By Chris Parker
Lebanon posted its second consecutive 9-3 finish last year. All three of its losses came to state-ranked opponents in Camdenton (12-1) twice and West Plains (9-2) by a single point.
The Yellowjackets graduated 12 total starters and 19 letterwinners from that team. Among that group were six all-conference selections. That group included first-team all-state offensive lineman Mason DeVasure and third-team all-state linebacker Trevor Christian.
Offensively, senior Isaac Ledbetter is the top returning player at running back. He started all 12 games last year. Ledbetter was named second-team all-conference for his efforts.
Seniors Garrett Childers (left tackle) along Kael Ruble (left guard) and junior Tristan Wilson (right guard) all return to the line after starting double-digit games last year. Junior Drew Truelove will return as a wide receiver after starting four games last year.
Defensively, Drew McBride will lead the way at inside linebacker. He was named second-team all-conference as a linebacker last year after starting all 12 games.
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Cordell Zebel returns to strong safety after starting every game last year. Dalton Wagner started 11 games on the defensive line last year as a junior.
Zack Rose (nose tackle), Jake Henson (linebacker), Antonio Rogers (free safety) and Walker McDermott (defensive back) round out the returning players with starting experience on the defense. They all started between three and six games last season.
Seniors Hunter Honey (tight end), Zach Cheever (defensive back), Donavan Little (inside linebacker), Presley Cottongim (defensive end), Hunter Henry (left guard) and Austin Fry (right tackle) are all returning to the Yellowjackets.
The rest of the junior class is deep and includes: Sam Cooper (inside linebacker), Rain Shockley (defensive end), Andrew Dent (defensive back), Peyton Mitchell (quarterback), Jamarr Rogers (defensive back), Collin Wilson (defensive back), Justin Dameron (outside linebacker), Ty O’Neil (defensive back), Max Groce (defensive back), Logan Lybarger (running back), Drew Shadel (defensive end), Terrence Jones (running back), Bo Rosen (outside linebacker), Mason Farris (running back), Samuel Davidson (inside linebacker), Connor Brand (inside linebacker), Colt Heisz (inside linebacker), Caden Brown (defensive end), Same Haney (defensive end), Sam Haney (defensive end), Tim Pruitt (offensive line) and Dustin Sanders (defensive end).
“Returning a nice group of kids who have experienced three straight eight-plus win seasons, expectations remain high,” Lebanon head coach Will Christian said. “We feel like we have a great mix and we feel each class brings great value to the group. As always, kids will have to step up into new roles and we will have to work very hard.”
Experience on the line will be a strength, but there will be inexperience elsewhere on the roster.
“(We are) returning solid core on the offensive line. We are excited about our depth and competition at each position due to that depth,” Christian said. “Losing several kids as we do every year, we have some unproven parts that will have to show what they can do on Friday nights.”
The Yellowjackets open the season on Aug. 28 at Hillcrest.
