The Cassville football team lost its senior quarterback last season, but the Wildcats will return some experience in the backfield.

Clay Weldy, Cassville football coach, said three players have been taking reps under center this summer: sophomore Bodee Rose and juniors Garrett Ewing and Joseph Burton.

“We’ll have our three weeks of camp, [which began Monday], and will start sorting things out in August,” Weldy said. “They’ve all done well in 7-on-7 and progressed pretty well.”

Weldy said experience-wise, the trio are a mixed bag.

“Garrett is a year older, so his knowledge of the offense is a little bit better,” he said. “Bodee got hurt in Week 3 last season, so he’s still playing a little catch-up learning plays and reads. Joseph is in his first year at quarterback and had a great summer. We’re putting a lot of people in different positions to see what works best.”

Weldy said all are working different positions, as well.

“They all want what’s best for the team,” he said. “Garrett has been working at safety and receiver, and Bodee has been doing receiver and defensive back.”

Behind the future signal caller is a strong group of backs.

“We have several guys taking reps,” Weldy said. “Jake Anthonysz is a senior and started the last half of last season. He and Bryson Jacobson together bring back a lot of experience from last season. We also have sophomores Kyle Bailey, Traiton Burnette, Hunter Morse and Chayton Issler.”

Weldy said Jacobson returns the most experience and looked good throughout the summer.

“He hasn’t missed a beat and remembers all the offense,” Weldy said. “He was a sophomore last year, so he’s gotten bigger, stronger and faster. The transition from sophomore to junior is usually a big one. That will make him a better player, as well.

“Jake started at receiver and moved to running back after some injuries and shifts last season. I think he will be way better this year than he was a year ago. He was still figuring it out last year, but now he knows where to go and doesn’t have to think as much as play.”

Looking toward Week 1, Weldy said he hopes his unit becomes cohesive, especially with the Wildcats’ option game.

“Chemistry is very important for them,” he said. “We rep the option every day in practice, so it takes time because the quarterback has to make reads and everyone has to be comfortable with one another. We have to be in the right spots and work on our footwork. There are a lot of little things, so it will take time — but it’s all worth it.”

Editor’s Note: This story is first of a five-part series breaking down position groups within the Cassville football team.