Chancey displaying patience in pocket

Cameron Chancey passed for 201 yards against Republic last week. BDN photo by Pat Dailey

By Pat Dailey
BDN Sports Editor
pdailey@bransondailynews.com

Cameron Chancey proved himself as a thrower, runner and even as an actor in Branson’s regular-season finale victory over Republic last week. Along the way, the quarterback also proved he can take a hit.

On running back Tee Helsel’s clinching 26-yard touchdown run, the Pirates ran a spread-and-draw in which Chanc-ey dropped in the pocket as if to pass and gave a delayed-hand-off to Helsel.

“I’m supposed to sell the pass and then hand the ball off,” Chancey said. “It worked out well. They bit on the pass and (Helsel) was able to make a play.”

“Cameron got smashed after that,” Helsel said. “He took one for the team.”

Chancey took two for team in his relief outing of Helsel at Webb City last month that stirred the recent changes in Branson’s backfield. He impressed that night, completing 4-of-5 passes for 53 yards, but twice was smacked, while on the run, by the Cardinals’ defense in the final minutes of the Pirates’ 34-13 los.

Chancey has come a long ways since then. Branson’s 39-28 win over Republic was his second start behind center and he responded with 13-of-20 passing for 201 yards and a touchdown.

Chancey’s emergence is one of the prime reasons why Branson (8-2) is hopeful of upsetting No. 3-ranked Webb City (10-0) in Wednesday’s Class 4 state playoff matchup.

Teammates and coaches were singing praises for Chancey after the super soph’s most recent performance.

“He looks like a veteran already passing the ball,” Helsel said.

“I had a couple iffy balls that should have been completed, but other than those I felt good,” Chancey added.

Chancey patiently stayed in the pocket as his receivers ran their routes.

“The kids up front gave him time to throw,” coach Steve Hancock said. “He didn’t have many harasses. And, he did a good job finding the open man.”

“I have to thank (the offensive linemen) so much,” Chancey said. “They blocked well and gave me time to pass the ball.”