Missouri Football: Fort Osage 2019 Preseason Preview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Independence’s Fort Osage High School started off the 2018 season on a rocky roller coaster ride finishing 3-4 through their first seven games. However, the Indians turned the season into a dream by making a miraculous run to the Class 5 state championship game before falling short of the ultimate prize to Vianney (28-14). The good news for Fort Osage and their fans, multiple starters on both sides of the ball will be back in 2019 using the experience gained last season for another long run in the Missouri playoffs.
Offense
Fort Osage scored 30 points a game in 2018 but now have a new quarterback under center in senior Sam Carlson after losing dual-threat star Ty Baker to graduation. Carlson will have some returning weapons at his disposal including sophomore running back Cory Olvera (5’11”, 180 pounds) and senior wide receiver Dominic Myers, who caught 34 passes for 586 yards and five touchdowns. The strength of the offense is upfront with juniors Tyler Vogler (6’1”, 240 pounds) and Brycen Wetzel (6’0”, 200 pounds) and seniors Gavin Roller (6’3”, 220 pounds) and Ryan Bishop (6’0”, 285 pounds), each returning from last year.
Defense
The Indians gave up just over 16 points a game last season but return six starters from last season’s unit. The defensive front seven is definitely the strength as three veterans return on the defensive line including second team All-Class 5 senior Giovanni Willis, who finished with 42 total tackles including seven for a loss and two sacks in 2018. The two key linebackers for Fort Osage are seniors Trystan Floyd and Dakota Robertson. Floyd registered 93 total tackles including seven for a loss while Robertson notched 61 tackles in 2018. Junior defensive back Gavin Gilliam is the leader of the Fort Osage secondary.
2019 Indians Schedule
August 30 at Raytown South
September 6 at Lee’s Summit West
September 13 vs. Belton – Fort Osage High School
September 20 at North Kansas City
September 27 vs. Oak Park – Fort Osage High School
October 4 at Park Hill
October 11 vs. Raytown – Fort Osage High School
October 18 at William Chrisman
October 25 vs. Ruskin – Fort Osage High School
With the season kicking off this Friday night, it’s time to find out how far these experienced veterans can carry their team.
Photo credit: The Kansas City Star; Fort Osage LB Trystan Floyd makes a tackle against North Kansas City