By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Willard is entering Year Two under Frank Tristan and the experience will be significantly different for fans.
Towards the end of 2021 the Tigers added some momentum to their season, including upsetting Neosho in district play. Now the program is in a position where players are familiar with the system and the coaching staff is familiar with the league.
“This year we are much more comfortable as a staff and as well as player/coach relationships” said Tristan. “It takes time to build trust and it can’t be rushed. Our work over the off-season and through the school year has really developed our relationships.
“Our last two games of 2021 were definitely steps forward and it gave our guys some momentum going into the off-season. Our players really came with renewed focus during our off-season workouts and started to reap the benefits of all their hard work.”
Willard returns 13 starters with the biggest pieces coming in the trenches. Senior Derrick Hicks (6-0, 245) was an All-COC offensive lineman. Junior Alex West (6-1, 235) was an All-COC defensive end.
Seniors Karon Johnson (5-10, 275) and Brecken Murray (6-2, 280) are a pair of physical linemen that can play either side of the ball.
Their experience will be pivotal as Willard will look to be more competitive at the point of attack. Something the program addressed in summer weights.
“It’s huge to have guys like that back,” said Tristan. “It gives them greater confidence and gives our team a sense of calm. The bigger benefit is the amount of gains that those guys have achieved. Multiple sport athletes that have achieved gains during their sport seasons. It doesn’t go unnoticed and I think teams will notice that we look different in our pads this year.”
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They’ll be tasked with keeping junior quarterback Russell Roweton (6-1, 185) upright, while also opening up some holes for senior back Owen Bushnell (6-1, 200).
Neither are strangers to Friday nights.
Roweton is the son of a football coach and plays like it. As a sophomore he threw for 1,009 yards and seven scores, playing his best football down the stretch. Bushnell rushed for 346 yards and four touchdowns on 43 carries.
“Russ has worked extremely hard since last season and the team really trusts his decision making and ability,” said Tristan. “He is developing into a very good quarterback. I am so proud of Russ’ dedication. Being a three sport athlete and still making the gains that he has is really incredible.”
Senior Clayton Scott (6-0, 170) will look to become a go-to target on the outside at receiver after playing meaningful snaps in 2021.
Junior Timmy Ruble (6-2, 185) will look to build on a successful sophomore season with a position change from linebacker to defensive back.
The Tigers are looking for their first winning season since 2017 and to get it they’ll have to navigate the always brutal COC. Being competitive in the league would put Willard in a position to compete for a district title as well.
Regardless of if championships are in the cards for Willard this fall, Tristan likes the direction his program is trending.
“Usually those types of championship seasons are decided in the winter and spring when no one else is watching,” said Tristan. “We have all worked hard, but there are a good portion of our guys that have been committed to working out, sleeping, and eating like a champion. Not sure what the exact outcomes will be of each game, but I really love these guys and would go to battle with any of them.
“As coaches and players, we have committed to being in a dog fight in the fourth quarter of each game. Sometimes that seems like a lofty goal in this conference, but our coaches and players have been diligent in being our best this fall. Sometimes the ball might not bounce our way, but it won’t be because of a lack of effort, preparation or toughness.”
Willard will jamboree at Bolivar with Parkview and Cassville before opening the 2022 regular season at Neosho on Aug. 26.
