Season Preview
Season preview
Fourth and 16.
“Do I think about it? I think about it all the time. That’s a tough one to get out of your mind,” said Mill Valley head coach Joel Applebee.
The place - St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The situation - Kansas Class 5A playoff game. Jaguars up 22-15 with less than 2 minutes left in the game. Aquinas has the ball, fourth and 16. A stop and the Jaguars can run out the ball and advance in the playoffs in their quest for a sixth straight state championship.
It didn’t happen. Aquinas converted a desperation halfback pass for a first down. They would go on to score and convert a two point conversion. The Jaguars couldn’t score with under a minute remaining and Aquinas, not Mill Valley, would go on to win the Kansas Class 5A state championship.
While he thinks about the play, Applebee says he doesn’t dwell on it.
“We’re not going to dwell on it but we’re going to learn from it,” he said. “More than anything, it’s a reminder about how important every single detail is.”
Applebee and the Jaguars have moved on from last season but the goal remains the same - a state championship.
*****
The Jaguars quest for an eighth state football championship will rest in the hands of senior quarterback Blake Jay this season.
Jay was a dynamic two-way player for the Jaguars last season earning All-Sunflower League honors as a defensive back. He also made an impact as a runner and receiver on offense.
While Holden Applebee was slated to be the starting quarterback this year, an injury will keep him out of early season games.
Applebee says the team is committed to Jay as the team’s starter this season. When Holden returns it will be as a wide receiver.
“I’ve played quarterback forever,” said Jay. “When I switched positions last year that was what was best for the team. Now, this is what the team needs. I didn’t lose all my quarterbacking abilities.”
“He’s just a dynamic player,” Applebee says of Jay. “He’s best when he has the ball in his hands.”
Joining Jay in the backfield will be all-state running back Reggie Reece.
Last season Reece rushed for 1,948 yards and 25 touchdowns. At 6’3” and a solid 220 pounds, Reece is a punishing power back with excellent speed.
“Reggie is great,” said Applebee. “I’m really looking forward to seeing him on Friday nights. One thing you never question about Reggie is how hard he works.”
Applebee said that he doesn’t plan to lean on Reece as much as he did last year in an effort to keep him fresh and healthy.
Expect to see a lot of junior Max Piva in the backfield this year. In addition to subbing in for Reece, the Jaguars have been working on implementing some two back formations into the game plan.
When the Jaguars pass, look for Bryce Shorten, Anthony Clem and Gavin Heller to be on the field along with Holden Applebee when he returns.
“I’m really excited about this group,” Applebee said. “We’ve got some depth where we can rotate guys in. They’re all good route runners and are getting better and better every day.
At tight end, seniors Elliot Fischer, Jack Thomas and junior Stone Zambo should all see playing time.
Senior Lamarcus Barber is the only returning offensive lineman but he’s a good one to build around. Barber was an all-state player last season and has Kansas State looking at him.
Applebee likes how the offensive line, under the tutelage of coach Jamie Resseguie, has developed this summer.
Applebee mentioned Nick Philhour, Zach Darr, Tommy Hopkins, Michael Fitzpatrick and Jamey Day as linemen who have impressed this summer.
*****
Historically, the Jaguars have had a strong defensive line. Expect this year to be no different.
Hayden Heller, coming back from a serious knee injury, looks healthy and is expected to lead the defensive charge.
“Hayden Heller is one of the best leaders we’ve had come through our program,” Applebee said. “Hayden is mature beyond his years.”
Joining Heller on the defensive line is returning starter Larry Jones who has impressed coaches with his play this summer.
Expect to see a lot of Josh Garcia at defensive end this year. Garcia made a name for himself with his hard work on the scout team last season. This year he’ll get to show his skills on Friday nights.
“Josh Garcia — I love his leadership. Love his effort. Love his enthusiasm,” Applebee said.
Applebee also mentioned Devin Edwards and Easton Engelhart as guys who could see playing time along the defensive line.
One position group that Applebee is really excited about is middle linebacker. Ryder Farley, Jaxon Garcia and Parker Riffel have all made great strides at the position.
Farley, who saw playing time last year, has emerged as a strong leader for the Jaguars.
“Ryder’s the guy that’s stepped up to be the vocal leader and makes sure everybody is getting where they need to be defensively,” Applebee said.
Applebee said that Farley and Garcia will open the season as starters but he can see rotating Riffel in at linebacker throughout the season.
Defensive back is also a position where the Jaguars have lots of depth. Senior Jenner Scobee is expected to start on one corner.
Kendyn Charbonneau, who started for the Jaguars last season at strong safety, is making the transition to free safety.
“What I love about him is he has no fear,” Applebee said. “He’s relentless to the ball. I think he’s got a chance to be a really good free safety for us.”
Landon Stockwell has been getting a long look at strong safety and has shown tremendous leadership skills this summer.
Landon loves practicing every single day,” Applebee said. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that kid tired.”
Applebee also mentioned Jaxon Masek, Garrett Cox and Ayden Mosely as guys who could all figure into the safety conversation.
*****
Applebee feels the Class 5A football is wide open this year. In addition to St. Thomas Aquinas, he mentioned Blue Valley, St. James, DeSoto, Spring Hill as contenders in the eastern bracket. Out west, he expects Great Bend, Goddard Eisenhower, Maize South, Hutchison, Hays and Bishop Carroll to battle for supremacy.
