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KHQA/ADVANCE Physical Therapy Barnstorm Tour: UNITY/PAYSON MUSTANGS

It was a fortuitous hire for a program that hasn't caught a break since Josh Rabe and Dallas Roberts last strapped up a chin strap.

Unity/Payson's new Football Coach comes highly recommended, landing in Mendon only because of his wife's family ties to the Quincy area and new job back here at home.

And now it falls to Karl Asbury to elevate a program that hasn't seen the IHSA Postseason since the Gary Brickman era.

Karl Asbury "We're trying to create some excitement. We only have one coach leftover from last year group. I asked him if there's been much excitement with practice and stuff and he said no. We're trying to build on that excitement. Have them have a little fun. I think that is what they have been missing here at Unity for some time."

Karl Asbury is no stranger to winning. In his six years at Plattsburg High in Western Missouri, the Tigers have averaged six wins per season and made four playoff appearances. Now, he inherits a Mustang program that has won just four total games in five years combined.

Asbury: "I think it is just a work in progress. We are trying to get these kids to get confidence in themselves. To believe in themselves and if that happens, I think they could be successful. I am not going to guarantee you a lot of wins but I think we're going to be in much more of the ballgame and be competitive this year..."

"The Freshmen, Sophomores, and even some Juniors have really come along here this summer. I think there is some good framework there. Our numbers are a little down this year, but maybe some success will build those numbers as well...."

"We're really trying to focus on Fundamentals and getting them to play football the right way. And that's what I am trying to build on. We want to try to block, tackle, do the right things. I know that Unity isn't blessed with a lot of team speed. So we got to try and work on the little things and that is what we are going to try and work on...