By Chris Parker
Lebanon football has won three straight district titles and five in the past six seasons. The Yellowjackets will look to continue the streak with seven all-conference players returning this season.
“(We are) returning a nice core group of kids who have experienced five district championships in the last six years,” Lebanon head coach Will Christian said. “I think we have a good mix of veteran players with young players who have had success at the lower levels and experienced varsity success. The key is our kids must remain humble and hungry. Staying focused on the process, one day at a time.”
Gavin Smith returns for his senior season after starting all 13 games last year. He threw for 484 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 1,007 yards and 18 touchdowns on 133 carries.
“We have big expectations for Gavin,” Christian said. “Gavin is very electric and runs the flex bone with efficiency. So good decision (making) tied with being an electric athlete is a recipe for success. I also think Gavin will contribute big time on defense.”
Jax Glendenning has been a two-way star since his freshman season. As a sophomore, Glendenning rushed for 1,088 yards and nine touchdowns on 85 carries while pulling down 78 total tackles. He earned first-team all-conference honors as a running back and second-team all-conference honors as a linebacker.
“He is year bigger, faster, and stronger. He also now has two years of experience playing in the quarterfinals. He will be a junior but seasoned,” Christian said. “I think he has a high ceiling, primarily because of how hard he works. Tie his work ethic with his ability it creates this ceiling.”
Danen Conrad will anchor the offensive line coming off a second-team all-state selection as a junior. The 5’10, 240-pound senior started all 13 games as a junior.
“He (Conrad) is nasty and physical,” Christian said. “He isn’t the biggest lineman in the Ozarks but he plays big.”
Gunner Williams and Thomas Howe also return to the offensive line after earning all-conference honors last season. Kameron Meyers saw two starts on the offensive line as a sophomore.
“Everything starts up front,” Christian said. “We like our core and our newcomers.”
Hoyt Honey rounds out the returning starters at wide receiver.
Defensively, Glendenning will key things at linebacker. He is joined by fellow returning starter Griffin Jones. Jones pulled down 58 total tackles while starting 13 games.
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Williams will play both ways after starting 10 games at defensive end as a junior. He had five tackles for a loss and two sacks last season.
Thomas Howe also brings back starting experience on the defensive line at defensive end. He started five games last season.
Honey started 13 games on defense last year and will play safety. Drew Bowling will also return as a safety after starting nine games as a junior.
“We like our overall athleticism on both sides of the ball. We also like our team’s physicality,” Christian said. “Upperclassmen depth (will be a weakness). We will rely on sophomores to be our depth at a lot of spots. They will need to grow up fast to give us reps and breaks.”
The following players will be newcomers to watch.
Seniors: JC Wells, Jamall Rogers, Jesiah Mebruer, Sam Henson, Dathan Durbin, Jacob Wells and Cannon Roark
Juniors: J JR Zevallos, Avery Starnes, Abe Allen, Nick Allen, Lucas Tyre, Fidel Castro, Bodee O’Neil, Bryce Malone, Baylor Smith, Jason Krejci, Eli Wade, Kason Woods, Kinnett Lucas, Caden Crabtree, Mason Hendrix, Lane Higginbotham, and Brayden Mann
Sophomores: Cameron Rose, Evan Ogle, Eric Nichols, Brayden Christian, Alex Gipson, Logan Krejci, Raymond Weaver, Wyatt Price, Carter Sing, Carson Hill, Mason Jones, Hayden Perkins, Colin Alford, Robby Garrett, Caden Mudge, Hunter Fluher, Jake Rebmann, Owen Adams, JJ Hutson, Eli Jackson, Tommy Jennings, Jace Manly, Quentin Hendrix, Brody Shoemaker, Christian Williams and Oliver Carver
Lebanon will host a jamboree with Branson and Reeds Spring. The Yellowjackets open the regular season on Aug. 24 at home against Parkview.
