Hillcrest returns several key pieces in 2017 in a bid to climb back into the top part of the Ozark Conference.
Everything starts with senior Josh Powell. Powell is a game-breaker in every sense of the word. He is one of the most dangerous kick returners in the Ozarks. Last season, Powell took back two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns while averaging 30.8 yards on punt returns and 24.8 yards on kick returns.
On offense, the senior receiver had 69 receptions for 899 yards and seven touchdowns in 2016. He also added another 232 yards rushing.
“This has by far been his (Powell’s) best summer. He has been really working hard. He has been a leader. He has really matured into his leadership role,” Hillcrest head coach John Beckham said.
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Haden Parton will be throwing the ball to Powell after splitting time with Erik Savage at quarterback last season.
The offensive line will also be almost completely intact from last season with seniors Cannon McMellen, Pierce Randolph and Logan Swearengin, along with junior Trey Orchard all returning to start. It is the first time in Beckham’s 10 years at Hillcrest that the Hornets have returned this many starters on the offensive line.
Brant Schaffitzel was the heart of the defense at linebacker in his senior season last year with 149 total tackles. Senior Malik Starks will slide back from the defensive line to linebacker this year to take over that leadership role in the center of the Hornet defense.
The secondary returns four starters in Savion Hill (senior) and juniors Blake Hanna, Trent Duncan and Brenden Weaver.
Hillcrest, which is the smallest school in the Ozark Conference in terms of enrollment, will look to move up the Ozark Conference standings.
“I think we could be better than last year, but I am not sure if that is going to equate to wins. Our conference is very competitive. There are four or five teams that could end up as conference champion. I hope that we can get back on the winning side of it.”
Hillcrest opens the season on Aug. 18 at Camdenton.
