Fall 2019 Preview: Carl Junction Football

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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Last season marked the first time in the Doug Buckmaster era that Carl Junction failed to have a winning season.

Many will see the 5-6 record, but last year will be remembered as a campaign of injury and misfortune. Despite that, CJ was able to battle and go throughout the year.

“Last season we stayed competitive, especially in the latter part of the season after facing adversity prior to and extending though out the season,” said Buckmaster. “We felt we were a talented football team but yet we were challenged in many ways. As they say sometimes you can’t get out of your own way.”

But, with 14 starters returning from 2018, the Bulldogs will look to return to the top of the COC with a blend of experienced returners and talented newcomers.

Leading CJ will be standout junior quarterback Alex Baker.

While an injury will delay the start of his season, he is expected to return at some point after starting five games and passing for 776 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore.

The Bulldogs have a trio of playmakers in seniors Teagen Armentrout and Garrett Taylor, as well as junior Cole Stewart, that will give Buckmaster offensive versatility.

They could all end up being two-way starters as well.

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“Teagen started the season as our starting tailback and after four games was limited to playing defense and returning kicks due to nagging injuries,” said Buckmaster. “He’s an All-State defensive back and will be pushed for starting position at running back by several others.

“Garrett (will) be a playmaker on the outside, also a great leader. (He is) tall and lanky and runs a 4.5 40. (He) will start at corner after starting at safety a year ago as well. Cole is a physical playmaker in the run and pass game. Cole led our team with 32 receptions and is an outstanding wrestler. (He has) great ball skills and has that ability to go get the football. Don’t let his size influence your opinion of him as a player, he will prove you wrong every time. (He) will start at corner also.”

There are a stable of newcomers that are also in the mix for carries and catches with juniors Brady Sims and Jacob Sims – no relation – leading the pack. Jacob is the son of new Missouri Southern head coach Jeff Sims.

Both will challenge for touches early on. They will also be competing for defensive spots.

“Brady will compete for starting tailback position after very good JV season a year ago,” said Buckmaster. “(He) impressed us with how competitive and physical he was as a scout team running back in practice. Great feet and burst.

“Jacob comes to us from Garden City and I expect him to compete and be a factor at tailback as well. (He) plays very hard and physical. He’s also an outstanding wrestler.”

The offensive line will return three starters with senior Sage Honey (6-3, 285lbs), as well as juniors Ethan Howard (6-0, 295lbs) and Jesse Cassatt (6-1, 200lbs).

Honey and Cassatt will also start along the defensive front.

Carl Junction returns seven starters on the defensive side of the ball with Armentrout being the biggest name after racking up 107 tackles and eight interceptions as a junior.

He’s an all-state selection that will lead from his safety position.

Taylor will slide over from safety to corner, giving the Bulldogs some size and athleticism at the position.

All-District senior linebacker Isiac Shields (135 tackles, 7 sacks) returns alongside junior Noah Southern, who finished third in solo stops a year ago.

Micah Lieberman will join Honey and Cassatt as returning starters on the defensive line.

The remaining offensive and defensive line spots are up for grabs with seniors Keegan Bennett (6-4, 235lbs) and Brody Hall (5-9, 210lbs), as well as juniors Jakob Friend (6-6, 320lbs), Alex Marsh (5-11, 240lbs), Reese Bonjour (5-11, 205lbs) and Isaac Pence receiving reps. Sophomore Carson Beckfield (5-11, 230lbs) is also in contention.

Buckmaster is also excited about senior Dylan Sims, the older brother of Jacob Sims. He will see reps at defensive end and his motor could make him an impact player immediately.

Junior Drew Patterson is another player that’ll find his way onto the field at some position and potentially on both sides of the ball. Classmate Mylas Derfelt will also see reps at receiver and safety.

The Bulldogs will have their work cut out for them as they prepare to bounce back from their first sub. 500 season since 2012.

As the smallest team in a conference with Final Four teams in Class 4, Class 5 and Class 6, there are some challenges that Buckmaster will face that other teams in the COC don’t.

With numbers down this season, Carl Junction won’t be platooning as much, meaning health will play a major factor in success.

Regardless, Buckmaster is excited about what fans will see from his Bulldogs this season.

“Hopefully they’ll see a football team with better team chemistry, leadership and accountability by everyone involved in program top to bottom,” said Buckmaster. “Understanding effort will get you on the field and excellence will keep you there.

“If our off-season and summer program are a predictor of things to come I would say our senior players and underclassmen understand our past issues and are heading in a positive direction.”

Carl Junction will open the 2019 season at home against rival Webb City.

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