Carl Junction left the Big 8 for the COC Large, but that really doesn’t make the Big 8 any less of a bear than it’s been throughout the conference’s history. Lamar and Monett will be state championship good, Mount Vernon and Aurora will be dangerous as well and the rest of the conference will still be playing its patented physical brand of football.
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Preseason Awards
Big 8 Champion: Lamar
Player of the Year: Luke Hardman, Lamar
Co-Offensive Player of the Year: Payton Evans, Aurora and Michael Branch, Monett
Defensive Player of the Year: Tanner Phipps, Lamar
Lineman of the Year: Alex Turner, Monett
Breakout Player: Garrett Hadlock, Mount Vernon and Lance Hymer, Seneca
Experience is the name of the game
The Big 8 is again eight teams with the departure of Carl Junction. Maybe the craziest fact about the conference is the fact that seven of the eight teams with returning their starter at quarterback. The coolest part is the variety of style in each quarterback. The Big 8 still plays physical football, but with innovative offensive minds like Kale Kilgo and Tom Cox joining a conference that already has great coaching, teams are constantly trying to outthink these defenses.
Payton Evans, Aurora – He’s the most talented quarterback in the league. Led Aurora to the Class 3 Final Four last year. He spent his summer playing in front of scouts and coaches and is a legitimate D-1 talent.
Stuart McKarus, Lamar – He doesn’t throw it a ton (maybe because he rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last year) but when he does throw it he knows what he’s doing. Oh, he’s also undefeated as a starter.
Garrett Hadlock, Mount Vernon – This will be his third year starting. He’s progressed each season. Expect that to continue into his senior campaign.
Ian Meyer, Monett – Michael Branch gets a lot of the headlines, but Meyer proved that he’s a more than capable quarterback last year. He understands how to manage a game and can beat you with his legs or his arm.
Chance Liveoak, East Newton – He’s not very big, but he’s mobile and has an underrated arm. Expect a much better season playing for Jamie LaSalle.
Shannon Haney, Cassville – He is the one of two sophomores on this list, but for good reason. It has been more than two decades since Cassville started a freshman at quarterback but Haney was well worth the wait. He is the future of the Big 8.
Derek Burr & Garrett Clouse, Seneca – This is a unique example. Burr was the starter last year and the 6-foot-3 senior is athletic enough to play anywhere on the field. Gavin Clouse found reps last year as a freshman. Both could see time at quarterback running Ryan McFarland’s veer.
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Can anyone stop Lamar?
What can you say about Lamar that hasn’t been said about Alabama? Nothing, except the Tigers don’t lose championship games. Ever. It almost doesn’t seem physically possible, but Lamar is again loaded and will be the favorite in the Big 8 and Class 2. And it’s not like they’re kind of good, they are LOADED. It’s no secret that I’m high on Luke Hardman. In my eyes, Hardman is the best pure, all-around football player in the Ozarks and is legitimately a big-time athlete (if you don’t believe me watch him on a track). Don’t be surprised to see him line up anywhere on the field. He’s not the only one. Stuart McKarus (893 rushing yards, 15 TDs), Matt Whyman (940 yards, 16 TDs) and Anthony Wilkerson will make sure that offense keeps rolling like a well-oiled machine. The offensive line doesn’t have the same elite talent as in years past, but they aren’t hurting for size and with experienced guys like Keegan Jones and tight end T.W. Ayers back, they’ll be just fine. Defensively, this group will be as elite as ever, specifically because of the speed at the back end. Scott Bailey has coached several elite guys, but Hardman is right there with Jared Beshore as the best defensive back to ever come through Lamar. Wilkerson also thrives against the run and pass and there are few better playmakers than Tanner Phipps (108 tackles, 6 INT in 2015). The guy to really keep an eye on is Cooper Lucas (16.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks in 2015). He played through injury last year and had a great season; if he stays healthy he will be an all-state defensive end because of his motor and pure explosion. If you’re looking for a loss on the schedule good luck; without Carl Junction there is one max. Circle Sept. 9 on your calendar because Lamar’s trip to Monett will be an absolute war. That’s the one chance for them to slip up. For those wondering if Valle Catholic can hang in Week 7, stop. The only thing that might save them from a turbo clock is the fact that they’re at home. This game is the equivalent of what would happen if North Dakota State played Alabama; nothing against NDSU, but that’s just two different levels. Logically, let’s just break this down. Lamar almost turbo-clocked Carl Junction last year. Carl Junction was one play away from beating Webb City. Webb City was one play away from beating Kearney in the Class 4 state championship game. Valle Catholic was one play away from losing to Thayer. I love Thayer, but they aren’t Lamar.
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Just how good is Monett?
Monett had a little extra salt to help get them through the offseason and I can’t really blame them. Rewind to last year’s losses to Lamar (Class 2 state champs), Aurora (Class 3 Final Four) and Carl Junction (Class 4 state-ranked) that kept them from conference and district championships. That bad news from last year turns into bad news for everyone else this year because they are the most talented Class 3 team in the Ozarks. If you’re looking for elite talent they have it in the form of D-1 prospect Alex Turner (TE/DE) and Michael Branch (RB/LB). I had a scout tell me that Turner is the best prospect in the 2017 class and his frame and athleticism could turn him into a playmaker on either side of the ball at the next level. Branch is just a man amongst boys; keep in mind he broke out as a sophomore at defensive end. Now he’s one of the best running backs in Missouri (1,200 yards, 14 TDs in 2015) and his running style is borderline assault; there isn’t a more violent running back I’ve seen at the high school level. We could call him “Beast Mode” but even then I don’t think that describes the amount of punishment he dishes out. Coach Derek Uhl also welcomes back quarterback Ian Meyer after a full season of starting experience in which he proved to be a dual-threat. I love Angel Villalta and Kurran Bartkoski up front on both sides of the ball; they are the epitome of Big 8 Football with their physicality and versatility. My favorite thing about this team is the addition of Brian Parra-Navarro. I don’t blame you for not knowing his name, but he was a home run hitter last year for Pierce City and will be a welcomed addition for Monett. He gives Uhl someone to help take the top off of opposing defenses, giving Branch more room to work. And, he’s an 11-flat 100m guy so no need to question his speed. Just like Lamar, there aren’t many chances for losses on the Cubs’ schedule. The opener with California could be fun; keep in mind both teams lost in the state semifinals in 2014. Mary Alberton’s California team has averaged 11 wins per season over the last four years and have been known to put up some numbers offensively. This will be a fun game between two of the state’s best Class 3 programs recently. Obviously, Week 4 against Lamar will be the Big 8 championship game. Monett is one of few teams in Class 2 or 3 that is equipped to hang with the Tigers physically. That will be must-see football.
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Can quarterback play lead Aurora or Mount Vernon to a postseason run?
Aurora and Mount Vernon are two teams that will look to make a run in Class 3, which has been susceptible to runs from Big 8 teams that get hot at the right time of the year. Both teams will also have some of the best quarterback play in the conference… Aurora’s season will be the tale of two halves; don’t be shocked to see them struggle early. When you mix inexperience with a brutal schedule then things can snowball in a hurry. Mountain Grove, MV-BT/Liberty, Lamar and Monett in the first five games could send the Dawgs to a 1-4 start. That’s the bad news. The good news is Aurora could very well end the season with four straight wins heading into district play. They will go as far as senior quarterback Payton Evans can take them. Evans is a stud to put it lightly. His junior year was bananas (2,236 passing yards, 610 rushing yards, 30 total TDs) and he will shoulder an even larger portion of the offense this season. That will be fine with Kale Kilgo considering how accurate Evans was last year and how much his decision-making improved. The key to Aurora’s season will be the development of its line and skill position guys. Last year’s senior class was one of the best to ever come through Aurora and the reason the Dawgs were on the verge of making a trip to St. Louis for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately those guys won’t be walking through that door in a jersey. Kilgo showed his offensive genius last year by opening up the playbook and understanding how to be spread and play with tempo while still being balanced. If guys like Clayton Dunning, Kaleb Baker and Preston Naylor can consistently create separation and the offensive line can keep Evans upright, Aurora will be in position to make another postseason run… Tom Cox clearly has Mount Vernon headed in the right direction and the only thing that kept Mount Vernon from a .500 season is the fact that the Mountaineers shared a conference with Carl Junction and Lamar. A lot of people can make that argument, but you can’t argue with the progression the ‘Neers have shown under Cox, with their four wins being the most they’ve had since 2012. Another really good senior class has left the Big 8, taking with it a ton of experience which will have this year’s team looking to plug some holes. Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the biggest question mark will be the offensive line after graduating four of its five starters. That’s tough. The good thing is Cox brings back the conference’s premier quarterback-receiver combination in seniors Garrett Hadlock (1,700 passing yards, 12 TDs) and Jarrett Massie (48 receptions, 826 yards, 9 TDs). Hadlock is a three-year starter and clearly he understands how to find Massie. Last year, Massie had an uncanny ability to get behind defenses or just go up and make plays; more targets will only lead to an even bigger year. For that to happen, Hadlock will need to have some protection upfront. Cox is smart enough to figure out how to get Massie touches, which will be imperative for Mount Vernon. Cox must also figure out how to get something out of the ground game following the graduation of workhorse back Payton Oehlschlager. They also have to be better defensively. Last year they allowed 35 points or more in five of their six losses. Opening the season with COC Small foes Reeds Spring, Springfield Catholic and Monett will let us know where Mount Vernon is in the Class 3 pecking order.
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Is Cassville back?
From 2009 to 2012 Cassville won 50 games and had four straight seasons without multiple losses. They were the class of the Big 8. But, over the last three seasons they’ve gone just 17-16 with no conference or district championships. Lance Parnell and the Cats will look to change that behind All-Big 8 back River Phelps (1,158 yards, 17 TDs in 2015). Phelps is one of many good backs in the league this year and should flirt with a 1,500-yard campaign as a senior running behind Riley Fletcher and Devin Phelps. We will learn a ton about Cassville early. The Wildcats open the season with Lamar and Reeds Spring right out of the gate. I think the Cats will be 4-1 or 3-2 going into Week 6 and a trip to Monett that will likely have the district’s top seed on the line.
New eras underway at East Newton and Seneca
Jamie LaSalle has his work cut out for him in his first year at East Newton. Get this, in the last three years he went 29-9 at Marionville, helping the Comets regain their classic form. Nine losses in the last three years. The Patriots have had at least nine losses in each season since 2009. East Newton is 4-66 over the last seven seasons and I’m not sure that tells the entire story. The good news is LaSalle is no stranger to rebuild jobs and has shown the ability to be extremely flexible on both sides of the ball in terms of scheme. There isn’t a ton of size or experience, but there are a few pieces to like. Chance Liveoak at quarterback is a talented kid and has some serious zip on his ball, but unfortunately he rarely got the chance to step into a throw and was often running for his life. Go back and watch some of his tape and you’ll see the arm talent. Coleman Booker made several nice plays last year and excels in space. The only issue is getting him the ball in space. He’s not very big, but isn’t afraid to mix it up defensively either. Look, Rome wasn’t built in a day and this team isn’t going to win a Big 8 championship this year. Winning is an acquired skill, but under LaSalle this group could start changing the culture and being more competitive… Three years ago Seneca played for the Class 3 state championship; over the last two seasons they Indians have gone 5-15. Enter Ryan McFarland. McFarland is Webb City born and bred, which is why he will bring the split-back veer to Seneca. He’s been an assistant at Webb for nearly a decade and spent the last two seasons at Riverton (Kan.). McFarland understands how to win and Seneca is eager to get back glory days that saw the Indians become perennial powers in the Big 8. Having senior back Lance Hymer (759 yards, 5 TDs) is a nice start. Hymer is a physical back and is a north and south, one-cut guy which will help him in this system. Assuming that Derek Burr is back at quarterback (1,216 total yards, 14 TDs) and can understand how to make the reads, the offense should be much improved. There are rumors of Burr sliding to an athlete position, while giving the starting job to sophomore Gavin Clouse, which would make the Seneca offense more versatile. Burr can be a blur is space and his size makes him a matchup problem on the perimeter. The non-conference schedule includes a trip to Nevada and a visit from a solid Osage team. Seneca will be better, but the win column may not reflect it.
Top Games
Aug. 19
Mountain Grove at Aurora – This two met last year in the Class 3 quarterfinals; it was a war and Aurora pulled it out by a touchdown. Two physical teams in a revenge game to open the season, with two of the most electric quarterbacks in the area? Sign me up.
California at Monett – This is one of the braggin’ rights games for the area. Two teams in Class 3 looking to get the season off to a good start and send a message to Class 3. Should be fun, could be the first of two meetings.
Aug. 26
Reeds Spring at Cassville – Reeds Spring is eager to get over the hump against Big 8 teams and Cassville is looking for some revenge after the Wolves ended the Cats season in the district semifinals last year. This game will go by quickly; they may combine to throw it 10 times.
MV-BT/Liberty at Aurora – The second of Aurora’s SCA tour. Liberty opens the season with Class 4 Cape Central and will do everything possible not to fall to 0-2. This game will test Aurora’s defense in ways that few can.
Sep. 9
Lamar at Monett – This is the game of all games. Could be a matchup of two future state champions. They are the two best teams in the Big 8 and there is never any love lost between the two of them. Aside from Liberty, Monett gave Lamar its toughest game of the season. Great players, great coaches and rabid fan bases. Get there early…
Sep. 16
Monett at Aurora – They played twice last year, the first was a 13-6 Monett win that came with some controversy and the second was a 25-11 Aurora win. This will be another typical Big 8 rivalry game. Monett will have one of the best defenses in the conference, but can they stop Payton Evans?
Seneca at East Newton – Two new coaches eager to leave their mark on the program. In a conference with very few easy wins to come by, both teams will want this one bad. It will also be crucial for district seeding; nobody wants to fall to the bottom half.
Sep. 23
Cassville at Monett – 34-6 and 38-0 are the scores of their last two meetings, both of which were Monett wins. If Cassville truly wants to prove it is back, this is the kind of game the Cats will need to win. Also, in a district with a ton of parity, this game will be the difference between home field and hitting the road in late October.
Sep. 30
Aurora at Mount Vernon – The Bell Bowl is about as big as it gets in the Big 8. Mount Vernon will be looking for some revenge after getting housed last year, 42-14.
Oct. 1
Lamar at Valle Catholic – Everyone around the state is getting fired up about this clash of titans. Allow me to ruin the suspense; it won’t be as close as people think. Lamar kids live for big games and this is exactly the kind of challenge they want. People have started ducking them in recent years, making it difficult for Coach Bailey to schedule. Understandably so, it’s a no-win situation for Class 3 or 4 programs; nobody wants to take that L against a Class 2 team. So, as a result, Lamar will be out to prove a point and this will be a statement game for the Tigers.
