By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Seneca’s first season under Cody Hilburn saw the Indians more than double their win total from 2020, finishing the year with an 8-5 record which culminated in a Class 3 – District 6 championship after two district upsets.
It was Seneca’s first district championship since 2013.
“Everything we do within our program is geared to be playing our best football at the end of the season,” said Hilburn. “We see some really good competition in the Big 8 West. Four teams out of conference played for district championships last year. Even though we took some losses during that tough stretch we were still seeing growth in our football team. Our guys trusted the process and worked extremely hard the entire year and to see that pay off for them with a district championship was pretty rewarding. Hopefully this year’s group will keep that same mindset.”
In some aspects, that process will be easier in Year Two for Hilburn, with time and continuity being his best friends. Having players more familiar with the system and terminology is key.
He’s also been pleased with the offseason work his guys have put in on the practice field and in the weight room.
“Having a full spring in the weight room with our guys has been huge for us,” said Hilburn. “We have also been able to do more this summer. With everything not being brand new for our kids, we’ve been able to get together with some local teams for some 7-on-7 and get some quality reps against good competition.”
Two of the top players in the entire Big 8 are part of Seneca’s skill group in senior receiver Conner Ackerson and junior running back Jackson Marrs.
Ackerson is a 6-foot-2 receiver that caught 28 passes for 460 yards, earning All-Big 8 honors for the second straight year. Marrs is an elite two-way player, rushing for 1,383 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 116 tackles defensively. His efforts earned him All-State honors.
Both will be pivotal parts of the offense this season.
“Our identity is a run-first football team, but if we ever want to take the next step we need to be able to throw the ball more efficiently than we did last year,” said Hilburn. “Conner has a big frame and becomes a tough matchup for a lot of corners in the Big 8. He will continue to have a large role in our passing game and we look for him to have a big season.
“Jackson is a tough-minded kid that never wants to come off the football field. He led us in rushing yards and tackles last year as a sophomore. Jack has trained extremely hard in the off-season to prepare his body for a larger workout but we will have to have some guys step up around him if we want to be successful offensively.”
Seneca returns nine starters overall.
Seniors Chris Alexander and Jacob Gravener (6-2, 260) will anchor the offensive and defensive lines, while classmate Lincoln Renfro – also an All-Big 8 selection after a 100-tackle junior campaign – will return to his linebacker spot next to Marrs and classmate Dominick Wheeler.
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Seniors Nicholas Stephens and Jordan Allen, as well as junior Morgan Vaughn will look to make an immediate impact defensively. Senior Logan Barwick will beef up both the offensive and defensive lines, with junior Ethan Altic looking to make contributions at receiver and in the defensive backfield.
Vaughn and Altic have created considerable buzz after strong sophomore seasons.
“Ethan contributed at corner on defense and also played receiver on offense as a sophomore,” said Hilburn. “He had a great off-season and will play a key role on both sides of the ball for us this year. Morgan is another versatile player that played both safety and linebacker for us last year as a sophomore. He is one of our most physical football players.”
Senior Nash Crane is a newcomer that will be a big body in the trenches for Seneca. The Indians will also have a strong junior class looking to make an immediate impact.
Gavyn Hoover is the clubhouse leader to start at quarterback with classmates Blake Skelton, Eli Olson and Cedar Starchman all looking for time at receiver and defensive back. Brian Bigbee will be one of Seneca’s biggest players (6-0, 260) and Kouper Jarvis will see a role at linebacker.
Hilburn is hopeful there won’t be a sophomore slump as his Indians look to build on last year’s run.
“We will continue to focus on daily improvement,” said Hilburn. “We have great kids in Seneca that show up and work every single day. They got a taste of what success feels like last year and want to get back to that spot again. We feel like if we can be competitive in our conference, we will have a chance come district time.”
Seneca will open the 2022 season on Aug. 26 at Aurora. The Indians will host Springfield Catholic the following Friday for their home-opener.
