By Chris Parker
Willard football had youth all over the field in the head coach Andy McFarland’s first season. The Tigers finished 2-8 overall.
This season, Willard brings back a more experienced roster with 16 total starters from Week 10 returning.
“We were really young last year and kind of had to go through some growing pains,” McFarland said. “The benefit of that is we have a lot of guys coming back with a lot of experience.”
McFarland has used both wins and losses from last season for lessons in the offseason.
“You learn a lot from both (wins and losses),” McFarland said. “Sometimes it is human nature to focus a little more on your failures than success. We have to be careful not to do that. We want to remember what worked and why it worked. I think what we learned over the course of a pretty tough season is that we have to control what we can. In a lot of the games that got away from us there were just three or four plays that made the difference in it being a competitive game or a not competitive game. That experience that we are bringing back this year maybe will create a little more comfortability and give us a chance to be more consistent in what we do.”
Last season, Willard had nine seniors. This season, that number jumped to 24.
The most experience returns on offense with nine starters back. Seven starters are back on defense.
Tyler Davis will reprise his starting role at quarterback.
“Tyler is our returning starter at quarterback,” McFarland said. “He is a talented, dependable young man that works extremely hard. He had many moments of great success last year as a junior, and I trust that as a senior he is going to build upon that for a great season
His top target J.J. Huskisson is back after a second-team all-conference and first-team all-area selection at wide receiver last season. He also will play defensive back.
“J.J. is a playmaker on both sides of the ball, and I know that during his senior year he is going to put on a show,” McFarland said. “His energy and attitude are crucial for our team, and he brings both daily. J.J. is going to have opportunities to play college football, and I can’t wait to see all of his future success.”
Dylan Guynn (WR/DB), Keyshawn Close (WR), Colbee Mowell (WR) and Logan Chase (WR/DB) all return to factor into the passing game.
McFarland on Guynn: “Dylan is an extremely talented wide receiver, and he is also a very intelligent player. I expect Dylan to have an increased role on our offense in 2025.”
McFarland on Close: “Keyshawn has the combination of size and speed that all coaches are looking for in a wide receiver. He will have a crucial role on the outside for the Tigers in ’25.”
McFarland on Mowell: “Colbee is a long, smooth athlete who offers the quarterback a big target down the field. He made a lot of explosive plays as a junior.”
Nahmy Kelly and Preston Barclay will both play tight end and defensive end. Josh Torbert will double as a tight end and linebacker.
McFarland on Kelly: “Nahmy is a physical presence on the field, with great size. He has played a key role on the basketball court for Willard and will do the same on the football field as a senior this season.”
Gabe Wright and Jacob Welly return to the offensive line in their senior seasons.
“Jacob did a great job for us on the offensive line last season, and he is working hard to be a leader on our offensive line,” McFarland said.
Brody Lightfoot provides a large presence on the offensive line.
“At 6-foot-8, 330 pounds, you can’t miss Brody on the offensive line,” McFarland said. “Brody got better and better as a sophomore, and has absolutely worked his tail off to take the next step as a junior. Lightfoot is a name that I believe many in the area will know before he finishes his time on the field with the Tigers.”
Kain Gately also returns to the offensive line after starting as a sophomore.
“Kain also played an important role as a sophomore on our offensive line last year,” McFarland said. “His athleticism is on display during every snap, and we look forward to using his talents in multiple ways in 2025.”
Cale Seymour rounds out the returning offensive linemen.
“CJ played a key role on our offensive line last season, and that will not change at all in 2025,” McFarland said. “He has great size, and great feet. He’s going to have a very important role on our team in 25.”
James Slaughter returns to the backfield at running back.
“James was a consistent performer at running back as a sophomore last season in the COC,” McFarland said. “He has had a great offseason and is primed for a key role in our offense as a junior.”
Casen Kirksey and Hunter Hodges return to the secondary in their senior seasons.
Michael Hallman returns to the middle of the defense at linebacker where he played as a sophomore.
“Michael had a great year at linebacker as a sophomore,” McFarland said. “He has stepped up already this summer as a leader on our team. He is a great student, a hard worker, and a tremendous young man, who any coach would love to have on their team.”
Cade Shurtz started in the secondary opposite Huskisson last season.
“Cade started opposite Huskisson at safety last season as a sophomore. Cade is extremely talented, and his role on the team will be more crucial as a junior,” McFarland said.
Greyson Walden rounds out the returning players.
“Greyson, another starter last year as a sophomore, possesses great speed and athleticism,” McFarland said. “In 2025, a year older, Greyson is playing with more confidence, and his athletic gifts will be on full display as a junior.”
Gunner Puryear (junior linebacker) and Hunter Hodges (senior defensive back) are a couple newcomers to watch.
McFarland on Puryear: “Gunner was a leader on our JV team last season. He has had a great summer, and we can’t wait to see him bring his physical play to the field on Friday nights this season.”
McFarland on Hodges: “Hunter stepped in at cornerback last season mid-season, as we were dealing with injuries. He did a great job when given opportunity last year and looks to be a consistent presence in our defensive backfield.”
Willard travels to SBU for a jamboree on Aug. 22 with Bolivar, Parkview and Cassville. The Tigers open the season on Aug. 29 at home against Ozark.
