TESTED RAM SENIORS EYE BIG SEASON

Scott City coach Terry Flannigan finally has the senior-laden squad he itched for two years ago.

"We threw 'em to the dogs as sophomores and took our lumps, and this past year as juniors they grew up a little bit," Flannigan said. "And now this year this group's really worked hard. With a little bit of luck and that hard work, maybe we can go quite a ways."

Two years ago, Scott City went 4-6. Last year, the Rams improved to 7-3, and "you could count the plays on one hand how far we were from 9-1," Flannigan said.

This year Scott City, which has 17 seniors, has high expectations.

"They're very, very focused on what has to be done this year," Flannigan said. "That group of seniors knows that we have to play every down. I think we can be very, very competitive and equal last year's record if not better it."

Scott City lost just two players on defense to graduation, both outside linebackers. Senior Dale Burger (5-feet-6, 148 pounds), who started as a down lineman last season, will occupy one of those linebacker slots.

Other returning defensive starters in Scott City's split-4 formation include inside linebackers Jeremy Mouser (6-2, 203) and Steven Thomas (5-10, 207), ends John Wipfler (6-3, 226) and Brandon Delrosa (6-1, 290) and backs Jason Bickings (5-11, 160), Brandon Amick (6-0, 149) and David Enderle (5-8, 156). All are seniors except Enderle, a junior.

Wipfler recorded seven sacks last season and Delrosa had six. Amick grabbed four interceptions, Mouser two.

"I think our defense is going to be very, very strong," Flannigan said.

And on offense, "there's potential for a lot of big plays there," he said.

Quarterback Lance Amick (5-11, 162) will pilot Scott City's multiple-set attack. The senior has held the position since midway through his sophomore season. Last year he completed 57 of 138 passes for 781 yards and seven touchdowns.

"He threw well last year and he's throwing much better this year," Flannigan said. "Plus, he's a lot stronger and faster than he was last year. He's not only there to just hand the ball off, he can hurt you through the air or run it himself."

But, he added, "He's a perfectionist. Right now the thing we've got to work on is when he makes a little mistake, he doesn't get so down on himself."

While opposing defenses last year targeted running back Howie Stubenrauch, who had 1,125 yards, this season Scott City won't have a featured back. Junior Matt Underwood (6-1, 175) and senior Terry Enderle (5-7, 193) probably will start, and Burger and junior Scott Johnston (6-0, 173) should get several opportunities.

With an improved quarterback and no star running back, the Rams will put the ball in the air more this season. Both starting wide receivers, Brandon Amick and Bickings, are back. Bickings caught 25 passes for 274 yards last year.

Returning starters on the offensive line include Delrosa at tackle, Wipfler at guard and senior Jeremy Mouser (6-2, 203) at center. Senior guard Greg Brown (6-1, 223) started a few games last year. Senior Ryan Steimle (6-3, 281) started at guard last year but Flannigan said senior Brandon Hillemann (5-10, 188) likely will start at the position this season.

"This is the first time since I've been here we have some depth in the offensive line," he said.

Scott City opens the season Friday night at home against Malden.