Mount Vernon pushes for more postseason success

There's good reason for optimism in Mount Vernon.

The Mustangs returned to the playoffs after a six-year hiatus last fall and, with an outstanding class coming in this season, excitement is in the air.

"Valuable experience returns in several key positions," said Coach Duane Orr. "We will be bigger and stronger than we have ever been in my time at Mount Vernon."

The Mustangs were 5-5 last season, losing in the first round of the playoffs to Union Community. The Mount Vernon sophomore squad also was very successful.

"Our varsity newcomers were 7-1 as sophomores," Orr said. "That success should help them transition well into the varsity program."

The Mustangs will be led by returning all-district linemen Robbie Peters on offense and Carson Kuntz on defense. Another all-district performer, Jake Pisarik, led the state in punting last season and will handle those chores once again this season. Second-team all-district linebacker Spencer Drahos will help anchor the defense. Seniors Trey Ryan (linebacker), Noah Dahlstrom (defensive back, wide receiver) and Josh Cannon (line) also are expected to make a contribution.

"We have a couple of elite players that we can build around," Orr said.

One change this season will be the play calling. Ray Reasland will be the new offensive coordinator with Orr handling the defensive duties.

The Mustangs will be tested early, opening at home against Solon. There's also a Week 3 matchup with Dyersville Beckman looming.

"We have a couple of holes to fill on the offensive line and our linebacking crew was hit hard by graduation," Orr said. "We expect great competition among several players to claim those spots."

As the season begins, Orr will say the same thing all coaches everywhere say.

"Our success this season will depend on staying healthy and getting off to a fast start," Orr said. "If we do that, we can be right in the mix of things." 

Mount Vernon Mustangs

Coach: Duane Orr (seventh season at Mount Vernon, 11th overall)

Last year: 5-5, lost first round of playoffs

Key returners: L Robbie Peters, L Carson Kuntz, DB/P Jake Pisarik, LB/FB Spencer Drahos

Key losses: Mitchel Jilovec, Jake Muller, Marshall Tuerler, Logan Walker

Key to making playoffs: Stay healthy, win early

Games to watch: Solon on Aug. 30, Dyersville Beckman on Sept. 13 and at Center Point-Urbana Oct. 25

Schedule

Aug. 30 - Solon

Sept. 6 - at West Liberty

Sept. 13 - Dyers. Beckman

Sept. 20 - at Monticello

Sept. 27 - at Northeast

Oct. 4 - Cascade

Oct. 11 - at Louisa-Musc.

Oct. 18 - Camanche

Oct. 25 - Center Pt-Urbana

Roster

2 Mickey Hines, so., RB/DB

9 Charlie Babcock, sr., WR/DB

10 Jake Pisarik, sr., QB/DB

11 Brandon Wolrab, sr., WB/DB

12 Tommy Hook, so., QB/DB

20 Howard Walker, jr., WR/DB

21 Logan Kalm, sr., WR/DB

22 Trey Ryan, sr., RB/LB

23 Johnny See, jr., WR/DB

26 Daniel Abresch, sr., WR/DB

28 Ryan Muller, jr., RB/DB

29 Luke Muller, jr., WR/DB

30 Noah Dahlstrom, sr., WR/DB

31 Alex Reid, sr., FB/LB

33 Spencer Drahos, sr., FB/LB

39 Ryan Ackerman, jr., FB/LB

41 Jake Weiland, jr., FB/LB

44 Luke Maddock, jr., TE/LB

52 Josh Hof, jr., G/DE

59 Keegan Lamparek, jr., C/DT

63 Keanan Shannon, sr., G/DE

64 Josh Cannon, sr., T/DT

73 Carson Kuntz, sr., G/DT

74 Andy Decamp, jr., T/DT

75 Alex Hale, sr., T/DE

77 Robbie Peters, sr., T/DE

82 Isaac Williams, jr., WR/DB

87 Sam Morgan, sr., WR/DB

88 Connor Herrmann, so., TE/LB