The Salem High football squad wrapped up its summer offseason program by competing at the St. Clair Full-Contact Camp Friday, Aug. 1 at St. Clair High School.
Salem joined Rolla, Hillsboro and host St. Clair at the event.
“I think it was a good experience,” said Neal Myers, entering his third season as Tiger head coach. “We got to see live action. Camp-wise, we were a little frustrated. But with our offense we knew the timing wouldn’t be there yet. And defensively we had some alignment issues. But we were excited for it. We’ve still got time to get going in some areas. You wish you’re operating like it’s Week 10. But it’s not even preseason yet.”
Salem came away with one injury at the St. Clair event, as senior FS-RB James Lewis suffered a knee injury. The extent of the injury wasn’t known as of the end of the weekend.
The Tigers now rest up this week for the start of preseason practice, which will be Monday, Aug. 11.
On Aug. 11-14 practice will be held from 5-8 p.m. at the Salem High football practice area. And Friday, Aug. 15 practice will be from 3:30-6:30 p.m., with a parent meeting following at 7 p.m.
Salem is slated to hold a controlled scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 16, from 8:30-11 a.m. at Schuchardt Stadium.
The Tigers are to compete in the Sullivan Jamboree Friday, Aug. 22 then open the schedule by hosting St. James Friday, Aug. 29, with a 7 p.m. kickoff at Schuchart Stadium. Salem then plays at Linn Sept. 5 before opening SCA competition Sept. 12 at Houston.
The Tigers are coming off a 2-8 overall record and a 2-5 SCA mark.
Salem has eight players on both sides of the ball with varsity starting experience returning.
For the second straight year senior Hayden Ragsdale will be directing the Tiger offense at quarterback. Ragsdale (14-63 for 265 yds, three TDs in 2024) has a strong arm and may air it out more this fall in Salem’s option game. Senior Everett Campbell, who Myers calls his Swiss Army knife due to his versatility, is the backup QB. Campbell missed much of the summer with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but is expected back for the opening of practice.
Salem will have a new set of running backs in juniors Sylis DuBois and Brody Ray. At fullback is senior Cason Malone and Campbell.
Tiger receivers are juniors Max Schloemer and Ryan Halinar.
On the offensive line are senior Charlie Terrill at left tackle; senior Titan Shepherd at left guard; sophomore Colton Mink at center; senior Gavin Sapaugh at right guard, and junior Jon Bettigrew at right tackle.
“We will be a heavy run-attack offense,” Myers said. “But I think we can add more in the passing game. I think there may be some nice additions. A lot of that is Ragsdale being in his second year as a quarterback. He has made good strides. A lot of that is being in his second year at quarterback.
“Brody Ray is stepping into the backfield and he will have some highlights,” Myers said. “There will be some new offensive linemen, so they are going to be more aggressive later on than when the season starts. And DuBois was a highlight at camp on both sides of the ball.”
Salem will use a 4-2-5 defensive formation.
On the front line sophomore Titus White and Malone are at end with sophomore Trenton Ragsdale at tackle and junior Jayden Hicks at noseguard.
Projected starting linebackers are Campbell and senior Ira Barton.
Cornerbacks are DuBois (29 tac. in 2024) and junior Paxton Deason.
Sapaugh (73 tac., five TFL) is at strong safety, Schloemer at weak safety and Ray at free safety.
“I thought our secondary looked good (in the St. Clair Team Camp),” Myers said. “We’ve had a couple injuries during the summer and got to look at younger talent. We’re pretty new up front. Barton has played pretty good at linebacker.”
Heading into practice Campbell is the front-runner for punter. The place-kicker is yet to be determined.
Among the key losses to graduation included RB/LB Reuben Hovey (634 yds, 6.7 yds-per-carry rushing; 47 tac.); RB-DL Tobey Gover (59 tac., four sacks), and OL Grant Case.
