By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Paden Grubbs has the unique feeling of knowing what it’s like to lead Marionville to a state championship as both a player and as a coach.
The 2023 Comets ran the table, going a perfect 14-0 and claiming the Class 1 state championship with a 29-0 win over North Platte.
Marionville has won two state championships in football with Grubbs being a part of each exactly 20 years apart. Grubbs also won a state title in basketball playing for Ted Young.
“It was an awesome experience for the whole town,” said Grubbs. “As a coach, you always hope to get the opportunity to play in a state championship game. To get that opportunity and win it was awesome. Was super excited for our community, school, coaches and kids.”
But now the task turns to repeating and Marionville has no shortage of firepower to make that dream a reality with four all-state players back.
Seniors Angel Quezada and Braydon Bellah, as well as Owen Willis return.
Quezada was an All-State offensive lineman, Bellah (691 yards, 12 TDs) is an all-state receiver and Willis is a standout two-way lineman.
They’ll look to lead a reloaded roster in 2024.
“We want to try and get the ball in Braydon’s hands on the move and in space,” said Grubbs. “He’s the one guy on our team that can run away from folks. Has worked really hard to continue to get stronger and more explosive. Excited to see him this year.
“Angel took a big step last year across the offensive line. We need him to continue to lead and be a good example across the offensive and defensive lines this year. Angel has a lot of talent and has worked hard to add weight to help him play both sides of the ball his senior year. We are going to move Owen around defensively. Owen is a great football player. Doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. I think Owen is going to have a great senior year.”
The biggest names on Marionville’s roster are junior tandem Bryer Guerin and Cash Pomeroy. Both have developed into two-way stars regardless of class.
As a dual-threat quarterback, Guerin passed for 1,385 yards and 22 touchdowns with just three interceptions while adding 603 yards and eight scores on the ground. Defensively, he added 51 tackles and eight interceptions.
Pomeroy rushed for 1,340 yards and 21 touchdowns on offense, while stacking up 84 tackles and seven TFL on the other side of the ball.
Both will be heavily recruited over the next two years.
“Bryer is a really good athlete; he’s very competitive,” said Grubbs. “His best trait is his demeanor. He never gets rattled. He’s always in control of his emotions. That is super important for the quarterback to have. His role won’t change a lot, we are going to try and put him in positions to be successful with his arm and legs. He’s probably a better defensive back than quarterback; he has a high IQ. If he goes and plays football at the next level, it will be on the defensive side of the ball. He’s a ball hawk and gamer.
“Cash is a special talent. His work ethic is what sets him apart. He’s been given a lot of physical tools but it’s his drive and work ethic to get better that is impressive to watch. Cash is a big-time player who I believe can go play a high level of football at the next level.”
Senior Trayce Silk and junior Shane Davis also return, with Davis starting 10 games on the offensive line as a sophomore and Silk playing several meaningful reps down the stretch.
Several of the players who are seemingly inexperienced have put in the time to take on larger roles.
Seniors Uriah Flageolle (5-10, 185) and Zach Easter (5-8, 175) will both see roles offensively, helping to make up for more than 200 carries and 50 receptions.
Senior Jace Vickers will see time at both receiver and secondary. Seniors Aaron Chapman and Will Crumpley will be a major part of Marionville’s defense at linebacker.
Juniors Shiloh Fletcher and Koltyn Messenger will look for roles in the secondary, classmates Sam Wright (6-0, 240) and Joey Gossett (6-3, 200) will add depth on the offensive and defensive lines too.
Sophomore Garrisen Smith and Isaac Russell are two young guys that will immediately see roles this fall. Smith at linebacker and Russell being the type of athlete that can make an impact anywhere on the field.
The sophomore class could have several contributors.
For Marionville, all signs point towards championship or bust expectations.
This group of seniors is 37-2 over the last three seasons with two district championships and a state ring already. Over the last three years the Comets have shutout nine opponents and allowed just a single score in 19 other games.
Their dominance on both sides of the ball has been masterful. But to go back-to-back, they’ll have to quickly adjust to larger roles and brighter lights across the board.
“We have a lot to improve on. We lost a lot of really good football players to graduation. This provides an opportunity for a lot of guys to step in and have their chance on Friday nights. I think this team has a chance to be good, but we are far from it right now. Our goal will continue to be “BAU” and Get a little better each day. Hopefully we can stay healthy and be playing our best ball by week 10.”
Marionville will jamboree at Springfield Catholic on Aug. 23 before opening the 2024 regular season on Aug. 30 at Stockton.
The Comets will play their home opener on Sep. 13 when they renew their rivalry with new Southwest Conference foe Skyline.
