Fredericktown prepares to build upon recent upswing
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Maddox Knepper
By MATT KING
FREDERICKTOWN – A significant improvement in line play has helped a slumping Fredericktown football program gather positive momentum since veteran coach Steve Williams arrived.
After the offense developed a formidable passing threat last season, the Blackcats are now hoping to make similar strides behind two First Team all-conference defenders.
Fredericktown allowed an average of 33 points per game while finishing 4-7 overall, but recorded a pair of shutout victories over Herculaneum and Potosi along the way.
“I feel like we made some good strides last year on defense, but not necessarily at all 11 spots at the same time,” Williams said. “We’ve really tried to go back and install every single technique and scheme as a unit, so they can see how everything fits together. I’m anxious to see how they perform once we start the season.”
Senior and leading tackler Mason Proffer returns to anchor the linebackers. Jesse Lewis and rising sophomore John Norwood stand to benefit from their teammates up front.
Mason Proffer
Junior Maddox Knepper has already established himself among the best interior linemen in the region, and enters his junior year with a more disruptive motor.
His opening splash against Perryville last fall included four tackles for loss plus three penalties drawn. A sack and timely forced fumble helped save the Blackcats in a district rematch against Potosi.
“Last year, he was double teamed pretty much every play. And when he wasn’t double teamed, he was held,” Williams said. “That’s part of it, but by the same token, if he’s being double teamed, then one of our linebackers is free. While it can be frustrating for a high school kid when he’s not making all of the tackles, it’s also a good thing because it allows our other guys room to make plays.”
Parker Oatman returns next to Knepper, and Shane Snodgrass is moving from the O-line to occupy an end position. Carson Buntion and Braylon Barnett are likely to split time along the other edge.
The varsity program has seen an uptick in roster numbers to around 60, getting a boost from recent increased interest at the middle school level and youth leagues.
That depth can be seen in the secondary, where five different players could possibly start despite the loss of multiple contributors to graduation.
Derek Irby returns at cornerback, and Caleb Feltz does likewise at safety. Both Ryder McMinn and newcomer Chase Adams are vying for steady roles.
Derek Irby
Blake Terry-Breakfield last played three years ago as a freshman, but is quickly getting situated at cornerback as Fredericktown begins to nail down specific details in coverage.
“I feel good about where we’re at with Xs and Os. We got a lot installed in the summer, but really took our time to make sure our kids really have an understanding of our basic offense and defense,” said Williams. “We can now start adding wrinkles and game planning to our preparation.”
The Blackcats were involved in multiple dramatic endings last fall, defeating Windsor on the final play of regulation and falling short to Central in double overtime.
With their season hanging in the balance, they executed a double pass in the final minute to stun Potosi. A clash with eventual district champions Dexter was close until the fourth quarter.
“Experience is the best thing you can have. Our kids are starting to believe that if a game is close, we have a chance to win and are going to find a way,” Williams said. “We just have to keep climbing that ladder of confidence and belief in each other.”
Braylon Barnett
A main focus of the offense is replacing the production of three-year starting quarterback Easton Wood and all-state receiver Lee’Andrea Catchings, who finished just short of 1,000 yards.
Four players could be considered to take snaps, but junior Kasen Whitener is the projected starter after directing the junior varsity show for two years.
“His technique was a little suspect as a freshman, but he’s now leaps and bounds ahead of where he was,” Williams said. “I also don’t feel like our offense will be in a situation where we have to ask our quarterback to win every game. They simply have to execute, run the offense, manage where the ball goes and take care of it, and I think we’ll be just fine.”
Irby was third on the team in receiving yards last season from a slot. Feltz may be asked to stretch the field on deeper routes while blocking tight end Cayden Crump represents another possible target.
Zac Botbyl starts again in the backfield. Proffer, Norwood, Adams and freshman Eli Pritchett are also slated for carries, and Whitener can also keep the ball.
Zac Botbyl
“We’ll have to manufacture some ways to maybe get open behind people,” Williams said. “The main thing is that we should be able to run the ball better, which should help our play-action passing.”
Familiarity with scheme appears on track for the offensive line, although only center Bladen Boswell and healthy tackle Andrew Robbins are back at their previous positions.
Aiden Schultz has moved from receiver to guard, resulting in more field action. Colton Collins is the other starting guard, and program newcomer Logan Francis is developing at tackle.
“With this group, each kid has played at least a year or two for me, so there’s an overall knowledge of what we’re trying to do,” Williams said. “We’re not changing our offense every year, and that’s another thing that helps. They have some continuity now in what they’re learning, and are able to play faster while being more aggressive.”
Fredericktown is also actively working to create points through its return game, as special teams were heavily stressed during the first week of practice.
Caleb Feltz
Terry-Brakefield is poised to do the punting while also serving as the back-up QB, while Carter Jordan and Kebbin Barton are trying out for the kicking duties.
“Special teams are called that for a reason, because they are special. They are one-third of the game,” Williams said. “A lot of times, games can be won or lost on a bad kickoff, big return, blocked punt or missed extra point. Winning the special teams battle is huge for field position and scoring.”
The Cats will play three straight road games at Herculaneum, Central, and Valle Catholic in September, but close out October with Ste. Genevieve, Windsor and East Prairie in succession at home.
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FREDERICKTOWN Blackcats
2024 Record – 4-7 (1-3 MAFC White)
Head Coach – Steve Williams (3rd season)
Key Returning Players – Mason Proffer, sr., WR/LB; Maddox Knepper, jr., DL; Caleb Feltz, jr., WR/S; Zac Botbyl, sr., RB; Derek Irby, sr., WR/CB; Bladen Boswell, soph., OT; Parker Oatman, jr., DL; Cayden Crump, jr., TE; Andrew Robbins, jr., OT; Jesse Lewis, jr., LB
2025 Schedule:
8/29 – Perryville
9/5 – at Herculaneum
9/12 – at Central
9/19 – at Valle Catholic
9/26 – Potosi
10/3 – at De Soto
10/10 – Ste. Genevieve
10/17 – Windsor
10/24 – East Prairie
