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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Waynesville has won as many games in the last two years under Joe Haynes as the program did in its four seasons prior to Haynes’ arrival.
Despite returning just six starters from last year’s group, the Tigers may have some of the most dynamic talent in the entire Ozark Conference.
Senior athlete Eric Richardson returns after an All-Ozark Conference junior season where he rushed for 678 yards on just 111 carries. Richardson can line up all over the field.
“Eric will not only line up at running back, but he will be in the slot, split WR, and even at QB when needed,” said Haynes. “He is a guy that you attempt to get the ball to as many times as possible each game. We have plenty of variations ready to do exactly that.
“He is the most dynamic player on our team hands down. A Division One prospect, a leader on this team, and ultimately a huge piece of the puzzle of success for our Tigers.”
Classmate Marion Fiame also returns after being a two-way standout, totaling 300 receiving yards on 23 receptions. He also added 41 tackles defensively from his linebacker position.
He could be looking at a monster breakout season.
“This season, there are not any other returning wide receivers, so it definitely opens the window for him to be our true No. 1 pass threat,” said Haynes. “When we need a big play on fourth down, he is the guy to go to. When you need a block down field to break it open, he is the guy. This guy has been nothing but HEART and effort to the max. His ‘test’ numbers won’t jump off the page, but you will see a different gear when hits the game field every week.”
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Niko Fau also returns after a successful sophomore season as a two-way starter. Standing at 6-foot-4, 314lbs, Fau is one of the conference’s most imposing players.
“He is the largest athlete on our team,” said Haynes. “He will be the anchor of the offensive line, and he will be a force on the defensive front. A solid off-season has him primed for recognition throughout the year.”
Haynes is also excited about the development of some underclassmen.
Junior running back Evander Bradford (6-2, 260lbs) is back after missing a large portion of last year with injury and illness. Sophomore Bishop Godwin is projected to take over at quarterback.
Waynesville is typically known for its speed and athleticism on both sides of the ball and that won’t change this year. The Tigers will look to stretch the field vertically and horizontally.
Speed will be the name of the game.
“We have a core of special athletes in the run game and pass game that can tote the load of our offense,” said Haynes. “We have a few older and younger players that we feel will have break out seasons. Our strength will come from our offensive line that has four upperclassmen starting. The offseason has benefited our guys tremendously, and we look forward to seeing our gains in the weight room translate to success on the field.
“We have skill players throughout our defense that make us feel good about lining up against any team. We have emphasized tremendous focus on our weak areas and we have a few players that could develop into solid impact players. We do believe our defense will be tough, they will fly to the ball, and ultimately they will compete with great levels of pride.”
Waynesville is young, but the Ozark Conference has pockets of inexperience everywhere.
The Tigers will have to overcome that in order to earn the program’s first district championship since 2007, which resulted in a state championship.
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“Our youth and inexperience across the board must not become a hindrance for us,” said Haynes. “If we can get our guys to gain confidence early this preseason, we could set ourselves up for a sweet run this fall.
“I think this year there will be teams winning that no one ever saw coming. Similar to Kickapoo who started het early last season, someone else will most likely step up to the plate and make a run for it all. Interestingly, the thing that makes this conference so good, is every single week you are likely to be in a four-quarter fight. I don’t anticipate seeing many blowouts week to week.”
Waynesville will open the 2021 season with a jamboree at Rolla on Aug. 20 before hosting Parkview on Aug. 27. The Tigers visit Camdenton on Sep. 3 and host Lebanon on Sep. 17.
