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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Just one year ago, Thayer was a two-point conversion away from going into overtime with eventual Class 1 state champion Windsor. With that loss fresh on their minds, the Bobcats will enter the 2021 season with high expectations.
Despite losing a loaded senior class, Thayer won’t have a shortage of talent with all-staters like seniors Landry Pitts, Griffin & Jackson Willison and Austin Green returning.
Life without four-year standout Jayce Haven will be difficult, but Thayer has already had a first-hand look at what life without Haven will look like. Pitts filled in admirably, sliding over from his usual tight end position.
Now, it will be Pitts turn to command the offense.
“Landry did a great job at quarterback for seven weeks last season,” said Thayer coach Billy Webber. “We are looking for that to continue and hopefully improve this season.”
Pitts will also have the benefit of returning a nearly fully intact offensive line.
Seniors Zach Jones, Shafer Mullins and Dalton Nicholson will lead the group. Senior Ruin Magnuson started seven games at tight end.
For a program that prides itself on dominating up front, having such a veteran group upfront will be key.
“The offensive line is very important,” said Webber. “Our offensive lineman do a great job making line calls and communicating. This helps with blocking angles and controlling the line of scrimmage.”
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Returning lettermen Corwin Mullins, Bobby Sanchez, Cole Cates, Brady Justus and Weston Rogers will all add depth to the offensive line unit.
The return of seniors Jackson Willison and Lane Grimes. Willison rushed for 1,154 yards last fall and Grimes was an All-SCA pick at receiver. Senior Makail Cray and sophomore Mark Spencer will likely see reps at running back.
In addition to Grimes, Brendan Bigger, Rowan Spencer, Colt Gonzales and Eric Simer will all slide in at receiver while also playing in the secondary defensively.
Much like the offense, the strength of Thayer’s defense will also be at the point of attack. Jackson Willison (52 tackles, 6 sacks in 2020) is one of the area’s top interior linemen, giving him the rare RB/DL distinction on the roster. Twin brother Griffin Willison (102 tackles in 2020) was an all-state linebacker, along with classmate Austin Green (105 tackles in 2020). That trio led a defense that surrendered just 11.1 PPG last season.
At one point, Thayer allowed just 12 points in five games.
Senior Kyrin Magnuson was an All-SCA pick at linebacker. Junior Peyton Mills (9 sacks in 2020) was an All-SCA selection as a defensive lineman. Zach Jones is also a two-way lineman.
“Our defense has several guys that can run and hustle to the ball,” said Webber.
Nick Gorham and Dalton Poulette are expected to compete for time at linebacker. Cale Crawford should see an increased role along the defensive line.
Webb also believes a few freshmen could see varsity reps. Gus & Jake McFann and Spencer Cotham are combo linemen and Michael Cali is a DE/TE. Brandon Prince (QB/DB) and Whitten Brown (RB/LB) will also be in the mix.
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For a team with four sets of brothers, a close connection could be the difference in winning a state championship or coming up just short.
Webber was impressed by how tough and resilient last year’s team was. As Thayer hunts for its seventh consecutive district title, they’ll depend on a gauntlet conference schedule and their system to push them through.
“It was so impressive to see how the kids stayed together last year,” said Webber. “We were eager to play each and every week. We have several guys returning with experience. These guys must set the example for our younger players. Our defense must continue to be solid. We will need some players to step up and play big roles on the defensive side of the football. Special teams will need to be consistent.”
Thayer will jamboree at Mountain Grove on Aug. 20 and visit Hayti one week later. The ‘Cats home opener will come on Sep. 3 against Highland (Ark.).
