Millard South ushers in a new era next week when they face rival Millard West in the first game of the season. It will be Ty Wisdom’s first game as head coach of the Patriots. Here are notes and observations from Millard South practice on Friday, August 12, 2022. 

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The Known

Starting with special teams here. That is because senior Simon McLannan is that good. He is absolutely one of surest things on the Patriots roster in 2022. The Kansas State commit is probably a better punter than a kicker and he is nearly automatic as a kicker. 

A senior laden defensive line is always a good thing. Senior Lance Rucker returns after four sacks and 38 total tackles in 2021. He is clearly the leader up front on the defensive side of the ball. Senior JR Lecuona will anchor the inside of the defensive front after 45 tackles and three sacks in 2021. Senior Bryson Zimmerman is back and will look to improve on his four sacks in 2021. 

The deepest position on the team is the linebacker unit. The Patriots will get athleticism and the proverbial ‘flying to the football’ with this unit. Seniors Grant Renken, Dominic McGargill will lead the group along with juniors Caeden Olin and Trae Weaver. Sophomores Dillan Kuhl and Mitchell Traubel are two younger linebackers that are pushing for playing time and will provide significant depth. 

The quarterback position is in good hands with senior Cam Koezal taking over the reins at quarterback for do everything player Gage Stenger. Koezal saw some first team action late last season and is very much in the mold of Stenger at the position — an athletic quarterback that can extend plays with his legs if needed. Koezal could miss some time due to baseball. Senior Brock Murtaugh, juniors Kaleb Panowicz and Ean Langer are battling to see who the backup would be should Koezal miss time. 

The Unknown

There is depth at running back. In fact you could see a rotation at the position. Which players will fill the void left by Christian Nash and his 1,126 yards and 13 touchdowns is an unknown. Junior Nolan Feller and freshman Gabe Prusha are two names out of a group of four and maybe five backs that could see time at the position. 

Defensive back is a bit of an unknown just due to a little lack of varsity experience outside of Murtaugh and his 51 tackles returning at safety. First year player, senior Austin Trotter is long and athletic. On Friday, he took first team reps along with junior Delon Jones and senior Gavin Nunnally at corner. Junior Dom Duggan will get the first look at the rover position along with three to four others opposite Murtaugh in the middle of the second secondary. 

The offensive line is clearly an unknown due to overall lack of varsity experience. Lecuona will likely be a starter both ways. Seniors Brock Dyer, Barrett Luce, Zach Flegel and junior Max Grey are likely the starters across the offensive line. 

Coaches Corner: Millard South football coach Ty Wisdom