Missouri: Blue Springs High School 2015 Football Preview

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Head Coach: Kelly Donohoe
Mascot: Wildcats
League: Suburban-Gold (MO Class 6)
2014: 8-4
Location: Blue Springs, MO

Overview
Blue Springs won state titles in 2012 and 2013 so 2014 was a down but still successful year for the Wildcats according to their standards. Blue Springs made it to Class 6 quarterfinals but suffered a heartbreaking 34-29 loss to Rockhurst (Kansas City).

The Wildcats have to retool their offense in 2015. However, they bring back some experienced defensive stars to help lead the team this year. Blue Springs has some early tests as they open the season at Staley then host Fort Osage the following week. The Wildcats also host Rockhurst on September 25. Despite the early bumps on the schedule, Blue Springs should be able to bounce back in 2015 and make run into the playoffs.

Offense
Junior quarterback Dylan Cowling (6’1″, 180) was the backup in 2014 but now it is his turn to lead this Wildcat offense. Cowling is taking over for Ian Brown who graduated and led this offense to perfection the past few years.

Senior Tresten Spruell will take over the role of starting running back. Spruell played at the junior varsity level last year but has had a great offseason and is expected to have a breakout senior season.

Senior guard Faigame Tupai and junior guard Ronnel Shelby will lead the offensive line in 2015. Other offensive weapons include 6’3″, 180 pound, senior wide receiver Neland Smith and 6’6″, 210 pound, junior tight end Tanner Taula.

Defense
Blue Springs defense gave up 20 points a game in 2014. About half the starters this year will be seniors and they will make sure the Wildcats once again have a stout defense. Seniors Tauivi Olamaleva (6’2″, 290) and Adam Van Hoecke (6’2″, 255) lead this experienced defensive line. The linebacker position will also be led by two seniors, Alex Dye and Brenden Buford. Senior cornerback Rayvon Lewis (6’0″, 170) leads the Wildcats secondary.

Schedule
8/21 at Staley
8/28 Fort Osage
9/4 Blue Springs South
9/11 at Central
9/18 at Lee’s Summit
9/25 Rockhurst
10/2 at Raymore-Peculiar
10/9 Lee’s Summit West
10/16 Lee’s Summit North

Photo credit: 810varsity.com; Tresten Spruell