CAMDENTON, Mo. — Jeff Shore needs less than one hand to count the defensive starters that return from his 2015 team, but he offered some high praise.
“Defensively, we look to be as good as we’ve been in a long time,” he said.
Head Coach: Jeff Shore
2015 Record: 3-7
Key players: Jay Griffin (RB/WR), Dyllan Decker (QB/WR), Isaiah Lumley (QB), Todd Simpson (LB/DL), Wyatt Danuser (OL/DL)
The sixth-year Camdenton coach hopes that unit can push the Lakers through a summer and an early regular season schedule that has involved injuries to key players. The 2014 Ozark Conference Co-Champions are no stranger to bumps and bruises as they contributed to the Lakers’ 3-7 record last year.
Quarterback/wide receiver Dyllan Decker, healed from a sprained ankle that nagged him down the stretch last year, is fighting back from a broken hand this summer. He threw for 1,273 yards and eight touchdowns in 2015 and has Shore anticipating a more pass-friendly approach.
"He can do a lot of things with one hand that are still pretty impressive."
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His counterpart, sophomore Isaiah Lumley, is also banged up to the point that Shore said Camdenton could be without either signal caller to start the year.
Should that be the case, look for running back Jay Griffin to carry the load. He showed promise last year, scoring 12 touchdowns and falling just shy of the 1,000-yard mark on the ground. He’ll also see time at receiver and is expected to be the focal point of the offense.
"He’ll touch the ball probably 30-40 times a night. He’s definitely a weapon and we’ll utilize him the best we can.”
Retooling the offensive line has been one of the biggest puzzles this offseason. With two All-Ozark Conference selections gone in Josh Keys and Parker Pitts, Shore is still looking for guys to solidify those spots.
"It’s a process. We’ve got a lot of guys that have the talent, it’s just seeing how it shakes out and who fits into what role. I see us playing a lot of guys on the offensive line, rotating maybe eight guys through there, especially in the early season when it’s hot, until we find a main corps of five guys.”
Junior Jake Hill also returns after his 2015 season abruptly ended with an early knee injury. The former Ozark Conference 100-meter dash champion should be a spark for the scoring attack.
Oh yeah, and that defense.
Todd Simpson returns at linebacker and defensive end after an All-District season and could see snaps out of the backfield as well. Wyatt Danauser will also be a presence on the defensive line. They’ll be needed to lead the Lakers through an early campaign that may have some rough edges until some wounds heal.
"We’ve got some guys that can fly to the football. Unless I’m totally wrong, I think our defense will carry us in the early part of the season. Hopefully we can get our quarterbacks healthy to get us some continuity and rhythm."
Camdenton travels to Hillcrest to open the season on Aug. 19.
