Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

Solon

Head coach: Lucas Stanton (1^st season)

Assistant coaches: Aaron Hadenfeldt, Mark Sovers, Aaron Kampman, Brad Wymer, Matt Turner, Trever Greene, Jake Slusher, Dan Coons, Curt Miller, Zach Zousel, Tait Simpson, Bryan Woods

Last season: 12-1 (Class 3A runner-up)

Returning starters: Carson Shive, Sr., LB; Jackson Ryan, Sr., DB/RB; Colton Hoffman, Sr., LB/RB/WR; Zach Harp, Sr., OL/DL; Erich Karstens, Sr., OL/DL; Nash Altman, Sr., OL/DL; Lucas TePoel, Sr., RB/LB

Other returning letterwinners: Bo Janssen, Sr., DB/QB; Danny Knezevich, Sr., WR/CB

Newcomers to watch: Cayden Knipper, Jr., OL/DL

Playoff history: 30 appearances (1984-1988, 1990-1995, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005-2019). Solon won 2A state titles in 1988, 2007, 2008, 2009 and won a 3A title in 2010.

District: Class 2A, District 6

Circle the date: October 2 vs. Mount Vernon. Solon has won 17 straight over its Highway 1 rival but some spice gets added to the annual showdown as Mount Vernon native Lucas Stanton takes over at Solon. Since a 26-21 win in 2016 Solon has won each of the past three meetings by 19 points or more including a 35-7 win last season.

Headliner: Senior Carson Shive will be the anchor for the Solon defense from his middle linebacker spot after ranking second on the team with 77.5 tackles last season as a junior. The 6-foot, 205-pound Shive should become even more of a playmaker this season after making 34 solo stops a year ago.

Unsung heroes: Lineman are often overlooked but the Spartans have a strong senior trio that will lead the way on both the offensive and defensive lines in Nash Altman (6-0, 265), Erich Karstens (5-11, 240) and Zach Harp (6-1, 285). All three saw extensive action last season as juniors and each is capable of contributing on either side of the ball.

Keep an eye on: Senior Jackson Ryan appears poised for a big-time breakthrough after seeing his role increase during the Spartans’ postseason run last season. The 5-10, 180-pound Ryan made 14.5 tackles a year ago from his defensive back spot but his bigger jump this season could come at running back. He flashed his explosive running style last year rushing for 41 yards on five carries last season and catching four passes for 58 yards.

Biggest question: What do the Spartans look like in year one under Lucas Stanton? Kevin Miller stepped down after 18 seasons leading the Solon program and Stanton was hired in May after head coaching stints at North Cedar and Anamosa. Stanton has made it clear he plans to make small tweaks over wholesale changes in his first season leading the Spartans. Solon must replace a slew of stars from its 3A runner-up team last season including quarterback Cam Miller, its top four receivers, top rusher and tackler but the cupboard is far from empty. Seven starters return as the Spartans seek a deep playoff run after dropping back down to Class 2A for the first time since winning a 2A title in 2009.

Quotable: “We knew upfront what we were going to get and skill position wise, at running back we have three guys that are going to carry the load and we have four really good quarterback candidates and we are going to have to figure out what we are going to do there,” Solon first-year head coach Lucas Stanton said. “At the receiver position we have athletes we just have to solidify them and get them reps and really get comfortable as a cohesive unit and start gelling. I like where we are at. We are further ahead offensively than I thought we would be at this point to be honest and that goes back to our line and having some really strong senior leaders on the line.”

2020 Schedule

August 28: Williamsburg

Sept. 4: Washington

Sept. 11:  @Union

Sept. 18: @South Tama

Sept. 25: Vinton-Shellsburg

Oct. 2: Mount Vernon

Oct. 9: @Center Point-Urbana

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