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NMCC looking to reload with new players in 2022
New Madrid County Central is seeking its fifth consecutive winning season this year, but the team will have to reload with new players at nearly every position.
The Eagles (0-1) opened the season with a 61-27 loss to the fourth-ranked team in Class 2, Richmond, but the team got a better idea of its identity and played better as the game progressed.
“We want continuously get better as the season progresses,” said NMCC head coach Tyler Fullhart. “We have a lot of new faces that are doing an outstanding job. I want to be able to compete each week to the best of our ability. I know all these guys and what they’re capable of doing but it's still a new group. We still have to develop our team chemistry but when we do the sky is the limit. They just have to get comfortable with what they’re doing and working with each other. The expectation is the same as every year; Be better than yesterday.”
NMCC will look to get back on track when they host East Prairie (0-1) on Friday, Sep. 2.
Let’s take a look at who is returning and what new faces fans can expect to see making plays under the lights this fall.
DEFENSE
Defensive line: Seniors Noah Taylor, Jaireik Smith and Mason Dowdy start on the defensive line.
All three have varsity experience and provide good leadership.
“[Smith] had a good game against [Richmond] and I expect him to have more games like that,” Fullhart said. “He’s quick, explosive, and has quick hands. These guys probably have the most returning experience of anyone on the team. Their all three savvy defensive linemen, who are strong, disciplined and good at what they do.”
Junior Tayven Lyles, and sophomores Marvion Cranford, Peyton Wright and Alvion Cooper are also expected to contribute.
Linebackers: Senior Levie Sutton and juniors Jason Jones Jr. and Sa’Mir Smith provide the Eagles with a solid starting linebacker core.
Jones earned All-SEMO Conference honors last season, while Sutton showed some nice potential in a reserve role.
“[Jones] can cover sideline to sideline and really move,” Fullhart said. “He has a good nose for the football. He’s a great kid and leads the defense. I look for him to have another good season.”
Junior Slade Courtois and freshman Jack Pipkin also will get some playing time.
“They’re all coachable and do a good job of making tackles,” Fullhart said.
Defensive backfield:
Juniors BJ Williamson, Aj Ruff, Kayden Minner, Julian Courtois and Ty Williams make up NMCC’s secondary and arguably the team’s most talented position group on defense.
“They all communicate well and play together,” Fullhart said. “We have some guys with some speed, who can really run and cover but they can get in the box and get dirty too.
“[Ruff] is a great defensive player and leader in the secondary,” Fullhart continued. “He does a good job of tackling and in coverage. We expect all those guys to do some really good things for us and lead the way for the younger guys.”
Seniors Chris Grissom, Dominique Betts Jr., junior Dearious Newsom and freshman Jakwon Jones will also contribute.
OFFENSE
Offensive line: Seniors Mason Dowdy, Noah Taylor, Levie Sutton and sophomores Zach Gamblin and Marvion Cranford are the starters on the offensive line.
“They are all coachable and willing to do what is best for the team,” Fullhart said. “Those guys are leading the way and helping the younger guys figure it out.
“Those guys are leading the way and helping the younger guys figure it out.
“[Taylor] has the most experience,” he continued. “He played some last year and he’s trying to lead the way there. [Sutton] has also stepped up as of late. He was playing a running back and full back role, and he’s stepped up here to give us some depth.”
Senior Jaireik Smith and juniors Tayven Lyles and Samir Smith are also expected to get snaps.
Receivers and tight ends: Juniors Jadis Jones and BJ Williamson are the standouts of the team. Both had monster performances in NMCC’s first game of the season.
Seniors Dominique Betts Jr. and juniors Aj Ruff and Ty Williams are also expected to get targets.
“It’s great having athletes out there like that,” Fullhart said. “I’m sure the quarterback probably appreciates it as much as I do. They’ve worked hard all summer and I look forward to seeing what they can do this season. They are all great playmakers.”
Junior Nolan Frye and freshman Jakwon Jones could also see some playing time.
Offensive backfield: Junior Kayden Minner starts at running back and senior Chris Grissom is the starter at quarterback.
“[Minner] is a very smart player,” Fullhart said.”He’s top-notch and always working to get better. His vision and ball security are good. He has good quickness and speed. He can get loose real quick. We just have to get some of the offensive line stuff shored up and I think he’ll have a good year. He can run threw tackles. He can run away from guys and he can catch the ball too.”
Grissom came off the bench to complete 13-of-16 attempts for 280 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions against Richmond.
“He’s a bright player who has been waiting on his opportunity,” Fullhart said. “He hasn’t missed a single film session, a workout, anything at all. He’s always working and has the tools to have a great season.”