Getting to Know You: Southeast Polk Rams
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