Millard South tops ratings despite missing Kildow

 12 comment(s)  
 E-mail Story
 Print Story
  Share

 digg it!
 Facebook
 del.icio.us
Seed Newsvine
Fark It
Reddit

Text Size: 

Tools Sponsor

BY RYLY JANE HAMBLETON / Lincoln Journal Star

One of the most dynamic, exciting football players in the state will be standing on the sideline for Millard South to start the season.

Ty Kildow, named first-team Super-State as a wide receiver last year and second-team at the same position as a sophomore, injured his knee this summer and underwent surgery.

For Kildow, who electrified crowds with his returns as well as his catches, the only way he’ll get on the field this year is if the Patriots extend the season and play deep into the playoffs.

[+]Enlarge

In this 2006 file photo, East's Michael Knott (40) and Jake Wolf (50) take down Ty Kildow (21) of Millard South. (LJS File)

In this 2006 file photo, East's Michael Knott (40) and Jake Wolf (50) take down Ty Kildow (21) of Millard South. (LJS File)

Despite his absence, that is exactly what Millard South is picked to do, earning the Class A preseason No. 1 rating.

“Ty is one of the co-captains and he’s an inspirational leader. He garners so much respect from the other players,” said Millard South coach Andy Means. “I know he’s ahead of schedule from where he’s supposed to be with his knee. Only thing we can do is try to extend the season as long as we can.”

The Patriots, who open their season Thursday at Lincoln East, have a lot of experience to make that happen.

Jordan Hale was a first-team Super-State defensive back last year and he will also take over the duties at running back. Quarterback Bronson Marsh, just a junior, led Class A in passing in 2007 with 2,435 yards, connecting on 62 percent of his throws.

“Last year, we were forced to play a lot of young kids because we had injuries. We’re hoping that experience will carry over,” Means said. “Bronson looks very good. He’s stronger than he has been. Any coach will tell you the more experience a player or team has, the game slows down for them and they see things better.”

Another player the Patriots will count on is wide receiver and defensive back Vondrae Tostenson.

Tostenson is coming off a season cut short by a knee injury.

“Vondrae is a little rusty because he’s only played one game in two years. He’s still getting back into it and figuring things out,” Means said. “He’s very enthusiastic and excited to play and he could have a great impact.”

That’s where Kildow gets back in the picture. He will be working closely with Tostenson while Kildow goes through rehab, waiting for a chance to return.

“Ty has turned out to be a unifying force. The kids want to win a state championship and this has motivated them a little more. They’d like to see him play,” Means said. “That’s the kind of person Ty is. His role right now is to work hard to get his knee better and work to help other players.”

Joining Kildow as senior captains are Drew Neville and Zac Christo. Marsh and Joey Felici are junior captains.

Means said there is still plenty of work to do.

“We’ve got some things to shore up first. Our run defense needs to be better than it was,” he said. “And our run offense has to be better. We can’t always rely on just throwing the ball around and making big plays.

“We had to play a lot of young kids in our offensive and defensive lines and they took their lumps. We’re just hoping they’re more consistent this year. I think the lines are where we may be most improved.”

Experienced quarterbacks are the key for the next three teams in the Class A ratings. Nick Failla is back for No. 2 Millard North, Alex Hook returns for third-ranked Creighton Prep and Tyler Seals will be back at the controls for Bellevue West.

McCook, which will rely on Kansas-bound Super-Stater Tyrone Sellers, earned the top spot in Class B, with Beatrice right behind. Columbus, which drops from Class A this year, will count on Mike Ziola, who is quarterback, plays in the secondary and is the Discoverers’ punter and kicker.

Bishop Neumann (Class C-1), Wakefield (C-2), Howells (D-1) and Elgin (D-2) will start the season atop their class ratings.

Ryly Jane Hambleton at 473-7314 or rhambleton@journalstar.com.