AURORA, MO - The Aurora Houn Dawgs could take comfort in the fact that it took the eventual state champions in Class 3 last year, Logan-Rogersville, to knock them out of the playoffs. And with their top offensive and defensive player, Everett Basham, returning for his senior season, Aurora is looking for another strong run this season.
Head Coach - Rick Scholten, 5th season
2011 record: 6-5 (lost to Class 3 state champion Rogersville in first round)
Returning starters: 11
Players to watch: RB-LB Everett Basham, QB Clayton Sumners, OL-DL Jed Ormsby
Basham was an all-state linebacker last year and as a runningback, rushed for over 1.500 yards. He along with returning quarterback Clayton Sumners and a pair of all-conference receivers give the Houn Dawgs a strong line-up at the skill positions, but fifth year head coach Rick Scholten has concerns about how effective they can be because of his offensive line.
"We have two linemen back but we've lost three who were really effective," Scholten said. "But we do expect our kids to step up. That's the fun of football. Kids graduate and somebody else gets the chance to step-up and be successful on Friday night."
The Houn Dawgs are also a bit thin on the defensive line, and Scholten says he may have to add an extra linebacker or move some players around to compensate. Finding answers to these problems will determine just how successful Aurora will be in 2012.
"It will be all about finding ourselves," Scholten explained. Talking about Aurora's proud tradition, which includes a state championship in 1999, he added, "our kids know that what they're a part of is a big deal. Now is our time to contribute to the history of the Houn Dawg football program."
