UPDATE: The Eldon vs. Confluence Prep game, originally scheduled for Friday night, has been postponed until 7 p.m. Saturday in Eldon.
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Last season did not go the way Eldon head football coach Shannon Jolley planned, with the Mustangs winning only three games, but he's hoping for a better performance this time around.
The Mustangs have the benefit of 10 returning starters on each side of the football, but Jolley said even that doesn't make this season any easier.
"It's challenging each year - period," Jolley said.
The high number of returning starters is due in large part to several two-way players, so conditioning to Eldon's success. Jolley said the team still needs some work in that regard, pointing to the play at the end of last Friday's Jamboree.
Two of those returnees, senior Levi Shinn and junior Shane Randall, will lead a strong group in the offensive backfield that includes senior Cole Hedrick and junior Trenton Kidwell. With the offense built around running the football, that depth will help keep everyone fresh.
Also key to the running game is Eldon's receiving corps, as Jolley said it's great to have unselfish receivers who are willing to block for the running backs.
Senior quarterback Nick Hendrix will direct the offense, emerging from a battle with junior Austin Kempker for the job during the summer.
"It's good to have two quality kids at quarterback," Jolley said. "Today it's Hendrix, that might change."
The competition should keep the quarterbacks on their toes, but Jolley said he won't mix-and-match his quarterbacks mid-game.
The running game will benefit from a strong offensive line that boasts plenty of experience. The linemen, who combine size and strength, are led by senior Graham Baucom, an all-state honoree a year ago.
"The line is the backbone on offense and defense," Jolley said.
The defensive boasts many of those same names. Shinn will line up at safety in a secondary that features seniors Cole Hedrick and Owen Tamm.
Baucom will anchor a defensive line that also boasts a strong performer in senior Dale Folsom.
Seniors Chris Lemon and Garrett Scrivner lead an impressive linebacking corps that also features Kidwell and senior Josh Johns.
Eldon will start their season at home Saturday against Confluence Prep. Jolley said he hasn't been able to dig up much tape on Confluence, who didn't play in a Jamboree, but that might not be all bad.
"We don't know much about them, so we can just focus on us," Jolley said.
Despite the down year last season, Jolley said he expects the Mustangs to compete for a district championship this time around.
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Saturday at 7 p.m.: Eldon hosts Confluence Prep Academy - Updates on Twitter: @EldonMustang.
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Eldon Schedule
Here is the schedule for the Eldon football team. All games start at 7 p.m. unless noted. TBA -To Be Announced:
Aug. 21 Confluence Prep Academy (postponed until Aug. 22)
Aug. 29 at Hogan Prep, 2 p.m.
Sept. 4 at Blair Oaks
Sept. 11 California
Sept. 18 Warsaw
Sept. 25 at Versailles
Oct. 2 School of the Osage
Oct. 9 at Hallsville
Oct. 16 Southern Boone
Oct. 23 District opener*
Oct. 30 District semifinal*
Nov. 6 District championship*
Nov. 14 Quarterfinals, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 21 Semifinals, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 27 State championship, at Edward Jones Dome, TBA
*Site TBD