A Former Hannibal Standout Replaces Schrader When Truman Hosts Davenport In the Season Opener

For the first time in three years, the Truman football team will kickoff the season at home this Saturday in a rematch with Davenport. In the opener last year in Michigan, Cody Schrader rushed for 217 yards and scored four touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs to a 31-14 win. The GLVC Offensive Player of the Year transfered to Mizzou and coach Gregg Nesbitt will turn to a transfer of his own. Former Hannibal High School standout Shamar Griffith comes to the Bulldog program from Missouri Western for his senior season…..

Griffith and the new stable of Truman running backs, including Mason Huskey of Hallsville, will run behind a veteran offensive line. Nesbitt says Jon Saxbury of Monroe City returns as a starter at left guard….

Other area Bulldog starters include last year’s leading tackler in linebacker Isaiah Estes of Fayette and another 2nd Team All-GLVC returner in defensive tackle Ben Miller, from Westran High School.

Truman is coming off a 9-3 season, including another America’s Crossroads Bowl championship. Davenport finished 3-8. Panthers Head Coach Sparky McEwen says this will be a tough opening assignment for his new offense….

Nesbitt enters his 13th season as the head coach at Truman. He explains why their offensive scouting report is limited….

McEwen expects to play three quarterbacks on Saturday…..

There are a pair of Kirksville players on the two-deep in Noah Copeland at receiver and Tanner Lain at tight end. Longtime Milan High School football coach John Dabney has joined the Bulldog staff as running backs coach.

You can hear the Bulldogs’ season-opener with Davenport from Stokes Stadium this Saturday on Superstation KRES and centralmoinfo.com starting with the Truman Tailgate at 11:15, with kickoff at noon. Brad, Eric Holm, and Hank will have the call.