By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Tim Hester is no stranger to explosive offenses entering his 22nd season at Strafford. And, with eight starters back on the offensive side of the ball alone, this year’s group will have a chance to be yet another high-octane unit.
The catalyst for the 2022 season will be junior Silas Morton. Last year, he passed for 1,241 yards and added another 655 yards rushing with a total of 22 touchdowns. This year he will be switching from under center to a versatile weapon who can be used all over the field in space.
“Silas has been an anchor of our defense for the past two seasons,” said Hester. “As an experienced player, Silas brings great vision, talent, and leadership to the team. We look forward to another great season from Silas.
The new quarterback will be sophomore Jourdyn Edelstein.
“As a freshman Jourdyn played JV last year as a quarterback and performed well. Jourdyn was put in the fire in several varsity games and showed that he can play at that level. We are looking for him to take that next step as a varsity quarterback starter.”
Also back are two of Strafford’s top receivers in senior receiver Dakota Ames and tight end Isaac Berg.
Keeping Edelstein’s jersey clean shouldn’t be much of a problem with seniors Gabe Core (6-1, 285) and Jessen Strafford, as well as juniors Cody Fisher, Kingston Campbell (6-3, 250) and JD Adams (6-2, 225) in the mix on the offensive and defensive lines. Core was an All-Mid-Lakes pick last season.
“Gabe will be the lone senior on the offensive line,” said Hester. “Gabe is a strong kid that moves well. He will be the leader of the group and will be a force in the run game.”
Senior Caleb Wells returns to the backfield after rushing for more than 200 yards as a junior. Sophomore Bradlee Mullins will see reps at receiver.
Ames will lead the defense from his inside linebacker spot after tallying 79 tackles last season, earning All-MLC honors. He’ll be joined by Wells who added 71 stops in 2021 and Berg who is a menace as an outside backer.
Morton and senior Ayden House will return to their corner spots, with Mullins also finding a role in the defensive backfield. Junior Ryker Venosdel will lead an experienced defensive line unit.
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“Ayden will be able to bring significant varsity experience into his senior season,” said Hester. “His athleticism and speed make him tough to target on defense. He has continued to develop over the past three years and will add even more security on the defensive side of the ball.
“Ryker is a junior in his second year in the system. He started his sophomore year at defensive end. Even though he is on the smaller side, he is very powerful and fast off the ball. He is very aware of his craft and has a high motor. We expect great things from him this season.”
The sophomore class will be well-represented in addition to Mullins. Cody Voysey and Ryder Ross both saw time as freshmen and could see major roles as sophomores.
Maybe the biggest sophomore – literally and figuratively – is Preston Ames. The 6-foot-1, 280lb monster was an All-MLC pick as a freshman on both sides of the ball.
“Preston really shined as a freshman,” said Hester. “He is one of our strongest athletes and has extremely good feet. Preston plays with a high motor and aggression.”
Hester is extremely excited about a large group of newcomers, headlined by a quartet of seniors that will make Strafford even more athletic across the field.
Basketball standout AK Rael and Brody McNew will make their football debut. At 6-foot-4, both could be matchup problems.
“AK is tall, fast and athletic,” said Hester. “He has the ability to see the field well in short and long distance situations. We are excited to see what he can add to our WR group.
“Brody has great height, as well as a stout build. He is able to use his height/body/athleticism on the field to his advantage. We are excited to see what he will be able to add to our TE and WR group.”
Classmates Jordan Smith and Michael Lile will also see time in the receiving corps, adding speed and quickness.
As always for the Indians, the 2022 season will be all about winning conference and district championships, as well as beating Fair Grove. The program isn’t shy about those goals either.
With plenty of speed, size and athleticism all over the field, this group is looking to bring home the first district championship since 2014.
“We want to create an environment of consistent competition,” said Hester. “We want to compete in the weight room, practice, and let it translate onto the field. Our goal is to spread the ball around and let playmakers be playmakers. Our key matchup is whoever we’re playing that week, but of course, the one the kids all circle on the calendar is Fair Grove. It’s always a fun week of practice and a game we look forward to playing year in and year out.”
Strafford will open the 2022 season with a trip to MV-BT/Liberty on Aug. 26. The Indians will host rival Fair Grove on Sep. 30.
