Blue Springs South looking at new QB

Dion Clisso/PrepsKC

By PrepsKC Managing Editor Dion Clisso
Posted: July 31, 2011 - 8:53 AM



In 2010 Blue Springs South was a team that was just oh so close to being one of the top teams in Missouri Class 6.

The Jaguars finished the year 7-4 which on the surface might look like a just above average football team. In those losses two were in overtime and the other two were one score games. Factor in that South lost games to Blue Springs and Rockhurst twice it was no surprise they finished the season as the No. 3 team in the Class 6 final rankings.

While the losses were close the victories were impressive. The Jaguars were the only team to be Lee’s Summit West as the Titans won the Class 5 title and they also had impressive wins over Raytown South, Park Hill South, Raymore-Peculiar and Lee’s Summit.

As the Jaguars held camp this past week there was a lot of optimism even though South will be replacing most of its offensive and defensive lines and quarterback. Jaguars’ coach Greg Oder likes what he has coming back and what he’s seen so far this summer.

“It’s been going good,” Oder said. “The kids have a great attitude and attendance is good. You sometimes run into vacations and baseball and stuff but attendance has been great and the kids have been working hard.”

One of the bigger question marks looks like it might already have an answer. Last year senior Calvin Jacobson led the Jaguars and his two years of experience was key to South’s success. This year it looks like Connor Harris could be filling his shoes.

Harris played free safety and was all-state as the Jaguars kicker last year but is returning to quarterback where he played as a freshman. The move has gone well so far and Oder said his leadership is a big intangible for the Jaguars.

“He’s been a leader in that class ever since he got here as a freshman,” Oder said. “That helps a ton. He’s a done great. He’s a very coachable kid and wants to do what’s right.”

For Harris the summer has been about putting his work in and just trying to get better.

“I’ve just been in the weight room getting a lot bigger,” Harris said. “I’m just trying to stay healthy get stronger and faster and just get better.”

Dion Clisso is the Managing Editor of PrepsKC. To reach him send e-mail to dion@prepskc.com.