Running back Raphael Spencer leads a group of eight returning starters on an offense that averaged more than 425 yards per game in 2013. Spencer led the MIAA with 1,312 yards rushing after taking over as the feature back from MWSU all-time leading rusher and Green Bay Packer Michael Hill. The Kansas City native enters the season ninth on Missouri Western’s career rushing list. A new signal caller will take the reins of the Griffon offense for the first time since 2010. Departed All-MIAA quarterback Travis Partridge has moved on to the Canadian Football League and handed the torch to one of two redshirt freshmen — Skyler Windmiller and TJ LaFaver. Stability at the quarterback position has been a staple of the Jerry Partridge era. Three quarterbacks — Kasey Waterman, Drew Newhart and Travis Partridge — have combined to start 129 of the 199 games Coach Partridge has led the Griffons. That trio also stands at the top of nearly every passing category in the MWSU record book. An experienced receiving corps will look to make the transition for the new quarterback a little easier. Stephon Weaver is back after leading the team with 47 catches and 583 receiving yards in 2013. Spencer was fourth on the team with 21 catches. Dee Tolliver and Josh Walker caught 19 and 14 passes last season respectively. Reggie Jordan has moved on to the NFL but Alek Ferbet and Daylon Harper saw plenty of action at the tight end position. Each hauled in two touchdown catches last year. What was an untested group up front going into the 2013 season is now a battle tested group of veteran offensive lineman. Travis Anderson, Christian Orduno, John Carter and Leonard Wester started more than half the Griffons games last season, paving the way for Spencer’s league best rushing total. #MISSOURIWESTERNWINS Page 33
Missouri Western 2014 Football Media Guide
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