Young in most spots last season, the Cassville football team’s defense is coming into its own this year, with a cache of returning starters and multiple positions still up for grabs.

Clay Weldy, Wildcats coach, said nine players have been working for playing time at linebacker this summer. They include: Hunter Morse, Kyle Bailey, Tristan Thompson, Masin Bryan, Sky Yang, Easton Hughes, Trevis Moore, Carlos Barrientos and Chase Ruark.

“Our two seniors, Hunter and Kyle, have had a good summer at linebacker, and it’s always nice to have senior leadership there. Tristan has also had a really good summer.”

Weldy said when it comes to defense, linebackers are crucial to directing the 11 players on the field.

“Linebackers have to communicate, make checks on the defense, get the defensive calls in the huddle, line up correctly and play downhill. They have to be physical and a good tackler. They have to get guys to the ground and not let them gain any extra yards.”

Another crop of Wildcats have been battling for spots in greater space. Working at defensive back are: Colton Roark, Riley James, Andon Goutney, Kaedyn Garnett, Chance Freed, Jaren Stearns and Kamden Beebe.

“Colton and Riley are returners, but if you look back there, the only senior is Kaedyn, and the rest are juniors and sophomores,” Weldy said. “We will have some growing pains in some places, but all the guys have had a good summer. Colton has done really well, and so have Andon and Kaedyn. Chance and Jaren look good, and Kamden has some good speed and can get some time on Fridays.”

With so many Wildcats performing well over the summer, Weldy said multiple spots remain up in the air.

“There are still several spots to be earned,” he said. “It’s about as open as it can be this time of year.”

Weldy said to separate from the pack, his players have to pay attention to some key parts of the game.

“Alignment at the snap and being in the right spot is huge,” Weldy said. “They also have to be able to cover the pass, and if they miss a tackle, that’s bad because they are usually the last guys there that can make a play. They have to be sure tacklers, and not give up big plays in the pass or the run game.”

Publisher’s Note: This story is the fourth in a five-part series running July 24 through Aug. 21 breaking down the 2024 Cassville football team by position groups.