Missouri Football: 2019 Blue Springs Wildcats Preseason Preview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Blue Springs High School always has one of the best teams in the Kansas City area. In 2018, the Wildcats once again proved that by finishing with a 10-4 record and reaching the Class 6 state semifinals where they fell 14-13 to rival Rockhurst. The Wildcats have the returning talent and leadership to make the same run or achieve even more in 2019.
Wildcats Offense
Last season, Blue Springs averaged just under 25 points a game and bring back several offensive weapons including senior quarterback Dom Harkness, who battled knee injuries in his junior season. Harkness can make plays both on the ground and in the air for this Wildcat offense. Two returning seniors at wide receiver include Cooper Willich and Patso Tapusoa. Senior Quentin Fontenot will be the star at running back after rushing for 413 yards and five touchdowns in 2018. Another playmaker is senior Stefan Black, who also spends playing time at defensive back. The offensive line is anchored by junior Beau Stephens (6’6”, 315) who already holds multiple college offers.
Wildcats Defense
In 2018, the Wildcats gave up just 15.8 points a game. One of the returning stars is senior defensive end Nick Durant (formerly Henderson) who notched 48 total tackles including 15 for a loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. The linebacker corps features seniors Christain Mendez (6’0”, 205) and Danny Wheeler (5’11”, 190). Along with Black, seniors Brett LaVar, Quin Ensor, and Alex Hughes will be showcased in the secondary. Other defensive players to watch include junior linebacker Jackson Boyd and junior cornerback Jordan Worley.
2019 Schedule
August 30 at William Chrisman
September 6 vs. Rockhurst – Blue Springs High School
September 13 at Lee’s Summit North
September 20 vs. Lee’s Summit – Blue Springs High School
September 27 at Blue Springs South
October 4 vs. Raymore-Peculiar – Blue Springs High School
October 11 at Liberty North
October 18 vs. Lee’s Summit West – Blue Springs High School
October 25 at Park Hill
The Wildcats will feature senior talent, leadership, and experience all over the field, and all of them will look to take their team from a semifinal appearance a year ago to a state championship in 2019.
Photo credit: 810 Varisty; Blue Springs DB/WR Stefan Black