By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Pierce City football team took positive steps forward in 2022 with a 5-5 record following a 2-7 finish two years ago.
With 16 lettermen and seven starters coming back, Pierce City is poised for more entering the 2023 campaign.
“We lost some outstanding seniors, but it’s time for underclassmen to step up,” coach Brad Hocker said. “Some of our young kids had to play early last year and we took some lumps because of that. Those kids are hungry and ready to prove they can compete on Friday nights, not just on Monday nights. With the leadership of our upperclassmen, I believe we can be competitive in every game on our schedule. Our kids are ready to improve their conference record (3-5 last year in Southwest Conference).”
The Eagles graduated quarterback/defensive back Clayten O’Hara, linebacker/running back Zane Clayton and lineman Lane VanNote.
Pierce City’s roster is headlined by a trio of All-Conference performers in juniors Quortin Parks (WR/DB), Ayden Coy (OL/DL) and Layton Mack (WR/DB/K). Parks, an accomplished receiver, caught 15 passes for 263 yards and five touchdowns while Coy made 45 tackles and recovered two fumbles.
Junior running back Evan Salazar carried the ball 40 times for 337 yards and scored three times last season, while senior Judah Linn showed versatility by playing wide receiver, running back and defensive back. He rushed for 248 yards on 44 carries, caught eight passes for 193 yards (totaled three TDs) and converted 42 tackles.
Seniors Sean O’Hara, Kale Murphy and Jarret Dombrowski, as well as juniors Jacob Lawrimore and Gage Warner in addition to sophomore Kordel McBlair will play on both sides of the line.
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Juniors Mekhi Kleiboeker and Carson Jespersen will contribute at running back and linebacker. Kleiboeker made 56 tackles last season with two fumble recoveries, while Jespersen had 37 tackles.
Junior Kyler McWilliams, who Hocker called a great decision maker, will serve as the team’s quarterback this season. Junior Broc Olivier (RB/LB) rounds out the Eagles’ returnees.
“Our offensive strength this year will be our quickness up front,” Hocker said. “Our skill guys are coachable, but how quickly they gel will be important. Defensively, we have smart kids that will run to the football. We have size, but we are going to have to work on both sides of the ball when it comes to finishing plays. Our kids work hard, so I expect to see improvement. There is a lot of excitement to compete this season.”
Pierce City’s top newcomers include freshmen Cruz Ibarra (LB/RB), Landen Stanphill (WR/DB) and Luke Eaton (QB/DE).
“I’m about as old school as it gets. We simply need to become a better blocking and tackling team and eliminate turnovers,” Hocker said. “Our kids need to learn how to compete and finish plays. I believe we have the kids here at Pierce City to keep the program at a high level. We need to develop a work ethic that is second-to-none and learn accountability. If we can do that, I think we will be successful.”
Pierce City is at the Sarcoxie Jamboree on Aug. 18. The Eagles host Lighthouse Christian in Week 1 to open the regular season.
