By Staff

2019 Fall Preview: Monett Football

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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

It’s hard to believe that Derrek Uhl is entering just his fifth season as head coach at Monett.

Already with a state championship on his resume, Year 12 overall at Monett should be an improved one with 15 starters returning from last year’s 4-6 season.

A season that ended with Monett winning four of its last five games entering district play, something that could be a springboard into 2019.

“We were running a new offense and defense last season,” said Uhl. “I think the kids started to feel more comfortable with what we were doing on both sides of the ball. We were a very young team last year. You will see a much more experienced team that will be very competitive.”

Leading the way will be the senior-dominated backfield of quarterback Karter Brink and running back Jaime Guinn. Brink passed for 832 yards and added another 310 on the ground. Guinn rushed for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 72 carries. He also added 200 receiving yards and three scores.

“Karter Brink is going into his senior year and his third year as starting QB,” said Uhl. “I think he really fits well with our offense and I think we will see big things out of Karter. Jaime will continue to be a big play threat. We run the triple option and teams need to account for him.”

Sophomore Ethan Umfleet will join them after rushing for 293 yards and adding 145 receiving yards with four total touchdowns a year ago.

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The strength for Monett should be its play in the trenches.

Uhl returns six players up front with starting experience in the form of seniors Wes Merriman (6-2, 225lbs), Chet Butterworth (6-1, 225lbs), Larry Gutierrez (5-10, 240lbs), Brandon Majors (6-0, 240lbs), junior Ray Villalta and sophomore Harrison Merriman (6-4, 245lbs). He believes they could all have big years individually and as a unit, on both sides of the ball.

Wes Merriman is the biggest name of them all after being an All-Big 8 selection as a junior.

“Wes is very physical and has a very good motor,” said Uhl. “All these are all lineman that started for us last year and I think they should all have big years. I think our strength will be up front.”

Senior Junior Villa and junior Cole Davis will be the heart of Monett’s defense from the linebacking corps. Guinn will join them again at outside linebacker.

Senior Gunnar Bradley and Umfleet will return to the secondary.

Uhl believes junior Arnold Cavazos, who has been a three-year starter at corner, will make an immediate impact at receiver. Senior Cye Bouchard will be a utility player that could fill a need at several different positions.

The Cubs are looking to bounce back from consecutive losing seasons for the first time in nearly a decade.

This group of seniors were freshmen when Monett won a state championship in 2016. They’ll now look to create their own legacy this fall.

“I think we are moving in the right direction,” said Uhl. “I know the kids are confident and ready to get started with the season.”

Monett will open the 2019 season at home against rival Mount Vernon on Aug. 30.