East St. Louis (Ill.) at Rockhurst (Kansas City)
The East St. Louis defense will look to gang tackle Rockhurst this week.
Photo by Chris Johns
East St. Louis, which was 9-3 last season, has 14 starters returning. On offense, the player most likely to make headlines is running back
Natereace Strong. He has speed to burn and should have a breakout sophomore season running behind a huge and experienced offensive line led by returning all-metro guard
Demarvious Loving.
Boasting outstanding play in the trenches and a coach (Tony Severino) with more than 300 wins, Rockhurst is always a top contender for Missouri's Class 6 title. Nebraska pledge
Zach Hannon (6-5, 297) is the Hawklets' top offensive lineman. The defensive front features end
Jordan Willis, who is headed to Kansas State. Rockhurst has played 11 out-of-state opponents since 2004 with an 8-3 record.
Mitch Stephens: Rockhurst 34, East St. Louis 27
Steve Montoya: Rockhurst 24, East St. Louis 21
Stephen Spiewak: Rockhurst 17, East St. Louis 14
Kevin Askeland: Rockhurst 28, East St. Louis 27
Leland Gordon: Rockhurst 28, East St. Louis 17
Jamie DeMoney: Rockhurst 23, East St. Louis 13
