>> 2019 Raytown South Schedule <<

After a rough go in 2018, things can only go up for Raytown South.

The Cardinals look to rebound after a 1-9 campaign in 2018. And with a solid cast of seniors, Ray Shout should fare better.

“Hopefully we can bounce back from a rough 2018,” head coach Nick Adkins said. “We have worked hard to put ourselves in some positions to compete in our conference.”

Jovon Ray, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior, will do a bit of everything again at quarterback and wide receiver. Ray threw for 420 yards and six scores, while rushing for 220 yards and two scores. Ray also snared 10 balls for 146 receiving yards and one touchdown. 

“He’s an explosive player on both offense and defense,” Raytown South head coach Nick Adkins said of Ray, also a defensive back. “We have to work to give him opportunities to make plays.” 

Also seeing time at quarterback will be senior Kevin Connor (5-foot-11, 185), who saw limited action as a junior.

“He’s a good, left-handed quarterback, and has dedicated himself to the craft,” Adkins said.

Targets for Ray or Connor – including Ray if he’s outside – include senior wide receiver Raevon Carter (6-foot-2, 185), who led Ray South with 11 receptions, 176 receiving yards and three touchdowns. 

“He’s a big-time vertical threat,” Adkins said.

Also a target is tight end Lawrence Price, a 6-foot, 210-pound senior. 

On the ground, senior Tavain Turner (6-0, 200) will gather a lot of carries. Turner threw for 314 yards and 3 TDs, and caught 13 balls for 141 yards and a score in 2018. 

“Tavain has the ability to play a lot of positions, and will be a big key for us,” Adkins said. 

Derek Porter, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior, will garner totes at fullback.

“Derek’s the hardest worker we have in the program. We’re excited to see his hard work pay off,” said Adkins.

Defensively, Porter will lead the defensive line at end. Price and Turner will lead the linebacker corps, while Carter heads the secondary.

“Our team has to find a way to take care of the ball and give ourselves chances to be successful,” Adkins said. “Too many mistakes caused us too many problems last year. We must do what we need to do early to be competitive late in games.”