By Staff

Fall 2019 Preview: Salem Football

By Justin Sampson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Salem football has been defined by two coaches for nearly 40 years: Bill Schuchart and Brian McNamee. Dylan Wyrick knows that. He is well aware of those names from his brief time living in Salem in 2013.

Now, after four years as an assistant at Potosi High School, Wyrick is back to take the reins of the Salem program.

The 27-year-old was a volunteer assistant for the junior high program during his first stint in town. Through that work, he became familiar with families and future varsity Tigers. He has put forth that same effort this summer, commuting 140 miles from Potosi to Salem and back on weekdays.

“Having experience in Salem, you make connections with families,” Wyrick said. “You spend every day with them as they’re grinding in the weight room. You see how tough they are and how hard they work. I’m building relationships as I go.”

He inherits a team that was rocked by injuries in 2018. Those led to six losses in the last seven games and an overall 3-7 record. Three of those defeats were by 10 combined points. Nine Tigers still managed to garner postseason honors, but less than half are back for 2019.

Junior Caden Camden returns to lead the secondary following an All-SCA Second Team selection. He is the top returning tackler after totaling 63 along with an interception in 2018.

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He received limited action out of the backfield a season ago, but should see an increased role after the graduation of the Tigers’ top three rushers.

Fellow junior Brandon White is back after an Honorable Mention nod as an All-SCA defensive linemen. Senior Brett Fore will join him as a key cog in the trenches.

Brenden Smith, another senior, has the ability to play multiple positions and expects to see work in the linebacking corps and at tight end. Sophomore Garrett Connell will also platoon at linebacker.

Wyrick plans to use multiple looks to counter the offensive looks the Tigers will see. He will implement a 4-man front against power teams while moving one man off the line versus a spread offense.

Offensively, he plans to move away from the option offense that Schuchardt was known for while maintaining the smash mouth style.

“What I did in high school and college was more power, counter, and play action-based,” said Wyrick. “We can spread it out based on the quarterback situation. That is what I’m into.”

Connell will lead that charge at quarterback in his second varsity season. Wyrick has been impressed with how vocal the senior leadership has been, but Connell is a rare underclassmen that has matched that ability to garner respect.

“For a sophomore to have that voice, and for kids to listen to him, that’s a big deal. He’s the best athlete on the team and will be a big contributor this year.”

Kolson Seay will also enter his senior year on the heels of an All-SCA First Team selection at defensive line, but nagging injuries put his status in doubt as the season begins.

Wyrick has no plans to reinvent the wheel during his first campaign as varsity coach. His intention is to focus on the individual and squeeze the most out of each player’s skillset.

“There is a lot of tradition here that I don’t want to change,” said Wyrick. “My goal is always for the kids to reach their full potential. When you’re growing in character and discipline, the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”