By Chad Hayworth (for OzarksSportsZone.com)
For the second year in a row, the Aurora Houn’ Dawgs will have a new leader on the sidelines on Friday nights.
Dalton Hill comes over from Waynesville, replacing Ty Kime, who left Aurora after one season to become Waynesville’s athletic director.
The Houn’ Dawgs went 2-8 in 2025, defeating Mt. Vernon in Week 1 and Lafayette in in Week 4.
Hill said he’s spent the summer workout period working to get to know his players, while building in them the vision he has for the program.
“We’re trying to instill a culture of commitment, accountability, discipline and integrity throughout our program,” he said. “We’re holding our kids and ourselves to a high standard each and every day.”
Hill said he’s been pleasantly surprised by his players’ willingness to adapt and move forward with a new coaching staff for the second season in a row.
“Our kids are showing up every day, and they are buying into the process,” he said. “They approach practice with a very blue-collar mindset and a blue-collar attitude.”
Quarterback Sean Creasey returns for his senior season, along with junior running back Memphis Mooneyham in the backfield. Hill said he’s been impressed with the pair’s football IQ.
“Memphis is an elusive, athletic, physical-style back, who is highly cerebral,” Hill said. “Sean is a kid that is extremely disciplined, extremely intelligent and extremely committed. He’s going to be a quality leader for us.”
Junior guard Zach Brown will anchor the offensive line, after playing both ways a season ago. He’ll be joined by tackles Martin Svistun and Gabe Vannote.
“These guys are ready to put their noses in there and compete,” Hill said. “They want to turn the tide for Aurora football.”
Senior Terik Rackley returns at wide receiver. Hill expects his speed and dependability will shine when his number is called.
Defensively, Cooper Weter returns at linebacker.
“He is a team-first guy,” Hill said. “He understands the game and will make big plays for us when it’s his time to step up.”
With Brown, Vannote and Svistun also playing defensive line, Hill is looking for players that can fit in.
One could be junior Jonathan Simpson, who figures to find time both offensively and defensively. Another is sophomore Ivan Monje, who Hill is excited to see develop.
A trio of brothers, senior Zach Fries, junior Omar Fries and sophomore Ryan Fries, all figure to find time in the secondary, or perhaps the linebacking corps, Hill said.
“They are athletic kids,” he said. “As we progress through the summer and into the season, they are going to play significant roles for our football team.”
Aurora hosts Lamar to open the season on August 28. Their lone non-conference game is Oct. 2 at Rolla.
“Every week that we go out, it’s a chance to get a real evaluation of where we are at,” Hill said. “And when you start thinking about playoff football, what better way to prepare yourself than to see the best of the best during the regular season?”
