By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
After claiming a conference title for the first time in over two decades two seasons ago, 2022 was more of a rebuilding year for the Aurora football team. The Houn Dawgs finished with a 2-8 record in Brandon Pitts’ first season at the helm.
That said, expectations are higher entering 2023. Aurora returns an experienced group with 12 starters coming back.
“We return three of our five starting linemen from last year, and all three were first year starters,” Pitts said. “We return our all-conference, all-area running back, so we’re looking forward to being able to run the ball more effectively than last year.
“I expect our defense to take a step forward this year with seven returning starters on the unit. All seven were first-year starters last year and have put in great time and effort into the offseason. I think our strength will be experience and physicality.”
A senior running back, Jax Prater (5-9, 160) earned all-conference and all-area recognition after leading the Houn Dawgs’ ground game with 743 yards in 128 carries (5.8 yards per carry) last season. He found paydirt five times while recording three runs of over 100 yards.
“Jax runs bigger than his size. He will play 20 pounds heavier than he was last year,” Pitts said. “He is the captain of our program.”
Aurora has no shortage of size and physicality on the offensive line. Seniors Ethan Whitlock (6’2, 225), Michael Barrientos (6-0, 265), Jose Ibarra (6-0, 200) and Justus Nickel (6-2, 220) as
well as juniors Jansen Hunt (6-1, 195), Clayton Cline (6-0, 275), Levi Garrett (6-5, 235) and Matthew Cuthbirth (5-10, 195) will be among the names blocking for Prater.
Barrientos received all-conference and all-area laurels last fall, while Ibarra was an all-area tight end.
“Michael is one of the most physical offensive lineman in the entire conference,” Pitts said. “He would help any program and will be a force on both sides of the line. Another captain. Jose is Mr. Reliable. He looks to have a breakout year for the Dawgs. He is physical and smart.”
Pitts said senior Evan Hartwigsen is an explosive athlete on both sides of the ball. A running back and defensive back, he carried the ball 18 times for 95 yards last year. Junior Clayton Jaramillo will serve as a wide receiver and defensive back with Pitts describing him as a player that has established his ability to shutdown opponents at the corner spot and make explosive plays on offense.
Whitlock, an all-conference and all-area linebacker, registered a team-leading 54 tackles last year with 9.5 tackles going for loss. Hunt posted 33 tackles with 7.5 for loss en route to being named an all-conference defensive lineman.
“Ethan is an old school mike linebacker,” Pitts said. “He is big, physical and incredibly smart. Another captain. Jansen is a scrappy defensive lineman that is a headache to work against. He has an amazing motor and grit.”
Top newcomers for Aurora include seniors Josh McKinley (RB/DB) and Wyatt Lawson (OL/DL); juniors Brody Seitz (RB/DB), Jacek Rackley (QB/DB), Jayden Carpenter (TE/DL), Colton Wrinkle (OL/DL); and sophomores Lucas Hadlow (OL/LB), Thomas Lara (QB/DB), Brayden Allen (WR/DB) and LJ Beck (TE/LB).
Pitts noted Wrinkle is currently getting first team reps at center, while Lara is receiving first team reps at quarterback. Allen is also set to get starting roles on both sides of the ball.
“This year’s motto has been, ‘Earn it,’” Pitts said. “No matter how the season goes, it will be because of us and us only. We will not let outside factors dictate our success.”
Aurora is at the Sarcoxie Jamboree on Aug. 18. The Houn Dawgs play at Seneca in Week 1 to open the regular season.
