Missouri: Kearney High School 2015 Football Season Preview

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Head Coach: Greg Jones
Mascot: Bulldogs
District: Suburban-Blue (MO Class 4)
2014: 12-2
Location: Kearney, Missouri

Overview
For a second year in a row, Kearney made it all the way to the state semifinals. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs suffered a heartbreaking 38-7 loss to Webb City. Kearney now has to retool in preparation for the 2015 season.

They only return three starters on both sides of the ball. However, the Bulldogs have some experienced seniors and underclassmen to fill those voids. The first test for this young team will be hosting Liberty North on September 4. On Sept. 25, Kearney seeks to avenge their only regular season loss as they host Winnetonka. The Bulldogs lost a nail biter last year 17-14. These early tests will help prepare Kearney for district play and another deep run into the Missouri high school playoffs.

Offense
Kearney scored just under 34 points a game in 2014. The Bulldogs offense will be led by senior quarterback Logan Hinck. Cale Garrett, Zack Riley, Marcus Harris are all expected to see time in the backfield in 2015. Ryan Hoffman, 6’3”, 215 pounds, will once again be the starting tight end. Senior wide receiver Adam Battles is expected to have a breakout season in 2015. The 6’1” receiver will give Hinck a tall target to throw to down field.

The offensive line is led by 6’1”, 240 pound, Brandon Gonzales and 6’4”, 250 pound, Anthony Chambers.

Defense
Kearney’s lockdown defense gave up just over 11 points a game last year. Their returning defensive star is linebacker Cale Garrett. The 6’3”, 225 pound, workhorse was Class 4 State Defensive Player of the Year and led the team with 157 tackles. Senior Matt Rule will also start at linebacker this year. Rule was selected first-team All-Conference and first-team All-District in 2014.

The defensive line will be full of seniors including 6’0”, 275 pound, Louie Etuale and 6’3”, 215 pound, Ryan Hoffman. However this will be their first year playing varsity. Senior Marcus Harris will be the leader of the Bulldogs secondary. Harris was selected first-team All-Conference and had four interceptions in 2014.
Schedule
8/21 at Central
8/28 Liberty
9/4 Liberty North
9/11 at Raytown South
9/18 at Ruskin
9/25 Winnetonka
10/2 at Platte County
10/9 Belton
10/16 at Grandview

Photo credit: kansascity.com; No. 10 Logan Hinck and No. 17 Ryan Hoffman celebrate a touchdown.