By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Carthage Tigers are on a run only few programs can relate to, winning district championships in six of the last eight years with a state title coming in 2019. Carthage hasn’t lost a regular season game since 2019 as well.
Entering Jon Guidie’s 18th season – as he approaches career win No. 200 – the Tigers will look to let the district championship game loss to Webb City fuel a 2022 playoff run with six starters returning on each side of the ball and 20 total lettermen.
“The kids have been great about moving on from that game,” said Guidie. “They’ve really just focused on getting back into the routine of weights and conditioning and football. This is a new group with new expectations.”
This new group has several old names that continue to give COC coaches headaches.
Luke Gall is the biggest fish in the Southwest Missouri pond, returning as a four-year starter and the COC Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year honors. He rushed 1,902 yards and 29 touchdowns offensively while adding 88 tackles and 21 tackles for loss defensively.
He committed to the Air Force Academy during the summer after holding several Division One offers.
“He is certainly the hardest working player I have ever coached,” said Guidie. “It is not a normal thing to compete at the level he has for four years.”
He’ll be joined by several talented classmates.
Micah Lindsey (6-1, 240) was an All-State selection and shared the COC Defensive POY award with Gall. The interior lineman had 27 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a junior.
He routinely commands double and triple teams. Another future college football player.
“He has a great motor and gets off the ball extremely fast,” said Guidie. “He is a strong, physical kid and has really improved his technique this summer.”
Fellow seniors Tyler Willis (6-3, 210) and Hudson Moore (6-6, 180) are back after earning All-COC honors as juniors.
Both will have the option of playing college football.
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“Tyler is considered a three-year starter for us at tight end,” said Guidie. “Has really bulked up and gotten stronger in the off-season. Great blocker with good speed and hands. Very consistent player.
“At 6’6 Hudson poses some mis-matches. Has tremendous ball skills. He’s also a three-year starter for us. He should have a great year.”
Senior Aiden Rogers will also step into an increased role at receiver.
All-COC lineman Drew Musche (6-0, 230) will look to lead the offensive line, being joined by returner Malachi Housh (6-0, 260).
Chris Mejia is back as the starting kicker.
Defensive backs Clay Kinder and Davion King – also seniors – earned All-COC honors as juniors. They’ll be joined by classmate Antony Deleon (5-10, 245) who started as an interior lineman last year.
Guidie is also excited about several newcomers that will transition to big roles.
Juniors Edward Carreto (6-3, 265) and Greyson Browning (6-1, 240) will help fill offensive line voids. Seniors Jadason Davis-Maxey and Mason Frisinger will add speed and athleticism to the secondary.
Carthage will have a new man under center with a position battle currently in progress. Guidie is excited about his options.
“Seniors Cooper Jadwin and Clay Kinder have taken most of the reps this summer. Cooper has played QB all his life and has been waiting patiently for his shot. He is the front runner. Clay starts on defense as well. Sophomore Brady Carlton – the younger brother of former Carthage great Pat Carlton – has had a good summer as well.”
Carthage will again have no shortage of talent or athleticism. The Tigers have a wealth of experience with 24 seniors that they’re hoping will help make the difference as they look to make yet another playoff run.
“We could possibly start 11 seniors on defense, which I have never seen before,” said Guidie. “We have a lot of holes to fill from an extremely successful graduating class – a class that won 28 of its last 30 football games. We need to get buy-in from our newcomers and get them understand how important commitment is to each other.
“We have to keep improving our depth and develop our offensive line.
Carthage will jamboree at Carl Junction with Nevada and Monett on Aug. 19 before opening the 2022 regular season at home against Republic on Aug. 26.
