MP tackles Centerville for homecoming

In last year?s homecoming game, the Mt. Pleasant football team scraped out a 15-14 win over Ft. Madison.

Last week, the Bloodhounds were able to celebrate a homecoming victory over Mt. Pleasant.

This week, Mt. Pleasant is looking for another homecoming celebration of its own.

It has a tough opponent to tackle in the game ? Centerville.

The Big Reds are coached by Mt. Pleasant alum Chuck Evans, the son of longtime Panther coach Bob Evans, and they are 2-2 this year and 1-1 so far in district play. They have lost to district opponent Williamsburg, 61-14, and beat Keokuk, 49-20.

The Centerville offense is led by quarterback Michael Starcevich, who is 41-of-79 and has thrown for 900 yards and nine touchdowns. He has yet to throw a pick.

Many of his passes end up in the hands of receiver Kolton Gonnerman, who has 21 receptions for 435 yards (20.7 yards per catch) and five touchdowns. Grant Moorman has 241 yards in six receptions, averaging 40.2 yards per catch, and has scored twice.

Starcevich also leads the team with 226 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

?He?s a three-year starter; he hurt us last year and he?ll be a good opponent again,? Mt. Pleasant Coach Shawn Striegel said. ?He has some weapons to go with him, too ? I think their best receiver is Gonnerman, but Gradyon Schmidt is also decent and Garrett Moorman does some damage, too.?

After their first few games this season, the Panthers are used to seeing a strong offensive attack from tough opponents.

?It?s a lot like what we?ve seen in other games this year ? they have a spread offense, and like to run the ball,? Striegel said. ?We?re going to have to slow some guys down.?

Kickoff for the Mt. Pleasant homecoming game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The freshmen play at 5 p.m., and in between games, the 1963 football team will be honored for their unbeaten, untied and unscored upon season 50 years ago.

Mt. Pleasant starters

OFFENSE

Pos.:  Name,   Ht.,  Wt.,  Class

QB:  Dustin Amos,  6-3, 180, Senior

FB:  Justin Dilks,  6-3, 220, Senior

TB:  Carson Remick,  6-0, 190, Senior

WR:  Cole Phillips,  5-11, 135, Junior

WR:   Blake Knudsen,  5-11, 149, Senior

TE:  Ben Canby,  6-1, 220, Junior

C:  Jackson Kelley,  6-6, 297, Junior

LG:  Marcus Moothart,  6-2, 185,  Junior

RG:  Tyler Ruby,  6-2, 215, Junior

LT:  Matt Scudder,  6-2, 225, Senior

RT:  Justin Nichting,  6-4, 215, Senior

K:  Zoom Gwamna,  5-9, 160, Junior

DEFENSE

Pos.:  Name,   Ht., Wt.,  Class

LT:  Ben Canby,  6-1, 220, Junior

NG:  Keegan Pullis,  6-5, 238, Soph.

RT:  Dante Vandenberg, 6-5, 231, Junior

LB:  Dustin Amos,  6-3, 180, Senior

LB:  Justin Dilks,  6-3, 220, Senior

LB:  Carson Remick,  6-0, 190, Senior

LB:  Tyler Ruby,  6-2, 215, Junior

LB:  Austin Smith,  5-8, 155, Junior

LC:  Spencer White,  6-3, 175, Junior

RC:  Justin Chalupa,  5-9, 140, Senior

FS:  Beau Parkevich,  5-10, 144, Junior

P:  Ben Canby,  6-1, 220, Junior