Missouri: 2015 Staley High School Football Season Preview

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Head Coach: Fred Bouchard
Mascot: Falcons
District: Suburban Small 7 (MO Class 5)
2014: 8-3
Location: Kansas City, MO

Overview
Staley has built a reputation of being in contention for a state title every year. However, the Falcons suffered a heartbreaking 13-0 loss to Liberty North in the second round of the playoffs in 2014. Going into 2015, Staley once again has high expectations to content for a Missouri state championship.

The Falcons return 38 seniors along with a talented group of experienced underclassmen. Staley opens the season at home against a tough Blue Springs team, a team that beat them 39-13 in Week One last year. At the beginning of district play the Falcons have a tough two-game stretch where they travel to Liberty North on Sept. 11 and then host Fort Osage on September 18. Staley should once again contend for a state title in 2015 if they can get past their tough early season matchups.

Offense
Senior Michael Kilpatrick returns at quarterback to lead the Falcons. Kilpatrick, a second-team All-League selection in 2014, threw for 1,403 yards last year. Senior Faizol Bouchard, who has played slot receiver and running back over the past three years, will be the team’s starting running back. Bouchard is already Staley’s all-time leading rusher.

The tight end position will be held by 6’4”, 220 pound, senior Connor McCullough who earned first-team All-Conference honors in 2014. The experienced offensive line is led by seniors Zach Birch, Nick Hoover and 6-foot 7-inch junior Eric Hoeper. Another offensive weapon is wide receiver Roderick Criss who looks to have a break out sophomore season.

Defense
Staley’s defense only allowed an average of 13 points a game in 2014. The strength of this great Falcon defense is their linebacker unit. Junior Eli Ross was an All-State selection in 2014 and is already gaining Division-I offers. The other two linebackers are seniors Monterio Whiles and Jacob Lewis. Senior defensive end Ryan Dorian led the team with nine sacks and is the leader of this experienced defensive line.

The leader of Staley’s secondary is senior safety Sam Marks. Marks led the team with five interceptions in 2014. Other defensive returning starters include defensive lineman Joe McNally and defensive backs Micah Daniels and Gore Pitia.

Schedule
8/21 Blue Springs
8/28 at Raymore-Peculiar
9/4 Chrisman
9/11 at Liberty North
9/18 Fort Osage
9/25 at North Kansas City
10/2 at Mill Valley
10/9 Raytown
10/16 at Oak Park

Photo credit: kansascitystar.com; Staley vs. Fort Osage
Photo credit: mvnews.org; Staley vs. Mill Valley