MONETT, Mo. — A great foundation was laid in Derrek Uhl's first season as head coach at Monett. Now, you can expect the Cubs to continue their growth while being ranked in Class-3 all season.
Head Coach: Derrek Uhl (2nd year)
2015 Record: 8-3 (lost to Aurora in district semifinals)
Players to Watch: Kurran Bartkowski (OL/DL), Michael Branch (RB/LB), Ian Meyer (QB), Brian Parra-Navarro (WR), Alex Turner (TE/DL), Angel Villalta (OL/DL)
"I think we're a little further ahead from where we were last year," coach Uhl said. "we return some key guys on both sides of the ball, so we're happy with where we're at right now, but we have to get better."
Monett was one of the toughest opponents for any Ozarks school last season. The Cubs finished 2015 at 8-3. Take out it's three losses, and Monett outscored it's opponents 303 to 41. And those three losses came from Lamar (Class 2 State Champion), Carl Junction and Aurora (in the district semifinals) who had a combined record of 32-7 in 2015.
"We were happy with our season, of course you want to go further," coach Uhl said, "and the team that beat us got better; so as a coach you're a little disappointed with that."
FULL LIST OF FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
Monett returns six starters on both offense and defense. The spotlight this year will be focused on senior running back/linebacker Michael Branch (6', 235lbs). Branch, the OZone Breakout Player of the Year, is coming off a 1,200 yard and 14 touchdown campaign while sharing the carries in the backfield.
"He's developed very good work ethic," coach Uhl said, "in the offseason he worked his tail off. He's physical; and for his size he moves very well."
"Honestly, he can play at my alma mater, Colorado State. He can play at that level to NAIA, whereever he goes, they're going to geta good one."
"I think we can do a lot," teammate Alex Turner said. "I think we can go really far this year. We really know the offense a lot better this year; it's not new, and I think we can do well."
Turner joins Branch in playing for almost every snap during the season. On the defensive line, Turner tallied 61 tackles (12 for a loss), four sacks and two fumble recoveries.
"He's consistant," coach Uhl said. "He's very good on both sides of the ball and in fact, he's being recruited to play on both sides of the ball."
"He just brings it on defense; he's tough to run against and offensively he's a good blocker and he can catch the ball and he's just solid."
Leading the offense again this year will be quarterback Ian Meyer. Meyer threw for 1,207 yards in 2015 with 13 touchdowns.
"He's gaining more confidence, from the first game to the last game he got so much better," coach Uhl said. "He's a good athlete."
The difference for Monett in 2016 is what every football coach asks; be a little better today than you were yesterday. While the Cubs did improve last season from camp to late October, coach Uhl believes other teams, and in particular Aurora, were a little better in that category.
The Cubs baseline for the season begins Saturday, August 20 when they play host to California at 7:30.
