S-C trio help make Valley defense great

Editor’s note: The Democrat will publish an occasional column looking at how local athletes are faring at the college level.

Three Smith-Cotton graduates helped make the Missouri Valley College football team’s defense one of the best in the nation this season.

Junior defensive back Michael Franklin, junior linebacker Jesse Putnam and sophomore defensive back DeAndre

Smith helped the Vikings finish No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense (48.9 yards per game), No. 2 in total defense (225.5 ypg) and No. 5 in pass defense efficiency.

Franklin and Putnam were honored for their performances by the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Putnam made second-team all-conference. In 10 games, he made 40 tackles including 19 solo and had 10 tackles for loss, which ranked first on the team, according to the HAAC Web site.

He had a season-high seven tackles against Benedictine. His best overall performance was against MidAmerica Nazarene, a 28-27 loss, where he had a season-high four unassisted tackles and a season-high 2.5 tackles for a loss, according to the Web site.

Franklin received a honorable mention on the all-conference team. In nine games, Franklin made 21 tackles including 19 unassisted, the Web site said. He had three interceptions including one each in his last three games.

Smith played in 10 games for the Vikings, making 12 tackles and one interception, according to the Web site.

The Vikings finished 8-3, losing 24-6 to Morningside College in the first round of the NAIA playoffs in Sioux City, Iowa. Valley finished third in the HAAC.

A graduate of Northwest High School in Hughesville has played a pivotal role for the Missouri Tigers, who carry a 7-4 record into Saturday’s battle with rival Kansas.

Tim Barnes, a junior center, has started all 11 games for the Tigers this season. The Tigers are tied for 31st in the nation in fewest sacks allowed with 1.36 a game, according the NCAA Web site. The Tigers didn’t allow a sack for the first time this season in its win over Kansas State.

At the University of Central Missouri, Reid Allison, a junior receiver from Tipton, played in 11 games this season, making three catches for 28 yards.

Two local athletes saw action this season for the Central Methodist University football team.

Marshall Woodruff, a sophomore punter from Warsaw, played in all 11 games for the Eagles. He made 62 punts for an average of 36.7 yards a kick.

Taylor Combs, a freshman linebacker from Tipton, played in two games this season, making two tackles.

If you know of any local athletes who are playing at the collegiate level, send an e-mail to   smith@sedaliademocrat.com