The 2009 UCM Mules football season is finally upon us. As I write this column, I find myself in full football mode. As a fan, the first major event of the Mules football season happened about a week ago with the annual MIAA Media Day. For the first time this event featured a Radio Row. I really enjoyed the coverage on the UCM Sports Radio Network, because it gave me a glimpse into what the other coaches in the league thought about their team, as well as the other teams in the league.

The Mules were selected third in both the coaches poll and the first-ever media poll. This is about where I thought they would be selected behind the usual suspects in Northwest Missouri and Pittsburg State. As always, the conference will be tough top to bottom.

The Mules return five starters on offense and defense. So fans coming to the August 27th home and season opener might need to pick up a game day program on their way in to Walton Stadium for the 7 p.m. kickoff. I think after listening to Head Coach Willie Fritz at media day, the Mules will be in the mix for conference title and regional playoff berth.
I am optimistic that the overall talent and depth of this football team has improved from last year. I look forward to seeing what happens as the year unfolds. The coaching staff returns almost intact and brought in some impact players in the recruiting process. The offense should be better in its second year with Offensive Coordinator Charlie Stubbs.

The Mules defense should be improved over last year with the increased depth in the secondary. The coaching staff focused on this area in recruiting. Hopefully, the secondary will be able to avoid the injuries that plagued them toward the end of last season. The defensive line was also a focus in recruiting. The improved depth along with solid group of returnees should make it easier to rotate defensive lineman early in the season.

I believe there are many reasons why fans should be optimistic this year, however a lot of the Mules’ success this year will depend on how fast the freshmen and transfers can step up to the challenge of Division II football. I think they can and will. Now, let's break down the Mules’ offense position by position to see where the returnees and newcomers might fit in to the offense this year.

The Offense
The strength of the UCM offense this year appears to be depth at the skill positions. The Mules have three quarterbacks that have played at this level. The Mules have five running backs that should see time in the backfield. The Mules receiving corps has a good mix of veterans and newcomers expected to make an immediate impact. This group also includes a preseason All-American tight end that should give the Mules yet another receiving threat.

The UCM offensive line returns only two starters. A blend of returning backup players and a group of newcomers will be counted on to fill these key positions. The amount of time it takes for this group to gel could go a long way in determining the amount of success the team will have this season.

Junior Eric Czerniewski appears to have the inside track at the quarterback position. The Montgomery City, Mo. native was recently named to the D2Football.com Preseason All-MIAA Team. He put up good numbers last year as a sophomore throwing for just under 3,000 yards, 27 touchdowns with only six interceptions; in the process he broke the school record for passing yards and total offense in a season. He was a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy. Coach Fritz said in the media guide, "Czerniewski appeared to even be making quicker decisions throughout spring practice."

I think Czerniewski is the best returning quarterback in the conference and once again be in contention for many postseason awards. He will be pushed by sophomore Tommy Corwin and junior Geno Waters.

UCM returns a trio of running backs from last season in juniors Anthony Stewart and Zain Gower, along with senior Justin Gore. Stewart is fully recovered from an injury suffered last year during preseason that forced him to miss the entire season and appears to have the edge at that position. However, the coaching staff brought in a pair of transfers who will also push for time at the running back position.

Juniors Kenny Hedrington and Tywon Hubbard should provide a nice complement to the returning group of running backs. Hedrington ran for a team-leading 649 yards and five touchdowns at Fresno City College last year. Hubbard won back-to-back national championships at Butler County Community College. He ran for 615 yards and four touchdowns last year, which was enough for second on the team.

The fullback position will be manned by junior Brent Boehringer, who played in all 11 games last year catching three passes for 22 yards and two touchdowns. He will also contribute on special teams for the Mules. He will be pushed by sophomore Darrian Salter. Salter is known for his skills as a lead blocker in the running game. He made some tremendous blocks last year to help spring the Mules’ running game.

The wide receiving corps is one of the strengths of this Mules football team. Senior Bobby Guillory is currently number one on the depth chart at the F receiver. Guillory was all-conference honorable mention as a kick returner last season. He is also the team’s leading returning rusher with 221 rushing yards and two touchdowns. I would expect to see him used more as a wide receiver this season. The coaching staff has been pleased with his improving skills as a wide receiver. However, I would assume that the "Wildcat” formation will still be part of Coach Stubbs’ offensive game plan. He will also factor heavily in the kick return game for UCM. Junior Seth Mason returns from a knee injury suffered last fall. He will battle for starting position at both receiving spots. Junior Reid Allison will also push for time at the wide receiver positions.

Junior Adam Parks appears to be the starter at the X wide receiver position. He totaled 19 catches for 238 yards last year. Parks was also the leading punt returner on the team last year with 17 attempts for 127 yards. Sophomore Taylor Dyer is also competing for playing time at the receiver positions.

Two newcomers should make an immediate impact at the receiver positions for the Mules. Junior Jamorris Warren, a transfer from Scottsdale Community College, should see time at the wide receiver positions and be a factor on special teams. Warren had 48 catches, 526 yards and two touchdowns last year. These numbers earned Warren second-team all-region honors. Another junior transfer, Tim Peterson from Mesa Community College, has opened some eyes in camp.

Tight end will be anchored by junior DeMarco Cosby. Cosby was an honorable mention All-American last season, as well as first-team All-MIAA last season. He caught 29 passes for 623 yards and five touchdowns. He is a Consensus Draft Service First Team Preseason All-American. Cosby also improved his blocking ability throughout the spring. Cosby was also named to the D2Football.com Preseason All-MIAA Team. I expect that he may be involved in some new wrinkles offensively this season. He may be flexed out in some four receiver sets. Sophomore Garrett Smith will push for playing time this season, along with redshirt freshman David Cannon.

The offensive line will be anchored by two returning starters, senior right tackle Robert Hicklin and senior left guard Mike Manternach. The coaching staff was happy with the spring both these student-athletes had. They will be counted on to lead this new group of offensive lineman. Darius Henderson appears to be the front runner at left tackle. Henderson is a junior transfer from College of Dupage, where he was an all-conference and all-region performer. Redshirt Hulas King will push Manternach at left guard. King made the transition from defensive line to offensive line in the spring.

Sophomore transfer Nate Stoffel has the edge at the center position. Stoffel is a transfer from Iowa Central Community College. Sophomore Cody Beck will challenge for the position. Beck played in seven games last season. He can also play multiple positions on the offensive line. Elisala Tela appears to have the edge at right guard. Tela a junior transfer from El Camino College, blocked for an offensive line that allowed only 13 sacks all season as a sophomore. He helped lead his team to a conference title as a sophomore. In high school he played for UCM Hall of Famer Kevin Nickerson, an assistant coach at Carson High School. Redshirt freshman Logan Freeman will battle for time. Redshirt freshman Kody Boles will push Hicklin at right tackle.

Defense
The UCM defensive unit will be looking to bounce back this season. The Mules have a combination of experience and a group of talented newcomers up front. This unit could be the strength of the defense this season.

At the linebacker position, UCM will rely on several young players to step up and fill key roles on the defense. The Mules lost a lot of veteran linebackers from last year's team. It will be important for these young players step up quickly and adjust to their new roles.
The secondary should also be improved from last year. The secondary was another major focus in recruiting during the off-season. There was also a key position change that should make the secondary stronger as a unit. Hopefully, the defense can minimize the big plays that plagued them last year. Let's take a look at this year's UCM defense to see where the veterans and newcomers are going to fit.

Senior Layne Kreter appears to be number one at the Hammer position. He totaled 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, along with four quarterback hurries last year. Fellow senior Marc Tiernan will push for playing time.
Senior Chris Gilchrist appears to have the edge at nose guard. He recorded 24 tackles and one sack last season. Junior transfer Trey Jackson also figures to be in the mix. He recorded 51 tackles and eight sacks as a sophomore at Joliet Junior College, where he helped lead his team to the Iowa Bowl championship.

A newcomer appears to be the front runner at defensive tackle. Junior transfer P.J. South from Joliet Junior College. He was a second-team all-conference selection as a sophomore. He recorded 51 tackles and seven sacks last year. He is expected to make an immediate impact on the defensive line. Sophomore Miles Jaben will push for playing time on the defensive line. The coaching staff feels he has improved every year in the program and had a great off-season.

Senior Mike Martin appears to be the starter at defensive end. He played in all 11 games last year making 14 tackles. He will be pushed hard by redshirt freshman Dakota Smith who suffered an injury during camp last season and was given a medical redshirt. Junior transfer Jeremy Wallace will also be in the mix at defensive end. Wallace can do a standing back flip. This kind of athleticism could help him rise up the depth chart.
Another newcomer who opened some eyes during camp is junior transfer Peni Fiuangaihetau from Phoenix College. He could see time on the defensive line.

Junior Cody Scribner returns to man the Will Linebacker position. He is the only returning linebacker with experience as a starter. He recorded 48 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. Redshirt freshman Evan Knight will press for time at this position. Sophomore Calvin Patterson will step in at the Sam Linebacker position. He recorded nine tackles on special teams last season. Redshirt freshman Brandon Clark played in two games recording three tackles before being injured. He was given a medical redshirt Sosaia Taufa is a junior transfer from Phoenix College, where he was a second team all-region performer. He racked up 43 tackles and three sacks as a sophomore.

Junior Karl Parker has the edge at the Bandit position. He totaled 23 tackles, one interception and a fumble recovery last year. Parker will be challenged by two classmates, Shawn Cox and Joseph Bangali. Cox recorded four tackles and blocked a kick last season. Bangali made 50 stops, three for loss, a sack and two interceptions at Eastern Arizona College. Junior Edgar Tauv’i from Los Angeles Harbor College will also be in the mix at linebacker position. He hails from Seattle, Washington.

Senior Free Safety Randy Shepherd returns to lead the Mules’ secondary. Shepherd made the switch from corner where the two-time All-MIAA proformer. Shepherd amassed 23 tackles and three pass breakups, while only playing in seven games last season because of injury. Sophomore Andrew Bergeson will battle for playing time at free safety. Bergeson saw action in 10 games, mainly on special teams last year. He played some defensive back in a reserve role.

Junior Justin Coaxum appears to have the advantage at strong safety. He recorded seven tackles last season. He started the final game last year against Fort Hays State. Redshirt freshman Brett Ginn will also push for playing time at strong safety. Ginn blocked a punt against Emporia State before suffering an injury that cost him the rest of the season. He received a medical redshirt.

Senior LaVance Dotson appears to be the starter at one cornerback position. Dotson racked up 32 tackles last season. He also had one interception which he returned for 37 yards. He also broke up five passes on the season. Junior Remeco Gay will also battle for playing time at the position. Gay saw action in five games, recording two tackles.
At the other corner, junior Kor’Ree Manson appears to have the upper hand. Manson played in every game last season, starting six. He made 38 stops and broke up five passes. He will be pushed by junior transfer Deonte Ball. Ball transferred from Arizona Western College where he made 30 tackles and one interception as a sophomore. As a freshman, Ball played with several of his current teammates at Joliet Junior College. He made 31 tackles and grabbed a team-leading five interceptions. He helped lead his team to an Iowa bowl championship.

Special Teams
Special teams have always been a focus of the Mules under Willie Fritz. This year will be no different. The return game was a major area of emphasis in recruiting. The coaching staff wanted to find athletes who could play other positions as well as make an impact in the kicking game. I believe they have done just that and I look forward to good things from these units this year.

Honorable Mention ALL-MIAA punter Jordan Hofer returns to handle the punting duties in his senior year. Hofer averaged just over 40 yards a punt last season. Hofer was recently named to the D2Football.com Preseason All-MIAA Team. He will be challenged by fellow senior Braden Ham, who can also long snap for the Mules.

Three freshmen will battle for the extra point and field-goal kicking duties. I think this battle could go down to the very end of camp. Aaron Jamison from Cassville, Mo, Zach Gebhardt from Archie, Mo. and a freshman transfer from Longview Community College Sean Middleton are battling it out. Fritz said in the media guide, "Jamison was widely considered the best kicker in the state last year but, he will be challenged by Gebhardt, and Middleton.” Middle appears to have the edge as of now.

Sophomore Drew Wier returns at long snapper. He started 10 games last season. He will be pushed by red shirt freshman Bryce Murray. Guillory will also return kicks season. He averaged 25.1 yards per kick return, with a long return of 54 yards. Gower will get the call as the other kick returner for the Mules. He averaged 19.2 yards per return, with a long of 43 yards. Warren could also get an opportunity to return kicks and punts. Parks will get the call as the main return man for punts.

Scouting Southwest Baptist
The Bearcats make their return to Walton Stadium as a Division II Independent in football. SBU is led by head coach Keith Allen. The Bearcats will feature a spread look on offense and a 4-2-5 defense of alignment. The Bearcat offense is led by junior quarterback Steve Gachette. He threw for 3,360 yards last season, and 27 touchdowns. Gachette threw for just over 300 yards per game last season. So, as you can see, SBU will not hesitate to throw the ball all over the field.

SBU also return their top receiver from last season in senior Johnnie King. King caught 89 passes for 1120 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He averaged 112 yards receiving per game last year.

The Bearcat defense will be anchored by a pair of seniors in Linebacker Jarred Schumpert and senior defensive back Tyrin Holt. Holt and Schumpert tied the team lead in tackles with 101 last year. Schumpert had 13 tackles for loss last season, along with a sack and interception.

Keys to the Game
I think that there are four keys to this football game. The first two are pretty obvious, win the turnover battle and control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football. Third, the Mules have try to control the opening night jitters, because you can scrimmage and try to simulate the game all you want in practice, but there's something different about game speed. Finally, the Mules’ pass defense has to be solid. This starts with getting pressure on the quarterback from the defensive line. The secondary has to avoid getting beaten over-the-top, and make SBU drive the whole field.

The home crowd needs to get in the game early and stay there. Let's make SBU’s life difficult and get the season off to a good start with a home victory!