By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The resurrection of McDonald County Football is nothing short of remarkable.
In 2021, the Mustangs went 10-2 just four years after going winless in 2016. Mac County also played for a district championship for the first time in program history.
They even had the Big 8 Offensive Player of the Year in Cole Martin.
McDonald County won more games last year alone than in the six seasons preceding the hiring of Kellen Hoover combined, with the Class of 2022 winning more games than any other class in decades.
But now the goal is to keep things moving forward.
“Last year was really special,” said Hoover. “We always wish we had more time with the previous year’s seniors, and this year will be no different. They were a special group of guys that combined with a lot of our players that will be returning for us this year to do things that have never been done at McDonald County.
“We’re excited about the 2022 season because it is an opportunity for us to continue the success from 2021. We’re always striving to improve as a program, and it’s been great for our kids to compete in really big games in recent years. We want to continue to set a new standard and we will strive to reach our potential as a team in 2022.”
Hoover’s sixth season in Anderson will see Mac return 11 starters total with plenty of dynamic athletics back in the mix.
It’ll start with new quarterback Destyn Dowd.
Dowd (6-1,195) rushed for 580 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore, earning All-Big 8 honors. He will be yet another dual-threat quarterback for Hoover.
“He has had a great summer as he continues to progress and develop in his new role,” said Hoover. “He has a lot of natural ability and has worked really hard to show an improved grasp of the offense every time we step on the field.”
He will have plenty of weapons all over the field at his disposal.
Seniors Jack Parnell and Cross Dowd (brother of Destyn) will be back at receiver at hauling in 26 and 22 passes respectively. Both will also see time in the defensive backfield.
“Jack is probably our best at going up and getting a ball in the air and helping out his QB with contested catches,” said Hoover. “He brings tremendous speed to stretch the defense and consistently gives great effort as a blocker for his teammates.
“Cross did a great job in our defensive backfield last year. He’s very natural in coverage, reads routes well, and has great ball skills when it comes his way. He was extremely productive as a wide receiver as well in fairly limited action.”
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Junior Sam Barton will also see time at receiver and in the secondary.
Up front seniors Angel Mendoza (5-9, 270) and Ivan Serna (6-4, 265) will set the tone for the Mustangs. Juniors Toby Moore (6-4, 290) and Jayce Hitt (6-2, 250) will add size and physicality as well.
Senior Weston Gordon, junior Samuel Murphy and sophomore Malosi Sosef will all see time at tight end while also having defensive roles. Gordon was an All-Big 8 linebacker.
Hoover is also excited about several newcomers that could see meaningful roles this fall.
Seniors Isaac Behm and Dalton McClain, as well as junior Josh Pacheco, will figure into the equation at receiver and in the secondary. Senior Jordan Saylor and junior Emmit Houston will be in the running back and linebacker mix.
This team will look different than last year’s but the expectation that McDonald County has established under Hoover is unwavering. Several new names and faces will look to carry the torch forward as Mac pushes towards what would be a historic district championship.
“Through workouts and camp this summer, we’ve really seen our team continue to grow together,” said Hoover. “Some guys have had to become more vocal, and others continue to lead with their attitude and effort. Several guys have shown great development as leaders and show that they’re ready to step into those roles that our team needs.
“There are several players on our team that have played in four games the past two seasons that would have resulted in a conference or district championship. We are continuing to learn what it takes to win those big games. For us to get to where we want as a program, we’ve got to execute more consistently. If we can do that, and continue to come together as a team, I think it could be a really exciting year for our 2022 football team.”
McDonald County will jamboree at Mount Vernon with Neosho and Forsyth on Aug. 19 before visiting Mount Vernon on Aug. 26 to open the 2022 season.
