Westside Football Preview

Football Preview 2018

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2018 Football Preview The Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Wednesday, August 22, 2018 n 19 the offensive line in center Yeng Lee (5-8, 220), junior guard Jacob Jones (6-0, 195) and senior tackle Zack Lamont (5-8, 235). "I know that the three returning start- ers coming back — as far as the phys- icality and strength of those young men — I'd put them against anybody," Dushane said. "Yeng squatted 640 pounds. Yeng set a state record last year in the 220-pound weight class slot. Jacob Jones squatted 500 pounds. Zack Lamont squatted right at 500 pounds." Junior William Houston (5-8, 225) and sophomores Trace Hill (5-6, 180) and Connor Hester (6-2, 255) will battle for the other guard and tackle spots. "Our other three guys are strong as well, especially William Houston and Trace Hill," Dushane said. "They were on the power lifting team that finished as state runner-up in Class 2A." Defensively, the Comets will be multi- ple along the defensive line, showing three-man, four-man and even five-man fronts. Dushane said a group of several play- ers — Lee, Hill, Hester, senior Joshua Hix (6-0, 160) and junior Tim Olinghouse — will all have to play as interior linemen. "They will have to learn on the fly and take some lumps and get better," he said. Curtis and Jones will rotate at one defensive end spot, while Lamont and Vann will play the other end. Dushane believes the strength of the Comets' defense will be the linebacker. "I believe that's our strength because I believe our experience is there," he said. Glass and Pickup will man the middle linebacker spot. "Daris (has) been calling defenses and knows where to go to," Dushane said. "Blaine picked up really well. Whether Daris or Blaine is in, I have complete confidence in those two young men in making sure our defense runs like it's supposed to." Junior Jager Pifer (6-0, 185) is set to play an outside linebacker spot. "He's just gotten better and better over the last two years of playing there," Dushane said. "So far this year in camp he's looked really well. He sees things a whole lot faster. I think he'll be more physical this year since he's a year older and wiser." Dushane said freshman Kaleb Reding could have a chance to break into the playing rotation at linebacker. Houston and junior Trey Foster (5-9, 160) will look to man the other outside 'backer spot. The Comets will play two safeties and two cornerbacks no matter what front they're in. Kolysko and Noe will man the corner- backs while Kenny Setser also plays corner. Hall and Wiggins will man the safeties. Kansas moves into the 2A-4 district. Victory Christian, Holland Hall, Ketchum and Colcord have moved out of the Comets' conference, while Adair, Metro Christian, Wyandotte, Chelsea and Nowata are now in. Add to that group Salina and Chou- teau-Mazie and it looks to be a tough league. The Comets will still play their county rival Colcord, though, hosting the Hornets on Aug. 30 at Dee Neel Stadium. Kansas hasn't beaten Colcord since the 2012 season. The Hornets have won the last five meetings. "I know they lost a lot last year to graduation, but Colcord is Colcord," Dushane said. "They've got a great tradi- tion. No matter if they're 9-0 or 0-9, play- ing Kansas is always a battle. I have a lot of respect for what they do." KANSAS Continued from Page 18 Graham Thomas/Herald-Leader The Kansas (Okla.) Comets open the 2018 season at home Aug. 30 against Delaware County rival Colcord. Call 479.373.6550 today for Auto, Home Life and Business. Life is better when you have a plan. • Low Monthly Premiums • Plans you can customize for your needs • Farmers HelpPoint 24/7 claims service J MARC PARKER JPARKER5@FARMERSAGENT.COM 505 W. Tulsa St. Siloam Springs, AR 72761 Lic#743673 673 Proud to sponsor the Siloam Panthers! I know that the three returning starters coming back — as far as the physicality and strength of those young men — I'd put them against anybody. Yeng (Lee) squatted 640 pounds. Yeng set a state record last year in the 220- pound weight class slot. Jacob Jones squatted 500 pounds. Zack Lamont squatted right at 500 pounds. Jimmy Dushane Kansas head coach, on the Comets' offensive line

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