When Steve Warren is in town, the TAG crew makes time for the former NFL defensive lineman — and vice versa.

Warren, a former Green Bay Packer, Nebraska Cornhusker and Kickapoo High School Chief is back in his hometown doing some legwork for the imminent launch of his D.R.E.A.M. Springfield chapter and second-annual From the Field to the Court football/basketball featuring himself and former Kickapoo Chief/current Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Tolliver.

Taking a seat in the TAG HQ studios, Warren took some time to talk to TAG’s Allen Vaughan and Brett Johnston to discuss his organization/camp, concussions, bounties and he even busted out some a capella singing that’s worth a listen.

The last time most of us saw Tim Huskisson play basketball, it was at Willard High School and he was 6-foot-4, 190 pounds. After one season at Division I Northern Colorado, where he started 17 of 28 games and averaged 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, he’s 6-5 “and some change,” hovering around 203 pounds.

Huskisson, a business and communication double major at UNC, stopped by TAG HQ (334 W. Walnut B) to hang out in the studio with TAG’s Allen Vaughan and Brett Johnston to catch up on his past season. The topics: Whether or not he’s transferring to Missouri State, getting so much playing time early, dunking on people (including UNC teammate and Branson native Tate Unruh) and much more.

You can stream the audio here or you can download it as an MP3. And, you can always find exclusive one-on-one interviews like this by subscribing to TAG Media’s podcast feed via ITunes.

Ryan Rippee warms up outside Drury's practice facility during Spring Break. Photo by Alex Stocksdale/For TAGsgf.com

Sitting at the Springfield Tip Off Club awards luncheon in early March, a fidgety Ryan Rippee is surrounded by his teammates and a reporter. He’s busy on his cell phone and joking with teammates, but the nerve-calming has nothing to do with knowing his Kickapoo High School Chiefs aren’t going to win any awards. For that alone, he should be commended.

See, this year, Rippee had one of the best seasons in Kickapoo basketball history. He averaged more than 25 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game, and became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,485 points, outdoing household names like Deven Mitchell, Spencer Laurie, Shane Laurie, NBA-bound Anthony Tolliver and Kyle Kirk (1,431), the guy he passed on the list.

But still, the 6-foot-5 senior just sat there. And he joked some more. He knew national sports phenomenon Dorial Green-Beckham was winning the individual MVP award, because while 1,485 is impressive, DGB scored more than 2,000 points in his career.

And then, with one sentence, it all made sense. He turned to his friend and teammate, Robert Schroff, and said: “Today’s the first day of baseball practice. I haven’t been this excited in a long time.” The look on his face was of pure joy.

It says a lot about Ryan Rippee, the son of Dick Rippee, his coach at Kickapoo and a former assistant at Evangel University. Because while Ryan Rippee has spent his life around basketball — and becoming a star at it — it’s baseball that he loves the most. It just might turn out that’s where he can shine the most.

Ryan Rippee is Kickapoo basketball's all-time leader in points scored, but college baseball is likely his future.

As a basketball player, Rippee is a 6-5, 200-pound monster who can score from the perimeter as easy as he can attack the basket. But as a baseball player, he’s a power-hitting right fielder with a cannon for an arm — one that just might produce 90 mph fastballs off the mound one day.

Guys as tall as and as athletic as Rippee are crawling all over Division I basketball. But in D-I baseball? He’s the prototype.

“He’s got the raw ability to play at the next level, there’s no doubt,” Kickapoo coach Jason Howser said.

His potential for the game is a blend of skill, aptitude and passion.. Most people would assume he would play basketball for as long as he could, because it’s in his blood. His father’s a coach and he’s been around it all his life, so why not?

“There’s just something about baseball,” Ryan Rippee said. “I learn something new every day and it fascinates me. It’s my passion. I love basketball, too, but I enjoy baseball more.”

Rippee has immense potential as a pitcher. Photo by Alex Stocksdale/For TAGsgf.com

Rippee comes from an athletic family. Not only did Dick Rippee play college baseball at Central Missouri State, Ryan’s mother, Shelly, is the second-leading scorer in Kickapoo history and played basketball at then-CMSU. Dick Rippee said when they transferred to Missouri State, she tried out and made the volleyball team, but CMSU wouldn’t release her from her scholarship.

While Dick Rippee was a basketball coach to Ryan, he’s also a father. He has fond father-son memories of the two playing catch, sometimes in the back yard, other times outside at Miller Park in Milwaukee, waiting for the gates to open to watch their favorite team, the Brewers. Just like any father, Dick Rippee wants what’s best for his son.

“I want my kids to do the things they love doing,” Dick Rippee said. “There probably is a message in there. Basketball is such a huge part of our lives. Maybe it’s too much. Maybe it was too much for them. … You try to coach them up and think they’re really be thankful for those things. And they’re not. They despise it. It took me a while to figure that out, but when I did, it has helped.”

While Ryan Rippee said he’s not sick of basketball, in the least, getting basketball out of his system might be the best thing for his baseball game. Like most multi-sport athletes who split the calendar year’s seasons and off-season workouts in half, Rippee has never solely focused on one sport.

“I think I’ll be able to really improve on my swing and my pitching,” Ryan Rippee said. “Really, I’ll be able to improve that much more and maybe be able to play at the highest level.”

Currently, Rippee doesn’t have any scholarship offers for baseball, but many schools are “looking at him,” according to his father. Division I schools are watching, but see potential, not results. Smaller colleges have probably tried, but he knows he can do better. And then, there are the junior colleges — a likely landing spot.

D-I stars and future pros come through junior colleges all the time. Just recently, the Kickham twins, Mike and Dan, went from Glendale HS to Crowder College in Neosho to Missouri State to professional contracts (San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers, respectively). Also, Howser, Rippee’s coach, was one of the best players in Crowder history.

But, if it’s basketball, he has a full ride waiting at Evangel University, his father said. The family is taking the spring and seeing how everything progresses, but hope to have a decision sooner than later.

As for that baseball potential, whether as a power-hitting outfielder or as a flame-throwing pitcher, the most growth might come from the pitcher’s mound. Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey, who is currently in the Chicago White Sox minor league system, has been helping out at a few practices. He liked what he saw from Rippee.

“He’s got a lot of potential,” Casey said. “I know he’s raw, but he’s big and he has good mechanics. He could turn out to be a very good one.”

But in the end, it’s all about potential with Ryan Rippee. He might not have a great season and decide to play basketball, because he has options and a full scholarship to a good school. Or, he might dominate and end up a Division I scholarship in baseball. Either way, while basketball has given him a ton, his passion for baseball might lead him to where he wants to be.

Listen to a web-exclusive interview with San Francisco Giants prospect Mike Kickham. The former Missouri State hurler made his first 2012 start for Double-A Richmond Monday and still owns a spotless 0.00 ERA. Kickham, a left-hander, from Glendale High School is regarded as a top-20 prospect for the Giants.

Former Missouri State center — and Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year — Will Creekmore has finished his NBA Developmental League season with the Tulsa 66ers and swung through SGF to celebrate his 23rd birthday.

Part of his grand return to the town where he played his college basketball included a trip to the new TAG HQ in downtown SGF and a no-holds-barred conversation with TAG’s Allen Vaughan and Brett Johnston. Former MSU wide receiver and TAG/Creekmore friend Dan Reichert joined the fray, too. Lucky for you, we taped it and have it available for download or streaming below.

The highlights? Aside from all of it, Creekmore discussed banging on the block with former Celtics great Antoine Walker, his penchant for freestyle art and how the NBA D-League travel shenanigans.

Nixa's Austin Ruder

Already known as one of the area’s — if not state’s — top sharpshooters, Nixa High School junior Austin Ruder is going to be a Division I basketball player. It’s just a matter of where, seeing as how he’s being wooed by Davidson and many Missouri Valley Conference schools.

He breaks down Nixa’s chances in the postseason, his jump shot and country music.

Glendale junior Thomas Whittaker

After spending all last season playing on the JV team, Whittaker, a junior, has carved out a niche as a starting guard on a team full of seniors and is averaging 8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Actually, the Falcons play 7 seniors, and it’s easy to assume Whittaker is one, too. Just like most of his undersized Falcon teammates, he has a complete offensive game, one that is underscored with unselfishness.

TAGsgf.com caught up with Whittaker before a recent Glendale practice to discuss the Kickapoo rivalry, how the Glendale formula works and his love for Blink 182.

Kickapoo's Ryan Rippee

When you see Ryan Rippee dunk during a Kickapoo High School basketball game, or score on the block, it’s easy to wonder to yourself, or even speculate with the person next to you where he’s going to play college ball. He has 30-point games regularly, as well as double-digit rebound game, so why not?

Baseball.

See, Rippee’s story is peculiar. Sure, he’s a supertalented basketball player. He’s also coached by his father, Dick, at Kickapoo High School, but before that, he was at nearly every Evangel University practice when his father was an assistant under Steve Jenkins. “I learned a lot there and sometimes got to participate.”

But as a 6-foot-5, 200-pound senior, Rippee’s future is likely in high Division I baseball. “I can probably play at a higher (collegiate) level in baseball,” he said. There, he’s a powerful corner outfielder with a strong arm.

Still, Kickapoo is 15-6 and Rippee is averaging 25.6 points and 6.2 rebounds. TAGsgf.com sports editor Allen Vaughan swung by Kickapoo to catch up with Rippee who lets us in on what it’s like to have a coach/father, how he gets pumped up for a game and his love for Blake Griffin.

While everyone knows him as the country’s No. 1 football prospect in the country — including his Bass Pro Tournament of Champions peers on the court — Hillcrest High School senior Dorial Green-Beckham put on quite a show in the Hornets’ fifth-place finish.

But, in a video interview with TAGsgf.com, DGB talked to us about many things, but the most significant was how he said he was going to make everyone wait until Feb. 1 — National Signing Day — to make his college decision. A press conference has been scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Many in the media are scrambling to figure out what he is going to do. Recently KSPR’s Mike Scott had a report saying DGB had eliminated Alabama from his list after the national championship. A day later, the News-Leader’s Matt Schoch reported that he hasn’t informed the Tide of it.

That’s why we’re bringing you the video interview, that along with college football recruiting talk includes:

• His experience at the Army All-American Bowl, including his SportsCenter Top 10 catch (It was No. 4)
• How Oklahoma and Mizzou assistant football coaches showing up at the T of C doesn’t really matter.
• And more.

Archie Goodwin hangs from the rim.

Before Archie Goodwin showed up in Springfield for the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions, we weren’t sure just how good he was. After the first of many scoring bursts — he would seemingly go on stretches where he’d score all his team’s points — we got the picture fast.

Goodwin is a senior at Sylvan Hills (Ark.) High School and is headed to play at the University of Kentucky for coach John Calipari. That’s what happens when you’re the No. 12-ranked player in the country. Goodwin showed off the driving-to-the-bucket skills that have been reported on, but he showed the occasional jumper and his knack for scoring all kind of different ways around the basket.

TAGsgf.com caught up with Goodwin after his team’s win over Glendale on Day 2. Among the topics discussed were:

• How he chose Kentucky and it wasn’t really hard to say no to Arkansas.
• How many Kentucky hats he rocks on a regular basis.
• His love for hot wings, and a recent story about how he crushed Buffalo Wild Wings’ hottest sauce with ease.
• Goodwin says he works out 3 times a day.
• And much more

Coming into the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions, LJ Rose was freefalling down the Rivals.com rankings. Once thought of amongst the best young underclassmen in the country, Rose found himelf ranked as the No. 96 senior and committing to Baylor.

But you couldn’t tell by his performance in the Tournament of Champions. Not only did his team, Westbury Christian (Houston, Texas), win the T of C, but he earned MVP honors, going for an average of 18.3 points and 10 assists per game.

TAGsgf.com caught up with the 6-foot-4 senior to talk about his play, the edge the Rivals.com rankings gave him and how passing has always been easy for him.

Tyree Robinson is an athletic slasher/scorer who happens to be a dynamic football prospect, as well.

Tyree and Tyrell Robinson are a package deal — just ask them.

The 6-foot-4 junior twin brothers are top 150 national recruits in both basketball and football, and say they will only go to schools that will offer scholarships to both, in the same sport. The Robinsons currently have basketball offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Stanford and Texas.

The duo helped Lincoln (San Diego, Cal.) to a 52-49 victory over Hillcrest — and national No. 1 football recruit Dorial Green-Beckham — in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions first round. The twins combined for nearly 80 percent of their team’s scoring.

Even when asked to do a video interview, the brothers wanted to do it together, so TAGsgf.com Sports Editor Allen Vaughan obliged. The pair discussed:

• How they actually enjoy lifting weights and working out.
• Their willingness to attend college together.
• How they like to trick others into knowing which one is which
• And plenty more.

(Shout out to Kyle Green of BakedFreshDaily.com on the video)

Omar Calhoun is smooth.

CTK's Omar Calhoun is back, and he looks like the real deal.

Christ the King guard Omar Calhoun showed everyone at JQH Arena how his game has improved over the last two years since Calhoun and the Royals were last at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. The 35th best player in the country — the No. 6 best shooting guard — is headed to play for the defending national champion UConn Huskies.

Calhoun showed off in an easy win over Sylvan Hills Thursday night, but it was the way he did it that was impressive. He finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds, but didn’t have a single point after the first quarter. Then, as you’ll hear in the interview, he went into his bag of tricks and showed off all the pieces of his offensive game.

When TAGsgf.com Sports Editor Allen Vaughan caught up with Calhoun, they discussed:

• Calhoun’s relationship with former UConn star and current Charlotte Bobcat Kemba Walker.
• How he feels he can never be stopped on the court because his offensive game is so diverse.
• His love for the SGF fans, especially the ones that remember him from two years ago.
• Brooklyn rappers.
• And more.

(Shout out to BakedFreshDaily.com’s Kyle Green on the video)

Tony Parker is a big dude.

When Tony Parker talks, everyone listens.

The 6-foot-9 senior center from Miller Grove High School (Lithonia, Ga.) is one of the top recruits in the country, and is still undecided. Rivals.com ranks him as the 33rd best player in the country and the 5th best center. His list is enormous and includes heavy hitters like Duke, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Memphis, Ohio State and UCLA.

Sure, he was putting his skills on display for the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions fans, but the real gems came when TAGsgf.com Sports Editor Allen Vaughan caught up with the gregarious Parker after Thursday’s first-round victory over St. Rita (Chicago). Parker touched on the following topics:

• Clothes
• How unstoppable he is on NBA 2K12
• Music
• Recruiting: “If you commit after an official visit, you’re dumb.”
• Young Jeezy, “You should check him out, I’ll introduce you.”

Hilarious.

Brandon Morris is long.

The Miller Grove High School (Lithonia, Ga.) senior is a 6-foot-8 senior forward who’s equipped with long arms and legs that allow him to reach beyond and over defenders, and wreak havoc on his own defensive end.

He’s heading to Georgia to play in the SEC for his home state, something he’s very proud of, and he said Dawgs coach Mark Fox really made him feel like a piece of the future.

TAGsgf.com Sports Editor Allen Vaughan caught up with the Division I player who’s been compared to former NBAer Stacey Augmon.

Kameron Bundy. Legend.

He had just thrown one down on a fastbreak that wowed the crowd, but no one was ready for what Bundy had in store next.

The 6-foot-1 Nixa High School senior stole a pass and got into a 3-on-1 fast break with teammates Jordan Epps and Austin Ruder. What happened next turned the future Drury University Panther into a Blue and Gold Tournament legend.

We have video of the dunk, as well as a video interview just moments after Nixa’s 54-43 victory over Rogersville in the Blue and Gold Tournament.

Dunk

Interview

Parkview's Taylor Harville

Taylor Harville is one of the most improved high school basketball players in the Ozarks. At 6-foot-7, you probably saw him playing with his back to the basket and not leaving the paint for the Parkview Vikings. But this year, he’s extended his game to the perimeter. It’s all a part of the Division I basketball plan as he will head to Taylor Harville to play at Drake University. Harville is averaging 8.8 points per game this season.

Normally, this is the part where we teast what we spoke about with Harville and introduce the video. But because of technical difficulities, we will bring you highlights from the interview.

TAGsgf.com: How has your game improved since people saw you last season?

Harville: Last year, I spent most of my time in the paint. But I’ve been including more perimeter and cutting to the basket, because that’s what I’m going to need to do at Drake because 6-7 isn’t that big there.

TAGsgf.com: How did you end up at Drake?

TH: They have the program I want to go into. … It’s nuclear physics. … I’ve always wanted to fix things and know how they work. They can help me get there. … For example, we can work on things like trying to fix the power plants (in Japan, destroyed by earthquakes.).

TAGsgf.com: Most athletes are typecast as jocks and not good at school, which is unfair, but do you ever feel like a science nerd who plays basketball? Does everyone know how smart you are?

TH: (Laughs) We all get along pretty well. I’m not that much smarter, I just like science.

TAGsgf.com: Your dad, Chris, played at Missouri State for Charlie Spoonhour. Are you an MSU fan and will it be weird to play against the Bears at Drake?

TH: No, I’m not really a big fan, so it won’t be weird. It will just be another team we need to beat.

TAGsgf.com: What do you do for fun?

TH: I like to fish. My grandpa is the one that taught me. He’s much better than I am.

TAGsgf.com: What else do you do for fun? Music? Movies?

TH: My favorite TV show is The Big Bang Theory. I really like science…

Hillcrest junior guard Austin Petrey

Most quality Class 4 or 5 programs don’t ever need to call on a freshman to start. But that’s what’s happened to Hillcrest High School guard Austin Petrey, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Thrown into starting duty as a freshman, Petry has continued to be a big part of Hillcrest’s basketball resurgence, helping the Hornets win the Class 4 championship in 2010 and another playoff berth in 2011.

But now as a junior, more is expected from the 6-foot-1 Petry than ever. Sure, Dorial Green-Beckham gets all the attention, but it’s possible Petry is the Hornets’ most important player. He’s a versatile wing who can shoot and take the ball to the bucket — he averaged 7.6 points, 2.7 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore — but is on the record in the following video as loving defense.

TAGsgf.com caught up with Petry and discussed DGB as a 4th grader, Wale and his latest prank, one that involves free water and drive-thru windows.

Glendale senior Blake Freedman

Glendale High School senior Blake Freedman is a bit of a throwback.

He’s not equipped with a sniper-like long-range jumper like the rest of his Falcon teammates, but he can score when necessary. He’s not tall (5-foot-10), but he’s adept at scoring in the paint because of his motor won’t allow him to stop cutting to the basket. As a junior, Freedman averaged 9.3 points, 4.3 rebound and 4.3 assists per game. While those aren’t jump-off-the-page numbers, he’s been described as the heart and soul of Glendale’s attack this season.

The Falcons are off to a 4-2 start and are coming off an 81-65 victory over Branson and the Falcons are gearing up for a tough schedule, including a berth in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions.

TAGsgf.com’s Allen Vaughan caught up with Freedman to discuss his team’s lack of height, being called out by opposing student sections and Jennifer Aniston.

Video interview with Blake Freedman

Freedman highlights

Central HS tight end Ernest Greenwood has a Division I future.

When you watch Central High School’s football team, it’s not hard to see Bulldog tight end/defensive end Ernest Greenwood. How can you tell? He’s the 6-foot-5, 225-pound junior that has the perfect blend of athleticism, explosion and soft hands for the offensive side, and quickness, tenacity and smarts on defense.

That’s why he’s getting recruiting letters from Missouri and Oregon, according to Central coach Ozzie Riley.

“He’ll definitely play at the next level,” Riley said. “It will probably be the top level.”

Greenwood played at Central as a freshman, but moved to Strafford as a sophomore and didn’t play. He moved back to Central, but didn’t get the right amount of practice time, forcing him to miss the season’s first few games.

But once he was eligible, he made an immediate impact. He scored a 60-yard TD on a fumble return in an overtime loss at eventual-district champion Glendale and a 28-yard TD pass in last week’s narrow loss to Parkview.

TAGsgf.com caught up with Greenwood to talk his football future, The Carter IV and entomology.

Glendale senior Trevor Vaughn

Well, while pulling away for 3 long TD runs, the myth needed to be accounted for. And according to Vaughn, it’s true. “I don’t want to use up energy I don’t need to,” said Vaughn, who rushed 17 times for 255 yards and 3 TDs, breaking runs of 76, 50 and 49 yards.

Vaughn’s efforts put an exclamation point on the Falcons’ 55-25 victory over Lebanon, that not only made senior night special, but gave the Falcons the Class 5 District 7 title. Of course, many remember when Parkview knocked Glendale out of the playoffs last season with a last-second field goal.

Scoring summary

Lebanon 6 9 3 7– 25

Glendale 14 7 7 27– 55

First quarter

GHS –Trevor Vaughn 76 run (Derek Roberts kick)

LHS –Brock West 16 run (run failed)

GHS –Cameron Johnson 9 pass from Will Rogers (Roberts kick)

Second quarter

LHS –West 1 run (run failed)

GHS –Rogers 1 run (Roberts kick)

LHS –FG Mitch Mather 31

Third quarter

LHS –FG Mather 32

GHS –Jared Hood 45 pass from Rogers (Roberts kick)

Fourth quarter

GHS –Jeremy Armstrong 21 run (Roberts kick)

GHS –Cody Jacobs 65 interception return (kick failed)

LHS –Jase Glenndenning 19 pass from Hayden Brackett (Mather kick)

GHS –Vaughn 50 run (Roberts kick)

GHS –Vaughn 49 run (Roberts kick)

Nixa QB Sam Rehagen

There are few better blends of skill and charisma than Nixa High School senior quarterback Sam Rehagen. The left-hander has helped Nixa to a 7-1 record, a No. 7 ranking in Class 5 and a 2-0 record in District 7.

He’s a three-year starter at defensive back, but it’s his first stab at being a full-time starter at quarterback. And, he’s excelling. Even though he sat out two games for an undisclosed suspension, Rehagen is 31-of-46 passing for 605 yards and 7 touchdowns. He’s also rushed 75 times for 341 yards and 4 TDs. And, as a salty DB, he has 27 tackles and 1 interception.

Before Nixa travels to Willard for a district game Friday, TAGsgf.com sports editor Allen Vaughan caught up with Rehagen to talk about southpaw QBs, T.I. and his way with words.

Branson senior running back Malachi Daniels

Branson High School has been blessed with great running backs throughout the years. Malachi Daniels fits right among the best.

The Pirate senior tailback crossed the thousand-yard threshold with a super-human performance against Parkview Friday, rushing 25 times for 282 yards and 4 TDs, including a 44-yard run on a draw play as time expired. On the season, he’s rushed 186 times for 1,287 yards and 10 TDs. It’s Branson’s fifth-consecutive victory after losing its first 3. The Pirates host Kickapoo in a huge Class 5 District 8 game Friday.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound back said the recruiting process has been slow, but he’s the classic ‘tweener, who will probably play at a school/level above his size, but one that fits his skill. He’s a strong runner with great vision and balance.

After Branson’s 28-14 victory over Parkview, TAGsgf.com sports editor Allen Vaughan caught up with Daniels to talk about recruiting, his favorite running backs and why Branson is on such a roll.

Glendale High School senior wide receiver Cameron Johnson's seems to get better with every game.

You know, if it wasn’t for Dorial Green-Beckham, everyone would be freaking out about Glendale High School senior Cameron Johnson.

It’s not just that Johnson is the Falcons’ leading receiver with 21 catches for 443 yards and 7 TDs  but it’s a blend of his back story, his size and his attitude. See, Johnson didn’t play high school football until his junior season. He has junior high experience, but thought he’d focus on basketball. After Glendale coach Joel Heman talked him into it, he showed flashes of greatness.

This year, he’s been trying to work on changing those flashes into one long light show. He has the size at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, and is athletic enough to either outrun larger defenders or outleap smaller ones.

Most importantly, the Falcons are 5-2 and head to Willard for a district game. Currently, the Falcons are 1-0 in their district. TAGsgf.com sports editor Allen Vaughan caught up with Johnson to talk about his progress as a reporter, his relationship with DGB and his love of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Glendale WR Cameron Johnson

Ozark QB David Salazar

When he was younger, David Salazar remembers Ozark football glory. Now that he’s the guy taking snaps from the shotgun, he’s ready to take the Tigers into more glory days.

A true dual-threat spread quarterback, the 5-foot-11 junior has Ozark off to a 4-2 start heading into tonight’s game at Glendale. In his first year as a starter, Salazar is 22-of-47 passing for 523 yards, 4 TDs and 2 interceptions, but also has rushed 51 times for 472 yards and 4 TDs.

TAGsgf.com caught up with Salazar to talk Nixa, being a Raiders fan and playing on Ozarks’ new stadium turf.

Coming into Friday night’s matchup with Lebanon High School, Kickapoo junior John Fuchs had only rushed for 160 yards. And in a 34-14 victory over the Yellow Jackets, Fuchs didn’t just see an increase in his responsibility, he became the focal point of the offense.

How good was Fuchs? He rushed for 206 yards and 4 TDs on 24 carries — 19 in the second half. The Chiefs used his momentum and two costly Lebanon turnovers on the kicking game to turn the tables on a halftime Lebanon lead and shut the Yellow Jackets out in the second half. Kickapoo scored 26 unanswered points to end the game.

But none of it would have happened without Fuchs. On a night where starting quarterback Alex Lawson had to be removed from the game after suffering a right arm injury, Fuchs stepped up into a role perfectly suited for him. The junior tailback had 10 carries of 10 yards or more, and as a team, Kickapoo outrushed Lebanon 259-256, not an easy task since Lebanon primarily runs a Wildcat-type offense.

After falling behind 14-7 at halftime, the Kickapoo defense was rude, keeping Lebanon from scoring. The victory lifts Kickapoo to 5-1 on the season and Lebanon falls to 1-2.

Scoring summary

Kickapoo 34, Lebanon 14

Lebanon      7       7       0       0  — 14
Kickapoo    0       7       6       20 — 34

First quarter

LHS — Brock West 5 run (Mitch Mather kick)

Second quarter

KHS — John Fuchs 16 run (Mitch White kick)

LHS — Quinton Randolph 11 run (Mather kick)

Third quarter

KHS — Fuchs 11 run (kick failed)

Fourth quarter

KHS — Fuchs 23 run (Anthony Cooper pass to Nick Nedoma)

KHS — Fuchs 1 run (kick failed)

KHS — Nick Nedoma 6 run (White kick)

Stat geekage

Kickapoo

John Fuchs, sophomore RB — 24 carries, 206 yards, 4 TDs
Nick Nedoma, senior RB — 8 carries, 48 yards, TD
Alex Lawson, senior QB — 4 carries, 3 yards’ 2-for-6 passing, 30 yards

Lebanon

Brock West, junior RB — 22 carries, 107 yards, TD
Andrew Horsley, senior RB — 12 carries, 79 yards
Josh Shockley, senior RB — 7 carries, 48 yards
Quinton Randolph, junior RB — 3 carries, 24 yards, TD

Check out our video interview with John Fuchs below.

Dean Deetz

Nixa High School senior running back Dean Deetz burst on the scene last year, scoring 10 touchdowns and becoming a household name on a good Eagle football team. But this year, he’s not sneaking up on anyone — and the numbers still look good.

The Eagles are 4-1 as they head into district play this week against Neosho (yes, the school is in that wacky 5-team district) and Deetz has been another weapon on offense. So far this season, Deetz, who is also an all-conference baseball pitcher, has rushed 83 times for 490 yards and 5 TDs. Yes, that means he’s on pace to score 10 more TDs.

TAGsgf.com Sports Editor Allen Vaughan caught up with Deetz to talk speed, Ozark and how his teammates like both rap and country music.

Kaleb Haeffner

In a very quiet way, the Kickapoo High School defense has built a reputation over the last few seasons as a stingy squad. And this year, nothing has changed it.

Despite giving up 42 to an explosive Glendale offense, the Chiefs have only allowed 43 points in their four victories. And senior inside linebacker Kaleb Haeffner is a big part of that. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior battled for the team lead in tackles last season, and is close to doing the same again with 34 tackles — which is a tough task with an experienced and talented linebacking corp.

With a huge game coming up against Lebanon tonight, TAGsgf.com Sports Editor Allen Vaughan caught up with Haeffner at a recent practice to discuss Lebanon’s running backs, the mindset of a linebacker and what it’s like to be a Dallas Cowboys fan in SGF.

Hillcrest senior Dorial Green-Beckham caugh 12 passes for 217 yards and 2 TDs against Camdenton.

Everyone shows up to the Hillcrest High School football games to see Dorial Green-Beckham catch the ball — a lot. On Friday night against Camdenton, he didn’t disappoint, but it’s the pattern and the game plan that leads to how the Hornets beat the Lakers 31-21 at Shumate Stadium.

The No. 1 recruit in the country finished with a eyebrow-raising 12 catches for 217 yards and two TDs during the Hornets’ home opener, but nine of the grabs came in the first half and helped the Hornets keep pace with the Lakers. Once the Laker defense tried to gang up on DGB, the rest of his teammates got involved.

Matt Futrell had a solid game in Hillcrest’s first Friday night game after a Saturday game on ESPNU, a Thursday exhibition at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. and another Saturday game against Joplin High School. The senior quarterback was 21-of-41 passing for 383 yards, 2 TDs and an interception, as well as a rushing TD on a quarterback sneak. After starting 2-for-9, he finished 19-for-32, mostly spreading the ball around to other receivers. Futrell’s first 6 completions were to DGB, but as the defense got familiar with that game plan, the rest of the Hornet receivers went to work.

Junior tight end Jonah Hill finished with 4 receptions for 100 yards. In all, Futrell completed passes to 6 different receivers. It helped erase the problems created by the 13 penalties for 110 yards .

Camdenton had problems moving the ball, and stopping the Hornets. Junior running back Mickey Ward rushed 20 times for 82 and a TD. In all, Camdenton (1-3) rushed 42 times for just 125. It’s safe to say the Hillcrest defense played well.

Scoring summary

Camdenton 7       8       0       6 — 21
Hillcrest 9       7       8        7 — 31

First quarter
Camdenton — Murphy Ward 4 run (John Manning kick)
Hillcrest — Safety, bad punt snap out back of end zone
Hillcrest — Matt Futrell 42 pass to Dorial Green-Beckham (Chase Briscoe kick)

Second quarter
Hillcrest — Futrell 8 pass to DGB (Briscoe kick)
Camdenton — Cory Simpson 14 pass to Manning (Simpson pass to Cullen Carlock)

Third quarter
Hillcrest — Futrell 1 run (Jonah Hill run)

Fourth quarter
Hillcrest — Stuart Andress 20 run (Briscoe kick)
Camdenton — Ward 20 run (Pass failed)

Stat geekage

Hillcrest
Dorial Green-Beckham, senior wide receiver: 12 receptions for 217 yards and 2 TDs
Matt Futrell, senior QB: 21-of-41 passing, 383 yards passing, 2 TDs, Int., rushing TD.
Penalties: 13 for 11 yards

Camdenton
Mickey Ward, junior running back: 20 carries for 82 yards, 2 TDs
Cory Simpson, junior quarterback: 12-of-23 passing for 168 yards, TD, Int.
John Manning, senior wide receiver: 6 catches for 82 yards, TD

Video interview with Dorial Green-Beckham

DGB’s Week 4 Highlights

Rogersville senior Dylan Cole is a beast.

There are few running backs that can match the production and charisma of Rogersville senior Dylan Cole. He’s big, he’s strong and he’s elusive, and he’s a big part of why the Wildcats are ranked as the No. 1 team in Class 3.

But what makes him so successful. Sure, he’s fast for a 6-foot-1, 210-pound frame, and has the right mix of agility and power when he runs, but he is not only quick to talk about how good it feels to break a big run, he’s also quick to give his offensive line credit. That’s what’s made him become one of the most complete players in the Ozarks, his ability — and willingness — to lead.

As a junior, he rushed 210 times for 1,492 yards and was a third-team All-State running back. He hasn’t missed a beat there this season, rushing 43 times for 276 yards and 7 TDs. And while it’s the offensive side of the ball that has made him a household name in the Ozarks, it’s his defense that might provide him a college career.

He’s an explosive athlete, who also excels at basketball and track and field, and all of it blends together to make him one of the best strong safety/linebacker hybrids in the state. He was a first-team All-State player as a junior, and it’s likely he’ll play Division I or FCS (Formerly Division I-AA) football as either a bulked up linebacker or strong safety. And he likes it that way.

“I like to hit people,” Cole said. “I like to hit people when I’m carrying the ball, too.”

TAGsgf.com sports editor Allen Vaughan caught up with Cole before the Wildcats’ big road test at Class 3 No. 5 ranked Catholic to talk about defense, becoming an engineer and his role as planner/emcee of Rogersville Pep Rallies.

Ozark native Lucas Harrell is back in the big leagues, and he had a great debut on Friday.

is back to the big leagues, and he’s making a great impression. Less than a month after being claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox, Lucas Harrell dazzled in his Houston Astros debut on Friday, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings in a start, striking out 4, walking 2 and allowing only 3 hits to the NL Central leading Milwaukee Brewers.

A free agent after the season, Harrell is putting his best foot forward. Since joining Houston’s organization, he not only has that stellar spot start to his credit, but in 9 starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Harrell was 5-2 with a 1.72 ERA and 38 strikeouts and 24 walks in 52 1/3 innings.

An Ozark native, Harrell was a recent guest on The High Road with Allen Vaughan, where he talked about his sinkerball, enjoying a team that is fighting for respect and playing time, and trying to bat against Zack Greinke.

You can stream the interview below, download it, or subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here.

Secoy Hodges, Central running back

Central High School running back Secoy Hodges rushed for five opening-week touchdowns as the Bulldogs routed Life Academy. The junior spent the offseason as a gym rat and the work has paid off in explosiveness. As a sophomore he got carries behind Fernando Minnis, but now Hodges is the centerpiece in Central’s offense.

Glendale's Trevor Vaughn is the most versatile high school football player in the Ozarks.

With the NFL changing its rules on kickoff returns, and frustrating fans across the country, Glendale High School senior Trevor Vaughn reminded us why it’s the most exciting play in football.

Vaughn, who missed more than half of last season with an broken collarbone, returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, including the first play of the 2011 season. The yardage looked like this: 93, 92 and 68 yards — and he did them all in different ways. He knifed through the D, he took them to the sideline, and he nearly touched both sidelines one one return.

“I don’t know how it happened,” Vaughn said. “I just had it going.”

But, there is more to Vaughn’s game than just kickoff returns – much more. In Glendale’s 50-37 Week 1 victory over Joplin, Vaughn played in every play. How? He’s not just the kickoff returner, he’s the Falcons’ starting tailback and cornerback, but he also kicks off and kicks PATs. And when Week 1′s game was over, he racked up 546 total yards, including kickoff returns, yards from scrimmage and a 50-yard touchdown pass.

“I want to play every down,” Vaughn said. “I think that’s why I’ve been so successful, is I take every play seriously and play my hardest.”

TAGsgf.com sports editor Allen Vaughan caught up with Vaughn during a recent practice to discuss his versatility, college recruiting and Madden.

Glendale WR Cameron Johnson had 4 TDs Friday night, 3 receiving and the other via interception return.

Every time it looked like Joplin was going to extinguish Glendale, the Falcons fought back — and they did it in fascinating fashion.

The Falcons got 4 touchdowns from senior wide receiver Cameron Johnson — one on defense — and senior Trevor Vaughn ran back three kickoff returns for touchdowns as Glendale erased a late 12-point deficit to beat Joplin 50-37 Friday night in Springfield.

Actually, it looked and felt bleak for Glendale (1-0, 1-0 Ozark Conference) after Joplin took a 30-18 with 4 minutes left in the third quarter. No one could have known Glendale was going to score 32 points in the final 16 minutes — not even Johnson.

Sure, the 6-foot-4, 210 pound senior credited his teammates and his strength and conditioning coaches, saying how his summer training paid off, but an increase in football-specific skills doesn’t hurt.

See, Johnson doesn’t remember how many touchdowns he had last season, but looking stronger and faster, he had the game-tying and the go-ahead scores just 11 seconds apart from each other at the beginning of the fourth quarter. He caught a 17-yard pass from quarterback Will Rogers, and then intercepted a pass from Joplin QB Gabe Sachetta and returned it 28 yards for a score. It was his first career interception.

Johnson finished with five catches for 133 yards and 3 TDs, but he wasn’t alone in wooing the older offensive weapon to explode. Senior tailback Trevor Vaughn finished with 3 kickoff returns for touchdowns (93, 92 and 68), a 50-yard touchdown pass to Johnson, 19 carries for 50 yards and 3 catches for 53 yards.

Scoring summary

Glendale (1-0) 12 6 6 26 — 50
Joplin (0-1) 7 14 9 7 — 37

First quarter

GHS — Trevor Vaughn 93 kickoff return (kick failed)
JHS — Gabe Sanchetta 21 pass to Jordan Wood (Josh Banwart kick)
GHS — Vaughn 50 pass to Cameron Johnson (pass failed)

Second quarter

GHS — Will Rogers 33 pass to John Watson (pass failed)
JHS — Chris Payton-Barba 9 run (pass failed)
JHS – Sachetta 13 pass to Wood (Banwart kick)

Third quarter

JHS — Safety (Glendale tackled in end zone)
JHS — Sachetta 21 pass to Wood (Banwart kick)
GHS — Vaughn 92 kickoff return (kick failed)

Fouth quarter

GHS — Rogers 17 pass to Johnson (pass failed)
GHS — Johnson 28 interception return (pass failed)
GHS — Rogers 7 pass to Johnson (Rogers pass to Johnson)
JHS — Brian St. Peter 1 run (Banwart kick)
GHS — Vaughn 68 kickoff return (pass failed)

Lessons Learned

• Cameron Johnson might have the most potential of any player in the Ozarks. Let me explain. Johnson’s story is well documented, but he gave up on football until last year. Now it should be his future. At 6-foot-2, 200-something pounds, he has the size and the speed. But what he showed Friday was the coming-out party many were hoping for. He ran crisp routes, the best of which showed on a post during a halfback pass. One wrong step and he’s blanketed by the corner, rather than leaving him in the dust. But more importantly, it’s his instincts. Playing free safety, he had his first career interception, and then used his size and speed to take it to the end zone. I haven’t seen a 40-yard dash time, but he has the talent to be a Division I wide receiver. Wonder if Mizzou is paying attention…

• Trevor Vaughn is the best kick returner I’ve ever seen at the high school level. Not only does he have the speed to embarrass the kick coverage team, and the vision to dissect the field, but he has a relentlessness that is hard to find. He doesn’t look like he’s ever tackled, or at least he doesn’t think he is. He had 3 (!) kickoff returns for TDs, but two of them stood out. (I know, the first one was sick, too) He looked to be caught on the sideline, did the Reggie Bush stop-and-start move, then seemed to hop over a guy. The speed then took over. On the final score of the game, he ran to one side of the field, then pulled a Dante Hall and reversed field completely, gaining the edge and burning them with the speed. Very impressive. He’s likely the most versatile athlete in Class 5. He finished with 396 total yards, when you total up his kickoff returns, carries as a halfback, receptions as a receiver and passes as a QB.

• Alex Lawson is going to be a good quarterback. Heck, he already is. After being thrown into the fire, the junior was 19-of-28 for 180 yards and three TDs passing, plus adding in a rushing TD during his six carries for 24 yards in his first career start. Many of the patterns were designed for short, simple throws, but the TDs were long loopers, all of 14 yards or more. And it had to be a nice moment for his grandfather, Benny, to be calling the plays. Benny Lawson, a longtime coach, is Kickapoo’s offensive coordinator.

• Joplin has a nice team, and will have success once it gets Johnson and Vaughn out of its rearview mirror. Defensively, the Eagles were solid, save for three kickoff returns and an interception return for a TD. Take that away and it’s a 37-26 victory. But more importantly, they were playing football. It’s hard for many of us to comprehend what Joplin natives have been through. And the Glendale fan base recogniezd that. There were many fundraisers — funnel cake sales, halftime games, etc. — all benefiting the Joplin athletic department. It was a nice gesture, and then after the game — even after the mandatory shaking of hands — Glendale’s players went back toward Joplin’s players and coaches and shook hands again. Very classy.

Stat Geekage

Glendale 50

Cameron Johnson, senior wide receiver/safety, 5 catches, 133 yards, 3 TDs; 28-yard interception TD return
Trevor Vaughn, junior running back, 3 kickoff returns for TDs (93, 92, 68), 19 carries for 50 yards, 3 catches for 43 yards, a 50-yard TD pass — 396 all-purpose yards
Will Rogers, junior quarterback, 11-of-17 passing, 189 yards, 2 TDs, Int; 4 carries, 19 yards

Joplin 37

Gabe Sachetta, junior quarterback, 14-of-22 passing, 172 yards, 3 TDs, Int; 17 carries, 118 yards
Chris Payton-Barba, junior running back, 21 carries, 111 yards, TD; 3 catches, 18 yards
Jordan Wood, senior wide receiver, 5 catches, 119 yards, 3 TDs

Video interview with Glendale’s Cameron Johnson

Gone are the days of the Wing T offense on Friday nights at Parkview High School. The squeezed-tight, confusion strategy left as new head coach Anthony Hays takes over the program. “I wouldn’t even know where to begin,” Hays says about orchestrating the Wing T. Also gone is SGF record-setting tailback Darin Francis (most rushing TDs in SGF history). It opens the door for junior Cole Jenkins, receiving a lot of buzz heading into the 2011-12 campaign.

Jenkins said it could be hard to find to holes in the Wing T because running backs couldn’t see where openings would be. Whereas in the new, spread-out offense, vision is key. “It’s my favorite [style of] offense to play,” he says, “you can see the holes and how things are developing in front of you.” Describing himself as a power back with breakaway speed, Jenkins is poised. The new-look Vikings open tonight at home against Rolla.

Kickapoo QB Alex Lawson gets ready to unload a pass.

There are few football players in the Ozarks that understand expectations better than Alex Lawson.

Maybe it’s because he was groomed to be the starter this year by being given a few series last season. Maybe it’s because he thinks and says respectful things when the cameras and recorders are on. And maybe it’s because his grandfather is one of the area’s most respected football coaches.

See, last season, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Lawson moonlighted at QB, grabbing a series or two from the starter Brett Diers. It was a clear sign that Lawson was the future, and when Diers was suspended for the final two games of the season, Lawson took the reins. In limited time, Lawson threw for 200 yards and ran for 55, showing his ability to be a true dual threat. With a new head coach in Joel Wells and a new offense, no one is sure what Lawson’s numbers might look like. Still, it’s his disposition that people are impressed with.

As you can tell from the video interview below, Lawson is a composed young man, and that calm is invaluable in the huddle. Where that calm comes from, it’s not easy to say, but it’s easy to see the influence and experience of having a 40-plus high school coaching veteran like Benny Lawson as a grandfather — and a Kickapoo assistant coach.

New coach. New QB. Smart football bloodlines. It will be a fascinating year at Kickapoo as the Chiefs open up the regular season with a home game against Waynesville on Friday, looking to get back to the playoffs after a 4-6 2010 season.

Lawson talked to TAGsgf.com about the new offense, his football famous grandfather and staying out of trouble.

Mardy Gilyard

There are few athletes who can speak like St. Louis Rams wide receiver Mardy Gilyard. A fourth round pick in the 2010 draft after becoming an All American, Gilyard’s rookie season wasn’t as glamorous as anyone had expected.

But after an offseason where he dropped his weight to 177 and cut his body fat to 3.3 percent, Gilyard said he’s worked on the mental parts of the game and hopes to make an impact. He was a recent guest on The High Road with Allen Vaughan where he discussed rumors of how he won’t make the team, compared Josh McDaniels’ offense to ice cream and shined some light on the new nicknames he’s handed out to teammates.

You can stream the interview below, download it, or subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here.

Jackson

Coming into the 2011 season as Double-A, scouts and fans still weren’t sure what to make of shortstop Ryan Jackson. He’d hit all of 3 career home runs, never had an OPS of more than .731 and he fell to the 5th round of the 2009 draft because no one was sure he’d ever learn how to hit.

But he’s been a revelation all season long, currently flaunting career highs in nearly every statistical category with the Springfield Cardinals:

.278/.339/.422 10 HR, 69 RBIs, 30 doubles

And, he plays a slick shortstop, which coupled with the struggles of former SGF Cards Tyler Greene and Pete Kozma, might give him a shot at a legitimate major league future. Jackson was a recent guest on The High Road with Allen Vaughan and discussed his hitting prowess, what a road trip to Corpus Christi, Texas is like and his future within the organization.

You can stream the interview below, download it, or subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here.

MSU football coach Terry Allen

The preseason news hasn’t been pleasant for Missouri State’s football team. Picked to finish last in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. A ton of new starters on offense, including having to replace a 4-year starter at quarterback and an All-American offensive lineman who is fighting for a starting spot in the NFL right now.

And with all of that said, MSU coach Terry Allen knows what he’s got himself into. You know, sometimes it’s fun to be the underdog.

Here is audio of Allen’s press conference from Media Day.

OK, not thorough enough for you? Here are a few highlights to listen for:

• He has the utmost respect for recently graduate Cody Kirby, but was quick to say how new Bears QB Trevor Wooden has more potential, size and escapability.
• He wasn’t shocked the Bears were picked to finish last at all. He said he understands it, and isn’t mad about it.
• Also, he said he’s not using the last-place pick as a motivational factor.

There are plenty of gems in here. Enjoy.

KOLR 10 weekend sports anchor Nick Carboni joined The High Road with Allen Vaughan to give us an update on the Price Cutter Charity Championship. And, to make it a true radio bit, he did it in his softest golf voice.

You can stream the interview below, download it, or subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here. You can find Carboni’s work at OzarksFirst.com or follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/ncarboni.

Before Ian Starnes turned into an early favorite to become a starting wide receiver on Missouri State’s men’s basketball team, he was a Glendale quarterback who helped the Falcons to a playoff berth. After being recruited by Division I schools, and traveling the nation to participate in elite camps, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior committed to his hometown team, the MSU Bears.

And now, it’s paying off.

The SGF native was a recent guest on The High Road with Allen Vaughan where he talked about not only the football side of things, plus his thoughts on MSU’s recent preseason downer (picked last in the conference) and how thanks to The High Road, he was made an example of when it comes to NCAA compliance.

You can stream the interview below, download it, or subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here.

Jermaine Saffold

Many know Jermaine Saffold’s story. He transferred from a Division II school to Missouri State, enrolled as a walk-on, and three seasons later, he was a second-team All-Missouri Valley Conference wide receiver, hauling in 53 passes for 869 yards and 5 TDs.

Saffold is now a senior and the landscape has changed. Last year, expectations were high with an experienced team. Now, the Bears are an inexperienced group and were recently picked to finish last among the nine MVFC schools. And, Saffold is one of the leaders.

TAGsgf.com Sports Editor Allen Vaughan caught up with Saffold at Media Day to discuss how he’s improved his game, how expectations have changed and how he can’t believe he’s already a senior.

Talk about an underdog story. Despite only playing half of his senior season at Missouri State because of a series of concussions, and only had 54 tackles in four seasons, Kolby Hurt is in New Orleans starting training camp today. That’s right, after being wowed by his 4.51 40-yard dash time and his overall physical conditioning, Hurt is getting a crash course at fullback — a position he’s never played before.

The Boonville native said he’s a former high school running back, and has excellent hands. He joined The High Road with Allen Vaughan on Wednesday to discuss his history with concussions, how he considered not playing again and the fan-favorite potential of his last name.

You can stream the interview below, download it, or subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here.

OG Wednesday: BJ Flores and the rest of Team Flores stop by in studio and the webcam lights up when BJ’s girlfriend, Amanda Latona shows up. Calm it down, roadies.

Episode: 7/20/2011

Original Gangster Wednesday

• In-studio interview: BJ Flores and the rest of Team Flores
  
• Boss of the Week (in the first segment)
  
• Phone lines
• Emails

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Brian Walton

Should the Cards acquire a relief pitcher? A starting pitcher? A shortstop? How good are Shelby Miller, Carlos Martinez and Matt Adams? With the Major League Baseball trade deadline on the horizon, there are few better than TheCardinalNation.com’s Brian Walton to talk about all things St. Louis Cardinals.

Walton was a recent guest on The High Road with Allen Vaughan where the two talked about everything involving the Cardinals, including prospects you should know about below Double-A Springfield. Walton has been a huge part of Scout.com’s Cardinals coverage and can be currently found at FoxSportsMidwest.com and has his own radio show every Friday at KXNO 1460 AM in Des Moines, Iowa.

You can stream the interview below, download it, or subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here.

This is the image THR producer Brett has when it comes to Allen Vaughan trying to check former MSU center Will Creekmore.

When news broke last week that Will Creekmore wouldn’t receive another year of NCAA eligibility to play center at Missouri State University, every fan had to admit they were a little sad. Creekmore became a fan favorite in his two and a half seasons at MSU, earning All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, and likely most-important, the MVC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2010-11.

Despite injuries and an awkward tenure at Boston University — his first school out of high school — the NCAA denied his application for a sixth season of college athletics. Now looking forward to a professional career overseas, Creekmore was a recent guest on The High Road with Allen Vaughan where he discussed his thoughts on the NCAA’s decision, MSU’s MVC regular season championship and his death wish in trying to arrange a 2-on-2 game with footballer Ian Starnes against MSU’s Adam Leonard and Vaughan.

You can stream the interview below, download it, or subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here.

When you're as legit as The Menace is, you can have cool photos like this. Photo courtesy MichaelJohnsonMMA.com

It wasn’t that long ago that Michael “The Menace” Johnson was a guy hanging out at the Springfield Fight Club, scratching and clawing for MMA legitimacy. Fast forward to present day and Johnson, who has made Springfield his home, is a bonafide big-time pro.

After finishing as the runner-up in Season 12 of UFC’s Ultimate Fighter competition, Johnson is now climbing up the lightweight division ranks. On June 25, Johnson won his UFC debut, beating Edward Faaloloto with a TKO at the 4:42 mark of the first round.

Johnson was a guest on The High Road with Allen Vaughan this past week to discuss his new training regiment, what he learned from TUF and his newfound stardom.

You can stream the interview below, download it, or subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here. Johnson’s website is MichaelJohnsonMMA.com, and you can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

Ozark native Lucas Harrell has a new uniform to wear.

Just three days after being claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros, Ozark High School grad Lucas Harrell was a guest on The High Road with Allen Vaughan Monday.

If you missed the news Friday, Harrell was outrighted off the Chicago White Sox’ 40-man roster and was claimed by the Astros. It’s given the 26-year-old Ozark native a new opportunity, and he’ll start his ascent back to the big leagues at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

During his radio appearance, Harrell talked about starting over with a new organization, consistency in his sinkerball and a tremendous story about playing himself in a video game.

You can download or stream the interview below, and you can subscribe to the TAG Magazine ITunes feed by clicking here.

Cal Eldred

Cal Eldred has seen and done a lot in baseball. A former first round pick (17th overall) in the 1989 draft, the former righthanded pitcher played 14 years of professional baseball, splitting his time between Milwaukee, the Chicago White Sox and ending his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished with 86-74 record and a 4.42 ERA and 1,368 innings pitched.

Now, Eldred is a studio analyst with Fox Sports Midwest, working on St. Louis Cardinals broadcasts. He joined The High Road with Allen Vaughan’s guest host, Corey Riggs, to talk all things St. Louis Cards, but offering perspective on current SGF Cardinals ace and top pitching prospect Shelby Miller.

This time last season, Eduardo Sanchez was striking out Texas Leaguers. Now, he is baffling MLB hitters.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting St. Louis Cardinals reliever Eduardo Sanchez will be making a rehab assignment at Hammons Field Thursday when the Springfield Cards return from a road trip. He is returning after shoulder inflammation forced him to the disabled list on June 16.

The 22-year-old Venezuelan right handed pitcher has been a bullpen revelation for St. Louis, pitching 28 2/3 innings with a 1.88 ERA, striking out 33 batters and walking 16 with 5 saves. He was a dominant closer for Springfield in 2009 and 2010 and forced his way on to the big league roster after a great start at Triple-A Memphis. TAGsgf.com’s Chris DeRosier conducted an interview with Sanchez in his native Spanish back on media day in 2010. We’ve embedded the video below.

There has been no formal announcement by the SGF Cards, but this pattern of the Post reporting and it coming true was solid a few weeks ago when STL infielder Nick Punto spent 8 games here on a rehab assignment.