Local players sign with the Lindenwood football team

ST. CHARLES -- Several local high school football players signed letters of intent to play football at Lindenwood in 2009.

The Lions, coached by Patrick Ross, have won 21 games in the last two seasons and lost by one point in the 2008 NAIA Championship Football Series semifinals last season.

"Coaches around the state have learned about our program now, after being here for five full seasons and enjoying as much success as we have on and off the field," said Ross. "We've been able to compete with the MIAA schools on Missouri kids, and the players we bring here from other parts of the country are typically among the best in their home state. Every staff likes to think, 'this class is the one', but this group - with 18 first team All-State selections - certainly gives us a chance to match up all over the field with anyone we play in the next few years."

The Bootheel has been a vital part of the Lions success and will continue to be as six players from the area signed on Tuesday.

Lindenwood signed three players from East Prairie in linebacker Riley Hadenfeldt, defensive lineman Ian Penrod and running back M.C. Williams.

Hadenfeldt (6-1, 210) finished the 2008 season with 93 tackles, 84 assists, five sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries while Penrod (6-0, 265), the SEMO South Lineman of the Year, was a four-year starter.

Williams (5-8, 200), the Carr Trophy winner, led the area with 2,116 yards rushing on 245 carries while scoring 32 total touchdowns.

Dexter's Evan Jackson, a 6-5, 280 pound offensive lineman was a key component of the Bearcat passing game and also signed with the Lions.

Charleston quarterback Chase McClendon (6-3, 200) also signed with Lindenwood as did Kennett quarterback Blake Parr (6-4, 190).

In total the Lions landed 46 players with the majority of the players coming from Missouri. The Lions also signed four players from Georgia, three from Illinois and one from Oklahoma.