“It's exhausting,” Bolivar head coach Glen Johnson says of his first training camp at the helm.
For the first time in 13 years, someone other than Lance Roweton is running the show at Bolivar. Johnson’s not an outsider – he’s coached the JV squad and has been an assistant with Roweton for years.
“I think the kids really are comfortable with me,” Johnson said. “It makes the transition a little easier.”
Having a school record holder starting at quarterback helps, too. Connor Sechler is ready for his swan song performance with the Liberators, and hopes to build off last season’s 2,335 yards and 18 touchdowns. Sechler’s hanging up his pads after this season to join Missouri State’s baseball team.
Bolivar also returns Brandon Emmert, a 6-3 230lb match-up problem. He’s been a tight end his whole career, but he’s switching to wide receiver for his senior season.
“Having those core spots there really help with the leadership,” Johnson says. “Especially having Brandon [Emmert] moving to wide receiver helps a little bit. He's able to help the tight ends and give them some insight on what they're going to expect. Obviously Connor back is huge. It'll be his third year starting. That's great offensively.”
But a look at the raw numbers is a little harder to swallow at first. Bolivar’s replacing 17 starters. That’s where Johnson leans on his junior class. He’s expecting big things from a group that went 8-1 in junior varsity play last year.
“We have a very good junior class,” Johnson said. “I feel fortunate that we have what we feel is a football grade up here.”
On defense, Johnson was quick to point out lineman Zach Howard and linebacker Bradley Thomas as leaders and playmakers.
As Sechler and Emmert cement their legacies at Bolivar, the next big offensive name to keep an eye on might be junior tailback Lane Loomer. The explosive runner got a few varsity opportunities last year in relief of Case Jones, but this will be his chance to break out.
“We got to see him a little as a sophomore but he's going to be a strong junior,” Johnson said. “We're excited to see what he can do. Definitely a fast, physical kid that'll give us an opportunity to win some games.”
They’ll need it if they intend to keep up their undefeated streak in the COC Small, which stretches back 13 seasons.
“No pressure at all,” Johnson joked. “I'm excited for it. I really like the pressure of football and the opportunity to compete so with these guys I'm confident in them and their abilities.”
