AJ Ofodile played and coached college football, and played in the NFL.
So Ofodile is keenly aware of what hype looks like. Given that the Festus football team he’s been head coach of for seven years reached the Class 4 Show-Me Bowl in 2024 and the state semifinals last year, and returns the conference’s offensive and defensive players of the year, the hype train has left the station.
“We’ve had a couple of good runs at it, and we’re bringing back a lot of experienced players, a lot of production, so it makes sense people have high expectations, and we obviously have the same,” Ofodile said last week prior to the jamboree. “We’re also smart enough to know that we have some incredibly tough games. All the preseason hype is great and fun, but it doesn’t mean anything because you still have to compete the right way to have success.”
When the Tigers made it to the state final in 2024, Parker Perry backed up Essien Smith at quarterback, but Perry was able to play in several of the games when Festus took control of them. It was obvious from that point, the Tigers’ next QB was set for the next two years. In 2025, Perry was all-state (honorable mention) after he completed an astounding 72 percent of 242 passes for 2,917 yards. His TD-to-interception ratio of 38-2 was even more incredible.
Mississippi Area Football Conference rival North County had every intention of upsetting the Tigers in Festus in the District 1 championship, but four of Perry’s eight completions went for TDs in a 42-24 win. Ofodile said Perry has received some attention from Division II football programs, but thinks as the prep season unfolds, DI schools could come calling.
“I imagine that Parker’s the type of kid that when kids got to the playground to play football, everybody wanted him to be the all-time quarterback,” Ofodile said. “He’s a natural. He’s instinctive. He’s great in the pocket. A year ago, we didn’t allow him to run the ball very much. He was dealing with a knee thing, our backup (QB) was hurt. We tried to put bubble wrap on (Perry) to keep him on his feet. This year, he has the opportunity to excel as a runner.
“He had one of the highest yards per attempts in the state. It’s not like we’re throwing bubble screens all day. His completion percentage is a function of his accuracy, not necessarily the play calling. He’s special, and we’re lucky to have him one more season.
“There are a lot of factors that go into the recruiting process, especially in this day and age. He has a few DII offers. If he plays the way I expect him to, he’ll continue to move up and continue to impress people.”
Senior defensive lineman Antonio Pinkston (second team) is the anchor for a unit that returns all of its starters, including senior Galin Hall (DE) and juniors Beau Canaday (DT) and Gibson Cotham (DT). Pinkston only plays one way and had 55 tackles and seven sacks a year ago. His recruiting profile is certain to increase too.
Ofodile chafed at the notion of Pinkston being double teamed.
“A lot depends on where he’s lined up,” said Ofodile, who was a tight end as a player. “No one’s going to change their offense. It depends on what they do. It’s hard to get people doubled on any level.
“Antonio’s been a super productive player for us. We think he’s better than he was a year ago. On film, he looks quicker and better, more polished. We expect more things from him.”
In the last two years, senior running back Kamden Yates has gained more than 1,500 yards and scored 11 TDs in each season. Yates rushed for four TDs in districts against Hillsboro and the state quarterfinals against Sullivan.
“He’s got a lot of touches and big plays under his belt,” Ofodile said.
Junior Aiden Schirmer led the Tigers with 136 tackles last year at linebacker. This season, Schirmer will increase his role to playing running back.
“He’s really blossomed as a ball carrier, and he’s been very explosive and impressive to watch this summer,” Ofodile said.
Other RBs are juniors Myles Farries and Quinnten O’Brien, who is Perry’s backup.
Senior Gus Drinnen is the team’s most experienced receiver. Drinnen caught two TDs in a 41-36 win against Farmington. Seniors Dylan Clinton and Max Foglesong and juniors Keyshawn Hall and Carter Rush are all WRs. Foglesong and O’Brien are the starting safeties on defense.
Senior Braydon Wilkes was an all-state (second team) selection at tight end, but Wilkes, 6-1, 235, can play WR or RB, and on defense starts at outside linebacker. He’s another Tiger with college potential.
“He’s a great blocker,” Ofodile said.
Senior Carson Grass has been a starter on the Festus offensive line for four years, and is the anchor tied to eight other players who as of last Friday’s jamboree were still being evaluated for starting jobs.
“He’s powerful, athletic, does a great job in the weight room and classroom. A great leader,” Ofodile said.
Luke Wacker made more than 100 extra points the last two seasons but graduated this spring. Ofodile said the team hasn’t settled on a new kicker yet.
Besides winning District 1 the last two years, Festus has also won the MAFC both times. Ofodile sees the conference competition closing in.
“De Soto and Windsor have been developing more of an identity after making coaching changes a few years ago, and they’ve done a good job with the people they have in place for strength and conditioning. Coach (Russ) Schmidt has done a great job of creating buy-in at De Soto. They upset Hillsboro last year. They have a ton of seniors coming back.”
Festus hosts Rockwood Summit on Friday at 7 p.m. to kick off the new season. The Falcons are in the highest pool (Yellow) in the Suburban Conference, and finished 8-3 as a Class 5 team last year.