By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Three years ago Nevada went winless and was shut out three times. Last season the Tigers won more games than any team in the program had in more than a decade (9), scoring at least 50 points five times.
“This entire group of seniors, wow,” said Beachler. “These were the young men that went through the 0-10 season, and 5-6 of them were forced to play on Friday nights. They didn’t get down, they kept working, and have become great leaders. Sometimes in life the trials grow you more than the times of ease. This senior class (and the previous two senior classes) have handled tragedy, and adversity, better than most grown men would.
“It speaks volumes about the kind of young men we’ve had in this program the past few years. Their ability to sustain their love of the game, their desire to work hard, and be coachable, may be unsurpassed in my career. Coaches can change the character of programs, “buy-in” players can change the culture.”
And now, entering Wes Beachler’s 8th season with the program, the Tigers return 16 starters and have what may be the most talented roster in program history.
It all starts with an explosive backfield that helped Nevada average 43.5 points per game and more 400 yards of total offense.
Senior Avious Steadman returns after rushing for 1,831 yards and 23 touchdowns on just 154 carries, earning All-State honors. He added another 325 receiving yards on 18 receptions. Classmate Case Sanderson (6-3, 205) rushed for 968 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding 87 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks from his defensive end spot.
“Avious is an explosive athlete with great acceleration and good field vision,” said Beachler. “Case is physical and tough. He’s also a smart defensive end who is tough to run at or away from.”
Quarterback Cade Beshore is also back after starting 12 games as a junior. He threw for 1,078 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“Cade has a very high football IQ,” said Beachler. “He takes care of the ball and makes good decisions.”
Fellow senior Jordan Johnson – who would be the feature back in many other programs – rushed for 527 yards and nine touchdowns on 99 carries.
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Juniors Brice Budd and Desmond Robinson will also see touches from the wing spot. Senior fullback Zade Lee will look to work his way back from injury.
Nevada also returns senior Skylur Mashek (6-0, 290) and junior Ryan Godsey (5-10, 230) to anchor the offensive line. The addition of junior Talan Chandler (6-3, 280) – who helped Lutheran St. Charles win a state championship last year – will give the unit a boost.
Chandler is on several FBS radars.
Senior Kenneth Johnson, juniors Luke Anderson and Brady Phebus, as well as sophomores Cam Williams and Ryan Cook will also compete for offensive line roles.
Having All-Big 8 tight end Drew Beachler (6-6, 185) and Tyler Longobardo will give Nevada another physical presence on the line.
Defensively, Sanderson, Mashek and Johnson make up one of the most physical and experienced defensive lines in the Big 8.
Seniors Gage Miller (80 tackles) and Brayden Koenig (68 tackles), as well as junior Henry Campbell (99 tackles) will make up an experienced linebacking group.
Budd returns to his safety spot after racking up 54 tackles and three interceptions as a sophomore. Seniors Beachler and Blake Cox will also return to the secondary.
As Nevada prepares for another run at a district championship, it seems like everything is coming together. An experienced quarterback with talent at the skill positions and on the offensive line. A defense that is strong at the point of attack with several returners and speed on the back end. The Tigers were in a few barn-burners last year and an experienced defense will help even more come late October.
There’s something special brewing in Vernon County.
“Defensively we need to improve in scoring defense,” said Beachler. “We did play well on that side of the ball when we needed big stops, most of the year. We have a lot of young players who should see significant playing time. We will know more about those young men as the season progresses.
“I don’t know how many “last years” translate to the following year. I think the young men in this program know, and have known, they are a district championship level team the past few years. If we stay healthy, are playing well late, and execute well in district play…we are a legitimate district championship contender. But, we need to play one week at a time.”
Nevada will visit Springfield Catholic on Aug. 26 to open the 2022 season. The Tigers travel to Lamar on Oct. 7.
