Shall it be grass or turf?
For Seckman head coach Nick Baer, that’s like asking “paper or plastic?” at the grocery store.
This is, after all, the same coach who has said his team will play on the moon if it has to.
So Baer has no problem practicing on the grass behind Seckman Middle School while a new artificial-turf field is being installed in the Jaguars’ stadium.
“There’s no issues, we’re used to (grass),” Baer said. “(The contractor) is out there rolling up the old (field).”
ATG Sports of Festus is replacing the turf fields at both Fox and Seckman after summer storms tore them up. The projected date of completion at Seckman, as of last week, is Sept. 6 – the night Baer’s team is scheduled to host the Warriors.
The Jaguars rolled to 10-0 last season before reaching their first-ever Class 6 District 1 championship game. At home on a chilly night, Seckman fans were stunned to watch powerhouse Jackson sprint to a 48-0 halftime lead and ultimately win 55-21.
A tough loss, but it didn’t dim the Jaguars’ pride in what the program has accomplished since Baer took over in 2019.
In the last three years, the Jaguars are 28-6 with three straight Suburban Conference Orange pool championships. They have the turnout numbers to keep a good thing going; last week 185 players were running around on that grass under the watchful eyes of Baer’s large and experienced coaching staff.
“Looking back at 2016 (0-10) and 2017 (1-9), it’s kind of crazy how much we’ve grown as a program,” Baer said. “It gives you confidence what you do here will be passed on.
“This year, I think it’s going to be an amazing (season). We have done so much work to make our offensive and defensive weapons fit our players. Our coaches are better than they’ve ever been.”
Seckman makes its living on the ground and senior running back Brady Ambrose – whose older brothers, Joey and Mason, played during those leaner times – is poised as the No. 1 running back after rushing 61 times for 542 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. He led his team with 111 yards and a touchdown in a 33-0 shutout of Oakville in the district semifinals.
In his third year on the varsity, Ambrose said there could be fewer direct snaps to the quarterback.
“We have handoffs incorporated in there,” he said. “I like to think about playing a big role in the offense. That comes with being a senior. All the guys rely on you and you’re expected to handle it.”
That will be even more important with a new starter at quarterback, sophomore Brody Kube. He played in six games a year ago, completing eight of 12 passes for two touchdowns, including a 50-yard bomb against Jackson.
“He adds an element to our offense we haven’t had the last few years,” Baer said. “He has the arm strength and technique to deliver balls more consistently.”
Joining Ambrose in the backfield is junior tailback Mason Fowler, a dual threat like former Jag QBs Cole Ruble and Tommy Gibbar who will occasionally line up under center. Senior Ben Lewis returns after rushing for 305 yards and four TDs last year.
When Kube airs it out, his prime target will be senior Devin Gosser, who caught 14 passes for 231 yards and six touchdowns last season. “He’s big so he can handle blocking when we require him to,” Baer said.
Junior Cam Benson, a multi-sport athlete (baseball and basketball) is back at receiver after playing a reserve role a year ago. Senior tight end Isaak Perry returns as well; he was a starter last year until he injured his knee against Fox in Week 6 and was lost for the season.
“He’s had a long recovery and we’re excited to get him back on the field,” Baer said.
On the offensive line, Baer has to replace graduated three-year starters Trent Enloe and Max Sell. Zach Sell, Max’s brother, Chris Pole, Evan Huffard and Landon Kramer are the leading candidates to line up with the lone returner, senior tackle Tyler Jackson.
“When we’re looking for offensive linemen, we value size, but (also) value their ability to move, pull and run in space,” Baer said.
The Jag defense is in better shape than the offense with eight returning starters. Last year’s unit pitched three shutouts, held Pattonville to three points and four other opponents to seven points.
The linebacking corps is led by seniors Dom Lagrasso and Jack Schlechte and junior Dylan Lappe. The returning defensive backs are seniors Jackson Compton and Joe Bierach. The defensive line will feature seniors Isaac Johnston, Lukaus Steinnerd and Law Newman.
Senior Connor Day will take over the kicking duties and has sizable shoes to fill with the graduation of Evan Behnke, who drilled 53 extra points last year.
Going 10-0 again isn’t an issue for Ambrose or his teammates.
“None of the guys are worried about that,” Ambrose said. “We’re not looking for going undefeated. We’re looking for our first district championship. It’s the only way we can one-up last year.”
Baer has gone from trying to make his team competitive to keeping them locked in on upholding high standards.
“To hold the standard (for) how we operate in the weight room and practice room,” he said. “Expectations are always high. We’ve had good focus, through camp and the first week of practice, on our goals.
“The guys are very coachable and working hard. It’s new names and faces, but the guys are stepping up into their roles. Anything is possible if you don’t lose focus.”
Seckman opens the season Aug. 30 at Parkway West. The Longhorns are in the Green pool (one tier above the Orange) and were 5-6 last year. Three of Seckman’s first four games are on the road, wrapped around that Sept. 6 home date with Fox.
On turf, grass or concrete, Baer’s goal is for his program to take that next big step.
“A district championship is something we’d like to (win),” he said.
“It’s part of our season goals. We’ve been (to the title game) and know what to expect. Now we can prepare our kids for it.”