Cassville to continue run-first mentality with more throwing options

BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Coming through the ranks for the Cassville football team this year in the backfield and at wide receiver is an exciting mix of speed, strength and skill the ‘Cats hope will help diversify the playbook.

Clay Weldy, Cassville football coach, said the 15 total players are working in the backfield this summer, and another 17 are getting reps at wide receiver.

Running backs and fullbacks include: seniors Andon Gautney, Tristan Thompson, Chance Freed and move-in Vynnie Arguelles; juniors Camden Beebe, Masin Bryan and Easton Hughes; sophomores Carson Hutchens, Logan Parsons and Braydyn Sizemore; and freshmen Jayden Ritchie, Spencer Drollinger, Mquade Farris, Dylan Sorensen and Kellen Weldy.

“Easton started some games at fullback last year and has had a good summer,” Weldy said. “Tristan and Andon also got a couple starts last year and bring some experience back, and Masin has had a good summer after starting as a linebacker his freshman year then playing one game last year before [season-ending injury]. Kamden has also done a really good job this summer.”

Weldy said to get varsity snaps in the backfield, his Wildcats have to possess a few important skills.

“With backs, they have to be able to block, make sure they know how to align correctly, and when they get the ball in their hands, be able to do something with it,” Weldy said. “If you get tackled by one guy and can’t make someone miss, you probably won’t get much time. You have to be able to get extra yards, those tough yards, and it is also a positive if you can catch.”

Cassville traditionally runs a handful of backs throughout the season, and Weldy said who gets starts will not always be set in stone.

“Every guy I mentioned has a role defensively, too, so we may rotate our offense and see how the game flows,” he said. “Some have speed, and some are thicker backs that can block, break tackles and extend drives. They can all catch, and that’s important too.

“I’m excited to see how our lineup plays out. We have lots of reps to get in before and at the jamboree.”

When looking to air the ball out, the Wildcats have numerous options, including a returning All-Conference player.

Receivers include: seniors Colton Roark, Sky Yang and Jadon Castleberry; juniors Eli Anders, Carlos Barrientos, Baxton Cornell and Chase Ruark; sophomores Mace Bredeson, Brandt Reuter and Michael Winchell; and freshmen Hudson Gwinup, Hayden Jereczek, Gavin Koehler, Wesly Lowery, Auden Mizer, Brayden Phillips and Cash Smith.

Returning starters include Roark, who received the All-Big 8 accolade in 2024, and Barrientos.

“Colt and Carlos have both done a good job this summer,” Weldy said. “Carlos has put on about 25-30 pounds of good weight and is more athletic, and Colt is also bigger and looks good athletically.

“Jadon has done a really good job this summer, and i’m excited about him and the good things he’s done. Chase and Baxton are jumping in with some good reps, and Mace has a lot of potential to be a really good player.”

For receivers, Weldy said there are three main skills necessary — line up correctly, block when needed and catch the ball when it comes.

“The first thing we need is to be in the right formation, then it’s very important to be able to stalk block,” Weldy said. “We are a run-first team, so wide receivers have to block defensive backs or linebackers at times. They also have to be able to get open and catch the football. We’ve got kids that can do all that.

“Colt was All-Conference, and we have some sophomores last year who are now juniors that are taking steps forward and more athletic. That will help keep us from being too Colt-heavy passing-wise, because they can jump in, too.”

Publisher’s Note: This story is the second in a five-part series running July 23 through Aug. 20 breaking down the 2024 Cassville football team by position groups.