WILLARD — There are only a few days remaining until the high school football season kicks off. Teams across Missouri competed in area jamborees. It’s a great time for teams to hit an opponent while working on the fundamentals.
Here are a few takeaways from the Willard jamboree featuring Parkview, Bolivar, and Cassville.
Willard's senior class hungry for a strong year
This is Willard’s third season under head coach Andy McFarland. In his first two years, the Tigers finished with records of 2-8 and 1-9. His senior class wants to change this narrative and push for a great season.
“Those guys that were sophomores when I walked in the door are seniors now,” McFarland said. “We’ve got high expectations for them and they’ve got a mentality of wanting to make this year count.”
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The Tigers have finished at .500 or better since 2017. During the jamboree, Willard showcased its strength on the offensive line and its ability to make key passes downfield.
“We made some plays on the ground and in the air,” McFarland said. “I liked what I saw from our linebackers.”
Willard will go on the road to Waynesville to start the season on Friday, August. 28.
Speed is the key for Parkview
Parkview used the jamboree as a way to see its entire roster. Many underclassmen featured in the event for first-year head coach Derek Daniels.
The key to a successful season for the Vikings will be their speed. Parkview did all of its damage when the ball was pushed to the outside. Wide receiver Da’Veon Duncan made an outrageous catch over two defenders to highlight the day.
“We got some athletes, and we’ve got to allow our speed and use our speed,” Daniels said. “Get the ball to the outside and have the defense start to worry about that, then we can start gashing it up the middle.”
Parkview will host Reeds Spring on Friday, Aug. 28.
Bolivar's 'playmakers' ready to shine
It’s the second season in charge for head coach Robert Clardy, who came to Bolivar from nearby Southwest Baptist.
Bolivar finished 2025 with a 3-7 record. Three of the team's losses were decided by one possession.
“We got some playmakers when we put the ball in their hands,” Clardy said. “That’s what we’ve been stressing all summer. All you have to do is get the ball in their hands and in some space, they can make it happen.”
Bolivar opens its season at home versus Osage on Friday.
Cassville 'veteran group' ready for new season
Cassville hosts Monett to start the season. It’ll be a challenge for the Wildcats against one of the area’s best passing attacks.
The Willard Jamboree provided a great proving ground for Cassville. Head coach Clay Weldy enters his sixth season in charge.
“We have a veteran group right now,” Weldy said. “They play the way that I hoped they play. Jamboree is one thing, we will see how we do in a real game.”
Cassville finished last season 8-4. The Wildcats season ended in the district championship to eventual state champions Seneca.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Takeaways from Willard Jamboree featuring Parkview, Bolivar, Cassville football
