Central Cougars poised to make a move in Cahokia Conference

By Todd Eschman

Updated August 22, 2016 8:52 AM

There are several factors stoking confidence in the Central High School football program, 19 returning seniors not the least among them.

Tenth-year head coach Brian Short boils them all down into one simple mantra: “We’re tired of talking,” he said. “It’s time to show something out on the field.”

The Cougars finished a respectable 5-5 last season and were one of three teams from a deep Cahokia Conference to qualify for the playoffs. But after starting the season 5-1, even a post-season berth was less than satisfying.

Two one-point losses to rival Columbia just added to the sour taste left in their mouths.

“If there’s no motivation factor in losing two one-point games that cost you a lot of accolades, then I don’t know what will get you fired up,” Short said. “Columbia has been at the top of our conference for the last four years and has emerged as a rival. To lose two one-point games to your rival at their place? Yeah, we should be ready to go.”

When you look at the overwhelming amount of seniors we have this year, which is 19, any person can see that the expectations will be high. It's an exciting time for us.

Brian Short

Central head football coach

Despite the loss of a couple key players, Short believes the program is poised to take a step forward in 2016.

“When you look at the overwhelming amount of seniors we have this year, which is 19, any person can see that the expectations will be high,” Short said. “It’s an exciting time for us.”

Offense

Hunter Toeben (39-of-89, 583 yards, four touchdowns) has the added motivation of winning the starting quarterback role a year ago, only to be knocked out of the season in week 7 with a broken leg.

He returns to lead a defense that’s deep with experience.

Collin Thomas (60 carries, 468 yards, eight TD, 7.8 yards per carry) will take the bulk of the workload from graduated running back Brent Timmons, who led Central with 968 yards and 11 TDs.

Leading receiver Dalton Wise (21 catches, 455 yards) is back along with Ben Rakers (15 catches, 234 yards), Bailey Stewart (12 catches, 160 yards), and Trevor Kohrmann (nine catches, 117 yards).

All will carry the ball behind a deep line that includes, from right tackle to left tackle, Joe Raterman, Tanner Huegen, center Branden Hooker, Tyler Gorsich and Domonic Weary.

Defense

Most of the offensive front will turn around and play defense as well with Bryce Haselhorst (35 tackles, 3 sacks) added to a six-man rotation.

Kohrmann, Stewart and Rakers, similarly, will rotate through the two corner back spots.

Bennett Richter (30 tackles, 2 sacks) and Collin Thomas (28 tackles) will be the outside linebackers with Lucas Koopmann (team-high 81 tackles) and Tyler Malone (73 tackles) returning to plug up the middle.

Wise (26 tackles) will be the safety.

Southwestern Conference

ALTON: Redbirds young, but looking to improve

GRANITE CITY: Warriors looking for improvement

COLLINSVILLE: Kahoks trying to take the next step

Cahokia Conference (Mississippi Division)

CARLYLE: Good depth of talent for Class 2A

COLUMBIA: Eagles set the standard in conference

RED BUD: Improvement depends on speed, defense

Cahokia Conference (Kaskaskia Division)

DUPO: Final year in Cahokia Conference

Mississippi Valley Conference