2024 is poised to be a year of significant change for the
Grand River Conference. Adding Brookfield and Marceline as full members, who
are competing for the football championship for the first time, marks a
significant transition. These new members bring a new level of competition to
the conference, adding another layer of anticipation. Gallatin and Maysville,
with their new coaches, also contribute to the excitement. Despite the
turnover, stability remains a crucial factor for the top teams, with the top
five in the coaches poll all retaining their quarterback this season.
The coaches poll was very close, with four teams receiving a first-place vote. Milan emerged with the most first-place votes at four. Despite receiving three first-place votes, Trenton accumulated the most points and is the overall pick to win the Grand River Conference this year. Milan follows closely at #2 in the poll, with newcomers Brookfield and Marceline each securing a first-place vote and ranking at #3 and #4, respectively. The poll concludes with Polo at #5, South Harrison at #6, Maysville and Putnam County tied at #7, and 2022 Champion Gallatin at #9. The upcoming season is set to kick off on August 30, 2024.
1. Trenton Bulldogs
The Trenton Bulldogs finished last season 9-2 (5-1 in the
GRC). They achieved their highest district seed at #2 before falling to the
Mid-Buchanan Dragons in the District Semifinals.
The nine wins were the most for Trenton since they joined
the GRC. The 5-1 record in the
conference helped them to a 2nd-place finish, with their only loss coming to
the hands of the Milan Wildcats. The
Bulldogs are picked to win the conference over the Wildcats this season. They last won the GRC in their inaugural
season (2016).
If Trenton is going to win the conference this year, they
will have to find production to replace Gabe Novak’s 1865 yards. Gabe was 1st Team All-Conference
at Running Back and Defensive Back. He
also earned 2nd Team All-Conference at Punter and Returner, All-District
at Running Back, MSSA All-District at Running Back, and KMZU Dream Team -
Offense. Other key players that made an
impact for the Bulldogs that they will have to replace are Gavin Cagle (1st
Team All-Conference Offensive Lineman and Defensive End, All-District and 3rd
Team All-State Defensive End, MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Offensive Lineman,
KMZU Dream Team - Defense), Gabe Stark (1st Team All-Conference and
MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Defensive Lineman), Brayden Wiggins (1st
Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Linebacker),
Brayden Hughs (2nd Team All-Conference Athlete, All-District Wide
Receiver, MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Kick Returner), and Collin Taylor.
Trenton returns eight starters this year, including
Quarterback Mason Rongey (Honorable Mention All-Conference Quarterback, 2nd
Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Defensive
Back), who will take snaps behind Offensive Linemen Riley Gott (1st
Team All-Conference and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Offensive Lineman), Jake
Schmadeke (Honorable Mention All-Conference Offensive Lineman), Hunter
Ledgerwood, and Hunter Smith. Other
returning starters include Devin Baker (Honorable Mention All-Conference
Defensive Back), Aiden Weyer (2nd Team All-Conference Wide
Receiver), Elijah Miller, and Kaleb McCallon.
Coach Kevin Hixson said, “We know we have some spots to fill and have been working hard in the offseason to get that done. We have to come together and work hard so we can go compete with our opponents.”
2. Milan Wildcats
The Milan Wildcats had a remarkable season last year,
clinching their 3rd GRC Title and advancing to the Class 1 State Semifinals,
where they narrowly fell to North Platte. This was their best playoff
performance since their 1993 Class 1A State Championship win. They finished the
season with an impressive 11-2 record, including a flawless 6-0 run in the GRC.
The Wildcats are picked to finish 2nd in the GRC
this season but must replace 14 seniors.
This includes 1,800-yard rusher Carlos Cotto (1st Team
All-Conference Running Back and Returner, 2nd Team All-Conference
Linebacker, All-District Running Back and Returner, 1st Team
All-State Running Back and Returner, MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Running Back,
KMZU Dream Team - Offense), Ahmet Niasse (1st Team All-Conference
Athlete, 1st Team All-Conference, All-District, MSSA All-Northeast
Missouri, and 1st Team All-State Linebacker, KMZU Dream Team -
Defense), who had 300 career tackles, Jose Garcia (1st Team
All-Conference, All-District, and 2nd Team All-State Defensive End,
MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Defensive Lineman), Don Divin Ngombo (1st
Team All-Conference, All-District, MSSA All-Northeast Missouri, and 2nd
Team All-State Defensive Back), Kamden DeRyke (2nd Team
All-Conference and All-District Linebacker), and Jared Gonzalez (1st
Team All-Conference, All-District, MSSA All-Northeast Missouri, and 1st-Team
All-State Kicker, Honorable Mention All-Conference Defensive Lineman).
Milan will return Hunter Reed at Quarterback. Hunter will bring a strong and accurate arm
and very useful foot speed. All but Taylor Trenter return on the offensive line
with Troy Aldridge (1st Team All-Conference, All-District, MSSA All-Northeast
Missouri, and 2nd Team All-State Offensive Lineman), Santiago Osorio
(2nd Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northeast
Missouri Offensive Lineman), Caleb Pearce, and Chris Hernandez coming back for
the Wildcats. Tony Linhart (All-District
Specialist) will move to the wing position this season. Eddy Garcia (Honorable Mention All-Conference
Wide Receiver and Defensive Back) and Cheppe Ayala (1st Team
All-Conference and MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Defensive Lineman, All-District
Defensive End) have been critical two-year starters on defense, but they will
get an opportunity in the backfield this season, replacing Cotto and Niasse in
the backfield.
Newcomers to keep an eye on are Macky Sow at Tight End,
Ethan Bennett at Wide Receiver, and Rafael Sievers at Cornerback.
Coach Mark Cole said, “My expectation is to compete towards the top of the conference. We have several kids returning. We have a lot of experience, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. The conference is deep, and the addition of two very tradition-rich football programs makes our league very, very tough week in and week out. Staying healthy and consistent will be a huge factor in finishing the year where we want to be.”
3. Brookfield Bulldogs
The Brookfield Bulldogs finished 6-5 (4-3 in the CCC) in
2023. Despite the seemingly average record, it's worth noting that every one of
their losses last season was to a team that finished 8-3 or better. This year, the Bulldogs are determined to
turn the tables and improve their record in their first year in the Grand River
Conference, showcasing their resilience and determination to overcome past
setbacks.
Brookfield will have to replace a couple of all-conference
players in Colton Parn (2nd Team All-Conference, All-District, and 1st
Team MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Running Back, All-District Defensive End, KMZU
Dream Team - Offense) and John Walgren (Honorable Mention All-Conference
Defensive Back), but they have the nucleus of the team returning this season.
Returning at Quarterback will be Trayce Switzer
(All-District and 2nd Team MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Quarterback),
who threw for 1,267 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He will be protected by an offensive line that includes Devan Parn (1st
Team All-Conference and All-District Offensive Line, 2nd Team
All-Conference, All-District, and 2nd Team MSSA All-Northeast
Missouri Defensive Line), Jake Gladbach, Makky Kerns, and Ross Ehrich.
Switzer will have many weapons, including Kendrell Carter
(All-District Running Back), who had 536 yards rushing and three touchdowns,
and Peyton Parn (1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team MSSA All-Northeast
Missouri Defensive Back, 2nd Team All-Conference and2nd Team MSSA All-Northeast
Missouri Wide Receiver, KMZU Dream Team - Defense), who had 803 yards receiving
11 touchdown receptions, and two rushing touchdowns. Kameron Perry
(All-District Defensive Back) and both Parns return as the top defensive
players.
Colden Parent (WR/DB), Siope Pulu (TE/LB), Lucky Poston
(WR/DB), and Hayden DeJong (WR/DB) are newcomers who expect to contribute to
the Bulldogs.
Coach Cory Luke said, “We expect to show up and compete. We realize that a lot of the schools in this new conference are rich in football, and we know that they will compete play in and play out, so we have to match that. We will look for our big group of returners to continue to make plays and look for them to take the next step.” He wanted to thank the fans as well and added, “The boys get fired up when they look up in the stands and see our Brookfield faithful cheering them on. Thanks for the support, and we couldn’t be more excited to get this season started”
4. Marceline Tigers
The Marceline Tigers finished 7-4 (5-1 in the LCC). After losing their first three games, they
rebounded by winning their last six regular-season games and captured a share
of the Lewis & Clark Conference title.
They were picked fourth in their first year in the Grand River
Conference but received one first-place vote.
Although they fell 26-21 in the district semifinals to Milan, the Tigers
showed they could compete in their new conference.
Marceline will be looking to replace some talented players,
starting with Conner Quinn. Conner
earned LCC Co-Offensive Player of the Year at Running Back and Co-Offensive
Player of the Year at Linebacker. He was
also an All-District Running Back and Linebacker, 2nd-Team All-State
Linebacker, MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Running Back, MSSA All-Northeast
Missouri Linebacker, 2nd-Team All-Conference Kicker and KMZU Dream Team -
Defense. Other key players who graduated
include Leon Sibley (1st Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA
All-Northeast Missouri Offensive Lineman, 2nd Team All-Conference Defensive
End), Caleb Stallo (1st Team All-Conference Defensive Back, 2nd
Team All-Conference and MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Wide Receiver), Kason
Brammer (2nd Team All-Conference Offensive Lineman), Reece Svendson
(3rd Team All-Conference Tight End, 3rd Team
All-Conference Linebacker), and Barrett Stearns (2nd Team
All-Conference Defensive Back, 3rd Team All-Conference Athlete, 3rd
Team All-Conference and All-District Returner)
Dax Thomas (2nd Team All-Conference and
All-District Quarterback, 2nd Team All-Conference and MSSA All-Northeast
Missouri Defensive Back, 3rd Team All-Conference Punter, KMZU Dream
Team - Offense) will return at Quarterback.
Protecting him will be returning Offensive Lineman Marc Garcia (1st
Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Linebacker,
3rd Team All-Conference Offensive Lineman), Scout Gooch (2nd
Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Defensive
Lineman), and Broc Cordray. Cody Rodgers
will also return at RB/WR on offense and LB/DB on defense. Two returning defensive players will be
Gunner Evans at Defensive Lineman and Jagger Sportsman at Linebacker.
Newcomers for the Tigers include Brady Phillips (LB), Parker
Wellman (OL/DL), Javen Lichtenberg (OL/DL), Dane Dorrell (OL/DL), Gage Teeter
(OL/LB), Payton Gladbach (OL/LB), Tucker Ewigman (WR/DB), Trent Ewigman
(QB/DB), Baylor Stearns (WR/DB), Weston Malloy (WR/DB), and Harrison Green
(WR/DB)
Coach Joey Peterson said, “This group has a long way to go, but if we stay healthy and continue to work like we have this summer, it will be a very good season. I have high expectations for this group, but we will have to come together and continue to develop before we meet the goals I have for them. We’re preparing to carry on the winning tradition set here at Marceline and hopefully make another deep postseason run.”
5. Polo Panthers
The Polo Panthers finished last season 6-4 (3-3 in the
GRC). They significantly improved from
the previous season, in which they failed to win a conference game. They started the season 5-0 before struggling
down the stretch. The Panthers look to
take another step this season, compete for a conference championship, and make
a deep run in the postseason.
Like most teams, Polo will have to replace key contributors
from last year’s team. Hunter Harris (1st
Team All-Conference and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Offensive Lineman, 2nd
Team All-Conference Defensive Lineman), Ayden Baker (1st Team
All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Wide Receiver,
Honorable Mention All-Conference Defensive End, Honorable Mention
All-Conference Returner), Wyatt Kelley (2nd Team All-Conference
Offensive Lineman), Aiden Gray (Honorable Mention All-Conference Defensive
Lineman), Levi Bolling (All-District Defensive End), and Aden Segal all
graduated and will have to be replaced.
The good news for the Panthers is that they still have
plenty of offensive firepower returning from last year. Quarterback and GRC All-Sports Athlete of the
Year Maverick Gentry returns at Quarterback (1st Team All-Conference
and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Quarterback, 1st Team All-Conference,
All-District, and 2nd Team All-State Defensive Back, 1st
Team All-Conference, All-District, and 1st Team All-State Punter, 2nd
Team All-Conference and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Kicker, KMZU Dream Team –
Offense). Maverick threw for 1,811 yards
last season for 18 touchdowns. Tommy
Ross (1st Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northwest
Missouri Linebacker, 2nd Team All-Conference Running Back, KMZU
Dream Team - Defense) will also be back at Running Back, along with Gage
Gilbert (1st Team All-Conference and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Tight
End, 1st Team All-Conference Linebacker, All-District Specialist) and
Brandon Wallace (Honorable Mention All-Conference Defensive Back) at Wide
Receivers. Ross had 883 yards rushing
and six touchdowns in 2023. Gilbert had
257 yards receiving and 333 yards rushing with seven touchdowns (5 receiving
and 2 rushing). Wallace added 200 yards
receiving and two touchdowns. All four,
along with Dalton Gatrel (Honorable Mention All-Conference Linebacker), are
also returning as key contributors on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Owen Horner (RB/DB), Cody Zeigler (OL/DL), and Carson
Thompson will be second-year starters expected to significantly impact Polo
this year. Trenton Qualman and Ashton Tanner will play a big part in line
development, and Drew Moore will immediately impact the Panthers' return game.
They will also be counting on Walker Kelley and Briggs Martin, a couple of
freshmen, to push for significant time.
Polo coach Kyle Ross said, “I felt like we were very competitive in each game we played, and our record showed that. Hopefully, those situations will help us be more prepared this year to win close games. We will need to replace several key people, especially up front quickly for us to continue to be in positions to win games. We will still be a small team, but I think our team speed will help us in most situations. We have veteran skill position players that will need to continue to improve and try to be even more impactful than they were in 2023. Defensively, I felt like we got back some of our identity last year of being tenacious and pursuing the football relentlessly, and I have no doubt that this group knows how important that is.” He added, “As possibly the smallest class 1 school, depth will be key for us, so to be successful, we will work as hard as possible to try and stay injury-free.”
6. South Harrison Bulldogs
The South Harrison Bulldogs football has a history of
winning tradition. It has 18 GRC Championships, the most of any current GRC
member. It has had five winning seasons in the past seven, with titles as
recently as 2019 and 2020. However, it has hit some hard times recently, only
winning two conference games in each of the past two seasons. In 2023, it
finished 3-7 (2-5 in the GRC).
The Bulldogs will have to replace Braxton Booth (All-District
Quarterback, 2nd Team All-Conference Defensive Back, Honorable
Mention All-Conference Athlete, KMZU Dream Team – Offense) and Jarrett Eivins
(1st Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri
Offensive Lineman, 2nd Team All-Conference Defensive Lineman, KMZU
Dream Team – Defense), but many players from last season will return. Crae Coffey (1st Team
All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Running Back, 2nd
Team All-Conference Defensive End) rushed for over 1000 yards with 12
touchdowns last season. Briar Hudlemeyer
(2nd Team All-Conference Linebacker) had 93 tackles at
Linebacker. Other returning players are
Cooper Johnson, Joel McCall, and Ruger Johnson (2nd Team
All-Conference Offensive Lineman).
Brysan Quinley will be taking for over Booth at Quarterback.
He got a decent number of reps at JV last year, which is a valuable experience
for varsity this season. He is very athletic and one of the most competitive
kids on the team. He will pass the ball to Khale Taggart and Jett Cornett,
hoping to spread out the opposing defense.
South Harrison Coach Chris Schoning said, “Our expectations are high this year. We had a lot of sophomores that had to step up for us last year and got a lot of good experience that we hope progresses into this upcoming year. These young men that we have now love the game of football and are always wanting to get better.”
7. Maysville Wolverines
The Maysville Wolverines have been close in many games but
have just not been able to get over the hump.
They finished last season 3-7 (2-4 in the GRC). It was the 7th consecutive losing
season for the Wolverines. New coach
Attravius Addison enters the program hoping to get Maysville to the next
level.
Maysville will have to replace talented players Coy Sobotka
(1st Team All-Conference, All-District, MSSA All-Northwest Missouri,
and 2nd Team All-State Linebacker, 2nd Team
All-Conference Running Back), Max Heintz (2nd Team All-Conference
Offensive Lineman, 2nd Team All-Conference and MSSA All-Northwest
Missouri Defensive Lineman), Kobyn Metzger (1st Team All-Conference
Wide Receiver, 2nd Team All-Conference and MSSA All-Northwest
Missouri Defensive Back, 2nd Team All-Conference Punter), Kendrick
Gabbard, and Draken Bennett.
The Wolverines did not leave the cupboard dry for coach
Addison. Many talented players return,
including Quarterback Kris Gabbard (All-District Quarterback, MSSA All-Northwest
Missouri All-Purpose Back, Honorable Mention All-Conference Defensive Back). Other talent surrounding Gabbard will be Dillon
Willis (1st Team All-Conference Defensive End, 2nd Team
All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northwest Missouri Tight End), Brock
Windham (2nd Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northwest
Missouri Offensive Lineman), Carter Harms, and Dillon Clark.
Walker Tracy (RB/FB), Mac White (WR/TE), and Brayden Watkins
(WING/RB) are newcomers expected to contribute.
Coach Addison said, “I expect to compete to be in the mix at the top of the conference. Our focal point is to go 1-0 each week and improve on all facets of the game each practice. Collectively, we have a young nucleus of talent that is hungry and eager to learn more and compete. Despite having to cultivate a new offensive and defensive mentality, our student-athletes have continuously shown that they are willing to do what it takes to be successful.”
7. Putnam County Midgets
The Putnam County Midgets had high hopes last season after making
a district championship appearance, but injuries derailed their season. They
finished 2-8 (2-4 in the GRC). This season, they hope the experience the
younger players gained will pay dividends.
Gone from the Midget’s program are Jude Watt (1st
Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northeast Missouri Defensive
Back, 2nd Team All-Conference Running Back), Kollin Huse (1st
Team All-Conference and All-District Linebacker, KMZU Dream Team – Defense),
Tristen Hendee (2nd Team All-Conference, All-District, and MSSA All-Northeast
Missouri Defensive Lineman), Trace Riediger (2nd Team All-Conference
and All-District Quarterback, 2nd Team All-Conference and
All-District Punter, MSSA All-Northeast Missouri All-Purpose Back, KMZU Dream
Team – Offense), Reed Valentine (2nd Team All-Conference and
All-District Offensive Lineman), and Riley Ayers (2nd Team
All-Conference Wide Receiver).
After taking some snaps last season, Gideon Jones (2nd Team
All-Conference and All-District Linebacker) will take over at the Quarterback
position full-time this year. Other top
players returning include Angstrom Watt, Logan Jones, Diego Lopez, and Bentley
McCormack.
Others who should get significant playing time for the
Midgets include Jacob Jones (TE/OLB), Nick Roberts (RB/LB), Hoyt Halley
(OL/DL), Avery Campbell-Johnson (WR/DB), Matthew Blanchard (WR/DB), Luke
Aguilar (WR/DB), Corbin Campbell-Johnson (RB/OLB), and Charley Dickerson
(RB/LB).
Putnam County coach Adam Huse said, “Last year, our season was derailed by injuries that required a lot of younger players to play when they weren’t ready for varsity football action yet. This also forced us to cancel the majority of our JV football season, resulting in a loss of playing time for our young players. The benefit was these guys got experience and were able to see the speed of the game. This should help us with our learning curve this season. We know we are going to be young and have a lot of inexperience. We are only returning four true starters on offense and three true starters on defense, but many more with playing time due to injuries. Our hope is that as the season goes along our players grow and mature. If this happens, we feel we can be a much stronger football team by districts than we were at the beginning of the season. Our overall goal is to make every game competitive and come out healthy.” Huse added, “The start of the season might be rough as the young players learn how to play at the varsity level, but over the season, the kids will grow and get better and better each week, and we feel this will strongly show by the end of the season.”
9. Gallatin Bulldogs
The Gallatin Bulldogs were the two-time defending GRC
Champions last season, but quarterback Peyton Baker suffered an injury during
the first game. Injuries continued to mount, and the Bulldogs did not have the
depth to overcome them. They finished the season 1-9 (1-5 in the GRC), their
first losing season in the conference since 2015.
If the Bulldogs are going to improve this season, they will
have to replace Baker (Honorable Mention All-Conference Quarterback), who is
the school’s all-time passing leader.
Also graduating from last season are Keegan McBroom (1st Team
All-Conference, All-District, MSSA All-Northwest Missouri, and 2nd
Team All-State Defensive Lineman, KMZU Dream Team - Defense), Boston Bell (Honorable
Mention All-Conference Athlete and All-District Wide Receiver), Stanley Hanson
(Honorable Mention All-Conference Running Back), and Owen Waterbury (Honorable
Mention All-Conference Offensive Lineman).
Jackson Ohlberg will be the starting Quarterback this
season. He gained experience behind
center last season when Baker was injured.
Connor Michael (All-District Defensive Back), Brandon Rainey (RB), and
Brody Bird (WR) are also returning.
Travis Shubert (WR) and Tim Larson (RB) are newcomers who are also
expected to contribute.
New coach Brock Goodman said, “New Season for the Gallatin
Bulldogs, we have a lot of question marks for the 2024 season. Who will be the next man up to fill some key
roles from the last season? These are some
of the questions we are trying to figure out this summer and putting kids in
the right place to make our team successful. Our mentality is to go 1-0 each
week and just focus on us.”
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