By Chris Parker
Willow Springs returns 15 starters from last season’s team that finished 2-8 overall.
Seven starters return to an offense with experience at the skill positions.
“We have older and athletic skill position guys who we will need to get the ball to as much as possible,” Willow Springs head coach Logan Schwalm said.
Sophomore Caden Lee will be at quarterback. He threw for 293 yards, rushed for 196 and caught another 205 yards last season.
John Baugh, Christopher McCune, Brayden Epperly, Jerimiah Galloway, Brady James, and Jacob Roberts will be the top pass catchers. Baugh had 30 catches for 310 yards last season.
Logan Bryan, Braden Scarbrough and Anthony Shortridge will see time at running back. Scarbrough led that group with 101 rushing yards as a freshman.
Look for Elijah Roberts, Braden Riggs, Aiden Messex, Jacob Maggard, Tucker Gray, Devin Sanchez, Keril Gantyuk and Gabe Wilson on the offensive line.
Speed will be key for a defense with eight starters returning.
“We will be a pretty fast unit that will need to fly to the ball,” Schwalm said.
Riggs, Messex, Gantyuk and Isaac Miller will be on the defensive line.
Roberts, Bryan, Shortridge, Scarbrough, Asher Smith and Gavin Glenn will be at linebacker.
Willow Springs travels to Mountain Grove on Aug. 22 for a jamboree with the host Panthers, Thayer and Houston. The Bears open the regular season on Aug. 29 at home against Lincoln.
“Obviously getting better each week is top priority but if our older players who haven’t seen a ton of success in their careers can help the younger players who will have to fill key roles step up and find success as the year goes would be a plus,” Schwalm said.
