A New Field + New Players = New Opportunities; Macon Tigers gear up for 2019 Football Season

MACON, MO -- Pete Claas' 27th year of coaching is weeks away as the Macon Tigers are set to begin their season on the road to Kirksville on August 30th. Claas expressed excitement toward the very first game just as much as he looks forward to every time the team huddles up under the Friday Night Lights throughout the season. This year the Macon Varsity Team is comprised of 12 seniors, 12 juniors, and 12 sophomores. "We are probably replacing more starters than we have in a decade or so. I have been impressed so far this summer with how quickly the new faces are picking things up," stated Class when asked about the uniqueness of this upcoming group of players. With the considerably young team, the inexperience of the offensive line and how it comes together throughout the season, Claas believes it will not only be the key to their offense all around but overall, it will render the greatest impact on the team all together. With that, Claas stated, "staying committed to the process" is something he has harped on throughout the summer to his players. Along with his coaching staff, Class is looking to incorporate some new plays on offense and schemes on defense, bringing possible new opportunities to the team. With the junior varsity accounted for too, they are expecting roughly 50 players total within the Macon Tiger football program. Practice for fall sports at Macon R-1 begin on August 12 and classes resume August 19. Throughout the summer, the Macon R-1 School District has been getting a makeover on the Hugh Dunn Field as the field is being turfed. "Being able to have practice during and following heavy rains and not having to spend hours and hours painting the game field each week," are things that Claas is looking forward to with the new field and the football program. The turf field is also bringing new opportunities to the Marching Tigers as the Macon R-1 Band Department looks to host its first ever band festival in September right here in Macon, Missouri. The City of Maples Marching Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st - the festival will not only be occupying the field, but residents will get the opportunity to view the parade section of the festival as area bands march in downtown Macon. The turf field will make its Friday night debut on September 13 at 7 p.m. with the Tigers taking on the South Shelby Cardinals for the first home varsity game of the season.

Macon's Homecoming is October 11th against the Brookfield Bulldogs.

To view the schedule for Macon R-1 Athletics, visit: http://www.macon.k12.mo.us/home

The picture is of work being done on the football field. Superintendent Jarvis has stated the field will be done within the last few weeks of this summer, before school starts.