They may be installing a new turf at their stadium, but it’s the same winning tradition over on the east side of Polk County, when it comes to the Southeast Polk Rams. Coach Denny Muller is no rookie when it comes to playing the traditional powerhouses in the Des Moines area. He’s not alone, as RB Caleb Pavon returns to lead the Rams on offense with a veteran offense line anchored by C Zack Hamilton and OL Jake Marnin.

The defense brings back five starters with LBs Deion Mikesell and JJ Cole, and SS Brady Buchheit. Treye Spencer is back, as he’ll handle the place-kicking duties for the Rams. The Rams are favored to win Class 4A District 1, but they will have a challenging non-district schedule against Johnston, WDM Valley, Waukee, and Ankeny Centennial.

Southeast Polk Stats

2013 Record:  7-4 overall, 4-1 Division 4

2014 Class, District:  Class 4A, District 1

Coach: Denny Muller, 41st season, 240-149 overall (86-45 at SE Polk)

Returning Starters – Offense

Caleb Pavon, RB, 12, 6-0, 185

Jake Marnin, OL, 12, 6-2, 300

Kyle Wallace, OL, 12, 6-0, 250

Sam Bakeris, OL, 12, 6-4, 270

Sam Henry, WR, 12, 5-10, 150

Zack Hamilton, C, 12, 6-0, 215

Returning Starters – Defense

Deion Mikesell, LB, 12, 6-0, 220

Brady Buchheit, SS, 12, 5-8, 155

Cameron Shannon, S, 12, 6-0, 170

Treye Spencer, K, 12, 6-1, 160

JJ Cole, LB, 12, 6-0, 190

Ben Bakeris, DL, 12, 6-1, 205

Returning Letterwinners: 17

Coaching Staff (new additions): Jesse Smith and James Clark (both volunteers)

Offensive scheme: No huddle – zone read

Defensive scheme: 4-3 

Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: After years of utilizing a prolific passing game, SE Polk will be installing a new offense…the zone read. The pressing concern Muller has is inexperience at QB with the graduation of Nick Arnold. There is lack of depth in several positions, but the Rams will be senior-heavy. Outside of their non-district and district games, SE Polk will not face Dowling Catholic this season or next season. The Maroons and Rams have built a budding rivalry over the last several years.

2014 Schedule (District games in bold)

Aug. 29 @ Johnston

Sept. 5 Waukee

Sept. 12 West Des Moines Valley

Sept. 19 @ Ankeny Centennial

Sept. 26 Des Moines East

Oct. 3 Council Bluffs Jefferson

Oct. 10 @ Ames

Oct. 17 @ Sioux City North

Oct. 24  @ Ankeny