Graduation leaves SEMO North question marks

[MOsportsStaff]

SEMO North Pre-Season Conference Notes:

1. SIKESTON--
The Bulldogs enter as a top ten team in Class 4 and the predicted champion in
the SEMO North. Graduation hit the Bulldog skill positions hard so they
will build around a solid line all-district lineman Corey Porter(6-0
305) is a solid starting point. Senior Trey Lewis
should expect an expanded role on offense with the graduation of several
talented Bulldogs. Senior Ben Burton(6-0 185) returns to the line after an
all-conference season. On defense all-district linebacker Ray
Clark(6-1 180) returns in the middle of the Bulldog defense.



2. POPLAR BLUFF--
The Mules will build around their solid line which will see the return of a trio
of all-district linemen in seniors Jake Knuckles(6-1 190), Chance Berry(5-10
185), and Brad Dorr(6-3 215). On defense the Mules who finished 8-4
with a playoff appearance will also return several all-district talents
including senior defensive lineman Stephon Smith(5-9 190), junior lineman David
Lewis(5-9 155), and senior linebacker Nick Shrum(6-0 190). The Mules must fill
the quarterback void left by MacNulty.


3.
FARMINGTON-- With a solid nucleus of skill players returning the
Knights will look for newcomers on the offensive and defensive line to fill key
roles. Head coach Todd Vaughn says the team will need a
youth movement to ensure success as they hope to improve from their 5-5 mark of
a season ago.

Leading the way senior
quarterback Zach Hibbits(6-0 180) is a solid leader and one of
the top returning players in the league. Hibbit will rely on favorite
target Jonathon Bird(6-3 205) another talented returner.
Senior Brett Bader(6-0 175) and all-district junior lineman Ethan Hennes(5-6
180) provide needed experience.



4. CAPE CENTRAL-- Rich Payne returns for
year number three with his most experienced team. 8 Tigers return on both
offense and defense for the 2010 season. A drop from class 5 to class 4 adds to
the optimism surrounding the Tiger program.

Senior quarterback
Andrew Williams(6-4 215) returns to lead the offense. The defense
will rely on senior defensive end Jeremy Lamb(6-1 250) and
senior linebacker Keilon Moore(6-0 205).



5. JACKSON--
The Indians hope to regroup following a 1-9 campaign. A season ago the
Indians averaged 9.5, while allowing 25 points per game. Another year of
experience in the spread offense and a new schedule will benefit Van Hitt's
club.




MOsports.com Fearless Predictions

Conference Champion: Sikeston

Conference Player of the year: Trey Lewis,
Sikeston



2010 Top Returning SEMO North Conference Players


OFFENSE:

TE - Zach Boerboom, Sr.,
Cape Central

OT - Ben Burton, Sr., Sikeston


P - Andrew Williams, Sr., Cape Central



OL - Corey Porter, Sikeston, Sr, 6-0, 305


QB - Zach Hibbits, Farmington, SR, 6-0, 180


OL - Ben Burton, Sikeston, SR, 6-0, 185


OL - Jake Knuckles, Poplar Bluff, SR, 6-1, 190


OL - Chance Berry, Poplar Bluff, SR, 5-10, 185


OL - Brad Dorr, Poplar Bluff, SR, 6-3, 215



DEFENSE:

DL - Dalton Cachran, Sr.,
Jackson

LB - Josh Freeman, Sr., Poplar Bluff



DL - Stephon Smith, Poplar Bluff, SR, 5-9, 190


DL - David Lewis, Poplar Bluff, JR, 5-9, 150


DL - Dilyn Pipkin, North County, SR, 5-10, 225


LB - Keilon Moore, Cape Central, SR, 6-0, 215


LB - Ryan Marble, Jackson, SR, 5-11, 170


LB - Spencer Tiefenauer, North County, Sr, 6-2, 200


LB - Nick Shrum, Poplar Bluff, Sr, 6-0, 190


DB - Conner Davault, Farmington, JR, 6-0, 168


K - Logan Bradley, Farmington, JR, 6-0, 172


DL - Ethan Hennes, Farmington, JR, 5-6, 178


LB - Ray Clark, Sikeston, Sr, 6-1, 175





Special Teams:


P - Andrew Williams, Cape Central, Sr, 6-4, 215









This post was edited on 8/9 9:43 PM by MOsportsStaff