Belleville East seeks more success under Stephens in ‘16

By Dean Criddle

Updated August 22, 2016 10:40 PM

Kris Stephens’ first season as the head football coach at Belleville East couldn’t have gone much better. Fulfilling a dream of coaching at his alma mater, Stephens led the Lancers to a 6-3 regular season, a win over cross-town rival Belleville West and a postseason berth.

So what does season No. 2 have in store for Stephens and the Lancers?

“Year No. 2 is going to be a whole lot different than year No. 1. I think we lost 34 seniors from a year ago. We’re going to be very young,” Stephens said. “We have one returning linemen and two slot receivers coming back on offense and on defense we’ve got one safety and one really good outside linebacker coming back, but other then that we’re going to have a lot of new faces in the lineup.

“Just because we’re young doesn’t mean we’re going to lower our expectations. We’re going to come out every week ready to play.”

The Lancers won’t have much time to ease into the season. East opens its season Aug. 26 when it plays host to perennial St. Louis area power Chaminade, then travels to Millikin University on Sept. 2 where it will take on Chicago suburban power Lemont before beginning Southwestern Conference play.

“We’re going to be facing (NCAA) Division I talent each week and we didn’t do ourselves any favors with Chaminade and Lemont the first two weeks,” Stephens said with a smile. “The first two weeks will show us where we are and will get us ready for the conference.”

Offense

After two years of watching Drew Millas carve up opposing defenses, Lancers fans will have the opportunity to watch Kienen Waller lead the Lancers offense at quarterback. Waller threw for 136 yards with a pair of touchdown passes in a backup role last season and has progressed nicely during the offseason according to Stephens.

Year No. 2 is going to be a whole lot different than year No. 1. I think we lost 34 seniors from a year ago. We’re going to be very young.

Kris Stephens

Belleville East head football coach

Gifted slot receiver Quantavius Alexander caught 43 passes for more than 400 yards last season and will combine with another solid receiver in Connor Martin to make it a little easier on Waller. Among those getting looks in the backfield are Freddie Waller and Rod Morgan. Waller, who rushed for more than 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns a year ago, may also be used in the defensive backfield.

Stephens also has high hopes for heralded freshman running back Damonta Witherspoon

“Q (Alexander) runs great routes and is a threat to take it the distance everytime he touches the football. Freddie (Waller), Rod Morgan and I really think Damonta (Witherspoon) will make an impact this year,” Stephens said. “We have a lot of offewnsive weapons.

Up front, senior Nick Schwaegel will anchor the offensive line at the center spot for the second straaight season. Schwaegel isn’t that big (220 pounds), but is snart and will be counted on to lead the Lancers big men.

Defense

Juniors Rickell Buchanan and Montrea Stanley are expected to lead a big. athletic defensive line at the end spots, while senior Devon Coleman returns at nose guard after battling injuries for much of the season.

Senior EJ Aldridge was a starter at inside linebacker last season and recorded 37 tackles while sophomore Nolan Wellinghoff will be the other starter at inside linebacker. Junior Doni Fuller (6-0, 190) is already getting some major college interest as an outside linebacker while Morgan could also see playing time at the outside linebacker spot.

Freddie Waller and Lenario Sanders are among those competing for startng spots in the defensive backfield.

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

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