Boot Camp: Confident Morton rolls into second season under Adam O’Neill

MORTON, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Morton can hardly wait for the high school football season to kick off.

After missing the playoffs in 2022, the Potters were back in the Illinois High School Association playoffs last fall. And they feel ready for another run to the postseason this year.

Morton brings back “about 12 starters,” according to head coach Adam O’Neill, who says there are 90 players in his program this year. All-conference lineman Dennis Dracup and running back Seandon Buffington lead the way for the Potters on offense.

But O’Neill is a defensive-minded coach and the Potters are a confident group on that side of the football too.

“It definitely makes things easier,” said senior linebacker Paul Weeks of a second training camp under O’Neill. “The communication is easier, everybody knows what everyone is doing. It’s great for our program.”

In six of Morton’s ten games last year, the Potters held opponents to 14 or fewer points. Defensive lineman Ian Collins and secondary veterans Silas Steffen and Cole Rinkenberger return anchor the defense.

“It feels really smooth getting into the plays again, already knowing most of the plays,” said senior defensive end Rylan Tanner. “Surprisingly, it was really smooth last year. It gives us a really good shot to be good.”

Morton, which finished runner-up to Washington in the Mid-Illini Conference last year, opens the season at Mahomet-Seymour on Aug. 30.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.