By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Entering Curtis Jasper’s eighth season at Joplin, the list of accomplishments for the Eagles continues to grow. District titles, a state championship appearance and several Division I players, as well as being the only program with wins over Webb City and Carthage in the last three years.
And, with 10-plus wins in three of the last four seasons despite multiple reloads, Joplin Football has proved that it’s here to stay.
“Our program strives to do things the right way with consistency and dedication,” said Jasper. “I get to work with amazing coaches and players who have bought into the culture we continue to promote. With each new group of players, we focus on tapping into the skill set they have while holding players accountable both on and off the field.”
It will be a bit of a new feel for Joplin with just seven starters returning. But, don’t feel too bad for Jasper and company, there is plenty of talent at every position group for this rebuild to be a quick transition.
Some of the names will be new, but the Eagles will again have explosive potential offensively.
Jasper will have as much depth at the skill positions as ever, with junior Quin Renfro (6-0, 180) and senior Drew VanGilder (5-11, 180) returning to the backfield.
Renfro rushed for 754 yards and eight touchdowns and VanGilder added 577 yards and five touchdowns.
Senior Terrence Gibson (6-5, 205) and Aiden Sampson will lead the receiving corps. Gibson posted monster numbers last season, turning 32 receptions into 715 yards and eight scores.
The offensive line will be led by junior Dontrell Holt (6-5, 285). The All-State tackle is one of Missouri’s top prospects, holding offers from Iowa State, Missouri State and Eastern Michigan.
“Dontrell continues to mature on the field, in the weight room, and as a team leader overall,” said Jasper. “He understands what needs to be said and when it needs to be said in holding teammates accountable.
“Terrence has great potential as well. He is continuing to mature and has also improved on the field, in the weight room, and holding himself accountable.”
Joseph Ipsen will retain his kicking duties.
Seniors Jude Jimerson (6-5, 300) and Rashaun Hill (6-1, 245), as well as junior Dejuan Clark (6-2, 310) are among the group competing for offensive line spots.
Isaiah Knoderer and Orion Norris are seniors that will see reps at receiver, along with sophomore Davin Thomas. The entire group is extremely athletic.
Junior Chavis Coleman will also see touches out of the backfield. Classmate Whit Hafer (6-7, 230) will slide into a tight end role and is one of the most physically-gifted players in the program.
With the graduation of Always Wright, Joplin will have someone new taking snaps. Jasper – who is no stranger to developing quarterback play – is currently evaluating a position battle.
“Those competing at the quarterback position right now include Hobbs Gooch and Kaden Gilmore,” said Jasper.
Standout linebackers Draven VanGilder (5-10, 200) and Jonathan Williams (6-0, 190) will lead the defense.
VanGilder finished the season with a team-high 166 tackles. Williams added 76 tackles and five tackles for loss.
“Draven is the quarterback of our defense as the middle backer,” said Jasper. “He will be tasked with making sure we are aligned correctly and making the needed checks to ensure the defense plays well. Draven will hold his teammates accountable in a positive way and set the tone for physicality. Jonathan has incredible instincts.”
Seniors Blake Farmer, Luke Smith and Luke Gunn, as well as juniors Gavin Smith and Alfredo Flores, will compete for defensive line spots. Peyton Erickson, Bennett Dall, both seniors, and junior Alex Sepada will see time in the secondary.
The foundation under Jasper was set a few years ago when Joplin won the Ozark Conference in its final season in the league. Now the Eagles have won COC and district titles with the goal of continuing to push towards the upper echelon of Class 6.
There’s no better conference at preparing its teams for deep playoff runs than the COC. How Joplin navigates the league could be an indicator to how deep its playoff run will be.
“The COC title will be a dog fight once again,” said Jasper. “I believe it is the best conference in the state which is why you see several teams making deep runs in the playoffs year after year. I don’t expect anything different this year.
We have a lot of starters to replace from our graduating class of 2022. We replace 9 out of 11 on defense, 4 out of 5 offensive linemen, and an all-state quarterback. We have had a productive off-season and summer. We are going to need to see the same productive growth continued throughout the season.”
Joplin will jamboree at Webb City with Seneca and Lamar on Aug. 19. The Eagles will host Branson to open the season on Aug. 26.
