As the season ramps up, the game should start slowing down for Cassville quarterback Bodee Rose.
Wildcats Football Coach Clay Weldy said with 11 starts under his belt, the starting spot under center is all but promised incoming junior.
“He started every game for us last year as a sophomore, so we’re looking for him to take the next step forward for us — quarterback is his job to lose,” Weldy said. “He’s one year better and more physically and mentally mature.”
In his debut season, Rose connected 64 of 138 passes (46.4 percent) for 1,256 yards (19.63 yards per catch) with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for 645 yards on 118 carries (5.47 yards per carry) with 5 touchdowns and 7 fumbles.
Weldy said over the summer sessions and going into camp this week, he hopes Rose sets his focus on leadership and ball security.
“We are looking at him now as a junior and upperclassman, so we’ve been talking about his vocal leadership,” Weldy said. “It’s tough as a sophomore to have a voice with seniors in the huddle. He led more by example last year, and he will still lead by example this year, but also be more vocal.
“Another big thing is cutting down turnovers. A year ago, Bodee had some extra good games and some ‘sophomore’ games as we call them with multiple turnovers. He has to protect the ball better and make better decisions all around for the offense.”
The Cassville program looks for opportunities to build quarterbacks with experience when the opportunity arises, such as the four-year career of Shannon Haney that culminated in a Class 3 state championship game appearance. Weldy said this approach allows quarterbacks time to slow the game down after so many live snaps over the years.
“It adds stability at the position and you get to watch kids develop over the years, seeing them start young and get better and better,” Weldy said. “Bodee has 11 varsity starts already, so going into this season, I told him just like guys I’ve coached in the past that the game should be slowing down. With more starts and snaps, the pass game and option game become easier to read and guys can play better. The one thing you cannot buy is experience.” Behind Rose on the depth chart are Tristan Thompson and Andon Goutney, two sophomores getting ready to fill in if needed.
“We are just trying to get them as many reps as possible,” Weldy said. “We got them some in the 7-on-7s this summer, and they are both also playing other positions to be ready for multiple things. They are finding their spots and will develop as quarterbacks as they get older.”
Another option under center is Garrett Ewing, incoming senior with quarterback experience.
“We have got to have multiple quarterbacks ready to go,” Weldy said. “They are all hard workers, coachable and fun to be around.”
Publisher’s Note: This story is the first in a five-part series running July 12 through Aug. 9 breaking down the 2023 Cassville football team by position group.
