Why Moniteau football is excited about variety from three-headed rushing attack
Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner and Trent Beachem put their hands on a football with Coach Cecil Blauser for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner and Trent Beachem along with Coach Cecil Blauser pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football players, Isaiah Thompson, front left, Trent Beachem, front right, Finley Thurner, back left, Coach Cecil Blauser, back center, and Carter Sutton, back right, pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner and Trent Beachem along with Coach Cecil Blauser pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football players Trent Beachem, front, and Finley Thurner, back left, Isaiah Thompson and Carter Sutton pose for a group photo with their Coach Cecil Blauser during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football players, Trent Beachem, front, and Finley Thurner, back left, Isaiah Thompson and Carter Sutton pose for a group shot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner, Trent Beachem and Coach Cecil Blauser pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner, Trent Beachem and Coach Cecil Blauser pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football players Trent Beachem, front, and Finley Thurner, back left, Isaiah Thompson and Carter Sutton pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football players, Trent Beachem, front, Finley Thurner, back left, Isaiah Thompson, back middle, and Carter Sutton, back right, pose for a group shot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football player Finley Thurner poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football player Trent Beachem poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football player Isaiah Thompson poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football player Carter Sutton poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Moniteau football coach Cecil Blauser poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Moniteau's Levi Lacava . Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Moniteau's Jesse Kohlmeyer Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Moniteau's Cole Scott. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner and Trent Beachem put their hands on a football with Coach Cecil Blauser for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner and Trent Beachem along with Coach Cecil Blauser pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football players, Isaiah Thompson, front left, Trent Beachem, front right, Finley Thurner, back left, Coach Cecil Blauser, back center, and Carter Sutton, back right, pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner and Trent Beachem along with Coach Cecil Blauser pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football players Trent Beachem, front, and Finley Thurner, back left, Isaiah Thompson and Carter Sutton pose for a group photo with their Coach Cecil Blauser during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football players, Trent Beachem, front, and Finley Thurner, back left, Isaiah Thompson and Carter Sutton pose for a group shot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner, Trent Beachem and Coach Cecil Blauser pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football players Isaiah Thompson, left, Carter Sutton, Finley Thurner, Trent Beachem and Coach Cecil Blauser pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football players Trent Beachem, front, and Finley Thurner, back left, Isaiah Thompson and Carter Sutton pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football players, Trent Beachem, front, Finley Thurner, back left, Isaiah Thompson, back middle, and Carter Sutton, back right, pose for a group shot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football player Finley Thurner poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football player Trent Beachem poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football player Isaiah Thompson poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football player Carter Sutton poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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Moniteau football coach Cecil Blauser poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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The Moniteau High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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Moniteau's Levi Lacava . Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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Moniteau's Jesse Kohlmeyer Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
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Moniteau's Cole Scott. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Yards are yards, whether they’re gained by one player or by committee, Moniteau’s football team plans to attack defenses with a diverse ground game in 2024.
Juniors Kole Scott and Levi Lacava will join sophomore Jesse Kohlmeyer as the Warriors’ top threats out of the backfield.
“We have a unique mix at running back this year,” Moniteau coach Bob Rottman said. “Kole runs with power, Jesse is very quick and fast and Levi has a little of both.”
As Moniteau’s top returning rusher from a year ago (272 yards and a touchdown), Scott has the inside track to be the leader of the group. His 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame was often difficult to bring down last year, and he doesn’t plan on slowing down.
Since top rusher Logan Campbell graduated, Scott seems destined to get more opportunities.
“I’ve been a running back since I was in first grade,” he said. “I like running people over and am looking forward to getting more carries this year.”
Lacava and Kohlmeyer (5-8, 145) saw limited varsity action in 2023 when the Warriors went 1-9, but they are eager to contribute.
“I knew I needed to improve and showed up at just about every workout in the offseason,” Kohlmeyer said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win games.”
Lacava (5-10, 160) is not one to shy away from contact with the ball in his hands.
Moniteau's Cole Scott is the top returning rusher from 2023. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
“I like to think I can run away from guys, but I like truckin’ people,” he said. “All three of us can sub in for each other, and we’re going to make some highlights.”
The Warriors hope to improve on last year’s effort of just 3.4 yards per rush. An offensive line that returns three starters and others with experience should help in that regard.
Keeping opposing defenses honest will also open things up for Moniteau’s passing game, which has its own set of playmakers.
Though Scott will receive help in establishing the run, he is setting his goals high.
“The line is working very hard and looks really good so far,” he said. “I think it’s going to be 10 times better than last year. The chemistry is going to be there with all of us.
“Instead of sitting at home over the offseason, I was doing something to improve, practicing or working out. Every running back’s goal is getting to 1,000 yards, and that’s what I’m going for.”
