By Chris Parker
Jasper football will look to be more consistent this season after finishing 4-6 in 2022.
“We battled for consistency throughout last season,” Jasper head coach Mark McFarland said. “I feel like we were in every game early with opportunities to put ourselves in a good position but didn’t possess the physical and mental toughness to elevate and finish against challenging opponents.”
The Eagles return a strong group of players including five starters who will look to take lessons learned last year and turn them into more wins.
“I believe our younger players know that you have to be willing to grind and fight from start to finish during every game,” McFarland said. “They can’t allow the highs and lows that are present in every game to dictate their effort and mentality.”
Three starters return to the offensive line in Luke Beard, Parker Greene and Clayton Anderson. Beard is also a returning starter at linebacker.
Quentin Winans returns at quarterback after starting as a freshman. He threw for 236 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 437 yards and five touchdowns. Winans is also the team’s leading returning tackler with 33 from his defensive back position.
Jake Harris also returns at defensive back.
Ryder Grisham (OL/LB), Brady Sisseck (OL/DL), Izick Frazier (RB/LB), Alex Taffner (TE/DE), Carson Lehman (RB/DB), Zayne Mayes (OL/DL), Kolby Duncan (RB/DB), Tanner Golden (OL/LB) and Hunter Harris (OL/DL) are other key returning players for Jasper.
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“We’ll be inexperienced in many positions, but they are hungry and scrappy,” McFarland said. “I believe what we lack in size we will make up for in quickness, effort, attitude and strength.”
Jasper will host Greenfield, Liberal and Lockwood for a jamboree on Aug. 18. The Eagles open the regular season on Aug. 25 at Osceola.
“I expect us to bring a very tough, passionate, physical and mental attitude from start to finish of each game,” McFarland said. “I believe we must improve defensively and in our special teams preparation and execution. Offensively, we must be more consistent, patient, and steadfast in our play-by-play attack. Our goals revolve around setting higher expectations as individuals and as a team, while embracing and battling to reach them. Weekly improvement is a must.”
