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Southmont ready for tough stretch

Heading into the season, Southmont head football coach Desson Hannum knew his team had a chance to be good, especially with the wealth of talent and experience coming back.
However, he would be the first to tell you that while he and his team expect to win each time they step foot on the field, he is a bit surprised by the fact the Mounties are 6-0 heading into this week's clash at Class 3A Western Boone (5-1).

"I don't think we could have predicted a 6-0 start, but we knew we had a chance to win every game if we played well. Along with our experience, I think our defense has played well this season. We have done a good job of forcing negative plays and putting pressure on the quarterback," Hannum told Pit Viper Sports Indiana.

The 6-0 start marks the best start for the Mounties in over four decades and at 4-0 in the Sagamore Athletic Conference, Southmont is currently on the top of the conference mountain despite being the smallest school in the SAC.
Much of the success can be traced back to the rushing attack Southmont has this season, which starts with senior running back Carson Chadd and junior fullback Wyatt Woodall.
Woodall has rushed for 588 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Chadd has amassed 405 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, while also hauling in 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
A week ago, Southmont ran past Danville, 28-14. In that game, Southmont picked up 372 of its 416 yards on the ground, while its defense held Danville to 341 yards, of which 89 came on the ground.
Shutting down the run is nothing new for the Mounties, as Hannum knew what his defense was capable of doing all season.

"I think we knew that we would be led by our defense and a strong running attack. They have done a great job of shutting down the run this season and getting timely stops. Our defense has been led upfront by Seth Tolliver and Dylan Howell. Both have double digit tackles for loss and six sacks apiece. At linebacker, we are led by our leading tackler, Wyatt Woodall, who has 42 total tackles on the season and five tackles-for-a-loss. In the secondary, we are led by EJ Brewer and Kion Cornelius," Hannum said.

A season ago, Southmont dropped its final four games of the regular season, something the Mounties have not forgotten about.
It is one reason why Hannum has reminded his team of what is at stake as the regular season winds down.
After a road trip to Western Boone, the Mounties square off against Lebanon and will close out the regular season against Tri-West and its explosive offense.

"The last part of our schedule is tough. We will play some of the best teams in our conference over the last three weeks of the season, starting this week with Western Boone. They have been one of the better programs in our conference and around the state the last five seasons. They are well coached and play a very physical style of football. After that, it doesn't get any easier playing Lebanon and Tri-West. Over the last three weeks of the regular season, we will be tested and it will tell us how good we are heading into the tournament," Hannum admitted.

Jones running hard for Tecumseh

When he finds himself in the end zone or on the receiving end of a touchdown pass, Tecumseh's Chase Jones lets his mind wander back to the yard and playing football with his brother, Baron.
It was those experiences that helped pave the way for Jones to love the game and find a passion that has Jones and his Tecumseh teammates sitting at 6-0 heading into this week's clash against Springs Valley.

"These days, what I love most about playing football is the competitive aspect of the game and the friends and relationships I have made through the years with my teammates," Jones told Pit Viper Sports Indiana.

Last season, Jones showed what he was capable of, rushing for 1,021 yards and 15 touchdowns on 159 carries, caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown and was 1-of-1 for 21 yards passing. In addition, he returned three punts for 64 yards, 13 kickoffs for 335 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, he recorded an interception and an interception for a touchdown.

"When I look back at last season, I realize how much we've grown as a team and learned how to work together. My goals for the upcoming season are to finish strong with an undefeated season and to have fun as a team, while working together to win a state championship," Jones said.

This season, Jones has picked up exactly where he left off, as he has rushed 120 times for 968 yards and 11 touchdowns, while reeling in six catches for 89 yards and two trips to the end zone. He is also 1-of-1 for 29 yards and and a touchdown passing. He has returned four punts for 107 yards, one kickoff for 90 yards and a touchdown and has registered two interceptions for 59 yards.
Most recently, Jones rushed for 312 yards and three touchdowns on 36 touches and registered 11 tackles against North Posey.

Jones told Pit Viper Sports Indiana that he doesn't hold any offers yet, but is trusting the process.

"I know that even though, sometimes, smaller schools are looked over, I believe God has a plan and the right school will come when the time is right," Jones admitted.

Until then, he is focused on bringing a state title home.

"I believe if we continue working together, we are capable of achieving whatever we set our goals to. With the support of our community and fans, it gives us the extra motivation that we need to succeed. With the coaching staff we have and the brotherhood we have created on this team, I am honestly not surprised with our success. Coach Szabo is a great leader, and we know that e can do whatever we set our minds to with our team. We are a family and we thrive because of each other's motivation," Jones said.

Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan and Ball State all offered Hamilton Southeastern's Styles Prescod after a strong camp outing

Styles Prescod on Twitter “After a great camp I am very blessed to have received an offer from Eastern Michigan University. ”

North Central's TJ McWilliams offered by Northern Illinois

TJ on Twitter “After a Great conversation with and grateful 🙏🏾 to receive an offer to Northern Illinois University ”

Center Grove's Jalen Thomeson offered by Tiffin

Jalen Thomeson on Twitter “Blessed to receive on offer from 🐉 after a call from and ”

Butler offers Perry Merridian's Landon Eagan

Landon Eagan on Twitter “After a great day at the UIndy Megacamp I am blessed to say I have received a D1 offer from ”

It has been quite a month for New Haven's Mylan Graham as he's been offered by Ohio State, Notre Dame, Indiana, Michigan, Miami (OH), Toledo and now Western Michigan. Look for offers to continue pouring in did for the Class of '24 wide receiver