Hounds set to honor decorated senior class

Before tonight's 7 p.m. game against Smithville, Maryville will formally honor a 21-member senior class that has been a vital part of the team's current and recent success.

The class includes 17 players that are either starting or contributing heavily on this year's team, eight multi-year starters, six All-MEC selections, an all-state selection and three players that have generated college interest.

During their last three years together, Maryville has gone a combined 25-5, with two district titles, a shared conference title and two playoff appearances.

At 6-0 and ranked No. 2 in Class 3, the senior-laden Hounds are favored to win conference and districts again. They also have a very real shot to conclude their season at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

It would be a fitting ending for a class that either way will be remembered as one of the best to ever come through Maryville.

"This senior class has experienced a ton of success here at Maryville High School and in many sports, whether its football, basketball, baseball or wrestling," said Maryville first-year head coach Matt Webb. "They're just a very talented group. You can speak for each and every one of them not just the guys that have an opportunity to play at the college level. They enjoy being around each other. They love the camaraderie. They love everything about it. It's a special group."

Among the notable members of the class are all-state lineman and state champion shot putter Caleb Mather, two-year starting quarterback Jonathan Baker, All-MEC running back Derek Stiens, starting wideouts Kyle Leslie and Treyton Burch, All-MEC defensive end Tyler Tripp and starting All-MEC offensive linemen Shane Owens and Eric Sigman.

Additional senior starters are tight end/linebacker Ridge Yount, linebacker Paden Maudlin, cornerback Tyler Kenkel, center Cain Farrell, first-year kicker Boston Schneider, cornerback Joe Schreck and wing back Peyton Mizera.

Defensive end/linebacker Dillon Alexander, defensive back Troy Sherry, special teamer Ben Wilmes, defensive lineman Austin Colwell and wide receiver Daniel Butler provide further depth.

The class lost two of its most heralded members—All-MEC running back Cole Forney and all-state linebacker Jordan Zech—to off-season suspensions.

This was followed by the news that their head coach for the first three years of high school—Chris Holt—was leaving to take over at Oak Park.

An immediate sense of panic was replaced by excitement once the Hound seniors were introduced to Webb.

"At first, we really didn't know what was going on," said Maudlin. "Then we got coach Webb and he came around and met with all the seniors. We figured out he was a pretty good guy and that we would be alright. He stepped in and it's like we never missed a beat."

In a relatively short amount of time, Webb has formed close relationships with all of his seniors.

It's a class he'll always hold near and dear to his heart for the way they embraced him.

"They've meant the world to me," said Webb. "They accepted a guy that comes in with a little different mindset than coach Holt. It's going to be special to see them perform Friday night. We talk about making memories. We made some great Homecoming memories. I'm really hoping this Senior Night we'll make some great memories."