Camp Stories: Wamego & Rock Creek Rosters Are Loaded For Bear

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wamego high school hosted a four-team 11-man padded football camp on June 29.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In attendance were the programs from Rock Creek, St. Mary's, and Nemaha Central.  All four programs are coming off State Playoff seasons with two of those programs finishing as State Champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The camp lasted close to two-and-a-half hours and provided significant reps for varsity and junior varsity players. It was also a great chance for Prep Redzone to get an up-close look at some top prospects from Northeast Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is the first of two reports from the scrimmage session in Wamego. This one features prospects from Rock Creek and the host squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wamego finished as State runner-up in class 4A, while Rock Creek lost to eventual champion Andale during the Class 3A sectionals. Both teams look poised to make deep playoff runs in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='415352' first='Wyatt' last='Burgess']</strong>, 6'2", 205, LB, Wamego, '24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wamego is blessed to have two solid linebackers on the defensive unit. Burgess is unique in the fact that he is solid against coverage, but can also stop the ball. He can create turnovers and could also possibly play at the safety position or move up and be a pass-rushing defensive end. It's all about how much stronger and faster he gets and where colleges would be interested in having him play. Burgess is currently ranked No. 107 in the Prep Redzone Kansas Class of 2024 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='543069' first='Jackson' last='Zeigler']</strong>, 6'2", 220, LB, Wamego, '24 (No. 164)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ziegler is a little bigger and more physical than Burgess. He finishes tackles and can rush the passer. He is strong and has solid footwork. That footwork might come from his skills in the shot put and discus rings. He could also get a chance to compete at the next level in track and field as a thrower. Zeigler is currently ranked No. 164 in the Class of 2024 rankings at Prep Redzone Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='145514' first='Mason' last='King']</strong>, 5'9", 220, ATH, Wamego, '24 (No. 195)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>King was one of my favorite players to watch during the four-team workout. He lines up at fullback for Wamego, but they can spread him out wide or put him back at tailback. He is a tough kid who is a solid lead blocker. It will be interesting to see how often he gets the ball in 2023. Any player with a “Pennywise” logo on the back of his shoulder pads has to be a little bit nuts and intimidating.  King is currently ranked No. 195 in the Class of 2024 rankings in Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gannon Couture</strong>, 5'10", 175, DB/LB, Wamego, '24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Couture was the leading tackler for the Indians in 2023. His best position for the future might be as a safety. He plays linebacker for Wamego based on team needs and his ability to stick opposing ball carriers. Couture plays with high energy and intensity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716117' first='Mason' last='Faith']</strong>, 6'2", 245, OL/DL, Rock Creek, '25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faith made himself present in this workout. He is a physical lineman and can play both ways. He has a solid first step and made a couple of noticeable physical plays during the action. Faith is currently ranked No. 96 in the Kansas Class of 2025 by Prep Redzone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malachi Bell, </strong>5'10”, 265, C/DT, Rock Creek, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This young man is a football player. I made the same comparison to another player earlier this summer, but Bell reminds me of former Detroit Lions defensive lineman Jerry Ball. He is strong as a bull, plays with great pad level, and is fast for his size. He could play on either side of the ball for many programs, however, I like him best at defensive tackle. Every NAIA and JUCO program in Kansas should be contacting this physical specimen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1449724' first='Eli' last='Bell'], </strong>6'3”, 190 WR/DB, Rock Creek, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hold on to your hat when you watch this guy because your head will be shaking when you look at his skills. If anyone on the field had a Division I look to him, it was the younger of the two Bells. He is fast and physical. You hate to put pressure on a young kid, but he's got all the tools and just looks like a football player. If I was coaching Rock Creek, I would look to get the ball in his hands as frequently as possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305269' first='Mack' last='Lee']</strong>, 5'11”, 155, QB, Rock Creek, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throwing the ball to Bell and the other Mustang offensive threats was junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1305269' first='Mack' last='Lee']. He has a really good arm and can throw from the pocket as well as on the run. He will only get better as he gains more playing experience. He could post eye-popping numbers in 2023 with the weapons on this roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->