Game Notes

Bolivar, Mo. - The SBU Bearcats enter 2011 coming off their first back to back winning seasons in twenty-three years. Fifth year coach Keith Allen's squad is excited to lead the Bearcats into uncharted territory this season as the Bearcats expect to have their third winning season in a row. “The history of SBU football is in the past, none of these kids on our current roster were here when we went 0-11 my first year. These kids only know our way and the standards set by the teams of the last few years,” coach Allen commented. “People still think we are a fluke, so this year we came up with the motto, 'Leave no Doubt.' We want our team to play in such a way that we leave no doubt that we are a good football team, that we are much better than we were in the past. The great thing about football is the past is the past, and the only thing that matters is what your team does for those three hours on game day!"

Quarterbacks
The most intriguing position battle heading into camp is for the quarterback spot. You have to go back to 2007 to find a game that was not started by Steve Gachette. Allen is looking forward to the competition. “No one has started a game here besides Steve in nearly four years. I am really excited about the guys we had during spring ball. We even had a few of the QB newcomers here during the summer. I expect all of the quarterbacks to rise to the challenge and compete for the starting job every day.” Justin French, a 5th year senior, is the most experienced candidate for the job this year. French served as the number two QB under Gachette over the last three seasons and is the only candidate with game experience. For his career as a reserve, French has played in 14 games while throwing for 35 completions out of 67 attempts for 374 yards. He has two touchdowns and two interceptions for his career. Dan Connors is a junior college transfer from Monterrey, CA and has made major improvements since arriving on campus in January. He is by far the biggest of the group standing at 6'6”. After missing the 2010 season due to injury, Hayden Stokes impressed many with his performance in the Spring Game. Quarterback coach Robert Clardy is also excited about the possible impact that newcomers Pedro Velasquez, Trey Schucker and Tyler Park could have on the QB competition.

Running Backs
The running back position could possibly be the most talented from top to bottom this year for the Bearcats. The four returning backs with game experience have a combined 2,647 yards rushing and 26 touchdowns for their careers. Coach Allen is excited about the amount of experience he has returning for the 2011 season. “Our returning running backs have played a lot of football here over the past two seasons. They all excel in different areas of playing the position, but they also all fit into our system well. We are confident that no matter who is running the ball during that particular play, we will be successful.” The group is led by senior and returning starter Thad Everson. Everson has amassed the largest portion of those combined yards with 1451 career yards to go along with 11 touchdowns. Justin Duhaney has made 15 appearances during his first two seasons with the Bearcats gaining 806 yards and 11 touchdowns. Also returning are Tiras Harris and Chris Culbreth. Both have scored two touchdowns in reserve roles with the Bearcats, but are still expected to make an impact in 2011.

Wide Receivers
After the 2009 season, the Bearcats were forced to replace three of the four starting wide receivers due to graduation. This off season has been a near replica. Coach Allen is not worried about a loss of productivity from his wide receivers. “After the 2009 season, we lost three seniors and were able to maintain a level of consistency across the board from all the receivers. The guys competing for the starting spots have put in a lot of hard work and time preparing themselves for this opportunity and we expect nothing but their best throughout the season.” The new starters will be led by senior and pre-season All-American Charles “CJ” Johnson. Last season Johnson led the team with 1223 yards on 81 catches. He also had an impressive 13 touchdowns. Senior, Marcus Sullivan got some playing time last year and the Bearcats are relying on him to make an impact at Z. Zach Sohn and junior college transfer Eddie Shields are two guys who contributed in the spring and are expected to do so in 2011. Redshirt freshman Derwyn Lauderdale will compete for a starting role as well. There are two freshmen that could make an early impact this season in Nathan Mourick and Jonathan Hawes. Despite the many fresh faces, expect the Bearcats' receivers to pick up right where they left off.

Offensive Line
The Bearcats offensive line is the most experienced position group heading into the 2011 season. After only losing two seniors from the 2010 season, four players return with a combined 63 starts. The group is led by Michael Wormley and Derrick Okafor. Wormley and Okafor have started every game at the tackle spots over the last two seasons. Caleb Butler will be playing center full-time after starting at either guard or center in every game in 2010. Sydney Wiggs is coming off an exceptional freshman season where he made five starts with an appearance in one more. Sophomore John Harwell started during the spring at right guard. Redshirt freshman Cody Cutting is developing well and could get major playing time. Junior college transfers Brandon Colaianni and Chuck Stevens are expected to make an impact and compete for a starting job as well. The Bearcats also signed a talented group of freshman with Stephen Carr, Michael Comstock and Blake King who all have the ability to contribute early.

Special Teams
On special teams, the Cats signed some quality players that can punt, kick and long snap. “We have better depth at the specialist positions than we have ever had before," coach Allen stated. "What I am excited about is going to be the competition at these position, forcing everyone to step up their game. Pre-season All-American Chris Muhammad had a great year as a returner and we expect him to continue to impress at that position."

Defensive Line
The Bearcats biggest void on defense comes from the defensive line, losing Ino Vitale, Chris Tejeda and Will Ramirez. Returning for the Bearcats are defensive ends Casey Smith and Tyler Grapp as well as defensive tackle Ben Tautolo. The Bearcats were busy on signing date landing six defensive linemen. Expected to come in and have an immediate impact are DT's, Iotamo Falealili, Deshawn Ross and Josh Caver, as well as defensive ends Maligi Miller and Junior Epenesa.

Linebackers
The Bearcats return all the starting linebackers from the 2010 season, leading with pre-season All American Shaquille Shedd. Also returning is Jameson Manuma whom redshirted last season. The 6'4 250 pound linebacker will compete at the Mike position next to returning starters Andre Hicks and Austin Otwell in the Bearcat 4-2-5. "We are excited with the signing of Tim Manuma, brother of Jameson Manuma, and Zach Moore, transfer from Grossmont Community College," coach Allen commented. "We have high expectations for this group as they were the leading tacklers of the team last season."

Secondary
The strongest part of the Bearcats defense in the 2011 season will be their secondary. The Bearcats return four year starter CB Anthony Wiggins, as well as safeties Chris Muhammad, Chris Hawkins and Clayton Davis. The Bearcats look for Karre Wallace to compete for the other corner back position. Wallace, a part time starter in 2010, had a big spring and put himself in a great position for the 2011 season. The Bearcats also welcome the signing of safeties Alex Bartlett and Blake Poncio as well as cornerbacks Ryan Middleton and Charles Bolden.

Outlook
Allen believes the Bearcats have a bright season ahead of them. “Everything is looking positive for our team. Our theme is 'Leave no Doubt' but our main goal is to be 1-0. Then it's to be 1-0 the next week. Every day you come to work, every day you've got to get better, every day you have to compete. That's is what really excited me about our 2011 team, the level of competition that we have at every position.”

The Bearcats open up the 2011 season at Bacone College on Saturday, September 3 at 6:00 p.m.