By Chris Parker
It is the dawn of a new era for Glendale football with Frank Tristan taking over as head coach of the Falcons. Tristan is a graduate of Glendale.
“I have always wanted to coach where I played,” Tristan said. “It think it makes it special and the opportunity to give these young men a great experience it something I look forward to.”
Tristan, who was previously at Willard, will bring wholesale changes to offensive style at Glendale, which has been a record-setting passing attack no designated running back for many years.
“The offensive adjustment is very challenging,” Tristan said. “These guys have never taken a handoff nor have the lineman done any run blocking. We ask our lineman to make a lot of calls at the line of scrimmage. It will definitely be a transition, but I have been very pleased with their eagerness to learn and the toughness that they have shown.”
Quarterback Cash Newberry is back for his junior season after throwing for 2,274 yards and 18 touchdowns on 325 pass attempts as a sophomore. He will be asked to do much less with his arm this season.
“Cash is a really talented player and I think our offense will take a little pressure off of him. When you have to throw every play that can feel overwhelming for a young man. I really believe our versatility and his football intelligence will allow him to have more consistent success,” Tristan said. “Cash is a real accurate passer and very deliberate in making decisions. I anticipate Cash being efficient in the pass game and using his athleticism to extend drives for our team.”
For the first time in a long time, Glendale will have designated running backs. That group includes Jayln Lockett, Samari Pickett and Cameron Major.
“I think they were very uncertain (about switching to running back) at first, but Coach Davis and Coach Little are former MSU running backs themselves, so they have been great teachers and salesmen for the position,” Tristan said.
Glendale does not lack for wide receivers with Trevor Heman, Brady Yates, Deionte Blunt, Joelle Rover and Jacan Seats all set to make plays on the outside. Heman led Glendale with 608 yards receiving last season.
Glendale’s TE/H position will see Bentley Neier, Scout Rollins and Liam Wormington.
The offensive line will be led by seniors Saul Spurgeon, Connor Gebken and Elias Meakins. That group continues to grow in run blocking.
“Our offensive line has really grown over the summer. I have been very impressed with their leadership and willingness to take on a much larger role in our offense,” Tristan said. “They still hesitate when we go to the chutes and get down in a three-point stance, but they have welcomed the change with open arms. Honestly, I am really thankful for their maturity and confident approach to the change.”
On the defense, Hogan Waldowski and Bryce Fjell will be leaders on the defensive line. Bentely Neier also could be up front.
Deric Washington and Scout Rollins have done a good job of learning the defense at linebacker. Jayln Lockett has also embraced his new position as a linebacker. He has the potential to be a breakout player according to Tristan.
“I really think Jayln Lockett will be a special player,” Tristan said. “He is obviously very talented, but he has also exceeded my expectations in being at each workout. You reap what you sow.”
The secondary has a group of young players competing for time.
“Obviously, we will have a lot of youth in our secondary, but the young men that have stood out have demonstrated great promise, speed and intensity,” Tristan said. “I will take competitors over experience anytime. It’s great to have both, but right now I know we have competitors in the back half.”
If the Falcons can channel their athleticism into competing as a unit, they could be a dangerous team in their first season as a member of the Central Ozark Conference.
“I think the trait with all of the teams that I coach is that we will stay together, be tough, and truly compete,” Tristan said. “This team has a ton of potential athletically, so if we can expedite the process learning to compete together it will be a really fun season.
Glendale will host Fair Grove and Marshfield for a jamboree on Aug. 23. The Falcons open the season on Aug. 30 at home against Neosho.
“I want to see the guys really compete during each quarter and play as one unit,” Tristan said. “To be a success, I would like for our team to play their best every game regardless of who we are playing. Be true competitors. True competitors end up being really good men in the future. That’s what it’s all about.”
