After yet another successful campaign on the gridiron, the Carthage Tigers once again have the expectations set high as a new season arrives.
And it’s not hard to see why.
Entering the 2021 season, the Tigers will feature one of the conference’s top two-way performers in junior running back and linebacker Luke Gall.
Carthage also returns 10 players who gained starting experience on defense last fall. On top of that, the Tigers will feature battle-tested linemen on both sides of the ball to go along with a number of promising athletes at the skill positions.
To longtime Carthage coach Jon Guidie, there’s a lot to like about this year’s squad.
“It’s a great group of kids,” said Guidie, who is 145-42 in 16 seasons at Carthage. “They’re fun to coach. They’re high-character kids. They show up everyday with great attitudes. We’ve got some experienced guys and some new guys who are eager to make a name for themselves.”
Coming off a state championship in 2019, Carthage put together another stellar campaign in ’20.
The Tigers went 9-1, earning a share of the Central Ozark Conference title with Webb City before suffering a season-ending setback to the rival Cardinals in the district championship game.
Carthage’s top returning performer is arguably one of the COC’s best, as the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Gall should once again be a two-way standout.
“Luke’s been fantastic,” Guidie said. “Anytime one of your best players is your hardest worker it’s a good thing. Luke never takes a day off, whether it’s practice or the weight room. His motor is always running. He does a lot for us on the field. Just his presence alone out there gives our kids a lot of confidence.”
OFFENSE
Senior Caden Kabance is slated to take over the quarterback position after previously gaining starting experience at both receiver and defensive back, where he earned all-COC honors.
Guidie noted Kabance has made a smooth transition from catching passes to throwing them.
“He’s been fantastic,” Guidie said. “He was our freshman quarterback and was the backup the last couple of years. Caden took reps in practice so it’s not like it’s all new to him. He’s a smart player. He reminds me of Alex Derryberry. He’s very efficient at running the offense and he can be elusive when he runs.”
The 6-foot, 180-pound Kabance will start under center this fall after the graduation of Patrick Carlton, a three-year starter at QB who ran for 1,272 yards and passed for 1,096 in ’20. Carlton is now at East Coast Prep.
Gall, who earned first-team all-COC recognition on offense and defense as a sophomore, ran for 1,051 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and scored 15 touchdowns last fall. He’s expected to be a workhorse from the running back position again.
Junior running back Clay Kinder will also see plenty of carries.
“Clay played about everything for us last year,” Guidie said. “He’s settled into that second running back spot.”
Senior H-back Brett Rockers is also expected to contribute nicely.
“He plays hard and he plays physical,” Guidie said. “He gets after it and we’re very excited about him.”
Senior Cale Patrick is a returning performer at wide receiver.
“He’s been really good this year and he’ll start on defense too,” Guidie said.
Senior Braxdon Tate and junior Aiden Rogers are other options at wide receiver.
Junior Tyler Willis started over half of Carthage’s games last year on both sides of the ball. He’ll be a key weapon at tight end.
The Tigers have a pair of returning standouts on the offensive line.
Senior Garrett Lilienkamp (6-2, 265) will become a three year starter on the offensive line. He earned third-team all-conference honors and honorable mention all-state recognition last year.
Senior Gavin VanGilder (6-2, 255) is a two-year starter at center, while classmate Anthony Strickland (6-1, 275) is another offensive lineman who should make a big impact.
Juniors Drew Musche and Malachi Housh are other likely starters on the offensive line.
“Our O-Line is doing a great job,” Guidie said. “It all starts with them.”
DEFENSE
Among the 10 players who started at least one game in 2020, seven were full-time starters.
“I like where we’re at defensively,” Guidie said. “We have a lot of speed and experience on that side of the ball. That’s something we need to use to our advantage.”
Gall recorded 76 tackles, including 11 for a loss, earning second-team all-state recognition.
Fellow linebackers Sylas Browning and Zach Lansford return with starting experience. Both are seniors.
“They’re smart and athletic players,” Guidie said of his returning linebackers. “And they’re all physical kids.”
Junior Micah Lindsey is back at defensive tackle. Lindsey recorded 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks last year, earning second-team all-COC honors.
“He’s certainly bigger, faster and more experienced this year and we expect big things out of him,” Guidie said.
Senior Max Williams returns after starting every game last season at defensive end.
Junior Davion King is back with starting experience in the secondary. Kinder is expected to make an impact at defensive back, while Kabance could also see time at cornerback.
WEEK 1 IS HERE
The Tigers open the ’21 season on Friday night at Ozark.
“Week 1 is always kind of an unknown,” Guidie said. “We know Ozark’s kids will be ready to play. They have big and athletic kids everywhere. We’ll have to be disciplined defensively against their flexbone offense. On our end, it’s about playing hard and playing mistake-free. If we can do that, we can iron out everything else.”
CARTHAGE’S 2021 SCHEDULE
8-27 at Ozark
9-3 vs. Carl Junction
9-10 at Neosho
9-17 vs. Webb City
9-24 at Branson
10-1 vs. Willard
10-8 at Joplin
10-15 vs. Republic
10-22 at Nixa
