Prep Grid Preview ... Week 1: 'Hounds have hands full in 2009 opener

The 'Hounds' defense, led by senior linebacker Zach Thomas, will be challenged to contain Orrick's devastating ground game. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

SWEET SPRINGS -- After its season opener, the rest of the schedule may appear relatively light to the Sweet Springs football team.

Once again, the Greyhounds begin their campaign against the defending Class 1 state champions, Orrick having taken its second straight title in 2008. The Bearcats have worn or shared the I-70 Conference crown for four years in a row and are looking to extend their 29-game winning streak.

"The best time to face them, I guess," remarked Sweet Springs head coach Tim Smith, whistling in the dark a little in hopes that Orrick may have not yet sorted out all of its positions.

There probably won't be many, although the 'Cats are a little younger on the offensive line than elsewhere. That noted, they return three all-conference blockers -- including 6-foot-3, 230-pound juniors Cam McGlothlin and Jordyn Butler.

"I don't see any weaknesses in their personnel," Smith conceded. "Maybe they're not as strong on the offensive line than they've been, but they're still pretty good."

There's also a change at quarterback, where senior Clayton Jones -- a good athlete who's been in the system for years -- replaces Joe Kaufman.

Still, Orrick brings back three quality running backs in seniors Aaron Blyth and Kalija Rogers and junior Logan Eubank.

"You can't key on any one guy," Smith said. "They live off the counter.

"We've been preaching gang tackling and our linebackers staying at home," he noted.

Even playing a vanilla offense, the 'Hounds scored five touchdowns last week during the preseason jamboree it hosted -- Smith claiming that he is "pleased with where we are at."

More encouraging is that Sweet Springs takes on the Bearcats on its home field, where maybe the crowd can inspire what would be a major upset.

"There's no question that this is a game the rest of the state is going to be looking at," Smith said. "You can look at it as an opportunity to make something happen."

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HUGHESVILLE -- Slater will begin the season trying to end a six-game losing skid, and does so at home against Northwest of Hughesville -- a team it beat, 16-14, to open the '08 campaign.

The Mustangs were making a return to 11-man football after playing the 8-man game for two years, and their only win of the season was against the inaugural program at Sacred Heart.

Wildcats head coach Chris Ferri's squad played Northwest at the Santa Fe camp over the summer and pronounced the squad "much better than last year."

"If they had a couple of more minutes" the last meeting could have turned out different, Ferri said, since the Mustangs were driving toward Slater's goal when time expired.

Ferri considers Northwest to have "very solid" linebackers and defensive backs operating out of its 5-2 scheme, senior Luke Simmons being especially fine athlete.

Senior Zac Crooker gives them an experienced quarterback who can handle multiple alignments out of a spread-option offense.

"He's got a good arm, an accurate arm," Ferri said, "and he runs the ball well."

Other than Lewis and Clark Conference rival Fayette, Ferri thinks the 'Cats stacked up evenly with the other two schools -- both young programs -- they faced last week at the Hallsville jamboree.

"I thought we executed our plays very well," Ferri said. "In the triple option, timing is the most important thing."

Timing is also important in the big picture of the season, with the team playing best at the end having a chance to move on to the playoffs.

However, it never hurts to open the season on a positive note.

"I think they're feeling pretty good about their chances," Ferri described the Purple's outlook.

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ALMA -- A year ago, Santa Fe gave Knob Noster a hard time in the season opener before dropping a 19-16 decision.

The Chiefs stopped a potent running game, but four turnovers cost them. The Panthers improved throughout the season, finishing in the middle of the MRVC East and winding up in the Class 2 playoffs.

Knob Noster looks like an improved team this season, despite losing 1,000-yard back Cullen Rosine. One reason is the return of senior quarterback Ivan Pyszka, who threw for almost 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns last year.

"Definitely a talented group, quick and athletic," declared Santa Fe head coach Andy Frerking, "but they're young like we are."

Well, maybe not quite as young, especially with eight starters back on defense. Actually, the Chiefs are probably going to face few teams with less varsity experience -- and their play during the Sweet Springs jamboree last week reflected that.

"We're awfully young and we showed it. We were a bit nervous," Frerking admitted. "We played better as the night went on."

While junior lineman Tyler Wilkinson performed well on both sides of scrimmage, and senior Josh Livingston had some good moments running the ball, Frerking thought Santa Fe was "inconsistent."

"We have a lot of kids playing at that level for the first time," Frerking said. "So mistakes are to be expected."