By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Reeds Spring will have a new look with Travis Cagle taking over the program.
While Cagle is a first-time head coach, this isn’t his first rodeo. He’s been a veteran assistant with stops at Parkview and Branson as an assistant before joining Reeds Spring.
Entering his third year at Reeds Spring will make the transition much easier, with the continuity on both sides of the ball making system adjustments easier for players.
“I didn’t have to change too much,” said Cagle. “I have been the defensive coordinator the previous two seasons. Coach McFarland did a great job of laying the foundation. All I’m trying to do is add to it.”
The Wolves are coming off of a 7-4 season and return eight starters from last year’s roster.
Seniors Jayden Turner and Lucas Wattenbarger return to the offensive line after All-Big 8 junior campaigns. Wattenbarger is also an all-area selection at defensive end.
“Lucas will be a three-year starter on both sides of the ball,” said Cagle. “He is an experienced player that has played in a lot of football games. He will be our bell cow defensively at the defensive end spot and at guard on the offensive line. He is an extremely athletic player with toughness and a motor to match.
“Jayden is still learning the game of football but gets better with every rep. He will again start on the offensive line and at middle linebacker. He is very athletic and smart.”
Landon Irvin will also help anchor both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as seniors Noah Norris and Bobbee Carlile.
Seniors Jace Bolin and Nathan Mitchell also return after All-Big 8 junior seasons, Bolin at running back and Mitchell at receiver.
“Jace will be a three-year starter in the secondary at safety,” said Cagle. “He also has plenty of game experience toting the rock at running back, where he will be one of the feature backs this season. He has great vision and burst running the ball and is a very gritty defensive back that will make plays.
“Nathan came on strong at the end of the last season at wide receiver. He will be asked to contribute on both sides of the ball this year. He is a very quick, fast, and physical player.”
Cagle also expects Wyatt McVay to play a major role in the run game, while junior Brody Bekebrede will be another playmaker at receiver.
The man initiating the offense will be junior Tyson Porter. He will be commanding an offense that has averaged at least 30 PPG in each of the last two seasons.
“Tyson has done everything in his control to be a Friday night player,” said Cagle. “His work ethic is outstanding.
“Offensively, the fans can expect a physical, disciplined, and intentional approach to work the ball down the field and shrink the game clock.”
Many of the aforementioned names will be two-way starters with Wattenbarger leading the charge.
The linebacking corps will be guided by Keagon Fish and Braiden Langston.
“On defense, we will continue to be very multiple and will continue to put pressure on the offense to execute.”
Reeds Spring will also be adjusting to a new conference, as the Wolves leave the Big 8 for the Mid-Lakes. It is the program’s third different league in the last decade but seems to be the best landing spot in terms of size and competition with recent conference realignment locally.
Hollister and Springfield Catholic will also transition to the Mid-Lakes, bolstering an already great league.
Those conference challenges will not only make league play more competitive, but will also be the catalyst for the Wolves to compete for their second district championship in the last three years.
“It will take a championship mentality each and every week,” said Cagle. “We will need to continue to work on our game every day as a team. We have a lot of players that have played in a bunch of big-time games, and they will need to show the way for the younger guys. I’m really excited for this opportunity to be with this team and staff and have high expectations for the program for the season.”
Reeds Spring will open the 2024 season on Aug. 30 at Rogersville. The Wolves will host Marshfield the following Friday in their home opener.
