By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
In 2018 and 2019, Bryson Barnes served as a graduate assistant at Missouri Baptist University, coaching wide receivers and tight ends and assisting the offensive line, following a college career as a tight end at Missouri Baptist. Barnes is now the fourth head coach for the Salem Tigers in as many years after working as an assistant coach in the middle school last season.
Last year’s Salem team went 6-5, topping Potosi in the first round of district playoffs before ending their season against St. Clair. At one point, Covid impacted almost the entire starting line, something Barnes said his team knows could once again play a factor.
But the Salem Tigers are a senior-led team, and their camaraderie and experience should be an asset for the team.
“We have a really good group of seniors on both sides of the ball,” said Barnes. “They are talented and smart football players, and just the experience of having played together in addition to their physicality is a strength. They’ve been around each other so long, it allows them to be comfortable, to play more stress-free and worry-free.”
Quarterback Garrett Connell agreed, noting the senior lineup’s chemistry after playing football together since sixth grade.
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Connell, a 6’2”, 195-pound athletic senior has earned all-conference honors as both a safety and quarterback and contributes on both sides of the ball. “He’s a great leader and the most experienced player we have on our team,” said Coach Barnes. Last season, Connell threw for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns, adding 250 yards rushing. On defense, he was the second leading tackler for the Tigers and recorded two interceptions.
Classmate Kaden Coffman was the team’s top receiver in 2020 with 19 yards per catch. The explosive playmaker averaged 16 yards per carry. He’ll start on both sides of the ball, also playing cornerback, where he caught two interceptions last year. Barnes said the senior receiver is smart, fast, and will execute a variety of plays.
Senior tight end Bradlee Gover (6’2”, 185 lb.) is “a strong and smart player who will fight through anything to make the right play,” said Barnes. “He will be a great asset in our offense.” Gover was a top receiver for the team last season with 21 yards per catch.
On the defensive side of the ball, Devin Atchinson returns at linebacker after starting at fullback last season. Junior linebacker Easton May also returns off a strong sophomore campaign featuring 124 tackles. “Easton is a tremendous leader and outworks everyone in the room every single day,” said Barnes. “He is a first in and last out type of player. He is going to excel at linebacker this season.”
Senior Luke Campbell is a wide receiver/safety “who always seems to find a way to catch all of the improbable passes,” said Coach Barnes. Eli Newman is also a senior wide receiver who is quick and always ready to make a play on defense.
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Senior Justin Arthur has notable size and strength, and the 6’0”, 250-pound tackle is working hard to improve his game. Classmate Hunter Shaw (center/defensive tackle) is “an asset to the O-line and brings enthusiasm and energy on the practice field every day,” per Barnes.
Rounding out the returning cast of seniors is Corbin Robertson, a 6’0” offensive and defensive lineman who loves to compete and brings an infectious energy to the team.
Top newcomers include Wyatt Campbell, a sophomore wide receiver and cornerback; Collin Heavin, senior wide receiver and cornerback; Travis Fulton, senior offensive lineman and defensive tackle (6’3”, 215 pounds); Taytan Barton, senior halfback/center; and Josh Owen, junior wide receiver and strong safety.
When it comes to rivalries, Barnes said Thayer is the team to beat right now. “To get our program to their level of execution, their consistency, is a true test to see if we are competitive,” said Coach Barnes.
With strong senior leadership on the offensive line thanks to four returners, talented skill players on the perimeter, an experienced and athletic secondary, and expert corners and safeties, the Salem Tigers stand to be a threat this season.
The Tigers open their season August 27 at St. James. They will participate in the Sullivan Jamboree August 20 vs. Sullivan, St. James, and Sikeston.
