By Dean Backes
MaxPreps.com
Orrick’s run through the Missouri Class 1 football championships a year ago has vaulted head coach Pat Richard and his Bearcat football program into a higher standard of winning in 2008.
After struggling through some lean seasons during the years leading up to the turn of the century, the Bearcats hired Richard, who quickly turned the fortunes of the program around, just in time for the 2000 season.
One sure sign that the Bearcats have arrived is there ability to replace graduated seniors and all-stars with talented underclassmen.
Junior running back Aaron Blyth is one such player, who has the unenviable task of replacing Class 1 Player of the Year Taylor Eubank. Eubank rushed for 1,902 and 31 touchdowns a year ago, while Blyth added 1,304 yards and 19 touchdowns on just 126 carries last season.
Paving the way for Blyth and the rest of the Bearcat backfield will be offensive linemen senior Leslie Eubank, junior Ty Griffin and sophomore Cameron McGlothlin.
As good as the returning talent on the offensive side of the ball is, Orrick may be even better defensively.
Leslie Eubank, junior Matt O’Dell, sophomore Jordyn Butler and senior Nick Lafferty will provide Richard with one of the most experienced and talented defensive lines in the state.
Senior linebackers Joe Kaufman and Eric Rodenberg will also cause many concerns for Bearcat opposition. Blyth will be called on to perform as a defensive back.
Thayer had a glimmer of hope of upending the Bearcats and winning the championship themselves last year. But the Bobcats eventually succumbed to Orrick 20-8 in the 2007 championship game.
Thayer, however, returns plenty of talent to give Orrick fits again this season.
Senior Jacob Eckman will once again operate from under center for Thayer. He will have two solid receivers from which to play catch with in senior tight end Luke Martin and senior wide receiver Ryan Veatch.
Eckman, also returns as a defensive end for the Bobcats, while senior defensive back Lance Schneider will be called on to perform at a high level as well.
Third-ranked Tipton, who suffered a 35-24 loss to Thayer in the semifinals a season ago, will have a solid nucleus of offensive players to build their team around.
Senior Robert Sanders will hold down the fort up front and should give running backs Tanner Edwards and Keil Allison plenty of running room from which to operate in.
Should the Cardinals stall before they can get into the end zone, senior kicker Weston Wood has plenty of experience in booting the ball through the uprights.
Princeton, who lost to Orrick 44-24 in the semifinals, returns all-purpose threat Morgan Duff back to the fold in 2008.
Marionville rounds out the top five teams in the Class 1 preseason rankings. The Comets return senior quarterback/defensive back Brandon Verfurth following a 9-1 season from a year ago.
Senior defensive end Preston Henry will lead the way on the defensive side of the ball.
Here is a look at how the top 10 teams in the Missouri Class 1 ranks stack up.
1. Orrick 14-0
Coach: Pat Richard
State Championships: 1975 (1A), 2007 (1)
Record Last Five Seasons: 48-8
Top Players: Aaron Blyth Jr. RB/DB, Leslee Eubank Sr. OL/DL, Matt O’Dell Jr. DE/WR, Joe Kaufman Sr. LB, Jordyn Butler So. DL, Cameron McGlothlin So. OL, Ty Griffin Jr. OL, Nick Lafferty Sr. DL, Eric Rodenberg Sr. LB
2. Thayer 13-1
Coach: Billy Webber
State Championships: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 30-23
Top Players: Luke Martin Sr. TE, Jacob Eckman Sr. QB/DE, Lance Schneider Sr. DB, Ryan Veatch Sr. WR
3. Tipton 12-1
Coach: Tony Braby
State Championships: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 45-10
Top Players: Tanner Edwards Sr. RB, Robert Sanders Sr. OG, Keil Allison Jr. RB, Weston Wood Sr. K
4. Princeton 10-3
Coach: Chris Holt
State Championships: 1968 (1A)
Record Last Five Seasons: 42-14
Top Players: Morgan Duff Sr. All-Purpose
5. Marionville 9-1
Coach: Rick Sholten
State Championships: 2003 (1)
Record Last Five Seasons: 57-7
Top Players: Brandon Verfurth Sr. QB/DB, Preston Henry Sr. DE
6. West Platte 8-4
Coach: Danny Brown
State Championships: 2001 (1A), 2005 (1)
Record Last Five Seasons: 40-17
Top Players: Ryan Humes Sr. QB, Clayton Coulson Sr. C, Ben Schlick Sr. WR/DB, Zach Oberdiek Sr. DE
7. Gallatin 8-2
Coach: Jeff White
State Championships: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 37-16
Top Players: N/A
8. Hayti 11-1
Coach: David Gilmore
State Championships: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 36-14
Top Players: Anton Jones So. RB, Craig Robinson Sr. OL, Eddie Covington Sr. LB, George Hamilton III Sr. Ret.
9. Adrian 8-3
Coach: George Bruto
State Championships: 2002 (1)
Record Last Five Seasons: 37-16
Top Players: Tyler Tolle Sr. OG/LB
10. Concordia 8-2
Coach: John Cox
State Championships: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 22-20
Top Players: Jacob Heimsoth Sr. OL