JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Eagles return a bevy of starters ahead of the 2025 season as they look to battle atop the Central Ozark Conference - West before making a run in the postseason.
Under the leadership of head coach Curtis Jasper, who has an 80-32 record over 11 years at Joplin, the Eagles are poised to build on a 7-4 season in 2024 that saw them finish third in the COC West and fall in the district championship to Nixa.
“If you talk to our seniors, they feel like there's missed opportunities there,” Joplin coach Curtis Jasper said. “We lose an overtime game to Carthage, we lose a tight home game to Republic … And then our other two losses are Nixa. And we obviously didn't play very well the first game, and we played better the second game, but they're a really good team. But, if we want to have the type of year that we want to have, those are the guys we got to beat.”
The Eagles graduated 12 starters and 22 lettermen, including key players like Davin Thomas (now at William Jewell, DII), Brennen Washington (Iowa Western), Collis Jones (Coffeyville), and Toryn Jones (Independence).
With 11 returning starters and 21 lettermen, Joplin’s strength lies in its experienced offensive line and senior leadership across all three levels of the defense. The Eagles also boast a roster with 31 seniors on it.
“Depth is still something we're working on, to be honest,” Jasper said. “And so, we're going to be relying on some of those seniors to be going both ways, which is not something that necessarily we really like to do, but could be something that's necessary at least early in the year. So, that physicality, that maturity that they bring, that experience that they bring with them is going to be extremely vital as we continue to build that depth throughout the year.
“And you know, the cool part about this group, especially the seniors is they've been playing just about every sport, because a lot of them are multi-sporters, together since they were six, seven or eight years old. I think they sense that it's going to end pretty soon as far as getting to play all together. So, I think there is maybe that sense of urgency that you know how much they enjoy that and they're going to relish every moment of it. Whereas sometimes I think some senior groups might not. That might not hit them until later in the season, but this group I think kind of has that maturity factor of this could be something really special, but we got to go out and make it that way.”
Defensively, a 4-3 base scheme that allowed 23 points per game last season returns key playmakers at every level, poised to improve on last year’s 62 passing yards and 227 rushing yards allowed per game.
Senior quarterback Daniel Rose (6’0, 180) leads the offense, bringing savvy decision-making and athleticism. He earned 2nd Team All-Conference, 2nd Team All-Area, and All-District honors in 2024.
The offensive line is anchored by seniors Isaac Yust (6’2, 240), Isaiah Britt (6’4, 275), Caillou Magee (5’11, 255), and Jayden Camerer (6’1, 270). Yust, a 2nd Team All-Conference and All-Area selection, is a smart leader, while Britt’s athleticism and Magee’s linebacker background add versatility. Camerer is a physical, intelligent blocker.
Senior tight end John Jasper (6’3, 235), the coach’s son, brings size and reliable hands to both the run and pass game, earning 2nd Team All-Area honors. He’s expected to make an impact defensively as well. Senior running back Traevian McCadney (6’1, 215), who missed most of 2024 due to injury, is primed for a breakout season, while his brother, junior wide receiver Trenton McCadney (6’2, 170), adds length and playmaking ability. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Layne Royle (5’10, 155) offers versatility and quickness, and senior tight end Zaveon Williams (6’2, 185) contributes in both the run and pass game.
Defensively, senior linebacker Andrew Snider (5’11, 195), a 1st Team All-Conference, All-Area, and All-District selection, plays downhill with tenacity.
Senior linebacker David Bhend (6’2, 185) brings athleticism and range, while senior defensive lineman/tight end Neil Barstow (6’2, 240) adds explosiveness, earning 2nd Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-Area honors. Senior defensive back Jariah Clark (6’1, 175), a 2nd Team All-Conference and All-Area selection, emerged as a playmaker last season and will contribute at receiver. Senior kicker Toby Ipsen (6’3, 180), a two-year varsity starter, brings consistency with 2nd Team All-Conference, All-Area, and All-District honors. Other key returners include defensive backs Jordan Bozarth (5’10, 160), Robert Jones (6’1, 175), and Gabe Kabutha (5’7, 145), and defensive ends Vinnie Leonardi (5’11, 205) and Jason Clark (6’1, 210).
Top newcomers include senior linebacker Gryphon Price (5’8, 200), senior linebacker James Clemens (5’9, 190), senior offensive lineman Lane Cole (5’11, 225), junior defensive lineman Alexander Flinn (6’1, 230), and senior defensive lineman Jalen Deberry (6’4, 274), all competing for significant roles.
“The fun part about it for me is each year is different because … I think each group of seniors that leaves wants to leave a little bit of a legacy behind where they want this success to continue, and they want things to continue to be done the right way. And I think it's kind of become a little bit of a competition between groups. … And if each group continues to take that pride in it, then I think that things will only continue to improve.”
The Eagles’ 2025 schedule, with all games at 7:00 p.m., includes:
Aug. 29: vs. Kickapoo
Sept. 5: @ Lebanon
Sept. 12: vs. Nixa
Sept. 18: @ Glendale
Sept. 22: @ Republic
Oct. 3: vs. Carthage
Oct. 10: @ Neosho
Oct. 17: @ Willard
Oct. 24: vs. Webb City