Following the graduation of numerous starters and other key players, the Houston High School football team will have a decidedly different look in the 2025 season.
“There are new faces in lots of places,” said head coach Eric Sloan. “It’s challenging at times but it’s exciting at times to see the competition that’s brewing. But we’re definitely going to be inexperienced in a lot of places. We’ll see how it all pans out when the time comes.”
Sloan enters his 11th season at the helm of HHS football. He appreciates the togetherness of his current collection of players.
“Everyone gets along really well,” Sloan said. “The kids like each other and we haven’t had any drama or any issues on the field. A lot of these kids are pretty tight outside of sports and play multiple sports together. I think that’s big.”
Riley anchors offense
The Tigers return six full-time starters from last season. On offense, three return but only one will be in the same position: Quarterback DJ Riley. As a junior, Riley threw for 1,007 yards and 8 touchdowns, while rushing for 458 yards and 6 touchdowns on 71 carries.
Meanwhile, senior Mason Dodson will move to tight end after earning first-team all-conference recognition as an offensive lineman last season, and senior Caden Guerra will transition from receiver to running back.
“It’s kind of unique,” Sloan said. “But I guess if you have only one guy in the same spot, it’s good it’s the quarterback because he can put people in the places they need to be and be the vocal leader.”
Riley and Guerra will be joined in the backfield by junior Aaron “Tank” McCarthy, senior Eli Newsome and freshman Tucker Venn.
The Tigers’ passing game will feature a receptions-by-committee approach, as Riley will have several targets to throw to. The array of wide receivers will be led by several upperclassmen, including seniors Kaden Beasley, Jakob Lee and Aron Flores, and juniors Dillon Shelton and Kane Crawford.
“We’ve had some guys step up and do some nice things for us,” Sloan said. “We have quite a list of guys who can contribute out there.”
Working up front on the offensive line will be senior Toby Head and junior Oliver Greiner at tackle, junior Cason Woolsey and sophomore Brody Neugebauer at guard and senior Elliot Greiner at center.
“Some of those guys are playing new positions,” Sloan said, “so we’re learning on the fly and trying to minimize mistakes.”
Sloan likes the mental approach the Tigers’ offense has displayed in the preseason.
“I think we’re pretty smart,” he said. “We’re smart academically and we’re starting to figure things out and understand the game a little bit. I think that will be a strength as we try to get into different formations and play faster.”
Dodson leads defense
The Tigers also have three regular starters returning on defense: Dodson and McCarthy at linebacker and Riley at defensive back (Beasley also got some starts last season). Dodson led the Tigers in tackles last season with 99 and has been a two-way starter for three years.
“He understands things and he likes to be physical,” Sloan said. “As our leader, when he goes, we will go.”
Riley had 66 tackles last year and earned second-team all-conference recognition, while McCarthy recorded 60 tackles and earned all-conference honorable mention.
Freshmen impact
Underclassmen – including freshmen – will likely play a key role for Houston on both sides of the ball this season.
“We’re going to play several of them on special teams,” Sloan said. “We’re going to minimize – to the best that we can – how much they’re playing, but we’re going to have some guys who do get on the field. It’s a good group, but we’re going to try to ease them into the Friday nights as slowly as we can.”
Sloan has compiled an overall record of 40-59 during his tenure (including a 6-5 mark last year).
“We’re going to have to stay healthy,” Sloan said. “In small town high school football, you’re always concerned about depth. The way our roster is built right now, we’re an injury away from being really, really young. We’re inexperienced the way it is, but we’re going to get even more inexperienced if we have any injuries.”
Season outlook
The Tigers played in a preseason jamboree last week at Mountain Grove (including Thayer and Willow Springs) and host Pierce City in the season-opener this Friday (Aug. 29). Last year at Pierce City, the Tigers won in overtime, 42-39.
“There are going to be some growing pains, and we understand that,” Sloan said. “But we need to try to get better each and every week, and hopefully grow up each week, and play more like veteran guys out there.”
