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  Veteran Offensive Line at A-O

  For the third straight year, the Argenta-Oreana Bombers missed out on the IHSA Playoffs. For the third straight year, the Bombers also improved on their final season record. After a seven-win season in 2006, the Bombers finished, 0-9, in 2007. A year later, they won two games, and last year doubled that win total to four.

  Of course, when you look back at last year's schedule, it is certainly a little mind blowing. Argenta-Oreana faced three teams that went on to play for a state championship, including Class 1A state champs, Tuscola. The other two, Maroa-Forsyth (2nd in Class 2A) and Tolono Unity (2nd in Class 3A). Another team on their regular season schedule, Moweaqua Central A&M, advanced to the state quarterfinals.

  The key to the 2010 season at Argenta-Oreana is the experienced play up front. "Our offensive line will be a strength," head coach Tom Saunches said. Returning starters on the line are; Trent Trudeau (6'1" 255 Sr. OT), Ethan Johnson (5'10" 260 Sr. OT), Cam Cripe (6'2" 215 Jr. C), and Ethan Padgett (5'9" 185 Sr. OG). Trudeau was a two-way all-conference pick in the Okaw Valley.

  While the line play is a plus entering the season, the Bombers have a big spot to fill to lead that offense. "Major offensive obstacle --- find a Quarterback." The Bombers do have two returning Wide Recievers for that mystery QB to throw to; Danny Ball (5'11" 165 Sr.) and Kolby Meador (5'10" 160 Sr.).

  Players looking to plug the gaps in positions on offense will be; Conner Fornear (6'0" 220 Sr. FB/TE), and Dylan Whicker (5'10" 185 Sr. RB). Whicker was a starter as a sophomore, but missed his junior campaign with an injury.

  Seven starters return on defense, led by all-conference Nose Guard, Trent Trudeau. Ethan Johnson was a 2nd team All-Conference selection at Defensive End. Heath Harrison (6'2" 180) will be on the other side at Defensive End, and Ethan Padgett will be at Middle Linebacker. The secondary is intact, with Kolby Meador and Danny Ball at Cornerback, and Ryan Barnes (6'0" 195 Jr.) at Free Safety. Dylan Whicker should fill in a spot at Linebacker.

  As mentioned before, the regular season schedule is a tall order for the A-O Bombers. The conference was home to two teams that played for a state championship (Tuscola and Maroa-Forsyth) in 2009. "As usual, (Okaw Valley Conference) will be loaded. We get to play (Moweaqua) A&M, Tuscola, and Maroa-Forsyth in our division as well as Sullivan, (Tolono) Unity, Clinton, and Monticello in the other division."

  This is Tom Saunches 19th year as the football coach at Argenta-Oreana, however those years did not come consecutively. Saunches guided the Bombers from, 1981-1990, as the team compiled a (55-47) record and made five trips to the playoffs. In his most recent stint, the Bombers have gone (43-40), in eight seasons. His football coaching record at the school is, 98-87. Saunches was also the head baseball coach from 1983-2004, and again in 2006-07. He led the 2007 Bombers baseball team to a berth in the state finals.

  Assistant coaches are; Tom Brown, Gary Cook, Eric Gebben, Mike Ferrill, Ric Millington, Dave Fornear, and Duane Hupp.