Seneca football coach Ryan McFarland is well aware that the Big 8 Conference slate will once again be challenging in 2020.
But McFarland, now in his fifth year at the helm, is confident his Indians can have yet another solid season.
Why? Seneca returns a solid core from last year’s team that went 8-4 overall, 5-1 in the Big 8 West and reached a district championship game.
“I’m really excited about the group of young men we have playing for us this year,” McFarland said. “This is an extremely hard-working group. I believe we will have great depth and competition for playing time this year. We have 19 players competing for starting varsity spots and a handful of younger guys who have a chance to work into Friday night roles as the season gets going.”
OFFENSE
The Indians will be led by senior quarterback Lance Stephens, who completed 70 passes for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns in ’19, earning all-Big 8 honors.
“Lance did a great job as our QB last season and we look for him to be even better in 2020,” McFarland said. “We have a QB who throws the football as good as anyone I have ever coached. But we only return 6-of-70 receptions from last year. We have lots of receptions up for grabs.”
Seneca returns five offensive linemen who started at least five games in ’19.
Seniors Grant Hoover and Garrett Babbitt earned all-conference recognition a year ago, while seniors Dayton Schick and David McLendon and junior Tanner Nesvold also return with starting experience.
Seniors Kaden Fobair and Alex Denton and junior Brock Hultman are other options up front.
“How the group comes together as a unit will be a big factor in determining our success,” McFarland said of the o-line. “We are excited about our offensive line as a whole. We plan to let our offensive line keep us in football games while we gain experience at our skill positions.”
Speaking of the skill positions, junior Jaxon Graham is a top running threat. He rushed for 311 yards and three scores last year. Graham started two games and saw action as a reserve in several others.
“He has put on 20 pounds and is prepared to take on the beating of being an every down back,” McFarland said.
Other running back candidates are senior Dillon Myers and junior Ethan Fritchey.
“Dillon and Ethan are both physical runners who are anxious to get their turn to prove what they can do,” McFarland said.
The Indians must replace the production of Trey Wilson and Monty Mailes, who combined for 3,400 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns last year.
Senior Sebastian Middick is a returning starter at wide receiver.
The Indians averaged 26 points per game a year ago, with 294 passing yards and 93 rushing yards per contest.
DEFENSE
The Indians, who allowed 22 points per game last year, lost several key performers at the linebacker, defensive back and d-line positions.
“Defensively, we will have a handful of new faces,” McFarland said. “We have lots of spots up for grabs. I’m excited about the prospects we have.”
Myers and senior Nick Arrasmith are back at linebacker, while senior Zane Cotten is set to become a three-year starter at free safety.
Arrasmith made 104 stops last year, while Cotten recorded 95 tackles last year. Both players earned all-conference honors. Myers made 80 tackles in ’19.
Juniors Dane Napier, Gabriel Commons and Fritchey are other options at linebacker, while seniors Lucas Marr and Austin Ferguson, juniors Dylan Dragoo and Quinton Platner and sophomore Conner Ackerson are defensive back candidates.
Babbitt and Hoover will be key defensive linemen, along with junior Brock Hultman.
A LOOK BACK
As far as highlights of the 2019 season, Seneca earned wins over both Cassville and Lamar during the regular season, came back from 16 points down to beat Reeds Spring in the playoff opener and then knocked off Mount Vernon in the district semifinals.
The Indians ended last season with a 30-20 loss to Cassville, the eventual Class 3 runner-up.
“We couldn’t beat Cassville a second time,” McFarland said. “As it seems to be the case every year, a member of the Big 8 was a representative in the state championship game.”
McFarland noted he’s pleased with where his program is at entering the 2020 campaign.
“We feel great about the direction of our football program and we are preparing to compete for both conference and district championships,” McFarland said.
