By Chris Parker
Cole Camp had a young team last year finishing 1-10 overall.
Head coach Kevin Shearer hopes see more wins this season with 10 offensive and 11 defensive starters returning.
“(2024 was a) tough season,” Shearer said. “(We) had a complete rebuild from the prior season. (The) kids gained great experience and should be much improved.”
Two-way star Grant Rodriguez returns for the Bluebirds. The senior was named second-team all-state as a defensive back while also starring as a running back. On defense, Rodriguez had 94 total tackles and five for a loss from his linebacker spot. As a quarterback, Rodriguez had 1,028 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns with another 487 passing and seven touchdowns.
“He (Rodriguez) is a tough kid who is very resilient and determined,” Shearer said. “I appreciate his competitive fire.”
Running back Ziggy Archambault earned all-district and all-conference honors rushing for 386 yards and three touchdowns on offense with 78 tackles, including 18 for a loss, from his linebacker spot on defense. He also had three sacks.
“He (Archambault) is athletic and very strong football player with good explosive potential,” Shearer said.
Teagan Sharp (RB/DB) was named all-conference with 53 tackles on defense and 130 rushing yards on offense.
“Teagan is deceptively quick and has a good nose for the football,” Shearer said. “Look for great things out of him.”
Kolton Phillips is the final returning all-conference player. The running back/defensive back rushed for 347 yards and had 57 tackles with two interceptions and seven pass deflections on defense.
“(Phillips is a) very athletic young man who just started playing football in high school. He only has room to improve,” Shearer said.
Colton Dieckman (WR/DB), Jason Clancy (TE/LB), Blake Abey (WR/DB), Garrett Elliott (OL/DL), Jayden Begshaw (OL/LB), Evan Corpening (OL/DL) and Shawn Hawkins (LB) all return as starters.
Clancy led that group defensively with 75 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 1 sack and three fumble recoveries. Hawkins added in 52 total tackles.
Christian Draper (senior OL/DL), Ty Loganbill (senior WR/DB), Kyan Bale (junior OL/DL), Landon Bauer (junior OL/LB), Evan Begshaw (junior RB/LB), Wyatt Keith (junior OL/DL), Will Espy, Bryce Klaiber and Carson Webb will all be newcomers looking to make a varsity impact this season.
“This year’s team has experience but needs to taste some success. Last year they showed they never gave up and played hard. They need to build on that experience,” Shearer said.
Cole Camp opens the season on Aug. 29 at home against Russellville.
“(We) have the potential to be much improved,” Shearer said. “(We have) a tough schedule and the potential to move up a class could limit expectations.”
