Marion County expects to challenge at top of Region 3-2A

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Marion County junior Brody Leonard catches a pass during a July practice for the Warriors.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Marion County junior Brody Leonard catches a pass during a July practice for the Warriors.
photo Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Marion County junior Brody Leonard catches a pass during a July practice for the Warriors.

View the rest of our Best of Preps pre-season coverage here

MARION COUNTY WARRIORS

Head coach: Tim Starkey (first year here and overall)

Returning starters: 4 offensive; 3 defensive

Last year's record: 9-2 overall, lost in Class 2A second round

Key players: Alex Condra (6-0, 200) Sr. RB/DB, Trystan Hardesty (5-11, 250) Sr. OL/DL, Keanum Cummings (6-3, 300) Sr. OL/DL, Kane Bohannon (6-4, 350) Jr. OL/DL, Cole Caldwell (6-3, 310) Sr. OL/DL, Brayden Coffelt (6-3, 260) So. TE/DE, Ryan Kitchen (6-2, 230) Jr. DL

Season outlook: After working his way up the coaching staff, including as offensive coordinator last season, Starkey takes over a program with plenty of potential.

Both lines have plenty of size and depth - the offensive front averages 290 pounds - and although the skill positions are inexperienced other than Condra, there is no shortage of playmakers. Condra, a three-sport letterman, is coming off an all-region junior season and will be joined by junior Brody Leonard and sophomore Sam Pickett, a pair of speedsters who are versatile enough to play receiver or in the backfield.

"Brody is someone that is a game changer," Starkey said. "He is definitely someone that can lead our team to great things this season. And Sam is a very special talent who'll be depended on, too."

Keanum Cummings has worked to return after an ACL injury last year and is joined up front by his younger brother Kane, who became a two-way starter last season. The brothers, as well as sophomore Brayden Coffelt, should help make both lines a strength for the Warriors.

"Keanum has what it takes to take over a football game," Starkey said. "And Kane can be a real force down in the trenches. Brayden is an exceptional talent who I expect will be one of our team leaders."

Despite competing in a loaded region that includes perennial playoff powers Meigs County and Tyner, as well as Bledsoe County, which won the region two years ago, Marion is expected to be a strong contender to finish at the top of the region and battle for a strong playoff showing.

Upcoming Events