Big Coaching Challenge Ahead for Ladue's Mike Tarpey

Indications are, this will be the biggest challenge in the coaching career of Mike Tarpey at Ladue to date. Gone is his quarterback Brandon Carr and one of the nation’s top receivers Jehu Chesson (University of Michigan). Previous to that, Tarpey had the luxury of a three-year starter at QB in the form of Kortland Webb.

But that’s all hindsight now. Also gone to graduation was senior rushing star Deavin Edwards (133, rushes, 1577 yards and 23 TDs,) average of 11.9 yards per attempt.

Chesson caught 53 passes for 757 yards and scored 8 TDs. Often, he was double and triple teamed by defenders. Daylen Dean, who rushed for 11 TDs before departing.

Last year’s 8-4 season was a mixed bag. While the Rams had some big victories, they lost to rival MICDS twice, 56-55 and 31-21 knocking them from the playoffs.

Carr came on strong passing as the year went on. He was good on 127 of 251 attempts for 1778 yards and 17 TDs.

Michael Horton-Lofton was a strong two-way performer at fullback and linebacker and he too has graduated.

This year’s ambitious schedule includes non-league away games at Parkway Central, Parkway West and Fort Zumwalt North.

Tarpey will be tapping some newcomers to fill the gaps. Shawn Whitley, a razor thin running back returns but is injury prone. Someone will have to step up and assume the quarterbacking duties. Even punter Chase Lambie graduated.

Jameson Carr performed well at defensive end and his role on this year’s team is yet to be defined. Others figuring to play prominent roles will be Adehkeem Brown, Sam Glancy, and Cody Kniptash .

The Rams could be hard pressed to equal or exceed last year’s 8-4 mark. Here’s how the schedule shapes up this fall:

Ladue Rams Football Schedule, 2012

Day/Date/Time/Opponent

Friday, August 24, 7 p.m. at Parkway Central

Friday, August 31, 7 p.m. at Parkway West

Saturday, Sept. 8, 2 p.m. at McCluer South-Berkeley

Saturday, Sept. 15, 1 p.m. vs McCluer

Saturday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. vs Normandy

Friday, October 5, 7 p.m. vs Clayton at Gay Field

Saturday, October 13, 1 p.m. at Fort Zumwalt North

Saturday, October 20, 1 p.m. vs Jennings