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By Josh Hall
There is a common question head coach Jason Smith has gotten since taking over the Greenfield High School football program.
Will the Wildcats ever switch back to 11-man football?
“I’ve been asked that question a lot,” Smith said last week at a 7-on-7 session at Parkview. “People ask it every day.”
One of the reasons for that question might be a reflection of the success Greenfield had on the field last season. As an eight-man team, the Wildcats went 9-1 after falling 40-38 to Sacred Heart in a Class 1 state semifinal in 2016.
Another reason might be the recent numbers Greenfield has seen – Smith expects to have around 30 players this season – or maybe it’s because the Wildcats had three seniors from last year’s team sign to play at the collegiate level
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Regardless of the reason, the question gets asked frequently.
For Smith, one thing remains consistent.
“Eight or 11 you still have to block, you have to tackle and hit,” he said. “’I’m fine with whichever is the best for the Greenfield school.”
Greenfield, which switched to 8-man in 2014, will have to replace some talent from last year’s team that averaged 51.6 points per game, while holding opponents to 14.7.
The Wildcats graduated quarterback Draven Stapp, a Benedictine signee who was 60 of 114 through the air with 986 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Stapp’s favorite target and Evangel signee Jalen Roby is gone to graduation after accumulating 596 receiving yards to go along with 11 touchdowns.
Also graduated is Missouri Southern signee Jarrett Esposito, who recorded 16 sacks to lead the Missouri 8-man Coaches Association.
“We lost some very talented seniors,” Smith said. “It’s really hard to replace athletes like that, especially when you play 8-man football.”
On the bright side, Greenfield returns leading rusher and three-year starter Charles Servoss. As a junior he ran for 1,228 yards on 126 carries with 17 touchdowns.
“He’s very experienced and he’s very talented,” Smith said. “It’s very nice to have a running back of his size, speed, strength and toughness. We expect for him to have a huge season this year.”
Throughout June, the Wildcats’ main focus will be the passing game as they participate in various 7-on-7 sessions throughout the area.
Sophomore Bailey Baker takes over the reins at quarterback and will resume his starting role at cornerback.
“He’s having a great summer so far,” Smith said. “He’s a great leader. I got to watch a lot of film of their games last year, and the very first thing I noticed when I watched him was how he was such a sure tackler. That’s nice to have.”
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Tyrell Stafford (jr.) will play receiver and defensive back, while Seth Trast (jr.) could get reps at guard, tight end, receiver and defensive end.
Smith expects Dawson Wimer and Austin Graves to be forces on both sides of the line. Expectations are also high for Quinn Morrow, who started at linebacker as a freshman last season. Gage Burns is expected to make an impact at linebacker.
“I’m still getting to know all of them, but from what I know, they’re great kids and they like to work,” Smith said. “Our numbers are great every day. Their attitudes are great.”
