14 starters, 23 lettermen return for Mauk 2.0

By Jared Lankford Special to Monett Monthly

To most, a 3-7 campaign in 2024 does not seem like much to be thankful for, but for Ben Mauk, Monett football coach, last season was one of establishment and growth.

Changing a culture does not happen overnight, and growth is a factor that cannot solely be determined by wins and losses alone.

“Last year was my first year at Monett,” Mauk said. “I was the third head coach for the senior class. Coming off an 0-10 season, we were able to win three games and give ourselves a chance to win many more. We play in arguably the toughest conference in the state of Missouri, so it was definitely a learning experience. We had an entirely new coach staff that installed an entirely new offense and defense. 

“Our kids, led by our senior class, bought in and we made a lot of progress. We were able to finish in the middle of our conference, eventually losing in our district playoff game to Bolivar.”

This year, the Cubs have a returning head coach and accompanying staff, but also return 23 lettermen and 14 starters from last season.

The Cubs displayed an air-raid offense that threw for 340.3 yards per game last year. With seven starters returning on that side of the ball, that number could increase this year.

A big area of off season focus has been on the defense, where the Cubs surrendered 4.38 points per game and 304 yards rushing.

On offense, Monett returns quarterback Dylan Washick, along with receivers Carson Nestleroad, Alex Meek, August Black and Collin Umfleet.

On the line, Edgar Mercado, Oscar Hinojosa and Braidon Castor return.

“Alex is one of the best athletes in the Big 8,” Mauk said. “We look to use his size and athleticism to create mismatches on the outside for us. Collin is a Swiss army knife. He can throw it, run it, catch it, and he is one of the more physical players in the Big 8. He’s not afraid of contact and he gets stronger as the game goes on.”

Defensively, the secondary returns nearly intact for the Cubs with Chris Spears, Black and Kasen Carr coming back. Tucker Anderson and Aiden Rivera will anchor the linebacking corp and Camden Towle and Chris Calhoun will plant their flags on the defensive line. 

“August is the type of kid you build your program around. He is a great leader and extremely coachable. The quarterback of our defense who can also double as a receiver. Tucker has the potential to be the best player in the Big 8. He is strong, quick, and athletic. His ability to move his weight at the speed he goes could cause problems for opponents.”

As the Cubs press into the season, Mauk has made his vision clear.

“I am looking forward to year two here at Monett,” he said. “I believe we have one of the best staffs put together in the state of Missouri, and I wouldn’t want to work for anyone other than the administration we have here. We are all working together and supporting one another as we seek to restore the history and tradition of Monett football. 

“This community has welcomed me with open arms, and I am excited about how hard these kids have been working. They want to make their classmates, school, community and alumni proud to call themselves Cubs.”

Mauk said to instill that pride, he plans to push this team to play fast and compete in every opportunity given. 

“We want to embrace the process and push each other to be greater,” he said. “Each week in the Big 8 is a key match-up for us, and we believe the competitive nature of the Big 8 will help prepare us to be successful in the post season. This conference is full of great players and even better coaches, so we will have our hands full. However, we are excited about the challenge and look forward to playing hard for four quarters each and every week.”

The Cubs open the season at home with Nevada on Aug. 29.