Prepzone Pigskin Preview 2017

McCOOL JUNCTIONMUSTANGS
By: Megan McGill
The Mustangs recorded their first
victory since 2013 this past fall.
Unfortunately, it would be their
only win of the season. McCool
Junction recorded that win in
week two against Meridian, who
they beat 60-26.
After a tough 1-7 finish, Head
Coach Jarrod Weiss remains
optimistic about the upcoming
season.
“We have a good group of
underclassmen that have put
in the time in the offseason to
get better,” he said. “They are a
great group to be around and are
excited to get started.”
Developing depth is high on the
to-do list for the coaching staff.
They will be looking for guys
to fill in the gaps of graduated
seniors at positions such as
running back, center, linebacker,
defensive tackle, and safety.
Although they haven’t played
a down of high school ball yet,
Weiss is hopeful freshmen Koden
Kirkpatrick (6’2” 185 lbs) and
Owen McDonald will play key
roles this fall. Kirkpatrick will
see time on the offensive and
defensive line and McDonald will
TEAM FACTS
see action at guard and linebacker.
Weiss will be looking for younger
guys to step up, but he also brings
back a good amount of experience
to his 2017 roster. The Mustangs
return five starters on offense and
seven on defense.
Seniors Zane Hess (5’8” 180 lbs)
and Connor Lewis (5’6” 185 lbs)
will anchor the offensive and
defensive lines. The two-year
starters combined for a total of 55
tackles last season.
Junior Isaac Melton (5’7” 169
lbs) will return as the starting
quarterback of a team who
averaged 18.5 points a game.
Melton rushed for 198 yards and
threw for 113. He will also play
linebacker, where he recorded 22
tackles last year.
Daulton Todd (6’0” 185 lbs) will
be another key player for the
Mustangs, especially on defense.
The junior started last season and
is the team’s returning leading
tackler. Todd made 64 tackles last
season and Weiss believes he will
have an even bigger impact this
time around.
“He is a strong, physical kid,” he
said. “He has the capability of
being a difference maker.”
2017 SCHEDULE
8/25 @ Diller-Odell
9/1 @ Meridian
9/8 Parkview Christian
9/22 Heartland
9/29 @ Superior
10/6 @ Kenesaw
10/13 Thayer Central
10/19 Franklin
injuries last season, Weiss says the
biggest key to having a successful
season is staying healthy. Growth
and development is the second.
“Playing with consistency each
game and developing our young
guys early in the season and
getting them acclimated to the
high school style of play will be
big,” he said. “We also need to
find depth at several positions on
the field.”
The Mustangs haven’t been to
the playoffs since 2013. They will
once again face an uphill battle
competing against three playoff
teams this season. However, the
mix of young and old talent has
an opportunity this time around
to get some redemption. The
Mustangs will once again begin
their fresh start against Diller-
Odell on Aug. 25.
Professional and Experienced Caterers
exceed your expections, not your budget
Team Name: Mustangs
Class: D1
2016 Record: 1-7
Playoff Appearances: 9
Head Coach: Jarrod Weiss
Career Record: 39-61
Assistant Coaches: Scott Yates,
Dustin Arduser, Bill Hobbs
The Mustangs’ 4-2-2 defense
struggled, allowing an average
of 53 points a game. Weiss will
also look to Jaden Gonnerman
(5’0” 142 lbs) for leadership on
the defensive end. The two-year
starter had 37 tackles at linebacker
last season and will also serve as a
target for Melton on offense.
After being plagued by numerous
Key Players:
Daulton Todd (6’0” 185 lbs) Jr. LB
Isaac Melton (5’7” 169 lbs) Jr. QB/
LB
Zane Hess (5’8” 180 lbs) Sr. OL/
DL
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