When it comes to offensive and defensive lines in the Big 8, the Cassville football team has neither the deepest or the biggest lineup, but the Wildcats aim to make up for that with heart.
Clay Weldy, Cassville football coach, said last year the Wildcats were smaller than most teams, and this season will be much the same.
“We were smaller than a lot of the teams we played last year, but e can overcome that with getting kids to play hard, go low, be physical and employ some schemes that will help,” he said. “This is who we are, and we will embrace it and do the best we can. We can’t run away from it.”
Leading the charge for Cassville is Austin Revolorio, a senior who starts at tackle.
“He’s had a really good summer,” Weldy said. “Joseph Reuter is a senior who started at center for us last year and will again this year, and he’s had a good summer, as well. Ethan Lamborn was a starting defensive end last year, and he was rotated to tight end. Now, we’ve moved him to tackle because he’s bigger than he was a year ago and will make us better there.”
Bryson Hendrix is another senior with experience at tackle, and sophomore Nick Fierro will get plenty of time at guard, according to his coach.
“We also have two kids that aren’t with us yet but will contribute,” Weldy said. “Brennan Cieslinski is off at boot camp right now, but he will play when he gets back, and Christian Tidwell started last year and was involved in a car wreck in May. He is recovering still, but we think he will play.”
Filling out the offensive lineman corps are Ethan Morgan, a senior, and Richard Fohn, a junior.
On the defensive end, Weldy said a lot of the same names will pop up in the starting lineup.
“Nick, Bryson, Austin and Ethan will all have some time on the D line,” Weldy said. “Isaac Hadlow has also been getting to play some. Brennan and Christian will also help when they come back, and Joseph will probably get some time there.”
With a smaller staff of linemen, Weldy said it will be on the coaches to find a rotation that works.
“I’d be happier if we had more linemen, but these are the kids we’ll have up front,” he said. “Some will have to play both ways, and we’ll make the best of it.”
Weldy said being a lineman at Cassville carries a hefty meaning with the team, and it’s not always about being the biggest or strongest guy on the field.
“Up front is such an important part of our team,” he said. “It starts up front, and we can only be as good as they are. It’s a badge of honor and a big pride position. Being a lineman for us is a big deal.
“They say linemen are all about strength and being big, but good hands and feet, quickness and toughness can go a long way. Gritty kids can make successful players, even if they are outmatched physically.”
Editor’s Note: This story is the third of a five-part series breaking down position groups within the Cassville football team.
