Collinsville ready to take another step

By David Wilhelm

Updated August 24, 2016 1:18 PM

Under coach Rick Reinhart, the Collinsville Kahoks took a step forward last season.

Collinsville finished 3-6, and while that might not sound like much of an accomplishment, it marked just the second time since 2002 that the Kahoks recorded that many wins.

Reinhart moves into his second season and hopes to continue the climb.

“What we want to do is build on our defense,” Reinhart said. “Defensively, I feel very good about where we’re at. I think we’re going to be able to, hopefully, take that to the next level because the offense is going to be even more inexperienced. So if we’re ever going to get this thing turned around, it’s going to be on defense.

“Everywhere I’ve been, it’s real simple: You’ve got to be able to stop the run, you’ve got to play defense, and once the offense learns the scheme, it’s got to take the load, too.”

Defensively, I feel very good about where we’re at. I think we’re going to be able to, hopefully, take that to the next level because the offense is going to be even more inexperienced.

Rick Reinhart

Collinsville head football coach

Defense

The Kahoks return three starters in the secondary in seniors Trevore Sanders, Jarron Williams and Sean Bonham. Seniors Rhett Romanik and Lucas Gregory, junior Noah Bailey and sophomore Jackson Barnhart also are vying for a starting spot.

Senior LaRon Johnson, a second-team all-Southwestern Conference selection last year, is Collinsville’s top linebacker. Senior Tawon Swinson is close behind.

“That’s the guy we’re going to build our defense around in the linebacking corps,” Reinhart said of the hard-hitting Johnson, the Kahoks’ leading tackler last season with 49. “(And) if we get everybody to work like Tawon Swinson, we’ll be more competitive.”

Linemen include seniors J.T. Thomas, Mike Brown, Kody Toothman and Alex Link, junior Juan Garth and sophomore Devan Hunt.

Offense

The key question on offense is at running back. Senior Sean Bonham is the top returning ground-gainer with 78 yards on 23 carries. Joining Bonham in the backfield will be Garth, Swinson and sophomore Antaveon Quilling.

Wideouts include Sanders, Williams, Romanik, Bailey, Johnson and seniors Andrew Borror and Nick Ford, and sophomore Drew Doyle.

On the line, Thomas, Link and Hunt lead the way, with help from senior James Wells and juniors Mike Bauer, Chris Walker, Dustin Petty and Dawson LeMaster, and sophomore Ryan Wilke.

Senior Tyler Callahan has a leg up on Barnhart as the starting quarterback.

“Those kids have worked hard in the summer. I’m proud of their efforts,” Reinhart said. “Tyler has done everything that I could ever possibly ask of a quarterback. He’s everything that’s good about turning a program around. It’s his job to keep. Jackson can come in as a changeup, and I don’t have any problem with that, either.”

Southwestern Conference

ALTON: Redbirds young, but looking to improve

BELLEVILLE EAST: Young Lancers looking to grow under Stephens

BELLEVILLE WEST: Maroons celebrating football centennial

COLLINSVILLE: Kahoks trying to take the next step

EAST ST. LOUIS: Flyers look forward from strike-shortened season

GRANITE CITY: Warriors looking for improvement

EDWARDSVILLE: Tigers, Epenesa ready for state run

O’FALLON: Panthers return plenty of depth, fire power

Cahokia Conference (Mississippi Division)

CARLYLE: Good depth of talent for Class 2A

CENTRAL: Cougars are primed to take a step up