By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
It’ll be a season of transition for Camdenton as the Lakers adjust to a new league and say goodbye to a talented group of seniors that finished last year at 8-3.
The good news is Par Pitts proved he’s more than up to the task of continuing the excellence of Laker Football in his first year and while he lost some talented players, he returns more than enough to again compete at a high level in Missouri.
It all starts with senior quarterback Karson Durnin.
As a junior he racked up 354 yards and six touchdowns on 28 receptions offensively and added 41 tackles defensively.
He’s the younger brother of Kaden Durnin, who started at quarterback last year and was an all-state selection.
“We are very fortunate to have players that have the work ethic and leadership abilities to be able to play the quarterback position,” said Pitts.
Senior receiver Owen Borbe returns as Camdenton’s returning leader in receptions (34), receiving yards (419) and receiving touchdowns (6).
He was an All-Ozark Conference selection. He’ll be joined at receiver by classmate Deonte Haire (6-3, 180).
“We are looking to be fast and efficient with our offense,” said Pitts. “We hope to be explosive and make big plays from many different spots.”
Seniors Kasen Uthe (6-1, 270) and Kole Lane (5-11, 220) return to lead the offensive line. They’ll be tasked with getting several new faces accustomed to Friday Night Lights.
“The best way to get your hoagies ready is to get them to work together and have tremendous communication,” said Pitts. “Our guys have done a great job in the off-season improving their speed and strength.”
Seniors Sterling Sederwall (6-2, 200) and Willard Demott (5-10, 180) will look at two-way roles this year, receiving carries out of the backfield while also leading the defense from their linebacker spots.
Sederwall totaled 125 tackles and three sacks, while Demott added 65 tackles and three sacks in 2023.
“Both Sterling and Willard have worked extremely hard in the weight room, improving their strength and speed,” said Pitts. “They have also been instrumental in leading our defense to play with a relentless passion.”
Fellow senior Brady Mills (5-11, 195) will also see time at linebacker.
Junior Paul Muff (6-3, 210) was great as a sophomore, finishing with 47 tackles and five sacks. He is on track to become one of the better defensive ends in the state. He’ll be joined up front by classmate Andy Diaz-Rios (6-2, 220).
Senior Kaiden Bowen (6-1, 180) brings back 53 tackles from his safety spot and will play next to Durnin in the secondary. Junior Lukas Routh (6-1, 170) will also see time at safety.
“We are excited to compete with anyone we play and be one the hardest playing teams,” said Pitts. “We want to build on the legacy of Laker football.”
There isn’t a single team on Camdenton’s regular season schedule that the Lakers have seen in a regular season game at any point in the last decade. Camdenton faithful have traded the Kickapoos, Glendales and Lebanons of the world for mid-Missouri powers like Helias Catholic, Jefferson City and all three major Columbia high schools (Battle, Hickman, Rock Bridge).
The new conference will show Camdenton some different brands of football, this is still one of Missouri’s premier football programs and the chance to compete for conference and district titles won’t change any time soon.
“Changing conferences is going to create some challenges in terms of game planning and having familiarity with our opponents,” said Pitts. “But our coaches have worked hard and will work hard throughout the season to get prepared.
“For us to be able to compete for the postseason it will require us to stay healthy. Stay together and play physical football.”
Camdenton will open the 2024 regular season on Aug. 30 at Jefferson City. The Lakers will play their home-opener on Sep. 13 against Sedalia Smith-Cotton.
