By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Jon Guidie is entering his 20th season at Carthage and what a two-decade run its been, specifically over the last 10 years which have seen the Tigers post a 98-25 record with seven district championships and a state title in 2019.
If last year was a rebuild for the 7-5 Tigers, this could be the year where Carthage renews its district championship streak and competes at a state level with 16 starters returning.
After starting 0-3, Carthage won seven of its last nine games and will look to carry that momentum into this fall.
“We are excited to be returning so many great kids and players,” said Guidie. “They have done a tremendous job in their off-season development.”
As has become synonymous with Carthage Football, the Tigers have another three-headed offensive monster under center, at running back and in the passing game.
All seniors, Brady Carlton (6-0, 190), Landyn Collins (5-11, 210) and Karson Murray (6-4, 235) will be three of the biggest names returning to the gridiron this fall.
Carlton was an All-COC selection after passing for 1,019 yards and 12 touchdowns, while adding another 1,092 rushing yards and 15 scores.
He’s one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in Missouri.
Collins finished 13th locally in rushing yards, amassing 1,489 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior. Murray is a big, physical tight end at the point of attack but also an asset in the passing game. His 416 receiving yards as a junior are more than recent Power 5 signees at his position totaled at the same point in their career.
“Brady is such a smart quarterback,” said Guidie. “He’s really savvy running our offense and is truly a dual-threat player. Landyn is a strong, physical player but showed he had some speed last year too. He’s a tough downhill runner with great vision.
“Karson put on over 30 pounds this off-season. Is a tremendous blocker but also a great route runner and can go get a football.”
Seniors Langston Morgan and Jackson Hettinger return at receiver, along with H-Back Gael Gallegos-Garcia, giving Carthage playmakers all over the field. Senior basketball standout Trent Yates will also see time at receiver.
They’ll perform behind an offensive line that returns all-area senior Taylor Stevens-Diggs (6-2, 250) and junior Blayne Lilienkamp (6-2, 220). They’ll be joined by senior Jackson Brown (6-6, 320) and juniors MJ Martsolf (6-5, 350) and Byron Reales (5-11, 220).
The defense should take significant steps forward, led by a loaded secondary that features the all-stater Morgan, all-area Hettinger and juniors Braxton Ralston and Noah Norbury.
Junior Cooper Lilienkamp (6-1, 190) is the lone returning starter at linebacker but was an All-COC pick that led the team in tackles as a sophomore.
“Langston is probably our most consistent player,” said Guidie. “He started a few games as a sophomore too. Both of his older brothers were great players for us too. Smart and athletic. He understands football.
“Cooper will again have to lead our defense and get everyone lined up. He reads the offense very well and has a knack for getting to the ball.”
All-area senior Trevor Meadows (6-3, 285) and all-area junior Landon Bland (6-4, 225) are both back in the trenches. Bland is a Power 5 prospect that totaled eight TFLs and four sacks as a sophomore.
Senior Nolan Brown (6-0, 220) will return at defensive tackle, along with classmate Jamison Moser (5-9, 220). Junior Brayden O’Dell will see reps at defensive end.
Senior Jordan Brunnert, junior Joshua Hill and sophomore Jett Dalton are all on track to see time at linebacker.
Carthage has been built on establishing the run and a physical defense; this team will excel in both areas.
This group is eager to get back to the state playoffs and the COC/Ozark Conference merger will prepare the Tigers for what could be another deep November run.
“We will need to continue to improve in all areas as the schedule is as tough as ever,” said Guidie. “This will be a new look COC as we’ve added some great competition. As always, we will strive to take each day and each week at a time and work to be at our best come playoff time.
We need to develop some leadership, be great practice players, and most importantly stay healthy.”
Carthage will host Carl Junction and Nevada in a jamboree on Aug. 23 before opening the 2024 regular season at Waynesville on Aug. 30. The Tigers will play their home-opener the following week against Ozark and visit rival Webb City on Oct. 18.
