Coach Phil Willard was in his element. After supervising the handing out of football pants to players after practice and ordering some additional items from his cell phone, the Hall of Fame Hornets Football Head Coach dug through a mountain of papers stacked on the coaches table, pulled out what he wanted and said "Let's go, Randy." With that, the first of an endless string of interviews he'll face over the next three months began. It's all a part of being the Hornets Head Coach.
      When asked about a passing attack Willard commented "We're just gonna spread it all over the field and throw every down, Randy." After a brief pause, Willard grinned and let out a laugh. "You can air that if you want" he chuckled.
      The Hornets coaching staff has good reason to be optimistic this season. After a 2012 learning experience that included a number of injuries and off field incidents that kept key players off the field at times, the Hornets put together a regular season finale win at St Joseph Benton and a district tournament opening win at #4 seed Macon, before falling at powerhouse California. After eight tough weeks that saw only a homecoming win over Cameron, the Hornets put things together at the end of the season. With most of the team returning, it gives Hornet fans a reason to be excited about this year.
     Chillicothe lost eight seniors that were still on the football team at the end of last year, but a wealth of experience returns along with a Sophomore class that's used to winning, going 7-1 as Freshmen. While a few talented players decided to do things other than play football this year, the Hornets still have 48 Sophomores through Seniors dressed out along with 27 Freshmen. There are a couple of new upper classmen on the team including 6'3", 310 pound Carter Mitchell. Despite not playing since his Freshman year, Mitchell has received a fair share of "atta boy" and "good job" praise from members of the coaching staff during preseason practices.
     The biggest area of depth looks to be at the running back spot. Junior DeEll Midgyett returns as a full time starter at running back, and drew praise from coaches and fans during the summer 7 on 7 games and at the Hornets July week-long summer camp. On the Hornets Combine Day, Midgyett finished ahead of all others in a running back 40 yard dash. Senior Walker Thomas, who sat out most of last season due to injury, finished a close second. However, the Hornets are far deeper than just a one-two punch of speed.
     "Graduating leading rusher DJ Gannan puts a hole back there, but overall we have some experience and we have a little depth back there this year with some kids, and you're going to see several people back there running the football" commented Willard. Others that could battle for time in the backfield include Seniors Gillen Gates and Tyler Long, Juniors Luke Plummer and Cole Distler and sophomore speedsters Mason Hayward and Aaron Baker to name just a few. 
     If the opposing defense wants to key on the run, the Hornets could counter with a passing attack led by returning starting Quarterback Tyler Clampitt (63/150-830 yards) and leading receiver Zach Alperin (19/340 yards). The Hornets will need to find a second Tight End with the graduation of Eric Rutledge, and need to find a dependable target out of the backfield with the departure of #2 receiving target Mason Palmer, who has moved to the Southwest of Ludlow School District for his senior year.
     The biggest question looks to be on the offensive line. Seniors Lake Still and Conner Bonderer both spent time last year at the left guard position, but the rest of the spots are up for grabs. Back up fullback Cole Nichols has been moved to a possible guard position, giving the quick and hard hitting senior more chances to do what he does best: hit people as hard as possible. Senior Caleb Stull is getting a look at the starting Center position and several players are competing for the Tackle positions.
     The Hornets will lean on Coach Dan Nagel to lay the hammer down on the defensive side of the football. Nagel has moved from head Freshman coach to Defensive Coordinator this year, a position Nagel held at Marceline before taking the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director job at Chillicothe a couple years ago.
     Nagel has talent to work with, led by all state defensive back Tyler Clampitt who had nine interceptions last year including two pick-sixes. When it's time to stop the run, look for Senior Linebacker Cole Nichols, a search and destroy player that hits hard and has a nose for the football. In the final regular season game against Benton, Chillicothe started just two seniors on defense, both interior linemen.
     "We're changing things up a little bit with our (defensive) personnel" stated Willard. "there will be a little bit different look (this year)."

     Another key to success this year will be keeping players healthy and on the field. Last year was the first time in five years that a weight program was offered as a part of the school year curriculum. "It definitely paid off" said Willard. Freshman Assistant Coach Roman Cranmer and Head Wrestling Coach Drew Passley were in charge of the weight room this summer and included some hill-running with the traditional weight lifting program.

     As for the Midland Empire Conference, defending state champion Maryville returns a few starters. Others getting Willard's attention include recent powers Lafayette, Savannah and Smithville along with the MEC's smallest school, LeBlond, which returns almost everyone from last year. "LeBlond is going to be tough, they'll win a lot of games" predicted Willard.
     Chillicothe opens at Marshall then takes on Kirksville for the home opener in week two. Both teams beat Chillicothe last year for the first time in several years. Picking up wins in the first two weeks could boost the Hornets confidence heading into a home game against Maryville in week three.
      As to what to expect on Offense and Defense this year, Willard is holding his cards close to the vest. While it's doubtful the Hornets will actually air out the football every down, remember that last year during the season Willard switched the Hornets from the 52 monster to a 43 defense for the first time since the Kennedy Administration. Anything is possible.