Lliteras has found a home at Harrisonville

Dion Clisso/PrepsKC

By Dion Cliss PrepsKC Managing Editor
Posted: October 16, 2010 - 10:56 PM



Chuck Lliteras found his home at Harrisonville even if he didn’t know it at the time. The veteran coach had been in charge of programs at Maryville, Fort Osage and Holden and had a stint as the Wildcats defensive coordinator under Fred Bouchard before moving on to the college ranks at William Jewell.

Then three years ago when Bouchard left to take the job at the new Staley High School Harrisonville called to see if Lliteras would be interested in coming back to lead the Wildcats. Lliteras accepted the challenge and has been leading the Wildcats ever since.

“It was like we never left,” Lliteras said. “When I came here as an assistant my wife and I never left and so it was like coming home. We really love the community and the kids. There is a great work ethic and dedication and passion for the program. Really not just football but all of the activities the children do here.”

Lliteras was a part of one of the Bouchard’s state championship teams that dominated Class 3 over a five-year span. Now since Lliteras has arrived the Wildcats have moved up to Class 4 where they have faced tough competition in his time.

“When we were in Class 3 it seemed like it was us and Cassville every year,” Lliteras said. “We’ve jumped to Class 4 and we are trying to establish that same tradition. We’ve won a lot of ball games but we need to get past Webb City and Kearney. With schools Kearney, Webb City, Harrisonville and others there are a lot of good football programs in Class 4. We are very fortunate to have the programs we do in the state of Missouri.”

Lliteras’ success is evident. This year the Wildcats are 7-1 with only a season-opening loss to Jefferson City Helias. Harrisonville has wins over Hazelwood West and Rodgers, Ark., to go along with Missouri River Valley Conference wins over Excelsior Springs, Odessa, Oak Grove and Pleasant Hill.

The Wildcats are one of the favorites to win their district again this year and it could be this week when they host a surprising 7-1 Center. The loser would face almost a must win in the final week of the season while the winner would be assured of at least a tie for one of the two playoff spots. This week’s game with the Yellowjackets is the biggest of the season for Harrisonville.