By Chris Parker
Bolivar finished 3-7 in the first season with Robert Clardy as head coach. The Liberators are looking to take a step forward in Clardy’s second season.
“I love the growth I’ve seen from our players,” Clardy said. “We installed new offensive and defensive systems last year, and the players’ ability to pick it up and play at a high level has allowed us to expand and add things to help us change looks while still executing at a high level.”
Six offensive starters return led by Chapel Banner at quarterback. Banner threw for 1,242 yards and nine touchdowns with 52 carries for 192 yards last season.
“Banner brings two years of knowledge and experience starting at that position,” Clardy said. “It is extremely important to have experience returning at the quarterback spot. We are excited to see his growth this offseason show on Friday nights.”
The Liberators are a spread-style offense, so many players will see time at wide receiver and tight end.
“We want to attack the defense and make them cover vertically, but also sideline to sideline,” Clardy said. “Tempo is important to us and controlling the speed of the game.”
Bradyn Long and Dorian Gonzales return from last season. Long had 18 catches for 285 yards and a touchdown. Gonzales had 13 catches for 112 yards.
Shaqir McCoy and Paden Yates will also look for starting roles.
“We have some good depth at that position, which will help us this season stay fresh,” Clardy said.
Kolt Hill returns to the backfield after seeing 72 carries for 378 yards and a touchdown last season. He will also play middle linebacker, so Dakota Spiegel will see a lot of action when Hill is off the field.
Milo Griffin is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. Colton Willis, Jimmy Peterson, Jud Blair, Garrett Samek, Blaine Chastain, Christien Corp and Isaac Duncan have all stepped up on the line after strong junior varsity seasons.
Seven defensive starters return.
Caden Jump, Griffin and Peyton Williamson will be on the offensive line.
Hill will be joined by Knox Wolhoy, Jonah Bryant and Brylin Stigers at linebacker.
Look for Evan Mortenson, Will Niven, Waylon Cooper and Hunter Kozlowski in the secondary.
“We are an attack style defense that wants to keep offense on heels,” Clardy said. “Create confusion by showing multiple looks.”
Clardy sees many players capable of breakout seasons.
“Hunter Kozlowski is a great safety that is always around the football. He is also a big threat at receiver when needed” Clardy said. “Bradyn Long is a great receiver that is very dynamic with the ball in his hands. Caden Jump has had a great offseason in the weight room and on the field. Look for him to have a great season on the defensive line. Kolt Hill is a great football player on both sides of the ball. He started almost every game last season at running back and middle linebacker as a freshman.”
Bolivar travels to Willard for a jamboree on Aug. 21 with Parkview, Cassville and the host Tigers. The Liberators open the regular season on Aug. 28 at Osage.
“We want to see improvement from last season,” Clardy said. “Not just wins and losses, but also how we execute the offensive and defensive schemes and play at a high level. We also want to see alignment continue from grades 3-12. We made great strides and have some great coaches all of the way through. We are very happy with where that’s headed.”
