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TABLE OF CONTENTS
n UCA: Young Bears try to pack a punch in Southland Conference n Conway: New faces, new challenges in conference for Wampus Cats n Greenbrier: Another Burcham takes reins of Panther offense n Vilonia: New coach, new offense for Eagles n Mayflower: Eagles rebuilding but hope to soar higher n CCS: Goal is a step higher in 2A for Eagles
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HENDRIX: Football, personnel, pinch of luck, stir well......PAGE 6 CONWAY: Dealing with adversity......................................PAGE 9 GREENBRIER: A line of quarterbacks............................ PAGE 13 VILONIA: Veering into the veer........................................ PAGE 17 MAYFLOWER: A new old rivalry.................................... PAGE 21 CONWAY CHRISTIAN: Those Dragon slayers............... PAGE 23 UCA: A month in Arkansas................................................ PAGE 25 HENDRIX: The transmission and the engine.................... PAGE 27 ARKANSAS: Jackson’s perseverance paying off for Hogs... PAGE 31 ARKANSAS STATE: Thirteen starters return for 2016..... PAGE 33 HOOTENS: Preseason predictions and rankings.............. PAGE 34
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Take football, add personnel, a pinch of luck, stir well By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
The revived Hendrix football program began with dessert. It couldn’t have been scripted better. In 2013, the Warriors’ first football game since 1961, Stephen Crenshaw kicked a 25-yard field goal with 1.7 seconds to defeat Westminster. After the kick sailed through the uprights, the entire Hendrix team ran the length of the field at YoungWise Memorial Stadium to the student bleachers in the opposite end zone and celebrated with the delirious, hugging and dancing student body. “Thinking of that moment still gives me chills,” said Hendrix athletic director Amy Weaver. “I’ll never forget that first game and the winning field goal,” said senior Dayton Winn, who became a little All-American back three years later. What happened that afternoon formed a delicious mix and the taste of the future beyond what those who revived football had dreamed — a competitive football team, a packed house, an unexpected victory, an electric crowd, and an energizing blend of student-athletes and the rest of
the student body. Those ingredients continued to blend nicely into a Southern Athletic Conference championship and NCAA Division III playoff appearance in last year in Year 3. The Warriors won three games that first season, one of the best efforts for a startup program in modern NCAA Division III history. “I never dreamed that could happen,” said Charlie Tadlock, a member of the 1961 team. “I thought maybe we could win one game the first year and then maybe in 2009 get around .500 in the other years. I figured that would do. I thought there was no way we could win a championship by the third year.” The program and the Hendrix facilities and experience has come a long way since then-president Timothy Cloyd boldly decided in 2009 to bring back football after the sport was dropped in 1961 for economic reasons. The issue was reportedly prompted some of the most contentious series of debates by the Hendrix board of trustees in history. “I was against it,” said judge William Ray Wilson Jr., who was another member of that 1981 team and is now one of the biggest fans of Warrior football. “I was
concerned about the travel expense. I was concerned about the relationship with the overall student body. I remember meeting with the student-senate at the time and all but one were against it.” Much of it related to a lack of understanding of what Division III football and athletics were since Hendrix would be the pioneer program in the state. It’s not intramurals with pads. It’s high-caliber football played by athletes who often don’t have the size or speed to play at a higher level or their concentration is on academics toward professional careers rather than pro sports. There are no scholarships exclusively for athletics and players are expected to reflect the student body as a whole. “We thought that a bus would pull up with a bunch of thugs and they would be turned loose on campus to play football,” Wilson said. Once the highly volatile proposal passed, Hendrix officials began assembling ingredients from scratch. They prohibited the startup until the funds were raised to begin the program and build the proper facilities, which had to be first-class. Cliff Garrison, longtime men’s basketball coach and athletic director and one of the most respected Hendrix-connected individuals in America, WWW.THECABIN.NET 7
HENDRIX FOOTBALL TIMELINE Nov. 18, 1960: Last football game before sport was discontinued for financial reasons in 1961 2008: Hendrix’s Board of Trustees placed reviving football on the table pending sufficient fundraising for startup because 95 percent of potential students said in a survey that having football would be a positive influence on a college decision. March, 2012: Justin “Buck” Buchanan hired to head rebuilding for the revived program. August, 2013: First practices for new Hendrix team with 52 players. Sept. 7, 2013; Hendrix plays first football game in 19,236 days in new campus stadium. Sept. 7, 2013: Hendrix wins first football game in 53 years with last-second, 46-44 victory over Westminster. Nov. 9, 2013; Young-Wise Memorial Stadium — named in memory of Hendrix alumni (Robert Young, World War I) and Jeremy and Benjamin Wise (Afghanistan, 2009) killed in service of their country — is dedicated before game against Rhodes College. Nov. 6, 2013: Hendrix completes first season of revived football with 3-7 record. Sept 6, 2014: 42-6 victory over Westminster first road victory for re-started program. Nov. 15, 2014; 34-11 victory over Sewanee completes 6-4 season. June 23, 2015; Field at Young-Wise Memorial Stadium named in memory of Hendrix alumni Leo “Hippo” Crafton Jr. and Winston Faulkner. Nov. 14, 2015: 19-0 victory over Sewanee clinches Southern Athletic Association championship with 7-1 league record. Nov. 21, 2015: Huntingdon College defeats Hendrix, 38-27, in Warriors’ first NCAA Division III playoff appearance in Montgomery, Ala., ending the winningest season in college history at 8-3.
was put in charge of fundraising, then immediately had to put startup plans on hold because of a stock market crash. It got done. Hendrix went from having some of the worst athletic facilities of any college in the state to some of the best. Then, add Buck. After an extensive series of interviews in 2012, the personable Buck Buchanan, who played Division III football at Austin College, then helped start a football program at Louisiana College, was named the head football coach and given the keys to the kitchen. “This was probably the most important decision we’ve had to make since I took over as athletic director,” said Weaver. “We could not miss on this one. If we didn’t get just the right person, it would have been disastrous. The first time I met Buck, it seemed like I had known him all my life. I felt he was the type of person we needed to pull everything together.” “A lot of credit goes to what happened in the administration before I got here,” said Buchanan, who built the program from zero to championship in three years. It was the right people and the right mix. It was having support from the administration and the right community. Then, it was getting the right pieces to fit the puzzle. Hendrix was the right fit for me, academics and facilities as good as any in the country. When people come to our campus and see the athletic facilities, they realize this is important.” He limited his roster for that first to 52 8 LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT / FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2016
players, not enough to have a full scrimmage. But he wanted to build a solid core group of players, rather than loading the rosters when some who wouldn’t play and get discouraged and tell others of a bad experience, which would hurt building a base. “The emphasis was getting the right athletes to fit our program and our campus,” he said. “And then we had to get those guys believe in what we were doing and we could be good from the get-go. We didn’t intend to wait to be good.” Two of those initial recruits were Peters of Greenbrier and Winn of Pea Ridge. Peters instantly established himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in DIII while Winn became one of the most exciting, No. 3 in the NCAA in all divisions in all-purpose yards last season. “We were told from the beginning that just because we were freshmen and this was a first-year program, that was not an excuse not to be good,” Peters said. “We were determined to build a successful program right away, no excuses about being young and about playing freshmen against teams with a lot of seniors.” “Getting experience quickly was a big thing,” Winn said. “With a small roster, we got all the repetitions we needed.” This season, Hendrix began practice with about 104 players, double with what they started. “We see this and we wonder how we ever did it with 52,” said Buchanan. Along the way, football has connected
athletes with students and faculty and Hendrix with alumni like never before. “It has energized our campus and brought together so many elements,” said Weaver. Wilson, initially one of the most negative, is now one of the program’s biggest ambassadors. “It’s been a wonderful success,” he said. “The games are a wonderful experience. As we got into it, I’ve realized all the pluses.” “I never realized Division III football can be so much fun,” said Tadlock. “I’ve been impressed with the all-round quality of the athletes. They do the academic work and have blended into the overall student body and makeup of the school. It’s a smart group of players and talented. They have put Hendrix more on the map and has united so many of us.” “The great thing for me has been the overall experience,:” said Peters. “One of my favorite things is to see how all of us seniors and everyone has grown. It’s the friendships and the realization that we have bonded as family. Winning conference in three years was an incredible part of that.” “Last year was an example of what we want our four-year building process to look like,” Buchanan said. “After a good year, we want to see how we can be over time, build a program. We’ve got 28 seniors and a lot of good, young players. The seniors are showing the way. Young hunting dogs learn from the old dogs. “What we do from now on depends on that. The proof will be in the pudding.”
2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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CONWAY WAMPUS CATS Coach: Clint Ashcraft Record at School: 55-25 Last season: 6-6 (T3 7A Central) Returning starters: 8 offense. 6 defense Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Playoff record: 16-24 2015 results at Cabot..............................................L 34-18 at Jonesboro..................................... W 31-17 Har-Ber...................................................L 37-7 Siloam Springs................................... W 38-24 at Van Buren..................................... W 42-35 Greenwood.........................................L 56-19 at Alma................................................L 40-35 at LR Catholic................................... W 28-10 Russellville.......................................... W 44-22 Bryant...................................................L 17-10 Springdale (playoffs) ......................... W 42-7 at Har-Ber............................................L 20-17 2016 schedule Sept 2............................................ Springdale Sept. 9.......................................at Jonesboro Sept. 16.........................................Bentonville Sept. 23................................ at FS Southside* Sept. 30............................. North Little Rock* Oct 7.............................................. at Cabot* Oct. 14...................................... FS Northside* Oct. 21.....................................at LR Central* Oct. 28....................................... LR Catholic* Nov. 4............................................. at Bryant* HOOTEN’S PRESEASON COACHES RANKINGS IN 7A 1. North Little Rock; 2. FS Southside; 3. Cabot; 4. Conway; 5. Bryant; 6. FS Northside; 7. LR Central; 8. LR Catholic NOTABLE: There are no longer combined 7A and 6A conferences this season. The conference will consist of all 7A teams and every conference game will count toward the playoffs ... For the first time this season, in their new multipurpose fieldhouse facility, the Conway team can dress out in one locker room ... The Wampus Cats begin the season with a 143-player varsity roster, including seven transfers. “It’s been bizarre move-in,” said Ashcraft. “We usually have one or two a year. More kids are showing up who have played at other schools.”
QUICK HITS By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Conway players began the preseason in a very competitive mode. “We had a lot of questions going in, and a lot of position battles, but that’s not a bad thing,” said coach Clint Ashcraft. “We have lot of guys competing trying to win those spots and that has helped our focus and intensity. When you are in a battle for a position and you are being evaluated every day, you know you have to be had your best every day.” Several young players got experience last year and that should help. After a 6-6 campaign, Ashcraft likes this team. “Every team has a personality; It’s just like people,” he said. “Some personalities you want to be around; others you don’t. Some teams you don’t like as well as others, but you go in your office, put a smile on your face and go out there. This team is a really enjoyable group to be around. They laugh and have fun and that causes the coaches to have a little more pep in their steps.”
ON OFFENSE
The major question is at quarterback, where two-time all-state quarterback Breylin Smith, who completed 60 percent of his passes for 6,555 yards and 54 touchdowns, has left for UCA. “We could put a lot on Breylin,” Ashcraft said. “He was really good at reading defenses and getting us in the right play. He was a coach on the field. That’s hard to replace.” Late in preseason camp, it had not been settled among senior Parker Teague, junior Andrew Hreha and sophomores Javani Johnson and Todd McMillan. “We’re just gonna let that filter out throughout preseason camp,” said Ashcraft. “We are grading and evaluating this after every practice. Like with all the position battles, these players know they are being watched every day. We’ve rotated them all with the first team and we just have to see
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
CONWAY AT A GLANCE
who gives us the best chance to move the football.” McCall Dail, who rushed for 759 yards last season, is the key back with Shamar Harper gaining a lot of experience last season. Speedy senior Marquise Pleasant should lead a receiving corps reinforced by juniors and sophomores. Thomas Cloyd and Nathan Turner lead an inexperienced line. “Young guys have got to step up there,” said Ashcraft. “The line is one spot we’ve got to shore up.”
ON DEFENSE
Senior linebacker Nick Fletcher is the clear leader with 113 tackles a year ago on the way to all-state honors. Logan Camp is another experienced linebacker. Senior Will Kennedy, who had 67 tackles, five interceptions and eight pass breakups last season, leads the secondary with solid support from senior safety Kameron King. Senior end Donald Joshua is the top returning player in the line.
KEY GAMES
A home game against perennial power Bentonville in week 3 will furnish an early indication. Midseason games back-to-back against Cabot and North Little Rock will go a long way toward determining the Cats’ conference pecking order. WWW.THECABIN.NET 9
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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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CONWAY WAMPUS CATS
Dealing with adversity By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
It took the Conway Wampus Cats awhile last season to get over some early pity parties. “We lost seven starters to injuries last season in the first three weeks, one of them tore an ACL in pregame warmups in a noncontact drill,” said Conway coach Clint Ashcraft. “It got into our heads as coaches and players. We got in the mindset of what’s going to happen next?” After a 3-4 start, the Cats got on a roll and became much more competitive at the end of the season. That was best exemplified by a 20-17 loss to No. 1-ranked Har-Ber in the 7A quarterfinals. Har-Ber had coasted to a 37-7 victory over the Cats in week 2. “In midseason, we decided we were done making excuses,” Ashcraft said. “We saw the turnaround in the second half. The effort and attitude changed. “It was a big learning experience for everybody. We had never dealt with that many injuries before and we learned how to handle adversity.” He said there is a silver lining for this season. “We were forced to put guys in that hadn’t played and we weren’t planning to play that much,” Ashcraft said. “We had no choice. Now, they have experience.” Ashcraft remembers seeing a sophomore player and his mother in the stands at Van
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
A Conway Wampus Cats punt returner cuts in front of a defender at practice Aug. 15 at Centennial Bank Field at John McConnell Stadium.
Buren in week 4. He greeted them and said how he appreciated them making the trip to watch the game.
“In week 5, that player was starting,” said Ashcraft. “He went from bleachers to starting in a week. That’s the kind of year it was.”
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
The Conway Wampus Cats work on special teams at practice Aug. 15 at Centennial Bank Field at John McConnell Stadium. WWW.THECABIN.NET 11
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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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GREENBRIER PANTHERS GREENBRIER AT A GLANCE Coach: Randy Tribble Record at School: 58-36 (3rd season) 2015; 7-5 (T2nd in 5A West, lost to Batesville in 5A quarterfinals) Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Playoff record: 15-19 2015
QUICK HITS
Beebe..................................................L 41-27 Heber Springs.................................... W 49-14 Benton.................................................. L 38-0 Morrilton............................................. W 30-28 at Farmington................................... W 36-28 Maumelle.......................................... W 42-40 LR Christian..........................................L 43-42 Harrison..................................................L 35-0 at Clarksville...................................... W 49-28 at Vilonia........................................... W 47-21 Beebe (playoffs)............................... W 35-21 at Batesville (playoffs) .......................L 40-14 2016 schedule Sept. 2.................................................. Beebe Sept. 9................................. at Heber Springs Sept 16............................................at Benton Sept. 23.................................... at Maumelle* Sept. 30........................................... Morrilton* Oct. 7.....................................at Farmington* Oct. 14............................................. Harrison* Oct. 21..................................... at Clarksville* Oct. 28..................................................Alma* Nov. 3.......................................Vilonia (Thur)* Hooten’s Coaches Poll in 5A-West 1. Alma; 2. Morrilton; 3. Greenbrier; 4. Harrison; 5. Maumelle; 6 Farmington; 7. Vilonia; 8. Clarksville NOTABLE: Alma is the newcomer to 5AWest and is the favorite ... Greenbrier has another Burcham at quarterback. Carter Burcham is the younger brother of Neal, who led the Panthers to 27 wins in three seasons and earned a scholarship to SMU.
By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble likes the mix of the 2016 Panthers. “We have a group of kids I really enjoy coaching,” he said. “We have a quarterback who can run and a throw a little bit. We think we have running backs who can play, a little more depth there than we’ve had. We return two all-conference receivers. Our offensive line is a work in progress. Offensively, we have improved. We’re not so big and talented that we can dominate people all the time but we have smart kids and a good mixture of being able to run and throw the ball.”
ON OFFENSE
The leader will be senior Carter Burcham, who performed well last season in a backup role. Spencer Sutterfield averaged 5.6 yards per carry a year ago and Cody Hopper gives the Panthers a capable one-two punch. Alex Massey, 43 passes for 643 yards, eight touchdowns, and Brandon Thomas, 42 passes for 736 yards, 10 touchdowns, are the returning all-conference receivers. The receiving core seems again loaded with Jason Hill, Ryan McDermid, Logan Beaird, Grant Brown and Reese Hammondtree. Kyle Harsberger-Walker, Joseph Shaw, Austin Avery, Cody Bradley and Garrett Lock began preseason as the top linemen. “I think kids understand our offense really well,” said Tribble. “We have a smart quar-
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
terback who can throw and hurt people with his legs. If you have a talented QB, you can give some people some trouble.”
ON DEFENSE
Lineman Harshberger-Walker is a twoway starter and is a preseason all-state pick at tackle. The Panthers will switch to a three-man front and be more versatile. “We have a good foundation in Harshberger-Walker,” Tribble said. “Our D line moves well and we think we have four linebackers who can play.’ Jimmy Stroud and DJ Harmon are mainstays up front. Sutterfield is returning all-conference player at middle linebacker. Trystan Spencer, Cole Krisell and Tristan Rodriguez are veterans in the mix. Brown is a returning all-conference safety with Massey another strong player on the back end. Hammondtree and Beaird are veterans at corner with Massey a top backup. “We think we can give people some different looks with the three-man front,” Tribble said.
KEY GAMES
The final two conference games could loom large for the Panthers, both at home. Conference favorite Alma comes to Greenbrier on Oct. 28 while the season finale against Vilonia usually decides a playoff berth for both teams. WWW.THECABIN.NET 13
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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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GREENBRIER PANTHERS
A line of quarterbacks By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
As far as 5A, Greenbrier has become known as “Quarterback U.” A steady line of outstanding quarterbacks have led the Panthers to one of their best seven-year runs in history in becoming a consistent 5A power. “We’ve certainly been blessed that area,” said coach Randy Tribble. Neal Burcham progressed from one of the most prolific passing quarterbacks in the state to a starter at SMU before injuries ended his career. He was followed by Seth Peters, who led Greenbrier to 11 victories and 2011 before becoming the catalyst for Hendrix’s revived program. Then, Will Drewry and Harold Ross became powerful offensive threats in their own right. Carter Burcham, Neal’s younger brother, takes over the legacy this season. All have been able to throw,” said Tribble. “Seth and Carter little more alike. Seth could kill people with his ability to run and Carter has that skill. Seth had a little more strength at this stage, but Carter (often used at quarterback on two-point conversion attempts last year) can hurt you with his arm and his feet.”
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Greenbrier has recently produced a line of productive quarterbacks.
The Panthers seem to have more of a threat at running back this season but a pass is never far down Tribble’s playbook. “We’re gonna run the football,” Tribble
said. “If we run 50 or 60 percent of time, that’s OK. We’re gonna throw it whether we can run it or not. We’re gonna try to make a team defend the whole field.”
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
Greenbrier running back Cody Hopper stiff-arms his a defender at practice Aug. 15 at John Hawks Memorial Field at Don Jones Stadium in Greenbrier. WWW.THECABIN.NET 15
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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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VILONIA EAGLES Coach: Ron Young Record at School: 0-0 2015; 4-7 (T4nd in 5A West, lost to Pulaski Academy in first round of playoffs) Returning starters: 6 offense, 9 defense Offense: Split-back veer Defense: 4-2 Playoff record: 7-15 2015 Sylvan Hills............................................L 26-62 Heber Springs.................................... W 47-20 at Beebe............................................... L 38-0 Clarksville........................................... W 42-14 at Morrilton .........................................L 38-17 at LR Christian.....................................L 40-23 Maumelle............................................L 24-32 Farmington.........................................W 22-0) at Harrison......................................... W 31-10 Greenbrier...........................................L 41-27 at Pulaski Academy...........................L 56-14 2016 schedule Sept. 2......................... Greene County Tech Sept. 9...............................................Pottsville Sept 16...................................... at Booneville Sept. 23............................................ at Alma* Sept. 30.........................................Maumelle* Oct. 7...........................................at Harrison* Oct. 14....................................... Farmington* Oct. 21....................................... at Morrilton* Oct. 28.......................................... Clarksville* Nov. 3........................... at Greenbrier (Thur)* Hooten’s Coaches Poll in 5A-West 1. Alma; 2. Morrilton; 3. Greenbrier; 4. Harrison; 5. Maumelle; 6 Farmington; 7. Vilonia; 8. Clarksville NOTABLE: New Vilonia coach Ron Young played in college for Frank Broyles at Arkansas and the late Sporty Carpenter at Henderson State. He has served as quarterback coach for legendary CarsonNewman coach Ken Sparks ... Vilonia has had three head football coaches in the last year (Jim Stanley, interim coach Mike Stout and Young) ... Young retained every member of the Vilonia staff who wanted to stay and made Stout defensive coordinator.
QUICK HITS By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
The Vilonia Eagles begin the season again in a state of change. Veteran but energetic coach Ron Young, who took over last spring as the third head coach in a year, brings the third new system in a year — from the double-wing to the spread to the split back veer. “Teenagers are very resilient,” he said, “and tend to have short memories This senior class has been through a lot. But I relate right to them. My senior year at Hot Springs High School, we had five new coaches and I just met coach (Bobby) Hannon in spring. We went from a 3-7 team to winning a state championship. “When I got the job a Vilonia, I gathered my seniors and told them I’m not waiting until next year. I’m here for you guys. You’re gonna make this team the best it’s ever been. .. It’s been struggle but I think bought in what we’re doing.”
ON OFFENSE
Young made a bold claim about senior quarterback Luke Gordon (6-1, 22), who passed for 2,234 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. As far as arm strength, Young compares Gordon to former Arkansas and Buffalo Bills quarterback Joe Ferguson. “I played quarterback and coached quaterbacks my entire coaching career,” he said. “The first time I saw Luke on film, he caught my attention. If you saw him, you’d think he was my starting middle linebacker. Then, when I started to throw with him, he was the first player in 10 years who hurt my hands. The first player to do that was Joe Ferguson. Luke can throw the ball standing 50 yards. He’s got arm strength no question.” Cody Mitchell, Ben Duff, Isaiah Rocha and Micheal Morris are the top candidates at running back. The Eagles had two 6-3 receivers, senior Hayden Patterson and junior Tyson Wertz, come out from the basketball team. “It’s
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
VILONIA AT A GLANCE
gonna be exciting, both run and jump.” Nick Howard is the leading returning receiver. Matt Foster, Ethan Gasaway, Matt Malott, Hunter Potts, Zac Bryant and Mike Brown should man the offensive line. “I wouldn’t trade my offensive line from any I’ve seen this summer in camps,” Young said. “They are ideally suited what we do offensively.” Bryce Garrison is an all-conference kicker. He kicked 26 of 27 extra points and hit all five field goals.
ON DEFENSE
Nick Gentry is the leader at middle linebacker. “He’s every coach’s dream,” Young said. “We lost three starting linebackers and Nick was our best offensive lineman by far. He is enthusiastic, great character.” Brailand Cobb, Dvid Ryes, Christian Gardner and Cameron Simpson are the top defensive linemen. “We have some experience in secondary,” Young said. The defense is a rebuilt but we have some guys with experience. It all depends on how we work as a unit and with two brand new linebackers, it’s a challenge.”
KEY GAMES
The regular-season finale against Greenbrier always has playoff implications but the telltale contest for the Eagles may be their conference opener against Alma. They will know where they stand quickly. WWW.THECABIN.NET 17
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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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VILONIA EAGLES
Veering into the veer By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Ron Young has literally dusted off an old playbook as he installed a new offense. He learned it from former Arkansas coach Lou Holtz, the split-back, first popularized by Bill Yeoman at Houston. He greeted Holtz earlier in the year at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Conference and had him the Holtz’s original playbook that he has kept. “Lou Holtz is my hero of all coaches and I learned the split back veer from him,” Young said. “He autographed the playbook and wrote ‘best offense ever.’ The offense utilized duel running backs with option principles. Young plans to use that as a base and also split out two wide receivers. Many schools used that offense in the 1970s with the splits creating openings for big plays. Young says few teams run it anymore and only one other school in Arkansas. It’s unique offense that is tough to prepare for,” he said. “I’ve taken it and morphed it and morphed it into a lot more than that. And with our quarterback (Luke Gordon), I could pick anyone more ideally suited to what we do.”
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
Vilonia quarterback Luke Gordon runs the option play at the Eagles practice Aug. 16 at Centennial Bank Field at Phillip D. Weaver Stadium.
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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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MAYFLOWER EAGLES MAYFLOWER AT A GLANCE Coach: Todd Langrell Record at School: 12-12 (3rd season) 2015; 3-8 (T5 in 2-3A, lost to Prescott in first round of 3A playoffs) Returning starters: 5 offense, five defense Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Playoff record: 11-21 2015 at Dumas...............................................L 46-0 at Gravette.........................................L 18-45 Dover.....................................................L 6-48 at Rose Bud...................................... W 59-32 Perryville............................................. W 40-20 at Barton............................................ W 52-22
QUICK HITS
Bald Knob............................................L 21-35 at Atkins...............................................L 35-34 Harding Academy..............................L 50-12 at Marianna........................................L 50-14 at Prescott (playoffs)..........................L 53-28 2016 schedule Aug. 30.............................. CAC (Little Rock) Sept. 9.............................................. Perryville Sept 16.......................................... at Bigelow Sept. 23.......................................... at Barton* Sept. 30........................................ Bald Knob* Oct. 7........................................ at Rose Bud* Oct. 14........................... Harding Academy* Oct. 21................................ at Cedar Ridge* Oct. 28.......................................... Episcopal* Nov. 3............................. at Marianna (Thur)* * 2-3A game Hooten’s Coaches Poll in 2-3A 1. Harding Academy 2. Bald Knob 3. Episcopal Collegiate 4. Mayflower 5. Cedar Ridge 6. Barton 7. Marianna 8. Rose Bud NOTABLE: Mayflower, participating in The Buzz Kickoff Classic on Tuesday night, was one of the first Arkansas high schools to open the season ... Episcopal College and Cedar Ridge are new the conference as part of new realignment
By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Mayflower will likely be more grinding than flashy this season and will rely more on its defense. “It’s not the style of team that Mayflower people are used to seeing but we have some good hard-working players,” said coach Todd Langrell, whose team is coming off a 3-8 season. “Last season was disappointing to what we expect.” The Eagles have a small roster (30 players, eight seniors). “We should be much better, one of hardest working teams I’ve ever been around,” said Langrell. “At Mayflower, I think we should always compete for the conference championship. I think we will be competitive this year.”
ON OFFENSE
It is being rebuilt with Sean Harris, mostly a defensive specialist last season, taking over at quarterback. “He has accepted the challenge and has come into his own,” said Langrell. “He’s throwing well and making good decisions. Sophomore Tyler Maxwell is
one of our best athletes.” Christian Forrester is both a receiving and rushing threat. Top receivers are seniors Logan Medlin and Trent Langrell. Leaders in the line are Ben Cathcart, Derrick Braggs and Adam Butler.
ON DEFENSE
Youth will abound as the Eagles switch to a three-man front. “Five or six sophomores could start,” said Langrell Sophomore defensive back Drake Wilkerson, sophomore safety Dylan Burnett and sophomore lineman Josh Sellers are two of the emerging leaders. Cathcart, Braggs and Gage Montgomery are two of the best inside linemen. Medlin and Langrell should man the corners. Hopefully, it will more multiple defense,” said Langrell, who has a new defensive coordinator in Andrew Harrison.
KEY GAMES
The Eagles play Bald Knob and perennial 3A power Harding Academy within two weeks of each other in midseason, both at home. WWW.THECABIN.NET 21
MAYFLOWER EAGLES
A new old rivalry
By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Central Arkansas Christian is one of the closest schools to Mayflower. The Mustangs and the Eagles had a major rivalry in all sports when they were in the same 3A conference. That rivalry became dormant when CAC became a 4A school while Mayflower remained in 3A. Mayflower coach Todd Langrell, who participated in some of those confrontations as a player and is a good friend of CAC coach Tommy Shoemaker, decided to make a new connection. And that’s how Tuesday’s game between the Mustangs and the Eagles came about as part of The Buzz Kickoff Classic. “CAC is right down the road and our kids know their kids,” said Langrell. “I called to get something going again with them. Some people think Harding Academy is our biggest rival. But CAC was our big rival for a long time and I wanted to get that rivalry back” The Mustangs, with their Spread attack, have one of a variety of offenses the Eagles will see this season. “The tough part of our leagues is you’re seeing a lot of different offenses,” Langrell said. Every week it’s different. You may see the Spread, Flexbone, the Wing-T. It’s
22 LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT / FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2016
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
A Mayflower quarterback hands the ball off to a running back at practice Aug. 22 at George Jones Field at Patrick Stadium.
hard preparing for those. You have a different scheme each week. Our players have
to be mentally right. It’s a different way of coaching each week.”
2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SPONSORED BY
CONWAY CHRISTIAN EAGLES CONWAY CHRISTIAN AT A GLANCE Coach: Michael Carter Record at School: 39-21 2015; 10-4 (2nd, 5-2A) Returning starters: 5 offense, 6 defense Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2 Playoff record: 5-8 2015 at Episcopal........................................L 32-24 at H. Harmony Grove.........................L 51-21 Rose Bud............................................ W 69-13 at Poyen............................................. W 50-8 Mountain Pine..................................... W 63-0 at England...........................................L 27-20 Quitman............................................ W 54-18 Cutter M. Star......................................W 54-8 at Magnet Cove............................... W 27-14 at Bigelow......................................... W 41-22 ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
Dierks (playoffs)................................... W 28-8 at Junction City (playoffs)............... W 41-36
QUICK HITS
Hazen (playoffs)................................ W 34-30 at McCrory (semifinals)......................L 40-14 2016 schedule Sept. 2.............................................Episcopal Sept. 9....................................Mountain View Sept 16........................................ at Rose Bud Sept. 23............................................... Poyen* Sept. 30..........................................at Hector* Oct. 7...............................................England* Oct. 14....................................... at Quitman* Oct. 21.............................at C Morning Star* Oct. 28...................................Magnet Cove* Nov. 3....................................Bigelow (Thur)* Hooten’s Coaches Poll in 5-2A 1. England 2 Hector 3. Magnet Cove 4. Conway Christian 5. Poyen 6. Bigelow 7. Quitman 8. Cutter Morning Star NOTABLE: The Eagles lost 11 starters ... The Eagles have a different Jacob at quarterback this season. Last year, it was Jakob Henry. This year it’s Jacob Wood.
By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Michael Carter has already challenged his senior class. “Every senior class has gone farther than the last one; I told the others if they go one step farther we’ll be in the state championship game at War Memorial Stadium.” Carter describes the CCS seniors as a closeknit group since they first played together in the seventh grade. CCS, one of the smallest schools playing football in Arkansas, will have about a 30-man roster and Carter said he intends to two-platoon as much as possible.
ON OFFENSE
Sophomore Jacob Wood takes over at quarterback. “He’s a good athlete, very smart and has done a good job in 7 on 7,” Carter said. Seth Smith, who caught 76 passes for 1.704 yards and 24 touchdowns last season,
is one of the top receivers in the state. Will Jackson moves from receiver to running back. Senior Trey Starkey has also impressed coaches at running back. Top linemen are Brett Callaway, Cameron Horton and Lyndon Cobble.
ON DEFENSE
Robbie Hogue, an all-conference linebacker last season, is the leader.“He’s smart, intelligent and attacks the football,” said Carter. “We’ll need for our defense to step up early, the opposite as it’s been in the past. Our defense has to allow our offense time to step up.” Bennett Pascoe, Jackson and Starkey are solid on the back end. Sam Hicks is a leader up front.
KEY GAME
Oct. 7 against England at home. The Lions, a state finalist last season, will likely star this year as No. 1 in the state in 2A. WWW.THECABIN.NET 23
CONWAY CHRISTIAN EAGLES
Those Dragon slayers By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Conway Christian Eagles were major Dragon slayers last season. It was the greatest victory in CCS football history and one of the greatest upsets in Class AA history. The Eagles rallied in the final minute to end Junction city’s bid for a fourth straight state title. The win also ended a 16-game postseason winning streak by the Dragons, who were 36-5 on their home field going into the game. Junction City moves up to 3A this season. “It was one of those nights as long as you coach and as long as the players play, it will be something you’ll remember,” said CCS coach Michael Carter. “Going down there against a great team and a great coach and the tradition they have and going on the road a beating them at their place ending up being their last AA football game, possibly ever — it was a special night, a very special night.” Three of the seniors went down with injuries the last seven weeks of the season. “Young kids moved into spots and we even had some freshmen from the junior high team play quite a bit,” Carter said. “One of those years they wanted it, they stepped up, met the challenge and had a great time.”
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
Conway Christian quarterback Jacob Wood throws a screen pass to wide receiver Seth Smith at the Eagles’ practice Aug. 12 at Mission Field in Conway.
ANDY ROBERTSON PHOTO
Conway Christian running back Luke Gates looks for a hole to run through at the Eagles’ practice Aug. 12 at Mission Field in Conway. 24 LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT / FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2016
2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SPONSORED BY
UCA BEARS UCA AT A GLANCE Coach: Steve Campbell Record at School: 13-10 (3rd season) 2015 Record: 7-4 (T2nd, Southland Conference) Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 2015 Results at Samford..........................................L 45-16 at Oklahoma State...............................L 32-8 at Northwestern State...................... W 49-21 at Houston Baptist.............................. W 43-7 Abilene Christian.............................. W 42-14 McNeese State...................................L 28-13 at Lamar............................................ W 35-17 SE Louisiana....................................... W 21-16 Stephen F. Austin.............................. W 36-24 at Nicholls.......................................... W 34-31 Sam Houston State.............................L 42-13 2016 schedule Sept. 1 (Thu)....................... Houston Baptist* Sept. 10............................................. Samford Sept. 17......................... Northwestern State* Sept. 24..............................at Arkansas State Oct. 1........................... at Abilene Christian* Oct. 15............................at McNeese State* Oct. 22................................................ Lamar* Oct. 29..................................at SE Louisiana* Nov. 5........................... at Stephen F. Austin* Nov. 12..............................................Nicholls* Nov. 19......................at Sam Houston State* SLC coaches poll: 1, Sam Houston 2. McNeese State; 3. UCA; 4. Lamar; 5. SFA; 6. SE Louisiana; 7. Northwestern State; 8. Abilene Christian; 9. Incarnate Word; 10, Nicholls 11. Houston Baptist NOTABLE: The Bears play their first four games in the state contrasted from last year when they didn’t play a home game until October ... One of the greatest offensive players and one of the greatest defensive players in UCA history are now on the UCA coaching staff. Former quarterback Nathan Brown is the offensive coordinator. Former defensive end Larry Hart coaches the defensive line.
QUICK HITS By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
The University of Central Arkansas Bears return some of the best receivers in the Southland Conference in Desmond Smith, Jatavious Wilson and Brandon Cox. But coach Steve Campell is excited about the capabilities on the ground with as deep of running back stable as the Bears have had in recent years. The leading returning rusher is Kelton Warren, who had 165 yards on 39 carries last year. Antwon Wells came on strong in the spring as a multi-carry back. Jarvis Cooper (6-1, 245) is a needed big back. Darren Daniels is a “change of pace” back who had a strong fall camp. Freshmen Carlos Blackmon and Kierre Crossley vied for regular positions in early preseason camp. “We have a good mix of older guys and younger guys,” said Campbell.
ON OFFENSE
Junior Hayden Hildebrand shared starting duties with Taylor Reed and appears ready to take over as the regular quarterback after an injury-plagued season. Backup Kirk Baugh got experience last season after the injury to Hildebrand. “He’s too good not to play,” said offensive coordinator Nathan Brown. At receiver, Roman Gordon, Jacquez McMillan, Brady Moore and Jose Moore added to a versatile crew in preseason. “We have guys right on the borderline who are ready
to have breakout years,” Campbell said. A question mark is the offensive line, where the Bears must replace four of five starters and have had to overcome some preseason injuries. Junior Stockton Mallett leads a group of Gilberto Garcia, John Austin Cook and Cade Camp.
ON DEFENSE
Campbell says linemen Cardell Best, Terrance Partee and Jordan Tolliver seem ready to step out of the shadow of All-America and NFL draftee Jonathan Woodard and have breakout years. More comfortable in the third season of the 3-4 alignment, Campbell said, the defense “really took it to the offense” most of the spring. Senior Garrett Sharp leads a core group of linebackers in Chris Chambers, Dalvin Simmons and James Graves. Preseason all-conference pick Trai Mosley leads a deep defensive backfield of Tyler Williams, Devon Spurlock, Jalin Lofton, Brandon Porter and Prince Ene. Conway’s Matt Cummins takes over major place-kicking duties and junior transfer Patrick Ponder was an All-America placekicker in junior college.
KEY GAME
Arkansas State will get a lot of fan attention but two road games in the middle of the schedule — Abilene Christian and McNeese State — will be crucial. WWW.THECABIN.NET 25
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS BEARS
A month in Arkansas
By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Last season, the University of Central Arkansas Bears were as close to Halloween as Labor Day for their first home game. This season, the schedule is flipped. The Bears don’t leave the state in September playing home conference games against Houston Baptist and Northwestern State, sandwiching a nonconference game against Samford and closing the month with game against Arkansas State at Jonesboro. The Bears have three road games against Southeastern Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State among the last four games. “I love our September schedule,” said coach Steve Campbell. “It sets up well for our team and fans. Having two conference games on the front end is exciting. We have a chance to build some momentum and we need to be ready to go early. The ASU game is the renewal of an in-state rivalry that has attracted interest on both sides. “There is a lot of familiarity with the players and coaching staff,” he said. “There are a lot of connections with our players and coaches.” One of the connections is Larry Hart, a defensive line coach and former All-Amer-
UCA SPORTS INFORMATION
Quarterback Breylin Smith of Conway one of UCA’s top recruits.
ican at UCA, who most recently served on the ASU coaching staff as a grad assistant.
“He should be a great resource that week,” said Campbell.
UCA SPORTS INFORMATION
Kierre Crossley among several young backs to add depth in the backfield. 26 LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT / FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2016
2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SPONSORED BY
HENDRIX WARRIORS HENDRIX AT A GLANCE Coach: Buck Buchanan Record at School: 25-15 (4th season) 2015 record: 8-3 (SAA champion) Returning starters: 10 offense, 11 defense Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 2015 at Austin College................................L 55-41
QUICK HITS
Lyon.....................................................W 42-7 at Millsaps ......................................... W 45-34 at Centre.......................................... W 51-48 Birmingham-Southern....................... W 21-16 Berry.....................................................L 27-24 at Chicago........................................ W 27-21 Rhodes............................................... W 42-27 at Wash U.......................................... W 54-51 at Sewanee.........................................W 19-0 at Huntington, Ala. (D-III playoffs).....L 38-27 2016 schedule Sept. 3.................................... Austin College Sept. 10...............................................at Lyon Sept. 24........................................ at Millsaps* Oct. 1................................................. Centre* Oct. 8....................at Birmingham-Southern* Oct. 15.................................................. Berry* Oct. 22............................................Chicago* Oct. 29......................................... at Rhodes* Nov. 5............................................at Wash U* Nov. 12...........................................Sewanee* NOTABLE: The Warriors, which revived the football program four years ago, have 28 seniors ... Chicago and Wash U, will leave the Southern Athletic Association as auxiliary football members after this season and will be replaced by Austin College and Southwestern University.
By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Four years ago, the Hendrix Warriors were off the radar. Now, they are the hunter. The Warriors return 28 seniors (all who were part of the startup program) from the 8-3 Southern Athletic Association champions a year ago. Now, they are the favorites. “It made fall camp easier because we can do more than teaching,” said Hendrix coach Buck Buchanan. “Getting 20-plus seniors a year is part of our building process.”
ON OFFENSE
The Warriors are loaded and with a powerful one-two punch, from one of the best offenses in NCAA Division III. Senior quarterback Seth Peters of Greenbrier has completed 69 percent of his passes for 6,776 yards an 59 touchdowns during his career. Senior Dayton Winn is a Little AllAmerica tailback, the returning SAA Player of the Year who was third in the NCAA in all classifications for all-purpose yards (tops in DIII) last year. He rushed for 1,781 yards. “Oppponents laugh when he (5-10, 155) gets off the bus then cry when he gets back on it.” Hendrix returns possibly the top receivers in the conference in Spencer Smith, Ethan Hoppe and Ben Luedtke. “We have five seniors ( Jared Lincoln, Brooks Hill, Max Cassidy, Zach Tuttle and Trent Middlton) who have played 31 games
in the offensive line and probably have more reps than any group in Division III,” Buchanan said. “We have a chance to be special up front.”
ON DEFENSE
“Our defense took some major steps forward last year,” Buchanan said. “We won some games with our defense last year. Against Chicago, we stopped them on four plays inside our 5, then got the ball and ran out the clock.” Harrison Newton, Jake Falleur, Stephen Stearman and Kyle Clifton are the mainstays up front. “The d-line is a senior-laden group that should be pacesetters,” said Buchanan. Ben Cunningham, John Donald and Thomas Eddlemon return at linebacker. Chandler Marquardt and Shaquille Grant lead the secondary. Stephen Crenshaw is a capable placekicker. “At the end of the year we got great plays from special teams,” said Buchanan. “We want to start the year where we ended it.”
KEY GAMES
The Warriors have Berry and Chicago back-to-back in October. Almost all conference games were close last year and the league appears to be very balanced this season. “We want to make sure we sell all the popcorn,” said Buchanan. WWW.THECABIN.NET 27
28 LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT / FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2016
2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SPONSORED BY
HENDRIX WARRIORS
The transmission and the engine By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
Hendrix quarterback Seth Peters and running back Dayton Winn form quite a machine. “Winn is the engine and Seth is the transmission,” said Hendrix coach Buck Buchanan. Two years ago, Peters was the Offensive Player of the Year in the Southern Athletic Association. Last season, Winn took the top honors. “We need for Seth to have the type of season he had two years ago and Winn what he did last year,” Buchanan said. “That would be a good combination.” Winn, the leading rusher in the SAA lst season, will be on the radar. “Everybody in the league knows he is really special so they are gonna key on him,” said Buchanan. “Winn does good job making adjustments on the fly.” Both have combined to give Hendrix one of the most high-powered offenses in the country the last couple of years. “When they are healthy, our offensive production is through the roof,” Buchanan said. “They enhance our ability to win football games. There is a specialness to these guys.”
HENDRIX SPORTS INFORMATION
Hendrix quarterback Seth Peters of Greenbrier is one of the most efficient passers in the country.
HENDRIX SPORTS INFORMATION
Hendrix’s Dayton Winn has established himself one of the most dangerous all-purpose backs in the country. WWW.THECABIN.NET 29
30 LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT / FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2016
2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SPONSORED BY
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS ARKANSAS AT A GLANCE Coach: Bret Bielema Record at school: 18-20 Last year: 8-5, 5-3 (3rd SEC West) Returning starters: 5 offense, nine defense Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 2015 results UTEP.................................................... W 48-13
QUICK HITS
Toledo..................................................L 16-12 Texas Tech...........................................L 35-24 Texas A&M (Dallas).................... L 28-21 (OT) at Tennessee..................................... W 24-20 at Alabama.........................................L 27-14 Auburn.................................. W 54-46 (4 OTs) UT Martin............................................ W 63-28 at Ole Miss.................................W 53-52 (OT) at LSU................................................. W 31-14 Mississippi State...................................L 51-50 Missouri................................................ w 28-3 Kansas State (Liberty Bowl).............. W 45-23 2016 schedule Sept. 3.................................... Louisiana Tech Sept. 10................................................ at TCU Sept. 17........................................ Texas State Sept. 24.....vs. Texas A&M (Arlington, Texas) Oct. 1..................................Alcorn State (LR) Oct. 8.............................................Alabama* Oct. 15............................................. Ole Miss* Oct. 22..........................................at Auburn* Nov. 5................................................. Florida* Nov. 12..................................................... LSU* Nov. 19............................at Mississippi State* Nov. 25......................................... at Missouri* NOTABLE: Austin Allen takes over at quarterback for his brother, Brandon Allen ... In my preseason polls, the Razorbacks are generally picked fifth in the SEC West ... The Hogs play preseason ranked teams Alabama, Florida and LSU at home this season.
By Nate Allen
SPECIAL TO THE LOG CABIN
For his fourth season as head coach at the University of Arkansas, Bret Bielema has an extra zip in his step. “I know this roster better than any Arkansas roster I have known to this point,” Bielema said. “I feel good where we are at but by the same account we are in the SEC West (home of national champion Alabama and deemed the toughest division in college football) and have an opening opponent (Louisiana Tech) that won a lot of games a year ago and has a lot of good players back and we go to TCU (11-2 last season) right after that. So we have got all the challenges, but you do have a certain comfort level.”
ON OFFENSE
Though his quarterback has never started a college game, Bielema seems pipe-andslippers comfortable with fourth-year junior Austin Allen, a signee in Bielema’s first recruiting class and backup the last two years to UA graduate older brother and fellow Fayetteville High grad and now NFL drafted quarterback Brandon Allen. The brothers’ personalities differ vastly but Bielema seems as confident in the younger as he became in the elder. He named Austin as Arkansas’ ironclad No. 1 quarterback for 2016 with two weeks of spring practice to spare. “I think without a doubt right now, Austin is our best quarterback,” Bielema said into the August preseason “You know
who knows it? All those other quarterbacks. Because they watch the same thing I watch every day and they know that he’s performing the best at that position.” Receivers for Allen abound in seniors Drew Morgan, Dominique Reed, Keon Hatcher, Cody Hollister and tight end Jeremy Sprinkle. Rawleigh Williams, freshman Devwah Whaley and Kody Walker lead the backfield. Dan Skipper is an all-conference prospect at left tackle. Conway freshman Colton Jackson begins the season at right tackle.
ON DEFENSE
Third-year coordinator Robb Smith’s defense, strong against the run and weak against the pass last year but strong in all phases in 2014, should be the all-round strength of the team. Starting with three national preseason awards watch list senior defensive end Deatrich Wise and cat-quick moved from defensive end to tackle Jeremiah Ledbetter, a deep D-line improves its pass rush. Increased linebacker depth should keep mainstay starting Fayetteville High grads Brooks Ellis and Dre Greenlaw fresh in the fourth quarter. Eight defensive backs return with with experience, led by starting free safety Josh Liddell and senior cornerback Jared Collins.
KEY GAMES
A home game against Alabama on Oct. 8. Florida and LSU loom late in the schedule. WWW.THECABIN.NET 31
Colton Jackson’s perseverance paying off for Hogs By Nate Allen
SPECIAL TO THE LOG CABIN
FAYETTEVILLE — It speaks well of Conway’s Colton Jackson that as a redshirt freshman last spring winning the Arkansas Razorbacks’ first-team left offensive tackle position. It speaks even better what he’s achieved upon losing it. Jackson never pouted, snarled, whined nor withdrew into a shell, his teammates say. He worked so hard at backup left tackle when senior right tackle Dan Skipper was moved to first-team left tackle two weeks into preseason drills that by the third week Jackson operated first-team at Skipper’s old right tackle spot. Though big, 6-6, 300, talented and determined, Jackson was supplanted at left tackle because Arkansas coach Bret Bielema, offensive coordinator Dan Enos and offensive line coach Kurt Anderson concluded that junior first-time, right-handed starting quarterback Austin Allen’s blind side on the left should be protected by the Razorbacks’ most experienced tackle rather than a rookie. Skipper starts his fourth year as an offensive line starter at guard in 2013, left tackle in 2014 and right tackle in 2015 while since turned pro Denver Kirkland played left tackle. Three, like Jackson never previously started Razorbacks game, took turns at Skipper’s vacated right tackle spot before Jackson was switched. Jackson’s perseverance paid off and is appreciated among others by the veteran tackle taking Jackson’s place in the first place and the quarterback he now protects from the right side. “I think he responded very well,” Skipper said. “We are seeing things on film that he’s doing now that he’s never done before. It’s clear to see him progress and his versatility. He’s played left and he’s played right.” Allen spoke highly of Jackson while the redshirt freshman was still the demoted to backup left tackle. “He is still working hard,” Allen said. “He comes out with the same demeanor every single day. And he’s still young. That’s the thing, he’s still a redshirt freshman. He’s going to get better. He’s going to be a great player for us.” He’s not great yet still trying to sort out right from left. 32 LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT / FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2016
“It’s kind of difficult,” Jackson said.“You just have to get used to switching sides and flipping plays. In a right-hand stance you have to learn to kick more with your right leg instead of your left. But it’s gotten better. I am picking it up pretty fast.” Anderson said it’s typically not an instantly easy transition for a rookie lineman starting the side opposite from which he is accustomed. “I think he’s made a couple mistakes, but I think it’s more excitement that he’s got another opportunity,” Anderson said. “He just needs to come along and transition back over to that side and kinda look at the world upside down a little bit.” Jackson knew if he was going to be a 2016 first-teamer that he had to make what Anderson called “upside down” into his personal right side up. “As soon as he (Bielema) moved Skip to left I knew I was going to have to learn to play right tackle) because I knew it was going to be hard to beat out a four-year senior,” Jackson said. “I just had to start working on the right side trying to gain that spot.” What kept Jackson from falling into the “Poor me” syndrome, upon first being supplanted by Skipper then learning to adapt left to right? “It’s about the team as a whole, it’s not about me,” Jackson said. “I play left tackle and he just took my spot. What am I going to do now? Well it’s you have to do what’s best for the O-line. If they want me to go right, you have got to play right.” Jackson said all the lineman commiserate with each other. Other than sophomore first-team left guard Hjalte Froholdt, and he moved last spring from the defensive line, there isn’t a Razorback offensive lineman on the August 2-deep chart who hasn’t practiced at more than one position this preseason. “Everybody is playing a part,” Jackson said. “Like I said, ‘It’s not a me thing or an I thing, it’s a team. So whatever Coach wants you to play, that’s what you’re playing. Nobody has a certain position.” However with Jackson it always has been a certain school’s certain team. “When Arkansas offered me after my sophomore year, I committed the next day,” Jackson said. “I knew where I wanted to go. I’m from instate and I wanted to be an instate player. I never visited anywhere else.”
2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SPONSORED BY
ARKANSAS state red wolves ARKANSAS STATE AT A GLANCE Coach: Blake Anderson Record at school: 16-10 Last year: 9-4, 8-0 (1st Sun Belt) Returning starters: 5 offense, nine defense Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 2015 results at USC....................................................L 55-6 Missouri................................................L 27-20 Missouri State.......................................W 70-7 at Toledo...............................................L 37-7 Idaho................................................. W 49-35 at South Alabama............................ W 49-31 Louisiana-Lafayette.......................... W 37-27 Georgia State................................... W 48-34 at Appalachian State...................... W 40-27 at Louisiana Monroe........................ W 59-31 at New Mexico State........................ W 52-28 Texas State........................................ W 55-17 Louisiana Tech (New Orleans Bowl)....L 47-28 2016 schedule Sept. 2..................................................Toledo
QUICK HITS
Sept. 10 ......................................... at Auburn Sept. 16.....................................at Utah State Sept. 24....................................................UCA Oct. 5.............................. Georgia Southern* Oct. 15................................ South Alabama* Oct. 29............................ Louisiana Monroe* Nov. 3................................ at Georgia State* Nov. 12........................... New Mexico State* Nov 17.................................................. at Troy Nov. 26................................. at La.-Lafayette Dec. 3.................................... at Texas State* NOTABLE: The Red Wolves play UCA for possibly the last time in the forseeable future this season ... The Red Wolves play four Thursday and one Wednesday night game this season.
By David McCollum
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER
The Arkansas State Red Wolves, coming off a Sun Belt championship, return 13 starters for a repeat run in 2016. Included in the schedule is a Sept. 24 game at Jonesboro against the University of Central Arkansas in a renewal of what has been an exciting in-state series.
ON OFFENSE
With the departure of Freddie Knighton, quarterback is a major question mark. The running backs are young and the Red Wolves lost their top three receivers from a year ago.
The good news is all five starters return in the offensive line led by Jamar Clark and Colton Jackson.
ON DEFENSE
The group is deep in the line led by Sun Belt sack leader Ja’Von Rolland-Jones and Waylon Roberson. Speed is added with experienced linebackers Khari Lain and Xavier Woodson-Lister. Chris Hume, Cody Brown and Money Hunter are veterans in the secondary.
KEY GAMES
Louisiana-Monroe at home and road games at Troy and Louisiana-Lafayette at the end of the season. WWW.THECABIN.NET 33
hootens.com WEEK 1 rankings Class 7A
1. Fayetteville 2. Springdale Har-Ber 3. Cabot 4. FS Southside 5. North LR 6. Bentonville 7. FS Northside 8. Bryant 9. Conway 10. LR Catholic 11. Springdale 12. LR Central 13. Van Buren 14. Rogers 15. Rogers Heritage 16. Bentonville West 7A CENTRAL Springdale at CONWAY (11): Springdale allowed 59.5 points its past two season-openers against Class 6A power Greenwood. The Bulldogs could improve on last year’s 2-8 finish with more than half their starters returning for second-year Coach Zak Clark. Springdale won a state title in 2005 but has posted just two winning seasons (6-5 in 2006 and 2010) since Har-Ber High opened across town. Conway last played for a state title in 1993. League coaches voted the Wampus Cats to finish fourth this fall in the new eight-team 7A Central. Conway graduated two-time all-state QB Breylin Smith but returns its top rusher McCall Dail (5-9, 180; 270-pound bench press), top receiver Marquise Pleasant (47 catches for 874 yards as a junior) and top tackler Nick Fletcher (6-2, 200), who made 113 stops at linebacker.
Class 6A
1. Greenwood 2. Pine Bluff 3. Jonesboro 4. El Dorado 5. Benton 6. Russellville 8. West Memphis 9. Texarkana 10. Marion 11. Lake Hamilton 12. Siloam Springs 13. Sheridan 14. Jacksonville 15. Mountain Home 16. LR Hall
Class 5A
1. Pulaski Academy 2. Batesville 3. LR McClellan 4. Alma 5. Wynne 6. Morrilton 7. HS Lakeside 8. Greenbrier 9. Watson Chapel 10. Sylvan Hills 11. Camden Fairview 12. Hot Springs 13. LR Christian 14. Vilonia 15. Forrest City 16. Blytheville 17. Beebe 18. Hope 19. Nettleton 20. Maumelle
21. LR Parkview 22. Harrison 23. De Queen 24. Mills 25. Farmington 26. Magnolia 27. Paragould 28. Valley View 29. White Hall 30. Greene County Tech 31. Clarksville 32. LR Fair 5A CENTRAL Beebe at GREENBRIER (7): Beebe’s 14-point victory last year snapped Greenbrier’s stronghold in the series (the Panthers had won five straight). Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble expects a big season from two-way lineman Kyle HarshbergerWalker (56 tackles in 2015). Beebe’s junior high went 9-1 last season. Greene Co. Tech at VILONIA (10): Vilonia first-year coach Ron Young implemented a run-first offense in the summer. The Hot Springs native plans to showcase all-state QB Luke Gordon (2,234 yards and 13 TDs in 2015) on play-action passes. Greene County Tech has won 11 games the past five seasons.
Class 4A
1. Nashville 2. Warren 3. Shiloh Christian 4. CAC 5. Pocahontas 6. Ashdown 7. Hamburg 8. Joe T. Robinson 9. Pea Ridge 10. Stuttgart 11. Arkadelphia 12. Dardanelle 13. Prairie Grove 14. Lonoke 15. Ozark 16. Gosnell 17. Heber Springs 18. Dollarway 19. Booneville 20. Malvern 21. Crossett 22. Trumann 23. Gravette 24. Pottsville 25. West Helena 26. Highland 27. Dover 28. Fountain Lake 29. Star City 30. Dumas 31. Mena 32. Monticello 33. Jonesboro Westside 34. DeWitt 35. Gentry 36. Southside Batesville 37. Lincoln 38. Riverview 39. Cave City 40. Huntsville 41. Bauxite 42. Waldron 43. Brookland 44. Baptist Prep 45. West Fork 46. Subiaco Academy 47. Harrisburg 48. Berryville
Class 3A
1. Glen Rose 2. Charleston 3. Harding Academy 4. Junction City 5. Prescott 6. Smackover 7. Rivercrest 8. Clinton 9. Centerpoint 10. H. Grove Haskell 11. Paris 12. Lamar 13. Fordyce 14. Hoxie 15. Fouke 16. Atkins 17. Greenland 18. Osceola 19. McGehee 20. Newport 21. Bald Knob 22. Elkins 23. Cedar Ridge 24. Gurdon 25. Episcopal Collegiate 26. Manila 27. Mayflower 28. Walnut Ridge 29. Piggott 30. Mountain View 31. Mansfield 32. Perryville 33. Melbourne 34. Green Forest 35. Jessieville 36. Horatio 37. Genoa Central 38. Yellville-Summit 39. Cedarville 40. Marianna 41. Barton 42. Corning 43. Rose Bud 44. Marshall 45. Two Rivers 46. Bismarck 47. Drew Central 48. Lake Village
2-3A CAC (24) vs. Mayflower (Tue.): 2-4A coaches expect CAC to repeat as league champs this fall. Mayflower debuts with a new QB under third-year coach Todd Langrell.
Class 2A 1. England 2. Rison 3. Hector 4. Mount Ida 5. McCrory
6. Danville 7. Des Arc 8. C. Harmony Grove 9. Magnet Cove 10. Earle 11. Conway Christian 12. Bearden 13. Lafayette County 14. E. Poinsett County 15. Marked Tree 16. Dierks 17. Cross County 18. Hackett 19. Murfreesboro 20. Hampton 21. Foreman 22. Lavaca 23. Mountainburg 24. Carlisle 25. Hazen 26. Brinkley 27. Augusta 28. Poyen 29. Clarendon 30. Salem 31. Palestine-Wheatley 32. Mineral Springs 33. Parkers Chapel 34. Strong 35. Spring Hill 36. Woodlawn 37. Bigelow 38. Quitman 39. J.C. Westside 40. Magazine 41. Decatur 42. Mountain Pine 43. Western Yell County 44. Cutter M. Star 45. Rector 46. Midland 47. Marvell 5-2A EPISCOPAL (6) at Conway Christian: CCS (0-3 vs. Episcopal) must replace (2015) 4,000-yard passer and two-time all-state QB Jakob Henry, but sophomore Jacob Wood looked the part this summer after quarterbacking the 8-1 junior high team last fall. All-5-2A receiver Seth Smith headlines another deep group of wideouts at CC.