By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Few programs in the Ozarks have been able to sustain Joplin’s success on the field in terms of wins and producing high level talent.
And entering 2023, the Eagles will again have plenty of both on display.
Entering Curtis Jasper’s ninth season at the helm, Joplin has never had a sub .500 season with multiple conference and district titles. And with some of the highest profile talent in the Ozarks, expectations are again high around the program.
It all starts on the offensive side of the ball where Joplin – who averaged 39 PPG in 2022 – return several key pieces, led by all-state lineman Dontrell Holt.
“We return most of our starters from last season on that side of the ball,” said Jasper. “We want to continue to build on the success from last year and improve on our efficiency, especially in the red zone.”
Holt (6-5, 295) was one of Missouri’s most heavily recruited prospects before committing to Iowa State. The standout tackle will also be tasked with galvanizing a unit that doesn’t return much experience.
Running behind that line will largely be senior Quin Renfro (6-0, 190). The South Dakota State commit rushed for 1,514 yards and 24 touchdowns with three-straight 200-yard games to end the season.
They’re the next two in Joplin’s growing line of elite athletes.
“Dontrell has started every game since his freshman year – that doesn’t get said a lot for any player at this level,” said Jasper. “His eighth grade year he was a sideline helper in the state championship game we played in. Therefore, he has seen and experienced a lot. Based on that, he provides a level of leadership that is hard to duplicate both on and off of the field.
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“Quinn’s patience waiting for the hole to open and explosiveness through it is very rare. You add that to his pass catching ability as a running back, and he is a dual threat.”
Senior quarterback Hobbs Gooch (6-4, 195) also returns after passing for 1,894 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior.
Gooch welcomes back five of his top six targets, headlined by senior Whit Hafer (6-7, 245) and junior Davin Thomas (6-0, 170).
Hafer – a Mizzou commit – is one of the state’s top tight end prospects. Thomas – a future D1 prospect – led Joplin with 739 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on just 38 receptions.
“Hobbs has continued to develop his skills. He feels more comfortable and as everything slows down more he continues to make plays outside of the easy or predictable play – he is letting the plays develop and looking downfield more.
“We are going to move Davin around in different spots throughout a game – that is always a good problem to have. Whit is a big, strong and physical player that does well in both the run and pass game. If you have enough weapons that you have to make sure you get guys touches, you are luckier than most.”
Senior Aiden Simpson and sophomore tight end Neil Barstow will see increased touches. Cadyn Taylor-Wise (6-1, 245) will also join Holt on the offensive line. Both were all-area selections last year.
Senior Josef Schuller (6-2, 280) and juniors Brennen Washington (6-3, 275), Maurice Clark (5-10, 265) and Justice Rogers (6-1, 260), as well as sophomores Isaac Yust (6-2, 205) and Isaiah Britt (6-4, 260) are all competing for offensive line spots.
Senior Kaden Gilmore is looking at providing depth in both the offensive and defensive backfield. Senior Jett Beal and sophomore Layne Royle will see time at receiver, while sophomore John Jasper will compete at tight end.
The defense will be anchored by Jonathan Williams. The senior linebacker was an All-COC pick after having 96 tackles in 2022.
“Jonathan has been the one to step up thus far,” said Jasper. “He is our unquestioned leader on defense. He makes sure everyone is in the right spot, communicates everything and is a special player. His instincts are extremely good from the linebacker position.”
Senior Gavin Smith (6-4, 210) and junior Keshawn Peavler (5-11, 270) will anchor the defensive line. Senior Garren Berry and junior Josiah Hazelwood will join Williams in the linebacking corps. The secondary will be led by juniors Collis Jones and Noah Soriano, as well as sophomore Cordell Washington.
Seniors Garrett Howard and Brandon Jackson, as well as juniors Jakobe Taylor and Braxton Burd are competing for defensive line spots. Sophomores Andrew Snider and David Bhend will look for reps at linebacker. Senior Chavis Coleman will add secondary depth.
Joplin is seeking its first COC and district title since 2019.
“I expect the COC to be tough once again this year,” said Jasper. “The best thing about the COC is that from top to bottom everyone has a chance – no one would surprise me to jump out on top of the COC. We will need to continue to develop depth at all positions. We will need to stay healthy as always. We will need to work on improving each and every day.”
The Eagles will host Webb City, Seneca and Lamar in a jamboree before visiting Branson on Aug. 25 to open the 2023 season.
