By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
Rossville football standouts Torrey Horak, Brody Lietz and Corey Catron will hold a signing ceremony on Monday afternoon, officially launching the next step in their careers.
The seniors helped lead the Dawgs to two state titles in four years as Rossville put together a 47-6 record, including back-to-back undefeated seasons.
Horak, Lietz and Catron were all smiles when reflecting on their successes as members of the Rossville football program and their futures.
Horak is heading to the University of Central Missouri while Lietz will play for Emporia State and Catron at Bethel College.
Torrey Horak is projected as a defensive back at Central Missouri after starring at quarterback and on defense for Rossville. [File photo/TSN]
TORREY HORAK, Central Missouri
A star quarterback/defensive back at Rossville, Horak is projected to play defense for the Mules after a sensational playing career for the Bulldawgs.
Horak recorded 3,801 passing yards, 3,893 rushing yards, 54 passing touchdowns and 61 rushing touchdowns in his prep career.
In 2021, Horak tallied a 1,000 yard-plus passing season and a 1,000 yard-plus rushing season despite being out with an injury for three games, finishing 2,356 total yards and 26 total touchdowns.
Horak said he took mental notes when he watched his older brothers help build the foundation of the Rossville dynasty.
“Watching my two older brothers Thatcher and Tucker, growing up win state titles, it always motivated me,'' Torrey Horak said. "From a young age, I wanted to do what they did. I was lucky enough to grow up around this team. Seeing those guys before me work taught me what mentality you have to have to win (state). We won two (titles) and I don’t think there is any better feeling to have as a high school football player.”
Horak said his college decision was surprisingly easy.
“I went on three total visits and when I came back from Central it felt like home,” said Horak. “Having Bo Reeves (former Rossville football standout) up there will help me get settled in. I enjoy (Warrensburg), school, and they have a nice atmosphere on game days.”
Corey Catron is headed to Bethel College after playing a key role in Rossville's back-to-back state titles as a running back, quarterback and linebacker. [File photo/TSN]
COREY CATRON, Bethel College
Catron was an integral part of the sustained success of Rossville over his four-year playing career as a running back and linebacker.
During the 2021 season, Catron cemented his legacy in Rossville.
After Horak went down with an injury during the “War On 24” contest in Silver Lake, Catron put his duties at running back on hold and took over the quarterback role while Horak was injured.
With Catron at quarterback the Dawgs posted a 3-0 record, including two playoff wins.
“When Torrey (Horak) went down I was freaking out,” Catron said. “Once we got on a roll the first couple of games, we settled down. Our line did great for us and that was a big part of the season.”
As a running back, Catron accumulated 2,091 yards with 38 touchdowns in his career. As a middle linebacker, Catron had 244 total tackles, five sacks and two interceptions.
“Everything that has happened in the last two years has been amazing,'' Catron said. "We wouldn’t have won without (coach Derick) Hammes, the coaching staff, and all of the guys just doing what they were told to do. We all bought in and it worked out.
“When I went down to Bethel, the guys were pretty cool. The atmosphere, team and coaches were all good to me. Being at a small-town college will also be good for me.”
BRODY LIETZ, Emporia State
Right guard Lietz established his dominance in the trenches for the Bulldawgs, helping pave the way for Rossville's two-year title run.
Brody Lietz
As much of a presence as Lietz was on the offensive side of the ball, he was also a factor as a defensive lineman, recording 85 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and three sacks in his career.
Without the blood, sweat and tears, Lietz doesn’t believe he would be in the position that he is in today.
“It’s all about putting in the hard work on your off time,'' Lietz said. "Early mornings in the summer lifting and speed training paid off. Getting better comes with experience.”
Lietz was a leader of arguably one of the best groups of linemen in Class 2A last two years.
While Rossville hasn’t lost a game the last two seasons, the Dawgs lost in postseason the 2018 and '19 and Lietz said he learned some valuable lessons from those losses.
“We worked hard for them (state championship wins),'' Lietz said. "It took a lot of pain to get there. After losing our freshman and sophomore years, it pushed us.
“I chose Emporia State because I’m familiar with the community. I like the team and the coaching staff. Emporia just feels like home.”
