By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Brandon Taute is entering his fourth season at Neosho, giving him his first team that he’s been able to develop from freshmen to seniors.
The Wildcats are coming off of a 1-9 season but return 15 total starters, giving Taute the foundation for what could be the best roster the program has seen in nearly a decade.
Leading the way are two big-time weapons on the offensive side of the ball in All-COC seniors Hudson Williams and Denver Welch.
Williams was top 10 in the Ozarks in receptions (69) and receiving yards (789), while adding seven touchdowns. Welch was one of the league’s most complete backs, rushing for 887 yards and adding another 288 receiving yards with 14 touchdowns.
Taute loves playmakers and they’re two of the best in the Ozarks.
“Hudson does a great job of controlling his body at the top of his routes,” said Taute. “He has soft hands and a natural knack for finding holes in the defense.
“Denver has had a great off-season in the weight room getting stronger and faster. He is a complete running back that we will lean on in the running game and passing game. He does a great job catching balls out of the backfield as well as picking up blitzing linebacker in pass pro. In the run game, he has the ability to run through arm tackles as well as run away from defenders.”
The man in charge of getting them the ball will be senior Cade Spiva (6-1, 195). As a junior he was an All-COC selection at defensive back, totaling 116 tackles and five PBUs.
Taute has been innovative offensively at Neosho and Spiva may be the most dynamic athlete he’s had under center.
“Cade is a dual threat QB that will make defenses defend the entire field,” said Taute. “He has a high football IQ that allows us to be multiple on offense. His work ethic and leadership this off-season are exactly what every coach wants from a quarterback.”
In addition to Williams and Welch, Spiva will also benefit from the presence of move-in Noah Soriano.
The former Joplin standout has been clocked as low as a 10.6 in the 100-meter dash and has been one of the top cover corners in the COC. His explosiveness makes him a threat all over the field.
“Noah is a complete defensive back with big play abilities on the offensive side as well,” said Taute. “He will be a huge part of our team in all three phases of the game.”
Neosho also returns plenty of help upfront on both sides of the ball. Senior Tyce Hardin is a three-year starter for the Wildcats on the offensive line. Classmate Brice Warren is a three-year starter at defensive end.
This is the most experience Taute has returned in his tenure at Neosho.
“Tyce Hardin is a three-year starter on the offensive line,” said Taute. “He is a smart, physical lineman with a great understanding of our offense.
“We will return seven starters in the trenches this season. They have all done a great job in the weight room and this will be the strongest group of kids we have had since I have been at Neosho. Our experience, size and strength up front will be a huge part in our success this season.”
Spiva and Warren aren’t the only three-year starters returning to Neosho’s defense. Seniors Trey Hardin (6-2, 210) and Bostyn Patterson (6-3, 180) return to their spots at linebacker and defensive back respectively.
Hardin totaled 120 tackles and five TFLs as a junior while Patterson finished the season with 94 tackles and a pair of interceptions.
Throw in Spiva and Soriano – as well as Warren upfront – Neosho has one of the most experienced defenses in the COC.
“We return multiple three-year starters on the defensive side of the ball this season,” said Taute. “We will have a lot of experience and depth that will allow us to play with confidence which will allow us to play fast and free.
“Trey is a strong linebacker with great length and speed. He is a great leader for our team on and off the field. Bostyn is a long, physical defensive back that will help us in all three phases of the game with his big play ability. Brice is a smart football player that is fundamentally sound.”
The season schedule will look a little different as Neosho adjusts to the COC and Ozark Conference merger.
The Wildcats will see SPS opponents such as Glendale and Kickapoo, as well as Lebanon and Waynesville.
The league forms a super conference with the area’s best and biggest teams. In a league that will likely see at least four Class 6 programs, Neosho will be better prepared for a Class 5 run by season’s end.
“We love being a part of the COC and getting to play the best teams in the state week in and week out,” said Taute. “We will play all four of the new schools this year to start the season and we are excited about getting to play some teams we haven’t played before. We know every week will be a great challenge and look forward to the opportunity in front of us.
“We have had a great off-season in the weight room and on the field. I am extremely proud of the effort and mindset our kids have attacked this off-season with. Our work will allow us to play with confidence every week this season.”
Neosho will jamboree at Mount Vernon with the Mountaineers, McDonald County and Forsyth before opening the 2024 regular season at Glendale.
