By Staff

2019 Fall Preview: Nevada Football

By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Wes Beachler has done nothing but turn around programs everywhere he’s been.

Entering his third season at Nevada this stint, Beachler and the Tigers will have their work cut out for them returning just six starters from a 1-9 team.

Competition has been the theme for the team and that’ll continue into the fall.

At quarterback, it’s currently a three-horse race between senior Matt Thorp, junior Dylan Beachler, and sophomore Caleb Stanley. Beachler is confident all three will be capable if and when their number is called.

Junior Kaden Denney (463 rushing yards, 4 TD; 40 tackles, 8 TFL) will be Nevada’s feature back after finding some success as a sophomore. Beachler describes Denney as a quick and explosive runner that is a home run threat in space. Senior Kolby O’Connell and junior Trey Moore will also see reps in the backfield. Senior Collin Witte will also see touches, with his 5-foot-5, 135lb frame giving defenders issues in space.

All-Big 8 junior LB Jace Lee (52 tackles, 8 TFL) will also return to his fullback spot.

The offensive line will have a new look following graduation departures. All-Big 8 junior Wes Balk (29 tackles) will be counted on to lead the retooled unit. Classmate Gage Morris will also see reps on the line.

Beachler is counting on Lee and Balk to lead this group after gaining a year of starting experience.

“Wes is a tough and determined young player,” said Beachler. “He will take some huge strides this year after experiencing a “trial by fire” last year starting as a sophomore.

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“Jace has a very high football IQ and an aggressive attitude to match. Much like Wesley Balk he should take great strides after starting last year as a sophomore.”

Juniors Charles Ramey-Dias (5-10, 255lbs), Grahm Kobel (6-1, 250lbs) and Octaveon Bartlett (6-0, 210lbs) will also be competing for a spot in the trenches.

Classmate Noah Beshore will be a two-way starter at defensive end and tight end.

Senior Brock Maquardt will take over an inside linebacker spot and bring some toughness and physicality to the defense.

With such a big senior class leaving, that opens the door for sophomores to earn some reps. Beachler believes they’ll earn some valuable Friday night experience this fall.

“A lot of these young men have the chance to step up and play for us,” said Beachler. “There is a lot of potential in this group. They work hard and have the right mentality.”

For Nevada to right the ship, Beachler believes his Tigers will need to change their mental approach.

Playing in the reformatted Big 8 offers the most physical brand of football in the Joplin area for smaller schools. Last year, lacking that physicality cost Nevada opportunities to be successful.

Beachler is hopeful his team can get back to playing a more physical brand of football this fall.

“We will work hard to be a more physical, run-oriented team,” said Beachler. “We were not as physical in 2018 as we were in 2017. We need to get back to that. We also need to be more disciplined on defense in 2019. We gave up far too many big plays last year and a more disciplined defensive unit will help us cut down on those.

“We had sophomores learning fast last year, they will have to be consistent this year. We will also be counting on some new guys that bring much needed size and depth to contribute – and play well – from Week 1 on.”

Nevada will open the 2019 season at home against Reeds Spring on Aug. 30.