Weeden, Gooden named All-Region for Tribe

File photo by Mike Buhler
Travon Weeden (back) recorded 18 sacks as a junior.

[Click to enlarge]

And for good reason. The junior defensive tackle racked up 18 sacks this fall to lead a revitalized Kennett Indians defense and become one of four Indians players to earn Class 3 All-Region honors from a panel of southeast Missouri sportswriters.

Weeden and receiver Jimmy Gooden were named to the first team, while Andy Lack was a second-team honoree and Dunn received honorable mention, both as linebackers.

File photo by Mike Buhler
Jimmy Gooden (right) caught 31 passes for 615 yards this fall.

[Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Weeden emerged as a sack machine in new coach Kenneth "Red" Riedinger's 10-1 defense. He recorded seven sacks against Portageville on homecoming and even sacked fleet-footed New Madrid Country Central quarterback G'Darius Stevenson twice late in the season.

"Travon did a great job for us this year," Riedinger said. "He has a great motor and a excellent get-off. He played the spot exactly like we needed him too. We will be better next year defensively and we will play the same fast physical brand of football."

While Weeden emerged as a team leader and playmaker on defense, Gooden did the same thing on offense.

Racking up over 500 yards in 2008, Gooden entered his senior season as the team's No. 1 wide receiver and he delivered, catching 31 passes for 615 yards -- over 60 percent of the Tribe's receiving yards -- and giving sophomore quarterback Adam Grantham a reliable pass-catcher to help him make the transition to varsity football.

"Jimmy was a receiving threat and teams doubled him which helped us in other areas," said Riedinger. "Even having so much attention he still produced good numbers."

Meanwhile, Lack came into his own as a junior in 2009, recording 6 ½ sacks and emerging as arguably the team's best defender behind Weeden while coming into his own late in the season as a tight end.

Against Malden, Lack forced a fumble at the Green Wave two-yard line, picked it up and took it in for the touchdown in the game's opening minute, giving Kennett needed momentum and ultimately a lead it would not relinquish.

"Andy was a relentless rush end for us," Riedinger said. "The only thing that stopped him from having larger numbers was the fact that Travon had such a tremendous year -- he was just beat to the quarterback. Andy will have a huge year next year for us. He is an absolute a joy to coach and we are fortunate to have him."

Dunn set the tempo for his junior season with a big game against Charleston and never looked back, batting through injuries to record a strong season at linebacker. Not just limited to defense, Dunn even stepped in and played fullback at Perryville week 8.

"Emmett it a committed guy who we used everywhere," said Riedinger. "I can't say enough about Emmett's attitude and work ethic. Emmett is also a hugh asset for us. He is a great football player and a better young man."

The best news for Kennett football is that three of these players -- Weeden, Lack and Dunn -- can return next year, giving the Tribe increased hope of recording its first playoff berth since 1986.

"These guys had great years for us and we only want more next year," Riedinger said. "We leaned on the defense this year and we're fortunate that they helped keep us close. We learned a ton and got better every week. 2010 should be a stellar year for our defense with these guys returning."