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Season Preview: Winnetonka

By Chad Rader, 810 Varsity, 08/09/21, 9:00AM CDT

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Essex, Griffins target another winning campaign ahead

>> Griffins team page, schedule <<

A year ago, Winnetonka enjoyed one of its best starts in school history, but ran out of gas at the end.

The Griffins look to level that out in 2021, and have a few weapons to do so.

Winnetonka started out 6-0 last year under head coach Benny Palmer, including beating Kearney in Week 6. But the Griffins sustained losses to perennial powers Platte County, Smithville and Harrisonville, and a season-ending rematch with Kearney in the playoffs.

“We expect to be able to compete against the top teams in the area,” stated Palmer, in his fourth season as Tonka’s head coach. “We have made strides and hope to be able to compete for district and conference titles this year.

Tonka brings back one of the top playmakers in the area in wide receiver Jason Essex (6-foot-2, 205). The senior held 10+ offers from Power 5 schools before committing to Iowa State in July. In 2020, Essex hauled in 51 receptions for 811 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning second-team all-Missouri Class 4 honors. Essex holds the school receiving records in nearly all categories.

“Jason’s meant a lot to this program, and has shown to our players what can be accomplished with hard work, on and off the field,” said Palmer.

The Griffins do lose the services of another second-team all-state selection in running back Montre Moore, and also quarterback Jovan Satterwhite.

Replacing Satterwhite will be either senior Ty Ceasar (6-0, 170) or junior Devin Sontag (6-2, 195).

Getting more carries in place of Moore will be Johnell Essex, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound senior. Johnell rushed for 116 yards on just 11 carries, with two scores last year in four games.

“Coming into the year with some varsity experience will help a lot, and knowing what expect at this level,” Palmer said.

Fellow senior Julian Eslinger (5-foot-9, 170) also will garner totes at running back. On the outside, Jason Essex will be joined by receiver Michael Lane (6-0, 160) and tight end Connor Lynch.

Up front on the line, a pair juniors will help lead the Griffins as well as bringing size in Jonathan Williams (6-foot-2, 295) and Paul Young (6-foot-3, 305). Williams will also cross over to anchor the defensive front at tackle, while Young will line up at defensive end. Both were all-conference selections in the Suburban Blue a year ago.

The linebackers will be led by senior Hunter Martin and Lynch. Martin (6-0, 180) racked up 84 tackles – 29 for loss – in nine games last year, and was tabbed as an all-Suburban Blue first teamer. Lynch (6-foot-3, 210) will play outside linebacker, where he notched 53 tackles – 21 for loss – and added six sacks. Lynch will serve as team captain, after also being named to the all conference team a year ago.

The secondary will be athletic with both Jason and Johnell Essex at cornerbacks, as well as Eslinger patrolling at strong safety, while Lane will man free safety.

“We feel pretty good in many areas. We have a strong offensive and defensive line of talented returning players.  We have very talented top end athletes on the perimeter,” Palmer analyzed. “The ability for a quarterback and running back to lead the team is the focus. If we get that and stay healthy, we’ll have some success this year.”

>> Griffins team page, schedule <<
 

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