Hornets Football Look To Put Pieces Together in 2014
 

     Phil Willard was in good spirits. Chillicothe's Hall of Fame Head Coach, armed with notebooks and folders, was all smiles as he strode into the studio for the first of many radio interviews. Coach can often be found smiling, but this year the smile included an air of confidence.
      One of only a hand full of Missouri football programs with more than 600 wins, the Hornet program has fallen on hard times in recent years. Chillicothe has suffered through four straight losing seasons for the first time in 90 years (4-6, 3-8, 5-6, 4-6). But things are starting to look up. A Senior class with some talent is joined by a Junior class that went 7-1 as Freshmen, and a Sophomore class coming off a highly successful freshman season as well.
      While the past four years teams had some talent, they also suffered through a myriad of injuries including knees, shoulders, concussions, illness and more. Last year was no different when the Hornets lost two starting  linemen for the season in week three practice and had multiple players miss several games during the season.
      Willard is undeterred in his optimism, and quickly points to a renewed commitment to weight training.
     "We probably had the best summer in the weight room that we've had since I came back here in 1991." Willard said an average of nearly 40 football players worked each day in the weight room and some days the number was higher. He thinks that will help minimize the chance of injuries. A school administration that increased the number of weight lifting classes available as a part of school curriculum has also helped.

     As normal, Chillicothe was hit by graduation, especially on Offense. The Hornets basically have just two starters returning, but at least six defensive starters return.
     On offense, three players are battling hard to earn the starting Quarterback spot. Jared Lauhoff is a Senior that is the only one with varsity Quarterback experience. In three games last year, he went 2 for 5 for 14 yards and one interception. Brett Young is a Junior that led the JV team last year and Cade Snyder is a Sophomore that had an outstanding Freshman campaign. Willard likes the heated competition.
     "Is there a Quarterback controversy? Yeah, there is a little bit, but I think it's going to be good for us" stated the coach with a grin. As for who is going to catch the ball, Willard fired out a long list of possible targets.
     "Hayden Major (Sr) returns at one End position. Corbin Valdez (Sr injured most of last year) is a big strong kid that has looked good. Mason Hayward (Jr), Aaron Baker (Jr), Matt Shaffer (Sr), Kyle Ross (Jr) and Ty Figg (So) have all looked very good in the summer 7 on 7 league." He stated that while Tyler Garcia (Jr) didn't have an opportunity to participate much in summer games, he's also one to watch.
      As anyone who has watched a Hornets football game in the last 60 years knows, the running game is the bread and butter of Chillicothe success, and this year's crop of backs shows great promise. Leading the way is returning starter DeEll Midgyett (Sr 101/635, 5 TDs) and part time starter Mason Hayward (Jr), two of the fastest players on the team that also set the school 4x100 track record last spring. Also back is part time starter Luke Plummer (Sr), a 230lb bruising blocker and runner. Others include Aaron Baker (Jr), Kyle Ross (Jr), Cole Distler (Sr) and a couple of sophomores that Willard said would be able to help later in the season.
     One of the question marks early will be the development of the offensive line. Troy (Deyeo) Barnes (Sr) and Chance Holcer (Sr) both started a couple of games last year due to starters injuries. Willard will look to some untested, but rather large, underclassmen to open holes for the backs and to protect the quarterback.
     "For a change we're going to have some size up front" stated Willard. "The last few years we've been pretty small up there compared to the teams we've been playing."

      While the offense looks to be exciting, it's the defense that should be salty, returning six starters from last year.
     "We're looking early for our defense to keep us in some games" explained Willard.
     Returning starters include Defensive End and Nose Guard Luke Plummer (Sr), Defensive Tackle Chance Holcer (Sr), Defensive End Matt Shaffer (Sr), Linebacker Hayden Major (Sr), Cornerback DeEll Midgyett (Sr) and Safety Kyle Ross (Jr).

     Numbers are down slightly from past years with 44 Sophomore through Seniors and 22 Freshman. Around 10 upper classmen elected not to return this year, but Willard feels a few more Freshmen may be joining the team once they return from family vacations.
     As for the Midland Empire Conference, expect another black and blue division with the defending State Champions Maryville, the return of the conference's best player in Drew Cortez for Lafayette and other strong teams. Willard says to watch for Benton to surprise people with the return of 14 starters and greatly improved athletes.
     Even with all of that facing Chillicothe, Coach Willard is steadfast in his optimism.
     "We should be pretty good this year" he said with a smile. Is old school football back for Chillicothe? Time will tell. 

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