LT Goers reaps TD outcome

BOONEVILLE — Mason Goers received his reward on Friday night for being a team player.

Goers moved to the offensive line this year as the Booneville Bearcats looked to replace every single lineman that graduated from last year’s Class 3A quarterfinalist.

In Friday’s 41-22 win over Paris, just as fullback Dax Goff was about to score, he was hit and lost the ball. It popped into the air where Goers, from his left tackle position, grabbed it and ran two yards into the end zone for a 35-10 lead on the second play of the fourth quarter.

“I haven’t scored any in high school,” Goers said. “So, it was a big deal.”

Goers played fullback and tight end growing up and had scored touchdowns before so he did know what to do with the football in his hands.

“Kind of,” Goers said. “It just popped up in my hands, and I just started running forward.”

Goers along with fellow senior Casey Mattson made the switch to offensive line.

“They’re kind of skilled kids and worked so hard this offseason,” Booneville coach Doc Crowley said. “They put some weight on and got a lot stronger. We asked them to move to the offensive line for the betterment of the team. The type of kids those two are, without hesitation said ‘yes sir.’ Now, they’re offensive linemen. Those two have really taken a lot of pride in it. They’re seniors and it’s been fun to watch them accept that role and take on that challenge. They’ve done a really good job.”

They join sophomore center Matt Obar and junior guards Brett Welling and Johnny Barnes on a totally revamped line.

“There were a lot of unknowns with them,” Crowley said. “We had an idea we’d be pretty good but they’ve exceeded our expectations. They’ve really just started to come into their own as a group. The best is yet to come with those guys.”

Mattson missed the Booneville game due to an injury but should return soon. Cameron Osborne played in his place on Friday.

They’ve cleared the way for the top rushing team in the state with the Bearcats leading the state in rushing at 416 yards per game. Friday night was no different with the Bearcats churning out 459 yards on 49 carries behind a line that’s clearing the way.

“We’ve been working hard,” Goers said. “I love doing that for my team.”

Booneville travels to Perryville on Friday in another key 3A-4 contest. If Booneville wins, the Bearcats will win the outright conference championship and secure the top seed in the playoffs.