One of the 'Hounds' most promising developments has been the contributions from their new players from Malta Bend, like junior Tyler Armstrong. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

SWEET SPRINGS -- Despite a new offensive backfield, Sweet Springs head coach Tim Smith is full of confidence about the season ahead.

Whether that optimism will survive the opener remains to be seen, since the Greyhounds' task is formidable: taking on defending Class 1 state champion Orrick on the road. Coming off another I-70 Conference title run, the Bearcats -- despite the loss of all-state running back Taylor Eubank -- enter the season ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll.

"They lost some good players, so if we're going to catch them, the first game is the time to catch them," noted Smith. Still, he may be doing a little whistling in the dark, since the return of all-state defensive linemen Leslee Eubank and Matt O'Dell -- along with senior quarterback Joe Kaufman and junior halfback Aaron Blyth -- ensures Orrick will be still be among the league elite.

"We might be able to match them a little up front," Smith said, "although their quickness concerns me."

Sweet Springs was impressive at times during last week's Jamboree at Concordia -- especially with a four-to-one scoring advantage over the Orioles, ranked 10th in the pre-season poll.

"We were far further along than I thought we would be," said Smith, who switched from the spread option offensive scheme to the wishbone this year. "Everybody's talking about the skill players we lost, but the guys who took over for them did real well."

Maybe too well. When practice began, senior Blake Vogelsmeier -- the only returning player with any varsity experience at quarterback -- was expected to be the signal caller. He still will be, at least for a while, but the emergence of junior Billy Martin may mean Vogelsmeier will be making the switch to halfback before the season is over.

That's in the future, though. For the moment, Smith wants to see what kind of battle the 'Hounds can give heavily-favored Orrick.

"We're big underdogs, so I want to see us compete," Smith said. "We've got some strong-willed kids, mentally-tough kids. We need to let [the Bearcats] know we're there for a game."

ALMA -- Santa Fe will play a Class 2 team for the first time since the late '90s, when rapidly-growing Grain Valley was on its schedule, by hosting MRVC East member Knob Noster.

Chiefs head coach Andy Frerking gave mixed reviews to his team's performance at the Concordia Jamboree, especially pleased with an offense which had to replace all-I-70 Conference quarterback Kenzie Thorp.

"Our kids did a good job of executing assignments and showed improvement on the line of scrimmage, being more physical," Frerking said. "Defensively, we did a good job of flying to the ball, but didn't tackle well."

The Panthers feature a wide-open spread offense with a strong tandem of junior quarterback Ivan Pyszka firing to 6-foot-4 senior wideout Cullen Rosine.

"They throw the ball all over the place," Frerking remarked. "Their line does a good job of staying after you and … a real good job of pass protection."

Rosine is also a stalwart defense, as is senior safety Brian Cass -- the leading tackler back from last year, when he had 87 stops to go with three interceptions and four forced fumbles. At least Knob Noster's 4-4 defensive scheme is similar to the Chiefs'.

"It's not something we don't see on a regular basis, so we ought to be used to it," Frerking said.

Still, the main concern is whether Santa Fe can play hard-hitting defensive football and prevent big plays from occurring, sore spots last year.

"Defensively, we've got to show improvement," Frerking admitted. "I think the wins and losses will take care of themselves if we play better defensively."