September 16, 2023

By Fred Liggett
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To have a winning football program in the MIAA can be a daunting task and no one knows that better than Josh Lamberson who has both played and coached in the rugged NCAA D-II Conference.

Now in his second year leading the University of Central Missouri football program, Josh Lamberson, is seeking to upgrade the Mules football team this season with a number of new players. The Mules completed a 4-7 season a year ago and the off season saw a number of new coaches join the staff and players enter the program.

A couple of players seeing the most playing time after the first two games of the 2023 season are OL Boston Careswell and TE Grant McAtee. Careswell, a true freshman, is listed as the backup left tackle and McAtee, a redshirt sophomore, sees playing time on special teams. Both players are from Lee’s Summit West. Also expected to get playing time as the season wears on is DB Ben Eley and LB Jonathan Kirkpatrick, both also from LS West. Other players from Lee’s Summit that are part of the Mules program are DB Tamarian Cashier from LS North and RB David Mayo from LS West.

Coach Lamberson says the program is adjusting to a “transition in staff.” Lamberson states he is “building” the program by “playing the best players.” Some players didn’t return this season but Lambo adds “some enjoy the competition.”

Regarding Lee’s Summit area recruits, Lamberson admits it’s “a really good area for football.” For new recruits to Central Lambo sees a good fit due to “not very far away, their family can see them play.” The success the newcomers are having early this season impresses Lamberson. Lambo calls the Lee’s Summit area a “fertile recruiting ground.” To win these recruiting battles in coming years Lambo feels, “It will come down to facilities.”

Winning games will help to and so far the Mules have done just that with a 45-38 season opening win at Missouri Western before winning their home opener 41-17 over Central Oklahoma. Just two weeks into a new season the Mules are already half way to last season’s win total. With games still left to play against MIAA powers Northwest Missouri State and Pittsburg State it’s hard to say what the Mules record will look like at the end of the season. Thanks to seven talented players on the roster from Lee’s Summit fans have to like the Mules chances moving forward.