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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
On paper, 2019 should be a rebuilding season for Glendale.
Entering head coach Mike Mauk’s sixth season, the Falcons must replace 14 starters from last year’s 3-8 campaign. But, four of those losses were by 11 points or fewer and Mauk will again look to reload behind an explosive offense.
Senior Gavin Watts will take over the reins at quarterback.
He lettered as a junior, passing 1,055 yards and 11 touchdowns. Watts has looked the part throughout spring and summer with a big arm. His coaching staff also features former Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk and former Mizzou quarterback Maty Mauk. Both had record-breaking high school careers.
Three-year starter Charlie Woodworth will anchor the offensive line. He’ll be joined by fellow returning starters Marcus Young and Colton Tate.
Jack Clinkenbeard (54 receptions, 604 yards, four touchdowns) and Ben Shoemaker (42 receptions, 376 yards, one touchdown) return at receiver. Both started last season and should emerge as go-to options for Watts.
Seniors Sam Conyers (25 receptions, 432 yards, five touchdowns) and Jake Kiser will also step into bigger roles in the receiving corps.
“The key to the Falcon Offensive Attack will be the development of a quarterback, several wide receivers and a few offensive linemen; this should be the strength of the Falcons this fall,” said Mauk. “Wide receiver Ben Shoemaker (senior) and Jack Clinkenbeard (junior) will be the other two returning offensive starters. Gavin Watts lettered last year at quarterback and looks to lead the offensive attack this fall. This will be an important element for our offense this fall. We will have many positions to fill before the 2019 season begins.”
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Defensively, senior linebacker Hayden Scott (91 tackles in 2018) and sophomore linebackers Cooper Roy and Connor McTeague are the only returning starters.
Seniors Gavin Stidham and Camrin Williams will provide depth at linebacker.
Junior Zach Highlander is the lone returning letterman on the defensive line and will look to anchor that unit.
The secondary has several players that could step into roles. Seniors Lazaro Martino, Marquise Shaw, Bryce Clark and Chris Friessen all lettered last year and will compete for starting spots this fall.
Glendale’s defense will feature several new faces after allowing 35 PPG last season.
“All four defensive linemen and all four defensive backs need to be replaced,” said Mauk. “We do return all three linebackers but two of them will only be sophomores. The success of this team will be determined by the success of our defense. We will still operate out of the 4-3 front.”
Glendale opens the 2019 season at Rolla on Aug. 30. The Falcons will play their home opener the following Friday against Hillcrest.
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