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A year ago, Blue Springs South found itself on the short side of close games. This year, the Jaguars look to flip the script for a few more wins.

Blue Springs South, which finished 1-9 a year ago, lost three games by a score or less against three Suburban Gold foes.

“We lost multiple late games and heart breakers in the 2020 season, so our emphasis is finishing games for 2021,” stated BSS head coach Matt Klein.

The Jaguars do return a solid senior class and increased the numbers out for football in 2021.

“We have continued to build our depth on both sides of the ball and increased numbers again for 2021,” Klein said. “The number one key to our season is the increased competitiveness and depth of our line on both sides of the ball.”

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Seniors Drew Penniston (5-foot-11, 245), Kole Collins (6-foot-3, 270), Cooper Boyles (5-foot-10, 225), Avion Phillips (6-foot-1, 265) and junior Noah Macias (6-foot-1, 290) will bolster the offensive line.

Senior tight ends Owen Gish (6-foot-5, 240) and Luke Seib (6-foot-4, 225) – who holds offers from UTEP and Texas State among others - also will help the line and be targets in the passing game.

On the outside, senior Alex Israelite (5-foot-11, 165) and junior Malachi Howard (6-0, 165) will line up at wide receiver.

Who will hurl the ball remains to be settled, as juniors Cash Parker (6-foot-1, 200) and Trey Patrick (6-0, 165) will compete for the starting nod at quarterback.

Defensively, the front will rotate Penniston, Collins, Boyles, Phillips and Macias along with Gish will join junior Jose Jenkins (6-foot-3, 265), who started as a sophomore at defensive tackle.

Israelite will help lead the secondary at safety, while Howard will draw the top receiver at cornerback.

“Malachi brings us elite speed and athleticism,” Klein said. “He gives us a true lockdown corner with Division 1 caliber ability and potential.”

The Jaguars open the season again Lee’s Summit North and Lee’s Summit West at home in the first two weeks.

>> Blue Springs South team page, schedule <<