Sports

LIVE FOOTBALL UPDATES: Cassville at Seneca
This Week 1 matchup is brought to you by Security Bank, longtime supporter of Wildcat football. Wildcats kick off, with Logan Wingo bouncing one recovered by Seneca at its own…

Lady Wildcats building on ambition
Persistence is paramount for the Cassville volleyball team this season. The Lady Wildcats open their 2024 campaign on Tuesday, hosting Southwest, and the young squad is expecting to battle through some adversity and improve across the floor.

Year in Photos — Barry County softball
Exeter’s Hallie Woods lays a bunt during a matchup with Purdy last season.
New season, wiser ‘Cats
A season of young starters and growth in 2023 is giving way to age and experience as the Cassville football team opens the season Friday against the team that ended the Wildcats’ last campaign. After two sub-.500 seasons on the heels of a district title and state semifinal run, Cassville climbed back to a positive record last year with a youthful squad Coach Clay Weldy said has only gotten better in a year’s time.

Year in Photos — Cassville baseball
Publisher’s note: Throughout the summer, the Cassville Democrat will feature the best unprinted photos from each team photographed during the 2023-2024 athletics seasons. — KT Cassville’s Masin Bryan slides headfirst into third base during a game against East Newton last season.

Year in Photos — Cassville track
Publisher’s note: Throughout the summer, the Cassville Democrat will feature the best unprinted photos from each team photographed during the 2023-2024 athletics seasons. — KT Cassville’s Ethan Bohmke rounds the track in a relay event at the Cassville Relays last season.
Hunting big plays, sparks on the gridiron
A mix of returners and newcomers will line up at various special teams positions for Cassville this year, including an All-Conference punter and two new soccer players looking to make a mark on the gridiron. Clay Weldy, Cassville football coach, said punting duties will mostly be in the hands of quarterback Bodee Rose, who utilizes a rugby style punting method to maximize offensive possibilities.

Lady Eagles settling into youthful season
The Purdy volleyball team may be the youngest Coach Barry Wheeler has had throughout his 38-year career, and it will rely on four returners among five freshmen to reach its goals this season. Leading the squad this year are three seniors — setter Zoey Webb, middle hitter Gracie Patton and defensive specialist Brooklynn Bunch — as well as a junior, outside hitter Lauren Brooks.

Jig On the Water, Aug. 21
Roaring River’s water is low and clear. There was a good little rain Saturday night that brought the river up a bit, but it remained clear, running 50 CFS as of Sunday morning.
Southwest to host volleyball jamboree Tuesday
Southwest High School will host a volleyball jamboree featuring four area teams on Tuesday in Washburn. Along with Southwest, Hurley, Purdy and Wheaton will be participating.