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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Clever Football will have a new look with Jim Genzler taking over. Genzler has earned a reputation throughout the Ozarks as a defensive genius after stints with Ozark and Monett has seen him build dominant defensive units.
The Jays will need that entering just their second season of varsity football.
“I will look to establish the culture we want to set along with introducing to the community of Clever the many great things football can bring,” said Genzler. “We want to create a culture that produces blue collar players that will compete and play with great effort along with representing the school and community in a manner they can be proud of.”
Clever returns just six letterwinners from last year’s 2-6 squad, led by senior starter Seth McGaughey (5-10, 250lbs).
Senior Chandler Kahle is the only other senior returner and will look to make an impact at receiver and in the secondary.
Juniors Buddy Carey and Jacob Brown will look to play significant roles at skill positions on both sides of the ball. Classmate Colter Newkirk is currently in a position battle at quarterback but could also see reps on the defensive line.
Sophomore Lane Mendenhall played some tight end and linebacker last year.
Genzler is excited by what he’s seen from several newcomers.
Senior Landon Graaf is a basketball player playing football for the first time and will see time at receiver and in the secondary.
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Juniors Brandon Raulston (6-2, 260lbs) and Ben Sinclair (5-9, 200lbs), as well as sophomores Carson Rennison, Jeff Nickle, Lane Watson and Blake Steele will make up the offensive and defensive lines.
Junior Carter Wenger is also in the quarterback battle. Should he win it, classmates KJ Bosier and Jordan Yoho, as well as sophomores Christian Gaba and Troy St. John-Clark would be his go-to targets at receiver, with sophomore Austin Scott sliding in at tight end.
Sophomore Trace Barnes will make his varsity debut this fall and will see the lion’s share of carries out of the backfield.
Clever will be looking at a new scheme on both sides of the ball this fall, one that Genzler is confident will fit his talent.
“Our system that will be put in place will be a good fit for our players,” said Genzler. “We feel they will adjust easily to the change in philosophy and will be able to play fast. We have a young group of players that are eager to learn.
“Defensively it will be an attacking style that will put our players on the move. Our group of players have identified well with the new defense this summer.”
Life in the Mid-Lakes is never easy and this fall won’t be any different.
Genzler isn’t focused on winning conference or district championships quite yet at Clever. The process of putting together a championship program isn’t found in lofty goals, but daily work.
Committing to growing the program day by day is what Genzler is focused on.
“We will look to improve each week,” said Genzler. “With football still so new along with having a young roster, we will want to see growth each week. We want to be playing our best football at the end of the season.”
Clever will jamboree at Springfield Catholic on Aug. 20 before visiting Willow Springs on Aug. 27. Genzler’s Jays will make their home debut on Sep. 3 against El Dorado Springs.
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