The River Valley Report 2024 Football preview | Page 15

THE RIVER VALLEY REPORT FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 8.11.2024

15 injury last season and missed the season but will man a linebacker spot. Landon Morris, who tied with Farris for the team lead with two interceptions, returns after starting all 11 games a year ago.

Seniors Jackson Mitchell and Noah Ingel return on the defensive line after 11 starts last year.

Juniors Easton Daily and Locklan Flanagan will see action on the line in addition to their offensive responsibilities.

Offensively, senior Michael Taylor and sophomore Chase Parker continue to compete for the quarterback position with Schlegel, a junior, also figuring in on special situations.

“ There hasn’ t been any decision made yet on who’ s going to walk out there week one,” Bush said.“ Right now, if we were going into it they would both get some snaps. They both do some good things. They both have similar areas that they have to improve in. They’ ve got to be a little more consistent in practice. The effort is always there, but they’ ve got to be able to execute the offense and make easy throws when we give it to them and make great decisions.”

Towns-Robinson ran for 392 yards and three touchdowns last year on 55 carries last year, but those numbers will increase greatly this season. He also caught two passes for 41 yards, and that will also increase as a threat out of the backfield.

On the line, senior Jayden Parker and Daily return up front.

“ We’ ve got some guys that we feel really feel good about,” Bush said.“ Some of them aren’ t returning starters but they did get significant playing time or some time defensively.”

Mitchell and Ingel will play on offensive line as will Flanagan, who will start at center on offense.

Senior Cash Wilson has come over from the baseball team and will play for the first time since his freshman year to add some depth on the interior.

Schlegel returns at receiver after leading the Airedales with 53 catches for 800 yards and four scores.

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Alma wide receiver Samuel Schlegel( 14) sets up for a stiff arm on Harrison defender Caydem Long( 39) on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at Citizens Bank Field in Alma. The Alma Airedales took on the Harrison Goblins in a back and forth rivalry game.( River Valley Democrat-Gazette / Caleb Grieger)

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2023 RECORD 7-4, 5-2 5A-West COACH Rusty Bush( 5th year, 18-23) RETURNING STARTERS 5 offense, 8 defense KEY PLAYERS LB Israel Towns-Robinson( Sr., 6-1, 220), OL Easton Daily( Jr., 6-4, 285), DL Jackson Mitchell( Sr., 6-1, 215), FS Cash Farris( Sr., 6-0, 185), LB Byron Standridge( Sr., 6-3, 190), CB Ashton Chanhnouvong( Sr., 5-10, 178)

Head coach Rusty Bush

Byron Standridge

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*— Denotes 5A-West Conference game. All kickoffs 7 p. m. unless noted.

Ashton Chanhnouvong

Landon Morris