College football tracker: Former area prep gridiron standouts ready for season openers

Quincy Notre Dame graduate Jonny Bottorff, left, will be the starting center when the Northern Arizona football team opens its season Saturday at Arizona. | Photo courtesy Northern Arizona athletics

QUINCY — The first weekend of the college football season puts familiar faces in new places, new roles and new positions. Here is a look at some area football products as their seasons get underway:  • A pair of Clarence Cannon Conference products are expected to play a role in the Truman State football team’s…

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Cougars set new single-season victory mark, to play for district championship

Highland running back Robert Goehl runs between two Westran defenders during Friday night's district semifinal game in Ewing, Mo. | Photo courtesy of Brenda Mallett

EWING, Mo. — Like father, like son. While Highland’s Robert Goehl was illustrating one story with his post-game thoughts, his eyes were telling another. Finally, the senior running back halted his conversation about Friday night’s 38-0 Class 1 District 6 thumping of overmatched Westran, a victory Goehl spearheaded with 202 yards rushing, a pair of…

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Countdown to kickoff: Cougars believe speed, improved defense help flip script

Improving the defense and applying consistent pressure to the quarterback should allow the Highland football team to be more competitive. Mathew Kirby photo

EWING, Mo. — Despite the speed, efficiency and explosiveness the Highland football team showcased on offense last season, defense determined the Cougars’ fate. A 52-50 loss to Clark County in the district opener is no better example. “We have to get guys in the right positions to make plays,” Highland coach Dave Degarmo said. “That’s…

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