By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
East Newton continues to build under Kyle Wood, and his third season at the helm will come with increased expectations. The Patriots return 17 starters and will look to solidify the foundation that has been established over the last three seasons.
“We are excited about the sheer number of returning starters we have coming back,” said Wood. “I think the biggest expectations will be put on our offensive and defensive front that is returning every single player on both sides that played any varsity minutes last year. Those kids have been through a season in the Big 8 trenches. They understand the physicality it takes and now it is time to put in the work it will take to be a good group for us.”
The trenches will be anchored by senior Lane Baker and junior Dominic Shaw. Baker was an All Class 2 – District 4 selection and Shaw an All-SWMFCA pick. They’ll be joined by seniors Kaden Burbridge, Collin Farley and Elijah Mojica, as well as junior Mason Haley.
East Newton returns its entire offensive line.
“We look for our experienced offensive line to set the tone for us,” said Wood. “Lane did have a good year. He was a nice surprise after not playing for a few years. We now look for him to be a leader up front. I am sure Lane will see a ton of playing time on both sides. We are excited about some depth we will have up front, so if he is starting both ways, it is well deserved.”
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The biggest recipient of that veteran offensive line group will be senior Nathan Evey. The 185-pound running back had a few monster games last fall, including a 300-yard game against Stockton.
He will look to slide into even more of a feature role this fall.
“We have made a few tweaks with our offense this year and I think it will open it up a little more and Nathan will have a chance to have a really great year for us,” said Wood. “Nathan has the speed to run away from people and the strength and physicality to be a really solid downhill back in our offense.
“We have a lot of confidence in what Nathan will be able to do. He has really worked hard since last football season and is incredibly focused on having a great senior year.”
The quarterback position will be an open competition for the Patriots throughout the summer and fall, with senior Ty Bowman and Shane Rawlins looking for reps.
Bowman is also a standout linebacker (second on team in tackles in just 8 games), while Rawlins – also a standout playmaker defensively – can play nearly anywhere offensively.
Both will be counted on to be key contributors on both sides of the ball this fall.
“Ty might have been the surprise of the season for us; he kind of came out of nowhere and really took over our middle linebacker spot. He became our best linebacker, best kicker, and best pass catcher. He isn’t a surprise anymore and we will look to him to take another big step forward.
“Shane started at a couple different positions for us last year. Shane is all about being a team player and will do whatever he is asked. He played everywhere for us and will push for reps at quarterback and we are going to take a look at him playing linebacker this year. He is a physical kid that has a little craziness in him.”
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Seniors Matt Knight and Glenn Bunch will look to make impacts at receiver and in the secondary. Classmate Barrett Burkey will return to his linebacker position and junior Riley Downum will join a loaded defensive backfield.
Wood has been extremely excited about the development of some talented newcomers to the varsity level.
Seniors Charlie Yang and Easton Schrader could both see reps at skill positions on both sides of the ball, as well as junior Marshall Renner. Senior Tyler Millet will provide depth on the offensive and defensive line. Junior Jack Xiong will see reps at running back after sitting out last season.
Sophomores Haze Hagedon (OL/DL), Noah Hood (RB/LB), Eden Enlow (TE/LB) and Jessen Morales (WR/DB) could also see valuable minutes.
Although the expectations have grown, Wood maintains that East Newton’s process won’t change. The Patriots have seen pockets of success that haven’t been experienced in years. For that to continue, Wood and company will continue to truth the process.
“We aren’t wrapped up in the end result,” said Wood. “We try to concentrate on the everyday tasks. If we get to the end of the season and we are in the hunt for conference or district championships then it means we played some good football week in and week out, and took a huge step towards our main goal in making East Newton relevant in the Big 8 again.”
East Newton opens the 2021 season on Aug. 27 vs. Reeds Spring. The Patriots jamboree will be Aug. 20 at Sarcoxie with Ash Grove, Sarcoxie and Stockton.
