back, expectations are extremely high in Paden Grubbs’ sixth season as head coach.
“Last year was a very special season at Marionville,” said Grubbs. “I think that the kids liked the taste of success. They understood what it took to get them there. They have had a great off-season. They are working harder in the weight room each day. They are hungry and want the opportunity to put themselves in that position again.”
Leading the charge this year is a pair of All-State seniors in Dakota Wilson and Eric Gracia, as well as All-State junior Wil Carlton.
Wilson rushed for 1,779 yards and 33 touchdowns. That was the fourth-highest total in the Ozarks’ last year and the most rushing touchdowns by anyone regardless of class.
He was also the Southwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He’s also a standout linebacker.
“He has what all good running backs have in vision, quickness, speed, and power,” said Grubbs. “He will continue to be the workhorse in our offense. The more touches he gets the stronger he gets throughout the game. He’s one of the best backs in the area and state. At his linebacker spot, he really started coming on late last season. We need him to be a force on the defensive side of the ball the same way he is on the offensive side for us to take that next step.”
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Gracia (6-1, 245lbs) was an All-SWC selection on both sides of the line and is one of the top two-way linemen in the area. He’ll be joined by senior Mark McCann (6-2, 225lbs), junior Roberto Mayorga (6-2, 245lbs) and sophomores Garet Stanton (5-9, 215lbs), Dante Buckmaster, Tristan Bick, Preston Herd (6-2, 230lbs), Dalton Russell and Kanien Klineline.
“Eric has the potential to be very good,” said Grubbs. “He has the ability to be the best offensive and defensive lineman in the area and state at the class 1 level. He moves extremely well and is very strong. As the lone returning starter on both the offensive and defensive line, we will need him to take more of a leadership role.”
Under center will be junior Wil Carlton who was one of the state’s most productive sophomores last season.
Carlton threw for 1,873 yards and 22 touchdowns. Defensively he added eight interceptions. Known for his prowess on the basketball court, Carlton continues to turn heads on the gridiron as well.
“Our offense took a huge step forward last year and a lot of that had to do with Wil and his dual-threat ability,” said Grubbs. “His presence makes defenses honor the pass as well as take eyes off Dakota. He is a high IQ athlete who ran our offense highly efficiently last season. We expect Wil to take big strides this year since last season was his first playing high school football. After eight interceptions from his free safety spot, we need Wil to continue being a ball hawk and getting better and sharper with reads from his defensive back position.”
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A trio of senior receivers return in Jacksen Smith, Koy Dittmar and Wyley Brown. All three were also All-SWC selections at linebacker.
Senior Kaden Klineline will return to the secondary after an All-SWC junior season and juniors Blane Young and Llanden Bateman will again see reps at receiver and defensive back.
Junior Kolby Ghan (6-1, 230lbs) had an impressive offseason for Marionville and is expected to push for immediate playing time on both sides of the line. Grubbs praised his size and athleticism.
Sophomores Gage Guerin, Garrett Grimm and Isaac Stimpson will also play roles on both sides of the ball. There are several freshmen that will be vying for varsity time.
With so much experience returning, the expectations are nearly at championship-or-bust level.
“They all work extremely hard and are hungry after tasting success last season,” said Grubbs. “What makes this group special is I think they genuinely care about one another and want to win for the guy next to them.
“Our goal every year is to focus on whoever we are playing that week, prepare for them to the best of our ability, and play extremely hard on Friday night.”
Marionville will open the 2021 season on Aug. 20 at Diamond’s jamboree with Miller and Lighthouse Christian. The Comets will open the regular season on Aug. 27 by hosting new SWC member Stockton.
