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Hogan Prep will have a tough road during the regular season, but the Rams look for it to make them tougher by the playoffs.

The Rams feature a schedule of Class 1 state runner-up Marceline, three games up a class and, two games that are over two hours away.

“We’ll certainly be tested this season, but hopefully will make us better,” head coach Phil Lascuola said.

Hogan Prep will boast at least five seniors on each side of the ball, but not long in varsity experience.

“Although we do have multiple seniors on the roster, most have not played much high school football,” Lascuola commented. “So we will be very young experience wise. I expect us to get better as the season progresses and hope to be competitive in the postseason.” 

One experienced player will be quarterback Xavien Simmons. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior finished 2021 as the starter, in his first year playing. Simmons finished with over 400 yards and three touchdowns in the short stint.

“Xavien progressed well through 2021 and will continue to progress with experience,” Lascuola stated.

Simmons will compete for the quarterback spot with junior Marcelz McKinzy (6-foot-3, 195) a transfer from Texas a year ago.

Another returner will be senior running back Steven Clark (5-foot-7, 155). Clark darted for 735 yards and has notched over 1,700 yards in three years as a starter.

“Steven is fast and shifty, and has great character and is a hard worker,” Lascuola touted.

Up front, seniors Reggie Mitchem (6-foot-3, 235), Tyrese Jones (6-0, 220) and Xaveon Gray (6-foot-2, 300) will lead the offensive line.

“Reggie works hard, has great feet and athletic ability,” Lascuola reviewed. “Tyrese is also a hard worker in his second year as starter. Xaveon will be new to varsity but also is a hard worker and a big body with really good feet and power. His work in the offseason has prepared him to be a difference maker on the offensive line.” 

On the outside, junior Michael Smith (6-0, 155) will be the main target in his first year at receiver.

“Michael’s very athletic with great hands and some speed,” Lascuola analyzed. “He’s very shifty and should be a good addition to our offense.”
On the defensive side, Mitchem will lead the line with 26 of his 68 tackles for no gain, including seven sacks. Mitchem, a second-team Missouri Class 2 selection in 2021, has started all but two games since his freshman year.

“Reggie’s a difference maker on defense, and has great feet and speed to the quarterback. He just has an awesome nose for the ball too,” Lascuola hyped.

Joining Mitchem in the trenches will be junior DaJuan Barrett (6-foot-2, 255) who played his first year on the gridiron in 2021, and senior Jamyron Jackson (6-foot-2, 300).

“Jamyron’s a big body, powerful and is learning how to use his body for leverage. He should be a force this year.”

Senior Jamiere Copes (6-0, 225) registered 46 tackles at linebacker a season ago, while fellow senior Bryon Stokes (5-foot-7, 155) returns from a season-ending injury in Week 3 a year ago.

In the secondary, Smith returns at safety, while senior Terez Dean (5-foot-1, 165) also will patrol the field at defensive back.

“The keys for us are that as an inexperienced team, we must work hard and continue to grow and get better as the season progresses.” Lascuola forecasted.