GHS Football: Low Numbers But High Potential

Gallatin may be fielding its smallest football squad in many years, only 23 players, but that hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of those who chose to make the commitment since the end of last season.

Last spring’s graduation left gaping holes on both sides of the ball. Adding to that is a lack of depth and overall numbers.

“I think they understand that they need to step up and replace a very good group of seniors who experienced some success last year,” said Coach Kevin Gundy, now in his third season at GHS. “The guys who are out have been training and preparing all summer for this,” he added. “There were some growing pains at the camps we went to early in the summer but they have been showing progress with each event over the summer.”

The squad, though small, is not without leadership, Coach Gundy says. “Harris Cameron and C. J. Richards are leaders on the lines for us, and we have a couple of seniors on the line who haven’t been out for a year or more,” he stated. “Caleb Boyd has stepped up and is a leader and Tate Hancock has helped lead since moving in, as well.”

Most, out of this group, have experienced some success at the junior varsity level (seven wins, no losses) and coaches believe that will lead to a desire for the same success at the varsity level. Cohesiveness is a team strength heading into the 2015 season.

Staying injury free is perhaps the most important factor in rebuilding a winning program. It is equally important that players be skilled and knowledgeable at multiple positions.

Due to low numbers, his year’s jamboree was perhaps more important than in years past.

“It gave us a chance to evaluate ourselves against other teams,” he said. “It also gave us a chance to see how physical we are compared to other people and gave us a better chance to grade where we are at one week before North Platte comes to town.”

Offensively, junior Wyatt Bird moves from halfback to quarterback. He will be backed up by sophomore Caleb Boyd, who will also start at wide receiver. Sophomore Corbin Toney (450 yards, 7 TDs last season at junior varsity level) and senior transfer Tate Hancock will share halfback duties, along with senior fullback Tristen Wilson, who ran for 900 yards and 16 touchdowns in last season’s jayvee play.

Senior Bradley Rhoades returns at receiver, joining Boyd and junior Tanner Johnson on the outside. Freshman Graydee Rains and junior Morgan Corwin will share time at tight end.

Senior Harris Cameron anchors the offensive line after making the switch from center to tackle. Senior Beau Johnson will fill the other tackle spot. Senior Kase Critten has earned the center position. Senior C. J. Richards and sophomores Noah Engel and Patrick McNickle will vie for playing time at guard.

Cameron returns to his familiar spot at defensive end. Critten, Rains and McNickle are fighting for the other end spot. Johnson joins junior Hunter McCampbell at defensive tackle. Outside linebackers will be Bird and Wilson. Inside backers include Richards, Toney and Engel. Rhoades (third leading tackler) and Boyd will man corner positions with Tate at safety.

Cameron will handle kicking duties and Wilson will punt. Rhoades, Hancock and Toney will field punt and kick returns.

Gallatin’s scheduled features one Saturday game. The Bulldogs travel to Lee’s Summit on Oct. 10 to face Summit Christian Academy. Starting time for that game has been changed to 2 p.m.