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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Jeff Shore has been at Camdenton for a quarter century with the last 10 coming as head coach. Prior to last season, the Lakers were 23-3 in the 2018 and 2019 seasons with a pair of district championships and two of those three losses coming to Webb City in the playoffs.
Camdenton was due to take a step back, but even a slight reset saw the Lakers still come within one play of competing for a district championship.
With 12 starters back, expectations are again high for the Purple Haze and the experience is in all the right places.
Seniors Dakota Davis (6-4, 275lbs) and Zane Thompson (6-2, 255lbs) will again have the job of keeping junior quarterback Bear Shore (6-2, 180lbs) upright. Senior Jayder Schwertz (6-1, 225lbs) and junior Gabe Norton (6-4, 270lbs) will also join up front.
Shore saw some spot playing time last year, passing for 462 yards and completing 76 percent of his attempts.
“He (Bear Shore) has had a great summer. This is his third year running the offense, so it has slowed down for him and he is picking up most all of the little intricacies that go along with it. He has also worked hard in the weight room and will be a threat to run and throw,” Coach Shore said.
Juniors Cam Durnin and Javari Stewart are back at receiver and will see a lion’s share of the targets. Senior Colson Schiefelbein and juniors Hayes Hulett, Reese Water and Ethan Evans will also see reps at receiver.
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“The offense will have more depth this year than last year and getting back to playing fast and having depth at every spot on the field,” said Shore. “Our O-line has developed nicely over the summer with several seniors stepping up and developing depth at those spots as well. Our skill positions have got another year under their belts and looking to make huge improvements. The depth has created a great environment for competition for the team.”
Junior Wiley Powers is back at linebacker after leading the team with 141 tackles last season. Senior Connor Miller (52 tackles) will join him in the linebacking corps.
Safety Jaden Parkman is back after finishing with 116 tackles and five interceptions with three sacks as a junior.
Senior Landon Thomas (6-3, 245lbs) also returns after totaling 41 tackles and four tackles for loss. The secondary is loaded with seniors Cale Bentley (67 tackles in 2020) and Adrian Kline (75 tackles) and junior safety Cam Durnin.
Schiefelbein and Waters will also see time in the secondary.
“Defensively we will look to build on the experience we had last season with a lot of younger players playing,” said Shore. “The defense is built around speed and playing with a mentality of getting to the ball. Last year was out of the norm for Camdenton football, and there has been a huge focus on our defense and making sure we are playing fast and everybody doing their job.”
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Camdenton will look to get back to its winning ways this year. For that to happen, the Lakers will have to continue to improve week-to-week.
“We want to develop and play the hardest we can every play we can,” said Shore. “Developing kids during the off-season and into the season. Having a mentality of being the hardest playing team on Friday night, and giving the people a show.
“(We are) very excited about the upcoming season, and getting back to things being normal. We as a staff our very excited about our team and the work they have put into the off season. We really have a great core of kids coming back with another year of experience under them and looking to compete in the conference and at the state level next year.”
The Lakers will open the 2021 season on Aug. 27 by hosting Kickapoo.
