Spoofhound football expects to carry on tradition

By Jacki Wood

Same story. New group.

That’s how Maryville head football coach, Matt Webb, described the Spoofhounds and improving from last year’s 12-1 team who also went 8-0 in the MEC.

“Tradition never graduates,” Webb said. “Expectations are always high at MHS. (We’re) excited to make another run.”

Tradition runs deep, but since Webb took over four years ago, the Hounds have won back-to-back state championships in 2012 and 2013 and made it to state quarterfinals in 2014 and 2015.

The Hounds will be without two impact players lost to graduation in Dustin Piper and Dakota Beemer who are both now at Northwest Missouri State.

This season, four senior captains will lead the team: running back and outside linebacker Elijah Green, quarterback and free safety Trey Oglesby, tackle Jake White and cornerback/strong safety Tomas Coalson.

Returning players receiving postseason honors include Green, Oglesby and defensive end Tucker Tripp.

Webb will be assisted by offensive coordinator Matt Houchin, defensive coordinator Nathan Powell, special teams coach Grant Hageman, offensive line coach Ryan Lessman, quarterbacks coach Marcus Grudzinski and wide receivers coach Travis Verdi.

Webb said team goals are to “win each day we have together” and “focus on each opponent in front of us.” He added, “(I’m excited to) watch this group of players reach their potential.”

The Spoofhounds take the field on August 19 at Lawson to start the 2016 season.