SE FOOTBALL GRABS TWO SCOTT CITY PRODUCTS; THOMAS, WIPFLER SIGN WITH INDIANS

Former Scott City linebacker Steven Thomas and offensive lineman John Wipfler were two of the 14 players who signed to play football for Southeast Missouri State University Wednesday as the official signing period began.

Thomas, a first-team all-stater, and Wipfler, who was named to the all-state second team, helped lead the Rams to the state quarterfinals.

Thomas (5-foot-10, 207 pounds) was a three-year starter for Scott City and finished the year with a team-high 117 tackles. He had 73 solo stops and also intercepted a pass and scored a touchdown.

Wipfler (6-3, 226) was a major reason why running back Matt Underwood rushed for 1,884 yards on 237 carries, but he was recruited by Southeast football coach John Mumford as a defensive end.

"I'm proud of both for their work ethic and their accomplishments," said Scott City coach Terry Flannigan.

The Indians also landed two offensive backs -- 6-5 quarterback Justin Biermann out of Dearborn (North Platte) and 5-11, 180-pound running back Iven Brown from Gosnell, Ark.

The offensive linemen that signed with Southeast on Wednesday include Adam Collavo (6-5, 280, Mathis, Tex.), Tyson Jacobi (6-4, 290, Belle Plaine, Iowa), Justen Meyer (6-6, 270, Chesterfield, Parkway Central) and David Fielder (6-3, 290, Sumral Miss., Pearl River Community College).

Defensive players who signed are linebackers Tyson Gooch (6-2, 215, Kennett), Rodney Woodall (6-2, 220, Taylor, Mississippi, NW Mississippi Community College), and Donovan Laviness (5-11, 220, Midwest City, Okla., University of Tulsa); defensive end Andy Hoffert (6-4, 230, Newton, Iowa, Iowa Central Community College); and defensive tackles John Irvin (6-1, 285, Bartlesville, Okla, NE Oklahoma A&M) and Jason Moorehead (6-2, 280, Temple City Calif., Pasadena Community College).

Of the 14 players signed, seven are college transfers.

Southeast Missouri State plans to announce more signings today and in the next several days.