Lots of Questions in the Big 8 East

The COC Small may be gone but a big part of it remains alive as all but two teams are still together in the same division of the new Big 8. Add Mt Vernon and Aurora and you have the new league.

Most of the teams were hit hard by graduation, leading to questions galore.

Reeds Spring- The Wolves won the last two COC Titles, the last one outright. But gone are Kelly Newton, who had the most prolific rushing season in school history last year and one of the best offensive and defensive lines the school has ever had. The Wolves have experience coming back led by third year starting quarterback, Blake Gronvold and All-State Linebacker Ben Moler

Mt Vernon- The Mountaineers caught fire at the right time last year and rode that momentum all the way to an appearance in the State Championship game. That run included a tight 30-28 victory over Reeds Spring, for the District Championship, on a foggy night at Carl Langley Field. Many of those Green and White heroes have graduated. But, State Defensive player of the year, Will Boswell returns and Coach Tom Cox will have the benefit of some upperclassmen new to the football program.

Catholic- Just like the two teams above, the Irish were hit hard by graduation. But Coach Steve Hancock will still have one of the most athletic players in SW Missouri at his disposal. QB/FS Tyson Riley returns as do two All-Conference Linemen. The Irish will be a handful for anyone they play.

Hollister- The Tigers enter a new era. Not only are they in this new conference but they have new guy at the helm. Rich Adkins takes over for Jacob Hamon. Gone is the spread offense and in its place a more ball control split back veer. No doubt the Tigers are already more physical. That was evident this summer. They are few in numbers and staying healthy will be a necessity

Logan-Rogersville- A change in coaches for the Wildcats as well. Doug Smith retired and the Wildcats reached over to Fair Grove and pulled in Mark Talbert. The Wildcat return seven starters including All League receiver Ryker Strong, who will look to thrive in the Wildcats Spread offense.

Marshfield- The BlueJays will look to take a step forward in the sophomore campaign for coach Cody Bull. He will have the confidence of a third year starting quarterback in Brock Utecht, and an all conference defender in Keegen O’Dell. Big running back Trenton Kanengieter will look to improve on a solid 2017

Aurora- The Houns will look to improve on a 5-5 record. Eight players will starting experience return on the offensive side of the ball. They will have to replace quarterback JD Lee. Coach Craig Weldy is back for his second year as head coach.

Lots of balance on this side of the league. Picking an order of finish is almost like flipping a coin. A convincing argument can easily be made for at least the top three having a solid chance to win the league.

My worthless prediction…