Camdenton wants to feature balanced offensive attack

Camdenton quarterback Dyllan Decker attempts to evakde a tackle during Jamboree action last Friday in Columbia.
Camdenton quarterback Dyllan Decker attempts to evakde a tackle during Jamboree action last Friday in Columbia.

After winning eight games last year, and seeking to improve upon that this year, the Camdenton Lakers will look to find a new approach to victory.

Last season the Lakers were carried by Josh Martin, who ran for more than 2,500 yards. Camdenton head football coach Jeff Shore said the team isn't afraid of going into a season without one back to carry such a load.

"We're typically not so one-dimensional," Shore said. "We've run the same plays since '75, we just tailor the offense to our strengths. This year we'll look for more balance."

Even with a more balanced offense, the Lakers will look to have another strong rushing attack. They'll be led by senior Carter Williams, but carries will be spread among senior running back Zach Endsley, junior running back Zach Wise and senior fullbacks Josh Keys and Brett Kellock.

The Lakers spent the summer looking for a replacement at quarterback and found one in junior Dyllan Decker. Decker was challenged by sophomore Isaiah Lumley for the starting job and secured the job with a strong showing in last Friday's Jamboree at Hickman.

Lumley will likely get a series or two each game for some seasoning and will look to push Decker for the job, but Shore said Decker doesn't need someone breathing down his back for motivation.

"I say he's "wired for sound,'" Shore said. "He's going to be ready to go."

The offense has a strong offensive line littered with seniors. Parker Pitts is a returning all-stater who will be aided by Bailey Parish, Kody Helms and Cody Roberts.

Defensively the Lakers will get solid leadership from Keys at tackle and Kellock at linebacker. Kellock has a knack for finding the football, while Keys will be clogging up holes and rushing the passer. Shore said Keys has improved going into his senior year.

"He was a great player already, but has stepped it up even further," Shore said. "He's really come into his own. He's going to be the strongest guy on the field."

Keys will be asked to help a young group around him, as two sophomores have earned starting jobs on the defensive front. Todd Simpson, who had a strong showing in their Jamboree, has "all of the tools" according to Shore. He'll start at strong end, with fellow sophomore Jay Griffin lined up opposite him, playing the role of edge rusher, linebacker and safety.

The secondary will also start a sophomore with speedy Jacob Hill at cornerback. He'll get help from a trio of seniors in the secondary. Michael Terry, who also will be the team's primary wide receiver, is joined by Alec Burris and Ethan Pineda in the defensive backfield.

Shore wasn't shy about his expectations for the season.

"We expect to win every game," he said. "It'll be hard, but we're capable."

Some coaches would be afraid of having a team with a good amount of youth, but Shore likes his team's balance.

"Sometimes the younger guys are extremely excited to play, we're all excited, but they are more," Shore said. "Older guys are locked-in. I like that balance."

Camdenton will start the season today at home against Hillcrest.

_

Tonight: Camdenton hosts Hillcrest - Listen live online: mix927.com. Watch live online: Lake TV

_

Camdenton Schedule

Here is the schedule for the Camdenton football team. All games start at 7 p.m. TBA -To Be Announced:

Aug. 21 Hillcrest

Aug. 28 West Plains

Sept. 4 at Lebanon

Sept. 11 Kickapoo

Sept. 18 at Parkview

Sept. 25 Rolla

Oct. 2 at Waynesville

Oct. 9 at Joplin

Oct. 16 Glendale

Oct. 23 District opener*

Oct. 30 District semifinal*

Nov. 6 District championship*

Nov. 14 Quarterfinals, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 21 Semifinals, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 27 State championship, at Edward Jones Dome, TBA

*Site TBD