By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Tim Hester is back for another year at Strafford and has an intriguing group of starters back, with 11 total from last year’s 6-5 group.
Junior quarterback Jourdyn Edelstein returns after an All-Mid-Lakes sophomore season and he’ll have no shortage of weapons returning with him.
Senior Silas Morton is a “slash” type of player, someone that can excel at any position on the field on either side of the ball.
“Jourdyn has been a starter for two years and has developed as a top quarterback in the area,” said Hester. “The game has slowed down for him which in turn has made better decisions on the field. Game knowledge and throwing the ball will make him an impact player this year.
“Silas has been a starter all three years and has been an impact player at every position. Coming into the season at 5’11, 205 pounds and one of our fastest and strongest players on the team, he’s coming off from going to state track in the 4×1 relay team to improve his speed and agility and confidence.”
Hester is also excited about several players that will see increased roles at the skill positions.
Ryder Ross will see carries out of the backfield after a productive offseason. Ryker Vendosel is a spiritual leader on the team, but has also grown as a dual-threat tight end. He will be an impact blocker as well as someone that can create mismatches in the passing game.
Junior Bradlee Mullins is also expected to take a major step forward in terms of his production. He was an all-conference defensive back, but offensively he’ll see more touches as well.
“Bradlee will be our top receiver who is a great route runner,” said Hester. “You will see a lot of balls thrown his way.”
One of the strengths of Strafford will be in the trenches.
Junior Prestin Ames is one of the top two-way linemen in the area, earning all-conference honors unanimously last year. Senior Kingston Campbell (6-4, 240) is also back as an all-conference pick and two-year starter.
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Morton will also lead Strafford’s defense after being a unanimous all-conference selection last year, as well as Ames on the defensive line. Mullins will see more responsibility in the secondary as well.
Hester is also excited about a pair of athletes that could provide a significant spark on either side of the ball in Blake Everett and Jesse Barry.
“Blake coming in as a first-year football player that shows a lot of potential at DB,” said Hester. “Jesse is very fast and athletic, coming off as an all-state triple jumper.”
This group is exciting and Hester believes their potential could be at an elite level within the class, with much of the emphasis being on health.
“Our numbers are small but we have a lot of weapons,” said Hester. “We must stay healthy to compete. If we stay healthy we will be good but Mountain View, Fair Grove and Ava will be the teams to beat.”
Strafford will open the 2023 season by hosting Liberty on Aug. 25.
