Respect.  Most football teams would have it following an 8-2 season.  But the 2008-09 edition of the Carl Junction Bulldogs realize they must earn it all over again, after the departure of a talented 2008 senior class.

Gone are 10 starters from the offensive or defensive sides of the ball.  Graduated are the quarterback, leading rusher and leading receiver.  Those missing include 82% of the scoring and rushing, as well as 56% of the receiving yardage.  On the defensive side of the ball, approximately 60% of the tackles, sacks and turnovers have moved on.  Even the punter and kicker graduated.

So what does that do for the attitude of Head Coach Bret Gosch?

“Our confidence will carry over from last season,” said Gosch, in his fifth year as CJ’s leader.  “We expect to have greater depth at all positions.” If attendance at the Bulldogs’ final week of summer camp was any indication of the potential to build depth, Gosch should be happy.  Over 80 players were in attendance, a probable “record” for Carl Junction although no such statistics are tracked.  By the time the Bulldogs reached the second week of practice, the roster was still over 70 strong.

Bret Gosch

By comparison, sixty-two players, including a dozen seniors, were on the Bulldogs’ opening day roster in 2007. 

This summer’s camp attracted a large number of incoming freshmen as well as several upper-class newcomers to the team, intrigued by the team’s recent success and positive attitude of the coaching staff. 

Gosch was pleased with the overall progress of the players during this summer’s off-season workout schedule.

“Being familiar with the new offense puts us way ahead of where we were last year and gives us a great deal of confidence going into the season,” Gosch explained.

Gosch believes he has a core group returning on the offensive line, a key to success when his team has the ball.

Returning veterans up front include junior Brandon Ray (who started 10 games at Center) as well as seniors Austin Osborn, Brandon Hunter and Andrew Clark.    Osborn, at his tackle position, received post-season honors from the Big 8 as well as the Southwest Missouri Football Coaches’ Association.  He also received Honorable Mention for the Joplin Globe All-Area Team.  He has lettered all three years for the Bulldogs, seeing significant playing time on special teams as a freshman before moving into a starting role on offense during his sophomore season. Junior Levi Maggard could be the Bulldogs' fifth O-lineman, moving to the position from running back.

Austin Osborn

A pair of juniors are expected to compete for the starting quarterback position.  Matt Thompson and Jake Stevenson led the Bulldogs during several 7 on 7 passing scrimmages this summer.  Approaching the jamboree, Thompson appeared to have the edge for the starting nod.

Junior Zach Waranch and senior Kyle McConnell give the Bulldogs a pair of players with experience running the football.  The two combined for nearly 400 yards on 82 carries, including a 6.4 yards per rush average by Waranch.  McConnell saw the majority of his action at fullback, paving the way for the now-departed Zak Porath.  Waranch gave Porath a breather, showing bursts of speed from the tailback position.  He gained 115 yards on 7 carries in a week six victory over Aurora.  He also returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown against Seneca.  Junior Brandon McCoy and sophomore Dakota Sailor could also see action from the backfield for the Bulldogs in 2008 as well.

Kyle McConnell

Competition for the tight end position will be wide-open.  McCoy and sophomore Russel Richardson looked sharp throughout the summer catching passes during 7 on 7 drills, but Richardson injured his knee and could be out for some time.  Junior Coury Ferson is among those players who have subsequently picked up more reps at TE during practice.

The Bulldogs appear to have plenty of help at wide receiver.  Start with 6’3” senior Joey Braeckel, a Big 8 Second Team selection in 2007.  Senior Ryan Fullerton had 8 catches in 2007 and Stevenson, with 7 catches last year, will play wide-out if not taking snaps for the Bulldogs.  Juniors Adam Hertzberg and Jansen Adams have also been competitive running routes during summer workouts, as have Kevin Hinson and Devin Hance.

Gosch was complimentary of his skill players. “I believe Joey Braeckel is one of the best players in the conference, on both sides of the ball.  Kyle McConnell is a hard runner and a good blocker.  Jake Stevenson and Brandon McCoy have excellent hands, with Stevenson making some big catches for us last year.” When speaking of two of the more important offensive positions, Gosch added, “(QB) Matt Thompson could be one of our biggest surprises this season.  Zach Waranch is expected to be a big part of stepping into Zak Porath’s shoes.”

Joey Braeckel

Defensively, the Bulldogs will stand tough beginning with junior linebacker Levi Maggard (103 tackles in 2007) and Braeckel, who recorded 91 tackles and 3 interceptions from his safety position.  Braeckel earned Big 8 Second Team honors as a defensive back.

Clark, Hunter and Osborn combined for nearly 90 tackles from their defensive line positions.

Competition will be wide open for the remaining defensive end, linebacker and defensive back positions.  Look for upperclassmen Fullerton, McConnell, McCoy, Thompson, Stevenson, Waranch, Ray, Ferson, and Dalton England to contribute significant playing time.

With the August 22 jamboree rapidly approaching and the season-opener at Lamar just around the corner, the 2008 Carl Junction Bulldogs are anxious to take the field in front of their fans.

“Our philosophy is to build off what we achieved last year,” Gosch said.  “To be able to turn our record around was a terrific feeling, but now the kids and coaches have raised the bar.  They want the opportunity to play in the playoffs.  Our schedule is even tougher with the addition of Carthage and Nevada.  We realize that we are playing for a (Big 8) championship every week of the season due to being locked in by our conference schedule.  It is a great challenge and our kids have the confidence and enthusiasm that it is going to take to succeed.  Every week will be a key match up because of our schedule.”