RAMS WILL HAVE HUGE HOLES TO FILL

Scott City has had quite a two-year run, going 10-2 and advancing to the Class 2A state quarterfinals in each of the past two seasons.

While the Rams lost quite a few talented players from the 1999 squad -- including their standout starting backfield of quarterback Scott Johnston and running backs Matt Underwood and David Enderle -- things are still looking up for first-year head coach Stephen O'Brien.

O'Brien, a Scott City graduate, was an assistant coach at his alma matter the past five seasons. He replaces Roy Williams, who resigned amid curious and controversial circumstances after just one year on the job.

"I have high hopes and I think the kids do, at least I hope so," said O'Brien. "We lost quite a few players, some great athletes. We lost our entire backfield, Johnston, Underwood, Enderle, and Wade Powers off the line. There are four guys that were just gamers. Replacing those guys is pretty tough. And Lucas Ward will be hard to replace. He did all of our kicking. If we got to the 20-yard line and stalled out, we could kick a field goal.

"But we've got some good players coming back and if we stay healthy, I think we'll be very competitive."

Asked if the Rams can realistically hope to approach last year's success, O'Brien said. "That's our plan. It's just hard to tell, but I think we have the potential to have a quality team like the last couple of years, although I'm not sure if we're as deep as the last couple of years."

Competing for the quarterback spot are Michael O'Brien, a 6-foot-3, 153-pound senior, and Jeremy Glastetter (5-11, 145, jr.). O'Brien, the coach's cousin, saw limited action behind Johnston during some of last season's blowout wins while Glastetter was primarily a wide receiver last year.

"They're kind of battling it out," said Stephen O'Brien. "It's probably the kind of thing that won't be decided until pretty late."

Running backs figure to be Marcus Klund (5-9, 164, jr.), Brad Glenn (5-7, 169, jr) and Matt Reed (5-8, 194, sr.). Klund and Glenn, who started on defense as sophomores, also saw spot duty in the backfield a year ago and were impressive. Reed was also on the team last season but didn't play much.

"All three have been looking pretty good," O'Brien said. "Klund and Glenn both have good, solid speed. Reed didn't play a lot last year but he's really improved."

At wide receiver are three players who all saw considerable action a year ago: Jamie Heisserer (5-9, 169, sr.), Trevor Heisserer (6-0, 161, sr.) and Jacob Ressel (6-3, 169, sr.).

The Rams graduated both their tight ends, who were a big part of the offense, but stepping in will be Andrew Estes (5-11, 195, jr.), who played some fullback last year.

Scott City should be strong up front, with Powers being the most notable loss. Returning regular Tommy Klingman (6-1, 261, sr) figures to anchor the line, along with fellow returnees Josh Heisserer (5-7, 209, sr.), Justin Wilhelm (5-11, 172, sr.), Trenton Estes (5-10, 232, jr.), Bobby Scheffer (6-0, 265, sr.) and Garrett Smiley (5-8, 169, jr.).

Defensively, Klingman, Scheffer and Josh Heisserer return as starters up front. Brett Howell (6-0, 213, sr.) also saw action while Trenton Estes and Adam Schlosser (6-0, 190, jr.) add even more depth.

Andrew Estes is a returning regular at linebacker, where Glenn, Jamie Heisserer, Wilhelm and Reed will also perform.

Klund heads up the secondary, along with the likes of Trevor Heisserer, Ressel, O'Brien and Jordan Comer (5-10, 165, jr.).

Scott City kicks off the season Friday night at home against Malden, which is expected to field an extremely strong team.

Last year, Malden rolled past Scott City in the opener, but the Rams reeled off 10 straight wins -- capped by a trouncing of the Green Wave in the state playoffs.

"I know Malden is going to be tough as nails. They only lost two or three players from last year," said O'Brien. "I think a lot of the teams on our schedule are going to be better. Charleston (Scott City's main district competition) is going to be tough."

SCOTT CITY

Mascot: Rams

Enrollment: 313

Coach: Stephen O'Brien

Conference: SEMO South

District: Class 2A, District 2

Last year's record:10-2

Key losses: Scott Johnston, QB/LB; David Enderle, RB/LB; Matt Underwood, RB/DB; Wade Powers, OL/DL

Key returners: Tom Klingman, OL/DL; Marcus Klund, RB/DB; Brad Glenn, RB/LB