By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Todd Hafner is back on the sidelines at Carl Junction.
The last time he was strolling the sidelines in the Ozarks as the coach of the Bulldogs, Carl Junction was transitioning from a Big 8 afterthought to a team that made a Final Four run following his departure to Emporia State University and eventually William Penn University where he spent 19 seasons as head coach.
Now, after two decades in the college ranks, he’s back at Carl Junction and looking to again propel the Bulldogs to the top of the class.
“It has been super exciting to be back,” said Hafner. “To reunite with friends, and at this point, former players. Much has changed and much has stayed the same. My wife and I are glad to be back and hope that we can again make a positive impact on the Carl Junction community.
“The assistant coaches and the players have made the transition much easier. We’ve tried to establish that discipline and toughness will be at the core of everything we try to do. Our summer program went very well and it’s a tribute to the kids wanting to be good and be disciplined in their work.”
Hafner inherits a team that returns 16 starters and experience all over the field.
Offensively, it all starts with senior quarterback Dexter Merrell, who returns after passing for 1,525 yards and adding another 785 yards on the ground, earning him All-COC honors.
He’ll lead an option attack that will base out of the pistol formation.
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The Bulldogs return three of their top four rushers behind Merrell from last year with senior Johnny Starks (407 yards, 8 TD), junior Tony Stewart (410 yards, 2 TD) and sophomore Marcus Lopez-Durman (245 yards, TD) all back in the fold.
Senior Kyler Stewart is back as the team’s returning leader in receiving yards (289) and receptions (20) although he could see more carries this year. Classmate Bentley Rowden (6-1, 210) returns as a two-way starter, adding a punch offensively from his tight end spot.
Senior Quin Kennedy, as well as juniors Zaidan Tauililli and Ryder Pyles as players looking to take on a bigger role at the offensive skill positions.
Maybe the most important part of Carl Junction’s offense could be the experience up front where seniors Aiden Beachner (6-4, 240), Dylan Robbins (6-1, 230) and Pason Winder (5-11, 190) all return. Senior Bryce Battagila (6-0, 210) and sophomores Gavin Beachner (6-5, 260) and Blake Starks (6-4, 220) are also competing for reps.
The defense will be led by several key seniors.
Seniors Starks (103 tackles, 8 tackles for loss) and Rowden (69 tackles), as well as junior Tony Stewart (63 tackles) make up the one of the most experienced linebacking corps in the COC.
Kyler Stewart started in the defensive backfield, tallying 42 tackles and a pair of interceptions.
Senior Eli Zavala and junior Ony Mondestin will both look for reps on the defensive line.
“We return both starting linebackers and feel they will be the strength of our defense,” said Hafner. “Our secondary will be skilled but will have to make sure to learn and feel comfortable in the new scheme. Up front we have moved some players to better help us get after the quarterback.”
Maybe the biggest change for Hafner will be a new class and a new league, with Carl Junction elevating a few levels since 2000. He will now see Webb City, Joplin and the rest of a loaded COC.
Last year CJ went north for district play, joining a Kansas City-based district. For the Bulldogs to win their first district title in more than two decades, they’ll have to navigate the schedule and the challenges associated with a regime change.
“It’s the toughest league in the state of Missouri, I am convinced,” said Hafner. “Our expectations will be to go compete like crazy every Friday night. Play tough, hard-nosed football and do everything we can to give ourselves a chance to win in the fourth quarter.
“In order to win championships of any kind you have to compete every week and execute at a high level. It’s even more so in this conference. We will need to stay healthy and be playing our best football at the end of the season in order to win a district championship and keep moving on.”
Carl Junction will jamboree at Monett with Nevada and Carthage before opening the Todd Hafner era at home against Ozark on Aug. 25.
