For the past few years, Cassville’s fall sports programs have been on the up, and this year, things have started exceptionally positively.

On Friday, the football team lit up Wildcat Stadium’s new flashing light shows repeatedly by winning its fourth Barry County Brawl in a row, 47-18. Going into the game, not many would have predicted that result. Week 1 is always unpredictable, and toss in the fact that in the players’ minds this is the most important game of the regular season, the opportunity for mishaps were plenty.

The Wildcats started a bit slow but warmed up with ease. Cassville’s running game this season will be one to watch. The trio of Easton Hughes, with his power style; Kamden Beebe, with his raw speed; and newcomer Kellen Weldy, with his evasiveness, will keep opposing defenses on their toes for the next eight weeks and beyond.

Toss in that senior quarterback Jaren Stearns started on the right foot by completing 70% of his passes and his first touchdown of the season — the Wildcats have no shortage of offensive weapons.

Defensively, too, Cassville looked stout. Holding a pass-heavy Monett team to just 18 points, with the most impressive touchdown coming midway through the fourth when Cassville already held a 35-point lead, is an ideal start to the 2026 campaign.

I’m excited to see what this team can accomplish this season. Friday’s performance was enough to give the Wildcats the No. 5 ranking in Class 3 — right behind defending state and district champion Seneca. Could it be Cassville’s turn this year?

On another field the same size, the Cassville boys soccer team is off to a roaring start, going 2-1 in the Webb City Tournament with a marquee 2-0 win over the hosts in the semifinals. A 1-0 loss to Republic in the championship just slipped away, but the Wildcats have shown early they have massive potential this season.

State rankings have yet to be released, but I would not be the slightest bit surprised to see Cassville crack the top 10 with ease this year.

Cassville’s district is also looking more favorable, with perennial powerhouse Logan-Rogersville making the leap to Class 3. The Wildcats will not have a cake walk, with Bolivar, Monett, Clinton and Helias Catholic still in the mix, but if Cassville was sailing, the winds are favorable.

The Lady Wildcats softball team got off to a tough 1-3 start in the Lead-Off Classic against stout competition, but Cassville’s season is young, and the squad had the propensity to turn up the heat late.

The Cassville volleyball team is going through a season of growth, and the program itself is growing in numbers and skill. The girls golf and cross country teams also have potential to surprise people who may not be paying attention to Cassville sports.

Having been the main writer for prep sports in Barry County since 2020, there are a few running trends I have seen that make up successful teams and programs.

First, kids have to buy in. Whatever the sport, teams have to have reachable goals and specific plans to work toward achieving them. With that buy-in comes team chemistry, and all the championship teams have it. When I think back on the best teams I have covered, the Purdy softball team that won state in 2021 comes to mind. As far as chemistry goes, I can’t think of many other teams that even come close.

While it’s the athletes who ultimately compete, the other major factor for a successful team is in its leadership — the coaches. Cassville is fortunate to have a strong group of coaches in all its fall sports. They are knowledgable, driven and while they want to win as much as the athletes do, they also put a premium on cultivating people, not just performances.

Their dedication does not go unnoticed, nor does the joy and excitement they share with the kids when they do well.

Finally, possibly the most underrated factor in a successful prep sports season is you, the fans. Whether you know the sport in and out or are just a casual observer, to the kids participating, the more cheers they get, the better.

So, even if it’s just for one game, match or meet, show up for our kids this fall. If my instincts are correct, you won’t regret it!

Kyle Troutman has served as editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014 and owner/publisher since 2023. He is a four-time ISWNE Golden Dozen award winner. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or [email protected].