8 30 17 pac football tab pitstopped 2

A Special Section of the Press Argus-Courier Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Page 2 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

FOOTBALL 2017

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

Van Buren High School Van Buren Freshman Academy and Middle Schools Alma High School Hooten’s Poll Class 5A Alma Freshmen Cedarville High School and Junior High Hooten’s Poll Class 3A Mountainburg High School and Junior High Hooten’s Poll Class 2A

Special thanks to Josh Harrell at Heritage Portraits and Leland Barclay.

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FOOTBALL 2017

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 3

Van Buren Senior High Tallon Holman Isaac Davis Isaac Nason Eli Cruz Landry Wilkerson Konnor Anawaty Christian Morrow Brayden Fimple Logan Humphreys Braeden Johnson Geoffrey Scott Caleb Salisbury Chase Jernigan Brycen St. Mary Bobby Theplama Fisher Wagner Sunny Hansana Trent Ball Mitchell Waite Jude Bartholomew Dylan Dye Eddie Beckham Walter Green Brayden Rivas

Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So.

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

Seth Weir Christian Carney Isaac Lipe Sebastian Selman Devin Wright Hunter Gregory Tyler Thacker Remi Mulloy Josue Recinos Caibyn Baimbridge Evan Myers Ethan Harris Sam Sharp Eric Marcos Michael Van Ness Paul Harwood Guillmero Palafox Jackson Hurst Devin Swearingen Lane Shearburn Miles Kuykendall Logan Osman Chris Phung Tyler Varnell

Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr.

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Caleb Fabus Lincoln Smith Jayden Mendez Anthony Hale Drake Wilson Ethan Walters Josiah Acorn Cameron Gattis Hunter Cravey Tyler Treadway Cha Raun Page Zach Wilson Ramon Orellana Giovanny Alas Garrett Standifird Nathan Westbrook Matthew Maruri RJ Riley Justin Smith Stephen Young Derek King Cody Dunlap Juan Dela Cruz Tristan Hawkins

So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So.

79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Damien Coker Drew King Zane Balow David Evans Zane Moore Derek Cheatham Chris Flores Trevor Burns Conrad Walters Luke Shelly Eugene Dodd Jacob Hamilton Cameron Keech Charles White Zac Defrees Cody Ware Austin Fabus Kaleb Trentham Trevor Morphew Harrison Karney Declan Strite

Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. Jr. So. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So.

Page 4 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

FOOTBALL 2017

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

Pointers adjust offense for 2017 The Van Buren Pointers have scrapped the run-oriented flexbone for the Spread, and what better time than with two good quarterbacks and an experienced running back.

“We’ve got two quarterbacks right now that have looked good,” Van Buren head coach Greg Werner said. “Whoever isn’t starting at quarterback is going to play somewhere.”

Senior Caleb Salisbury (6-2, 200) started last year and will be at the trigger of the Van Buren (2-8 last year, 1-6 in the 7A-West) offense again this year, but junior Christian Morrow (6-0, 170) will also certainly play there some, too. Both will also likely play receiver. Salisbury caught a long touchdown pass from Morrow in the spring scrimmage.

Senior running back Walter Green (5-8, 175) led the 7A-West in rushing during the regular season with 1,026 on 126 carries and scored seven touchdowns. He also

caught four passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns, and those numbers will definitely go up.

“He’ll do a lot because he can catch it,” Werner said. “He’s put in the work in the offseason, he’s gotten a lot better. His speed has increased. He’s in line for a big season.

He’s going to get a lot more touches this season, which will be big.”

Senior Derek King (6-1, 280) is the only starter returning from last year’s Van Buren team up front, but senior Nathan Westbrook (6-0, 310) is a move-in.

“We’re a lot bigger with King coming back, and Westbrook is a move-in,” Werner said.

“He started at Allen, Texas, and they play some good football down there.”

King will move to right tackle this year with Westbrook playing beside him at guard.

Senior Cameron Gattis (6-1, 265) and junior Lincoln Smith (5-10, 200) have been working at center. Seniors Ethan Walters (5-8, 235)

and Justin Smith (6-3, 320) are working at left guard, although both can also play tackle.

Senior Zach Wilson (603, 265) has filled the left tackle spot.

One thing that easily stands out about the line is the Pointers will have size.

“That’s where we’ve gained the most,” Werner said. “For the first time in a long, long time, we can put what looks like a 7A-West offensive line on the field.”

While most of the front line will be seniors, they have some others vying for time.

“We’ve got some younger kids, too,” Werner said. “We’ve identified nine or 10 kids that can play up front on offense in any situation, so we’ve got some depth there. We do have some younger kids coming behind them that can play a little bit.”

Two good quarterbacks, a good running back, the biggest offensive line in more than a decade, so what’s missing? Pass catchers at receiver, where Van Buren returns no

receptions from a year ago.

“We’re not bringing back any catches from last year,” Werner said. “It will be a big deal to get those kids some experience.”

Seniors Isaac Lipe (6-2, 230), Brycen St. Mary (5-8, 155), and juniors Logan Humphreys (6-4, 200), Dylan Dye (5-10, 165) and Brayden Fimple (6-2, 175) are working at the positions along with Salisbury and Morrow.

“We feel good about the ones we have,” Werner said. “We’re just not bringing any experience. In 7-on-7, we’ve thrown and caught it well. I’ve been impressed with what we’re coming from last year. I think we have a good group. They just need some time. They need some Friday nights.”

Van Buren will mostly line up with three receivers with either junior Hunter Gregory (6-0, 190), Fisher Wagner (6-0, 195) or sophomore Brayden Rivas (5-8, 170) at (CONTINUED ON PAGE 5.)

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

FOOTBALL 2017

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 5

Academy, middle schools see improvements The Freshman Academy installed a new offense in the spring but fell behind when the refurbished helmets weren’t ready for practices. There was also construction on the practice field which limited the team during the spring.

“We managed through, and we went to team camps during the summer to install the offense and bring these kids together,” said coach Eric Capp. “Since we started fall camp, things have started to come together and we’re certainly more optimistic than we were in July.”

The squad scrimmaged Ozark and Huntsville on Aug. 21.

With the new offense, players have moved around.

Gary Phillips had been at the running back (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4)

fullback in a two-back set.

“We do have a good group that have done a good job there,” Werner said. “It’s more of a sniffer back. When we move Walter to the outside, they’ll go to the running back spot and carry it some.”

While the Pointers have a lot settled on offense, defense is a whole other matter.

Senior Jayden Mendez (6-2, 280) returns at one of the tackle spots, senior Logan Osman (5-11, 170) is back at linebacker and Isaac Davis (5-11, 170) returns at corner.

Other than that, faces on defense are new and in a lot of cases still undecided.

It does start up front with Mendez, who had 32 tackles last year, six for loss and three sacks.

“He had a tremendous offseason,” Werner said. “He’s done well. He had a good summer.

He’ll definitely be a leader on that side of the

spot the previous years but was moved to quarterback.

“He’s really picking up on it and it’ll give us better options with him handling it every play,” Capp said. “That’s the thing about this group... the guys who were quarterback are now receivers and they’ve handled it great.

That might have bothered some kids, but they have worked themselves into being our starting receivers.”

Xavier McCormick will start at running back and Brayden Branch will be at fullback.

The two outside backs will be Baylor Shook and Hunter Laxon. Hayden Roark will be at slotback. Ethan Brown, Alan Hasana, and Bogie Poole will also see time running out of the backfield.

Jaiden Safanov will be a center and other

offensive linemen will include Doug Giron, TJ Dyer, Kyle Lee and Brandon Beaver.

“We are fortunate enough to have some depth at the skilled positions,” said Capp.

“We can rotate players in and out. Give some a break. If someone is strictly playing defense, we try to give him a break on offense. Where we don’t have depth is our line.”

Zach Cozort will be nose guard on defense. Giron will see some time on the line with Dyer and Shook at defensive end.

Linebackers include McCormick, Branch, and Poole. Safeties will be Roark and Caleb Fergeson. Luke Dunbar and Laxon will start at the corners.

Kaleb Kovitch and Brown will rotate in on defense as needed.

Capp appreciates the challenge of taking in players between two schools and forging them into a team in five months before he has to ship them off to the high school.

“At the end of the season, I get a whole crew that I have never met before and we start all over. So that’s kind of unique and fun,” said Capp.

Van Buren will dive into River Valley Conference play on Sept. 21 at Darby, the third straight game on the road for the squad.

“I’ve said it before, this junior high conference is one of the best around,” Capp said. “Greenwood is always going to be good.

Alma is going to be well-coached. The Fort Smith schools will have athletes. We don’t

ball.”

Mendez may line up with a lot of different guys beside him.

“It will by committee,” Werner said. “I don’t think at that spot it will be the same guy every time.”

Gattis and Westbrook are two, though, who will definitely see some time there.

Lipe moves to end after starting last year at linebacker, where he had 54 tackles, including three for loss, with two forced fumbles and an interception.

“That’s been a good move for him,” Werner said. “It allows him to be good there but it also allows him to play offense more.”

Humphreys, Wilson, Fimple and Miles Kuykendall (6-2, 200) will all see playing time at the two end spots.

After Osman, it’s also pretty unsettled at the other linebacker positions.

“Osman is the returner and after that shake it up,” Werner said. “We have a lot of young kids that will play there. We feel good about them but we did a lot of moving and shuffling. We had to get better at linebacker.”

Seniors Caibyn Bainbridge (5-8, 200) and Paul Harwood (5-9, 175), juniors Christian Carney (6-0, 165), Seth Weir (6-1, 180) and Fisher Wagner (6-0, 195) and sophomore Geoffrey Scott (6-0, 160) are competing for those two spots.

“We have a crew of about eight of them that we’ve got to find the top three or fourth,” Werner said. “We’ve got some good athletes, we’ve just got to teach them to play the position.”

Davis will be at one corner in addition to filling the backup role on offense behind Green.

Sophomores Ethan Harris (5-7, 145) and

Jude Bartholomew (6-0, 165) are vying for the other corner position.

Junior Landry Wilkerson (5-11, 170) will play safety and be joined by either senior Tallon Holman (6-0, 160) or Dye. That leaves a lot to be decided on defense before the season.

“The defense is playing well and playing extremely hard, and getting after it,” Werner said. “We’ve just got a lot of spots to fill. We just have to figure out who is going to figure in where. We have quite a few kids that can play, we just don’t know exactly the best ones. It will be critical to find that will be the ones for us.”

The kicking duties are in good hands with senior Josue Recinos (5-8, 150).

“He’s been fantastic,” Werner said. “He’s pretty special. From 40 in, he’s on the money.”

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)

— LELAND BARCLAY

FOOTBALL 2017

Page 6 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

Van Buren Freshman Academy Baylor Shook Jonah Mabry Alex Gray Sam Seeger Ethan Brown Alan Hansana Gary Phillips Kaleb Kovitch Jorgi Mirales Hayden Roark Xavier McCormick Luke Dunbar Chris Sanders Hunter Laxon

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Luke Turman Damian Buccella Bogie Poole Keyton Mitchell Caleb Fergeson Brady Campbell Erik Lopez James Tyndall Brayden Branch Omar Franco Jaiden Safanov Seth Villanueva Zach Cozort Kaden Spicer

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Doug Giron TJ Dyer Aiden Jeffcoat Caleb Brodie Kyle Lee Brandon Beaver Trevor Diaz Michael White Koby House Luke Martin Ethan Jones Joaquin Henriquez Aiden Coomer Andrew Ho

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know what Harrison will be like because none of us will see them before conference starts, but Harrison is going to be tough-minded.

“A lot of it is going to be which way the ball bounces on Thursday night. It’s going to be a battle every week.”

Bob Pool joins the Academy as the defensive coordinator. Ryan Tyler continues to volunteer coach for the Pointers and Scott Milton also assists.

NORTHRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL EIGHTH GRADE “We got a pretty good crew coming back this year,” said coach Michael Bowman. “They kind of came on late as seventh graders last year, but turned it on and surprised us.”

The coaches had about 25 players consistently show up during the summer.

“We expect good things out of them.

They feel like they’re filling big shoes after the eighth-grade team went 6-3 last season, but we feel like we can pick up several wins with them.”

Connor Brady is slated to be the starting

FOOTBALL 2017 quarterback for Northridge. “We’re expecting big things out of him,” said Bowman. “He has a good throwing motion and this offense fits him perfectly. A couple of more years learning this offense, he’ll be someone to watch in high school.”

Dominic Galvin will be at the tailback.

Bowman said Galvin is “a real quick kid, kinda tall and really shifty.”

The offensive line will comprise of Ethan Angel, “one of our better linemen,” said Bowman. “He’s really grown as a player and as a young man.”

The coach said Landon Magadan didn’t miss a summer workout this year and has “really worked hard.”

Grayson Polk will play a receiver and at halfback. Joining Polk will be Devin Gattis and Tyler Burns.

“This offense is geared for the group we have this year,” Ransom Merechka moved in from Cedarville and will see time on defense.

“He could see some time on offense, but he’ll play just about every down on defense,” Bowman said. “He’s our biggest hitter.”

Trevor Edelen will also play on defense.

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 7

FOOTBALL 2017

Page 8 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

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PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

Butterfield Trail Middle School (8th Grade) Luke Dennis Zachary Cranor Jacob Dye Michael Howard Jamel Lyons Kylan Almond Logan Fowler

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“He’s not our biggest guy, but he shows up, he’s ready to hit someone,” said the coach.”

Gattis, Galvin will play at safety with Polk at a corner. Bradley Perkins will play at corner as well.

Northridge opens the season with Clarksville. Bowman said it’ll be a good for his squad to play someone different to “see where we are” before starting conference play with the Fort Smith schools, Alma, and Greenwood.

“It’s just a solid group of guys,” said Bowman. “We like to put 11 guys on offense and 11 on defense and that only leaves us two or three guys to rotate in. They don’t get

Trenton Willie Gauge Giles Jessie James Moises Torres Dylan Portillo Arnold Sacarias Gabe Turner

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Joshua Adams Mikey Mayton Teddy Klinke Rickie Knighten Joshua Ingram Matthew West Caleb Wells

many breaks and I told them it would only make them better.”

SEVENTH GRADE “Our seventh grade this year is made up of guys that like to work,” said Bowman.

“There were several days during the summer where a lot of them showed up for eighth grade practices so they could get more reps.

They’ve continued to show that work ethic since school started.

This may be the first year that I’ve had a big offensive line. That unit, as a whole, is made up of some big guys who have gotten better every day. We’re looking forward to an

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Billy Ketchum Devin Ramos Nathan Goodwin Zachary Nipper Francisco Rodriguez Jorge Portillo Drake Goode

exciting year with this group.”

Presley Nichols, in his first season of playing, will start at quarterback. Bowman said Nichols has shown he can handle the commitment it takes to play the position.”

Other players who have stood out include Chanson Henderson, Dalen Philpot, and both Amir Garrett and Blayden Ross will rotate at fullback.

“Chanson is the big hitter on the team and the hardest runner. He likes to jump in there and be the first one during every drill,” said Bowman. “Dalen will help with his speed at tailback. Both Amir and Blayden are big enough to block linemen, but are fast enough

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Jordan Moore Trevor Hawkins Angel Marroquin Sebastian Hampton Damien Kaylor

to run or catch the ball when we need them to.”

BUTTERFIELD TRAIL EIGHTH GRADE

“The eighth grade is coming off a tough season last year, but we’ve seen improvement daily and excited about them.

Expecting good things from them as well,” coach Kyle Fowler said.

The eighth grade will have a couple of players looking at the quarterback with Tyler Almond and Luke Wells.

The coach added Billy Ketchum and Logan Fowler are playing well on both the offensive

FOOTBALL 2017

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

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Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 9

Northridge Middle School (8th Grade) Bradley Perkins Shane Ayotte Grayson Polk Kevin Drake Connor Brady Dominic Galvan Devin Gattis

and defensive lines.

Both middle school coaches gain the opportunity to have some of the high school and Freshman Academy coaches help with the practices in the morning.

16 17 18 22 32 42 44

Tyler Burns Dominic Dyer Bradley Shores Trevor Edelen Jayden Whitaker Ransom Merechka Owen Lee

50 51 53 54 56 58 61

“Not many middle schools get to have five, six or seven coaches,” said Fowler.

“We don’t have much time with them in the morning, but we make the most of it. We can get a lot of good things accomplished with

Cole Bolton Anthony Domingos Landon Magadan Ethan Angel Alex Marcos Braydon Coombs Blake Holmes

these kids.”

SEVENTH GRADE “We’re really excited about this seventhgrade bunch. They’re a bunch of kids who

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Abraham Conley Tristian Law Kamari Auldridge Zach Shelly Nathan Asplend Dakota Lowry Josh Roam

just really love football. They watch it on the weekends. They look forward to it every day.”

Brandon Scott is slated for quarterback and linebacker and Bryton Ketter at tailback and safety.

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Page 10 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

FOOTBALL 2017

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

Alma builds defense off returners The Alma Airedales will rely on defense early, and it’s more than capable.

Ends Zach Henson and Zach Oliver return as well as linebackers Tyler Alexander and Kaleb Pike, and cornerback Brayden Johnson.

“We’ve got more returning faces on defense,” Alma head coach Doug Loughridge said. “That’s a good nucleus to build around.”

Alexander (6-2, 220) led the team in tackles with 111 on Alma’s 8-4 team which lost in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.

Henson (6-3, 255), who started the final seven games of the year, was Alma’s sack leader with 4-1/2 a year ago as just a sophomore.

“He’s bigger, faster and stronger,” Loughridge said. “He can move.”

Pike (5-11, 175) had 85 tackles and four for loss.

Oliver (6-2, 215) had 65 tackles with five for loss and four sacks.

Johnson (6-3, 195) had two interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries last year.

Garrison Jensen led the team with 13 tackles for lost yardage last year and earned All-State honors as a linebacker. His time on defense will be limited this year, although not eliminated altogether, as he moves to quarterback full time this season.

“We feel good about our linebackers,” Loughridge said. “Jensen was All-State and is going over to that side of the ball, but having his presence on defense in practice and just knowing he’s a guy we can go to anytime on the field.”

Up front, seniors Nathan Alexander (6-0, 235), who logged a few starts last year, and Donovan King (5-7, 185) and sophomore Karsten Beneux (6-2, 195) are working to fill in the gaps of Alma’s defense, which will line up in both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments.

“We were kind of short on linemen last year, so put our 3-front stuff in with 3-front personnel,” Loughridge said. “We put more athletes on the field. We’re able to be more multiple on defense.”

Joining Alexander and Pike at linebacker will be Keegan Rosebeary (6-0, 185) started last year when Alma was its 3-4 alignment.

Juniors Tommy Patton (5-11, 185) and Bryson Treadaway (6-0, 200), and sophomore Josh Davis (5-8, 175) are vying for the other spot.

In the secondary, junior Coltin Bowerman (6-2, 165), who played some last year, and Austin Fraley (6-2, 185) will join the 6-3 Johnson there as well as junior Tanner Shelton (6-2, 188).

“We like our height in the secondary,” Loughridge said. “We feel good about the guys there on the back end.”

Johnson is the only full-time returning starter on offense and earned All-State honors.

Johnson led the state in receiving last year during the regular season and finished the season with 81 receptions 1,144 and nine touchdowns.

This year, his role will be expanded on offense.

“He’s already broke our career reception record,” Loughridge said. “Now, it’s just how high does he want to set it. We’re going to move him around and get him the ball.

We’re going to be pretty creative with him.”

Jensen, although not a returning starter, has plenty of experience on offense, too.

“He’s not a newbie,” Loughridge said.

“As a sophomore, he took us down the field and beat Conway whenever we had two guys get knocked out. Last year, he led us in touchdowns scored in our short-yardage package. He’s taken over when he left off last year.”

Jensen scored 16 touchdowns last year and threw two touchdown passes.

“He always had the full playbook but now we’re giving him the full playbook,” Loughridge said. “We don’t consider him inexperienced.”

Jensen only attempted 18 passes last year, completing 12 for 129 yards.

“He was great last year, he went every series in 7-on-7,” Loughridge said. “He’s a different quarterback; he’s a role-out play-

action guy where he’s a big body and get him on the end and on the run.”

Senior Christian Snipes (6-1, 185) moved to Alma from Union Christian over the summer and is serving as backup, but will see some playing time at quarterback.

“He will be a package guy,” Loughridge said. “He’s playing catch-up, but the things he has learned over the summer he’s good at. He’s got a good arm and he’s smart. He knows where to touch the ball. We really like having him back there. He’ll help us.”

Senior Dillon Crims (5-7, 130) logged a couple of starts last year and returns at running back.

“He was one of our better lifters at the state weight meet,” Loughridge said. “He’s our Swiss army knife, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and he can run it.”

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 12.)

FOOTBALL 2017

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 11

Alma Senior High 1

Caleb Lamproe

RB/DB

Sr.

17

Felix Wright

WR/DB

Jr.

39

Keegan Rosebeary

RB/LB

Jr.

65

Joshua Cater

OL/DL

So.

2

Peyton Canfield

WR/DB

Jr.

19

Bryson Treadway

FB/LB

Jr.

40

Joseph Morgan

OL/LB

So.

67

Matt Cox

OL/DL

So.

3

Tanner Shelton

QB/DB

Jr.

20

Zach Oliver

TE/DE

Sr.

44

Kaleb Pike

RB/LB

Sr.

68

Samuel Davila

OL/DE

So.

4

Josh Goforth

WR/DB

Jr.

21

Brayden Johnson

WR/DB

Sr.

45

Francisco Pina

WR/LB

Jr.

70

Devon Dixon

OL/LB

So.

5

Coltin Bowerman

WR/DB

Jr.

22

Donovan King

RB/DL

Sr.

50

Nathan Alexander

OL/DL

Jr.

71

Eli Aleck

OL/DL

Jr.

6

Zahn Miller

FB/LB

Sr.

23

Josh Davis

RB/LB

So.

51

Colton Barenberg

OL/DL

Jr.

72

Dylan Porter

OL/DL

Jr.

7

Austin Fraley

QB/FS

Jr.

24

Blake Kelley

FB/LB

Sr.

52

Matt Hamblin

OL/DL

So.

73

Jacob Floyd

OL/DE

So.

8

Garrison Jensen

QB/LB

Sr.

25

Tommy Patton

FB/LB

Jr.

53

Justin Pennington

OL/DE

Sr.

74

Cesar Davila

OL/DL

Jr.

9

Grayson Bailey

WR/DB

So.

26

Austin Wakefield

WR/DB

Jr.

54

Mario Gonzalez

OL/DE

So.

75

Zac Henson

OL/DE

Jr.

10

Christian Snipes

QB/LB

Sr.

27

Seth Seegers

WR/DB

Jr.

55

Jadyn Pennington

OL/DL

So.

76

Levi Prestidge

OL/DE

Jr.

11

Garrett Richmond

FB/LB

Jr.

28

Cameron Owens

WR/DE

Sr.

56

Zach Elliott

OL/DL

So.

78

Logan Ingram

OL/DE

So.

12

Aidan Walker

WR/DB/K

Sr.

30

Dillon Crims

RB/DB

Sr.

59

Nick Archer

OL/DL

So.

87

Randall Baker

WR/DB

Sr.

13

Ben Henley

WR/DB

So.

31

Tyler Alexander

WR/LB

Sr.

60

Eli Jenkins

OL/LB

Sr.

90

Ceasar Salazar

FB/LB

Jr.

14

Landon Blair

FB/LB

So.

33

Karsten Beneux

FB/DL

So.

62

Darion Crawford

OL/DL

Jr.

15

Wesley Painter

FB/LB

So.

35

Kobe Frazier

WR/DB

Sr.

63

Dakota Burkhart

OL/DE

Jr.

16

Kenneth Standley

WR/DB

Sr.

37

Jordan Marks

WR/LB

So.

64

Tyler Simons

OL/DL

So.

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Page 12 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

FOOTBALL 2017 Hooten’s Poll Class 5A

1. Pulaski Academy

17. Beebe

2. Wynne

18. Valley View

3. Alma

19. Maumelle

4. Batesville

20. Hot Springs

5. LR Christian

21. Vilonia

6. Harrison

22. Magnolia

7. HS Lakeside

23. Forrest City

8. Morrilton

24. LR Parkview

9. Greenbrier

25. Farmington

10. LR McClellan

26. Mills

11. White Hall

27. De Queen

12. Sylvan Hills

28. Paragould

13. Watson Chapel

29. Hope

14. Blytheville

30. Clarksville

15. Camden Fairview

31. Greene Co. Tech

16. Nettleton

32. LR Fair

GAME OF THE WEEK No. 2 Wynne at Marion Wynne has won four of the past seven in the series, but the Yellowjackets haven’t won in Marion since 2003. Wynne advanced to the state title game last fall for the second time in three seasons, but former coach Chris Hill left for Harding University in the winter. First-year coach Van Paschal installed his version of the Flexbone in the spring and summer, and the Yellowjackets switch to a 3-4 defense after a starting linebacker moved to Valley View. “It’s been a fast whirlwind,” Paschal says. Senior guard Erik South (5-10, 305) missed most of the off-season with a knee injury, then hurt it again in early August, Paschal says. Senior fullback Ta’Von Hicks and quarterback Luke Chapman enjoyed a productive off-season.

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

Hicks ran for 1,993 yards and 27 touchdowns last fall, while Chapman had more than 700 yards. Senior defensive end Logan Jessup (eight sacks in 11 games) returned to full strength in August after breaking his leg in November.

Marion relies on an undersized, but speedy, defensive front this fall. Senior all-conference defensive end Demont Chalmers made 38 stops a year ago. The Patriots averaged 37 points per game last fall, and scored at least six touchdowns in five conference games.

LAST YEAR

Hootens.com correctly predicted 277 of 322 games (86 percent).

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10)

him the best thing for our team is that he goes to left tackle. I don’t know if I’ve had a left tackle like him. He’s unbelievable. He’s took it and ran with it. We’re still working out the nuts and bolts and the fundamentals of him playing.”

Prestidge will be at the other tackle.

Junior Eli Aleck (6-3, 240) will play guard along with juniors Darion Crawford (5-11, 235) and Dylan Porter (6-0, 300). Nathan Alexander and senior Eli Jenkins (5-10, 180) are working at center.

“We’ve got seven or eight guys that can go in at any time that are pretty versatile,” Loughridge said. “Most of those are juniors.

Out of our whole senior class we have two linemen, and those guys are good. I don’t worry about it, they’re going to have to get out there and get battled tested.”

Walker converted 50-of-54 tries after FS-0001009174-01

Tyler Alexander has worked some in the backfield as well as Pike and Davis.

Zach Oliver and senior Kenneth Standley (5-10, 155), and senior Aidan Walker (5-8, 150) are working at receivers.

The offensive line lost every starter.

Junior Levi Prestidge (6-2, 240) started one series of one game last year as a sophomore and is the most experienced lineman on offense.

“They’ve gotten better every day,” Loughridge said. “This is probably the most athletic group of linemen that we’ve ever had here.”

Henson, who’s a catcher for Alma’s baseball team, has filled the bill at left tackle.

“He’s been a fullback, tight end type guy,” Loughridge said. “We sat him down and talked to him before the season and told

Good Luck Airedales!

John S Wood, Agent

100 W Collum Lane • Alma, AR 72921 Bus: 479-632-4707 john.wood.d3vx@statefarm.com

touchdown last year and added both of his field goal attempts. Johnson handles the punting duties and averaged 32.1 yards per

boot last year.

— LELAND BARCLAY

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER 5A WEST

ALMA (7) at Van Buren (Tue.): Alma goes for its seventh straight win over Van Buren in the “Battle of the Bone.” Airedale senior QB Garrison Jensen played well in the summer pafter averaging almost 6 yards per carry in 2016.

Clarksville at LAMAR (1): Clarksville’s fivepoint triumph over Lamar last year was its ,second victory in three years. Lamar had dominated the meetings of Highway 64, winning by a combined 84-26. Clarksville installed the Single Wing in the spring/ tsummer.

PRAIRIE GROVE (6) at Farmington: Farmington has won six of the past 11 in the series. Prairie Grove has 25 wins the past two 2seasons. Senior tight end Demarkus Cooper played well in the summer, and could line up at receiver and wingback this season.

GREENBRIER (8) at Beebe: Greenbrier has won six of the past seven in the series, including 54-33 a year ago. The Panthers bank on defense early this fall, with four returnees in the secondary, including junior safety Seth Howard (68 tackles in 2016) and cornerback Logan Beaird. Beebe junior halfback Taylor Boyce ran for 614 yards and 13 TDs last season.

HARRISON (7) at Mountain Home: Harrison has won four straight over the Bombers and eight of the past 11. The Goblins return starters at 14 positions, including all-state QB Noah Ditmanson (772 yards and 16 TDs) and linebacker Mason Martin (88 tackles). Mountain Home coach David Joyce resigned in late May after leading the Bombers to a third-place finish in the 6A East.

NORTH LR (35) at Maumelle: Kirk Horton promoted from assistant to Maumelle’s head coach in June. Hornet senior all-state linebacker Spencer Simpson made 90

FOOTBALL 2017 tackles a year ago. North Little Rock breaks in a new QB and running backs this fall, after winning 12 games in 2016 and playing for the first state title in school history.

RUSSELLVILLE (7) at Morrilton: Russellville has won nine of the past 11 in the series.

The Cyclones spent the spring learning new schemes from first-year coach Jeff Weaver and new defensive coordinator Todd Wood.

VILONIA (16) at Greene Co. Tech: Greene County Tech has 11 wins the past six seasons and the Eagles have lost 18 straight since beating Newport Week 2, 2015. They return 22 seniors this fall, including 16 with starting experience.

5A CENTRAL LR MCCLELLAN (2) at Sheridan LR Christian vs. WARREN (6) (Tue.) GREENBRIER (8) at Beebe LR PARKVIEW (1) at Star City LR HALL (6) at LR Fair JACKSONVILLE (3) at Mills PULASKI ACADEMY (10) at Sand Springs, Okla.

Sylvan Hills at LR CATHOLIC (1)

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 13

ALMA AIREDALES 2017 SCHEDULE Aug. 29 at Van Buren Sept. 8 at Springdale Sept. 15 Greenwood Sept. 22 at Vilonia* Sept. 29 Farmington* Oct. 6 Morrilton* Oct. 13 at Clarksville* Oct. 20 at Harrison* Oct. 27 Greenbrier* Nov. 3 Maumelle*

at LR Christian; Benton at Greenbrier; Mills at Maumelle.

5A WEST SCHEDULE Aug. 29 — Alma at Van Buren Sept. 1 — Vilonia at Green County Tech; Prairie Grove at Farmington; Russellville at Morrilton; Clarksville at Lamar; Harrison at Mountain Home; Greenbrier at Beebe; North LR at Maumelle.

Sept. 8 — Alma at Springdale; Vilonia at Pottsville; Morrilton at LR Fair; Ozark at Clarksville; Siloam Springs at Harrison; Heber Springs at Greenbrier; Maumelle at Wynne.

Sept. 15 — Greenwood at Alma; Booneville at Vilonia; Farmington at Pea Ridge; Morrilton at Searcy; Dardanelle at Clarksville; Harrsion

Conference Play Begins Sept. 22 — Alma at Vilonia; Clarksville at Farmington; Morrilton at Harrison; Greenbrier at Morrilton.

Sept. 29 — Farmington at Alma; Vilonia at Maumelle; Greenbrier at Morrilton; Harrison at Clarksville.

Oct. 6 — Morrilton at Alma; Harrison at Vilonia; Farmington at Greenbrier; Clarksville at Maumelle.

Oct. 13 — Alma at Clarksville; Vilonia at Farmington; Maumelle at Morrilton; Greenbrier at Harrison.

Oct. 20 — Alma at Harrison; Morrilton at Vilonia; Maumelle at Farmington; Clarksville at Greenbrier.

Oct. 27 — Greenbrier at Alma; Vilonia at Clarksville; Farmington at Morrilton; Harrison at Maumelle.

Nov. 2 — Greenbrier at Vilonia.

Nov. 3 — Maumelle at Alma; Farmington at Harrison; Clarksville at Morrilton.

5A EAST WYNNE (6) at Marion JONESBORO (11) vs. Batesville BLYTHEVILLE (10) at Osceola WEST MEMPHIS (21) at Forrest City VILONIA (16) at Greene Co. Tech Pocahontas at NETTLETON (7) Paragould at RIVERCREST (1) SEARCY (3) at Valley View

Go Airedales!

5A SOUTH HS LAKESIDE (7) vs. Joe T. Robinson EL DORADO (8) at Camden Fairview Hope at NASHVILLE (21) Hot Springs at LAKE HAMILTON (5) Dollarway at WATSON CHAPEL CROSSETT (1) at Magnolia

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Page 14 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

FOOTBALL 2017

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

Alma keeps sight on ‘being in the mix’ Numbers dwindled since January from 59 to 44 including the loss of the starting quarterback, who left in July for Greenwood.

It’s not going to dim Alma’s sights for a shot at the River Valley Conference title.

“They’re a good bunch. The ones we have, work hard, do well and do what is right,” said JD Coursey. “We have a couple of guys who are working hard at the quarterback spot, so we’re optimistic.”

The strength for the Alma squad will be the defensive line.

“That has always been a strength and have tried to develop those kids and some good players in those spots,” Coursey.

Seth Cole “is a monster. Big, athletic and smart” and will be on the line along with Nathan Walen (6-3) and a “hard worker”.

Both are also on the basketball team for the Airedales.

Mason Taylor will see time on both

ALMA FRESHMEN 2017 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 Greenwood Sept. 7 Morrilton Sept. 14 at Booneville Sept. 21 at Chaffin* Sept. 28 at Ramsey* Oct. 5 Darby* Oct. 12 at Kimmons* Oct. 19 Van Buren* Oct. 26 Harrison* Nov. 2 at Greenwood* sides of the line. The coach said “Mason is another one of those players who eats, breathes and sleeps football. He may know more about football and football stats and what’s going on in the NFL than I do.

“He loves to come to practice and he loves the mental part of the game.”

According to Coursey, it has been a good battle for the running back spot with Logan Chronister emerging along with some others who can help with the role.

“Logan has started there in the past and we’re looking forward to having him back,” the coach said.

Trey Fuselier will be at receiver. Jacob Coursey has been rotating at quarterback, but will also line up as a receiver as needed.

Alma’s knack for developing versatile players begin early in the off-season. The coaches work with the player on their skills.

Skills which will benefit the player no matter what position they may end up playing during September or October.

“Just basic, fundamental skills which will help them become successful across the board,” said the coach. “Any skill guy, whether he’d be a running back, wide receiver or quarterback, it doesn’t matter,

everybody will work on catching the football.”

The linemen will work on stances and leverage.

“When it comes around to this time of year, we put our players in place. Like our quarterback moves away, we bring in the receivers to work at quarterback,” coach Coursey said. “It’s not intentional to work our receivers in as quarterbacks, but sometimes it becomes a necessity.”

The coach expects Greenwood to the favorite.

“Chaffin is always solid and Darby will be the one to watch,” said Coursey.

“I think we can be right in that mix, but the big question mark is going to be our quarterback. We’ll be good at the other positions, but whoever ends up being our guy, we’ll just build the offense around him.”

FOOTBALL 2017

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 15

Alma (Freshmen) 1

Austin Belt

2

CB/RB

12

Robert Cureton

S/WR

28

Will Scott

DE/RB

61

William Morris

DT/T

Brayden Meinardus S/WR

15

Jonathan Pulido

CB/WR

31

Jacob Machen

S/RB

65

Parker Seiminskie

DE/C

3

Mikey Shaddon

LB/H

16

Eason Kosier

S/WR

32

Dylan Atwell

DE/H

66

Branlynn Sisemore

DE/T

4

Derick Johnson

CB/WR

18

Josh Callahan

LB/RB

36

Trey Fuselier

CB/QB/WR

68

Casey Craft

DE/C

5

Jacob Coursey

S/QB/WR

19

Logan Coder

CB/WR

45

Kagen Ross

LB/H

71

Isaac Tate

DT/G

6

Clayton Kerr

S/WR

20

Aryn Wilkinson

LB/H

51

Caleb Meyers

DT/G

72

Blaine Turner

DE/T

7

Zach McCoy

S/WR

21

Heith Housewright

LB/WR

52

Jaden Lelievre

DE/G

75

Bobby Taylor

DT/G

8

Zach Holt

CB/S/WR

24

Nathan Whalen

DE/H

53

Dylan Jetton

LB/T

76

Mason Taylor

DT/T

9

Chance Billings

CB/QB/WR

25

Tristan Hurston

LB/WR

54

Dusty Rock

DE/T

78

Adam Breeze

DT/G

10

Joseph York

S/WR

26

Logan Chronister

LB/RB

55

Seth Cole

DT/G

11

Brayden Allen

LB/H

27

Ledger Anderson

LB/WR

60

Dane Martin

DE/T

RIVER VALLEY CONFERENCE Aug. 31 — Rogers at Van Buren; Greenwood at Alma; Kimmons at Darby; Ramsey at Chaffin; Mountain Home at Harrison.

Sept. 7 — Van Buren at Greenbrier; Morrilton at Alma; Darby at Ramsey; Chaffin at Kimmons; Harrison vs. Pea Ridge; Greenwood at Shiloh Christian.

Sept. 14 — Van Buren at Morrilton; Alma Booneville; Darby at Chaffin; Fayetteville Purple at Kimmons; Ramsey at Ozark; Lincoln at Harrison; Greenwood at J.A. Fair.

CONFERENCE PLAY BEGINS Sept. 21 — Van Buren at Darby; Alma at Chaffin; Kimmons at Harrison; Ramsey at Greenwood.

Sept. 28 — Kimmons at Van Buren; Alma at Ramsey; Harrison at Darby; Chaffin at Greenwood.

Oct. 5 — Van Buren at Chaffin; Darby at Alma; Greenwood at Kimmons; Ramsey at Harrison.

Oct. 12 — Ramsey at Van Buren; Alma at

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Kimmons; Darby at Greenwood; Harrison at Chaffin.

Oct. 19 — Van Buren at Alma; Chaffin at Darby; Kimmons at Ramsey; Greenwood at Harrison.

Oct. 26 — Greenwood at Van Buren;

Harrison at Alma; Ramsey at Darby; Kimmons at Chaffin.

Nov. 2 — Van Buren at Harrison; Alma at Greenwood; Darby at Kimmons; Chaffin at Ramsey.

Page 16 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

FOOTBALL 2017

Cedarville Senior High

Cedarville aims to finish Finish.

It’s what Cedarville aims to do this season.

The Pirates lost three games by a total 13 points and another by 14.

Cedarville was just basically four touchdowns away from possibly having a 6-4 season in 2016.

However, the Pirates won its third non-conference game at Pocola (28-14), suffered a six-game loss string before ending the season with a 54-6 rout at Two Rivers.

“We want to finish it and win those

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

close games,” said coach Max Washausen, who enters his second full year as the head skipper.

The squad has five returning starters on offense and six on defense with a small senior class, but the coach is optimistic for the long-term health of the program.

“We got quite a few sophomores who will be starting for us,” Washausen said.

Returning to the squad on offense is seniors Keaton Crowley at quarterback, Bryson Craft at wingback, Lane Wertenberger at tackle, juniors Dylan Murray, Billy Mongold at tackle. Nathan

Heaton returns on defense.

Cedarville has some competition among the positions with just 25 players on the roster this season.

Crowley and Austin Rinehart both have taken snaps as quarterback.

Tate Larue and Jose Chavez at fullback.

“I feel comfortable with both of them out there,” Washausen added.

Running back could include Bryce Calhoun, Isaiah Lawson and Dylan Murray, who has been rotating into other spots in the offensive backfield for the Pirates.

Heaton returns to help on the offensive

1

Keaton Crowley

QB/DB

Sr.

2

Javier Echandi

K

Sr.

3

Dylan Murray

ATH/LB

Jr.

7

Bryce Calhoun

HB/FS

So.

10 Austin Rinehart

QB/FS

Jr.

11

Isaiah Lawson

HB/DB

Jr.

20 Anthony Parmentor

WR/DB

Jr.

22 Jose Chavez

FB/LB

So.

25 Mikayla Oden

WR/DB

Sr.

29 Bryson Craft

WB/LB

Sr.

30 Jon Stewart

WB/DB

So.

42 Josh Lind

RB/DB

So.

44 Tate Larue

FB/LB

Jr.

50 William McBroom

T/T

Jr.

51

TE/NG

So.

52 Brayden Russell

G/DL

So.

54 Billy Mongold

T/LB

Jr.

60 Nathan Heaton

C/DT

Jr.

63 Lane Wertenberger

T/T

Sr.

63 Jon Brown

T/T

So.

64 Alex Ascencio

G/T

So.

70 Blaine Breeden

G/DE

So.

71

T/T

Jr.

75 Blain Small

G/DE

Sr.

80 Daniel Smith

WR/DE

So.

81

WR/DB

Sr.

88 Wyatt Frazee

WR/LB

Sr.

89 Alan Evans

TE/LB

Sr.

Zac Aldridge

Trey Cagle

Matthew Kattich

FOOTBALL 2017 Hooten’s Poll Class 3A

1. Prescott 2. Charleston 3. Junction City 4. Harding Academy 5. Rivercrest 6. Glen Rose 7. H. Grove Haskell 8. Clinton 9. Piggott 10. Fordyce 11. Newport 12. Smackover 13. Bald Knob 14. Atkins 15. Elkins 16. Jessieville

17. Mayflower 18. Cedar Ridge 19. Hoxie 20. Mansfield 21. Centerpoint 22. McGehee 23. Mountain View 24. Lamar 25. Melbourne 26. Osceola 27. Fouke 28. Barton 29. Greenland 30. Walnut Ridge 31. Paris 32. Gurdon

line along with Mongold, Wertenberger, along with Brayden Russell and Blaine Small will be guards.

Cedarville will have to replace its entire defensive line.

Russell will see time on the defensive line with Alex Ascencio and Heaton.

Mongold returns at linebacker with Craft, Wyatt Frazee, Murray, and Larue.

The Pirates will sport a 3-3 stack on defense and will rotate round five

33. Marshall 34. Manila 35. Perryville 36. Genoa Central 37. Horatio 38. Episcopal 39. Drew Central 40. Green Forest 41. Marianna 42. Cedarville 43. Rose Bud 44. Lake Village 45. Two Rivers 46. Corning 47. Yellville-Summit 48. Bismarck

linebackers.

Lawson, Crowley will help anchor the defensive backfield with the safety spots up for grabs.

“We have to keep kids healthy and have guys be able to play multiple positions like Dylan Murray,” Waxhausen said. “I know I’ve been saying Murray’s name a lot, but he knows every position on offense and every position on defense. He’s just a smart football savvy kid.”

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 17

GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 1 Prescott vs. Class 2A No. 6 Hampton This was the fourth and final game of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kickoff Classic on Aug 29 at SAU in Magnolia. Hampton, last year’s Class 2A state runner-up, is still stinging over the title game loss to Mount Ida with four touchdowns negated by penalties. The returning Bulldogs are determined to prove they were not a one-man (Farm Bureau Insurance Awards 2A Offensive POY Monta’ Thomas) team in 2016. Prescott captured the 2016 Class 3A title, the fifth state crown in school history. The Curly Wolves may be even better in the trenches this year. Farm Bureau Insurance Awards 3A Offensive POY (quarterback) Derrick Flynn has departed, but senior QB and future surgeon Cade Haynie (4.0 GPA, 34 ACT) can throw the football.

LAST SEASON Hootens.com correctly predicted 237 of 300 winners (79 percent).

Cedarville was just two points away in its 20-18 loss to Lamar for the No. 4 seed for the playoffs.

“If we win the close ones we make the playoffs, so we have to win the close games this year,” the coach said. “Charleston and Atkins will always be at the top. Don’t know what Paris has this year, but we’ve seen Perryville, Mansfield, and Lamar in team camps and we looked a lot like them.

So I feel pretty good about our chances.

“I feel a lot better about our conditioning this year. We put them through tough workouts. They may have wanted to quit, but we weren’t going to let them quit.”

Junior High “We expect them to compete and win some games. We brought up a group of seventh graders, who won six games last season,” said Washausen. “We have a good mix of skilled men and linemen.”

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Page 18 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS (favored team in CAPS followed by point spread)

4-3A C H A R L E STO N ( 3 ) a t Da rd a n e l l e : Charleston downed Class 4A Dardanelle 36-23 in 2016. The Tigers hunt their 13th league title since 2000 behind senior allpurpose player Sean Michael Flanagan (4.4 speed).

PARIS (13) at Yellville-Summit: Paris routed Yellville-Summit 50-12 in last year’s

CEDARVILLE PIRATES 2017 SCHEDULE Sept. 1 Mountainburg Sept. 8 at Waldron Sept. 15 Pocola, Okla.

Sept. 22 at Charleston* Sept. 29 Perryville* Oct. 6 Mansfield* Oct. 13 at Atkins* Oct. 20 Lamar* Oct. 27. Paris* Nov. 3 at Two Rivers*

FOOTBALL 2017 Hooten’s Poll Class 3A

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

opener. Coach Bryan Hudson returns to Paris, where his teams posted a 49-37-2 record from 2007-2014.

ATKINS (2) at Dover: Class 4A Dover has outscored Atkins 43-14 on average during its three-game winning streak this series. Atkins dresses 28 Week 1.

Clarksville at LAMAR (1): Lamar has won two of the past three meetings, but Class 4A Clarksville won 24-19 a year ago. The Warriors receive a boost from an 8-1 junior high conference champion class.

Mansfield at WALDRON (7): Class 4A Waldron whipped Mansfield 45-0 a year ago, snapping a 10-game losing streak in the series. Mansfield’s offense goes behind sophomore QB Ethan Stovall and senior receiver Brennon James.

Bigelow at PERRYVILLE (3): Two schools separated by 12 miles in Perry County. Class 2A Bigelow won last year’s meeting 14-7. The Mustangs return starters at 16 positions, with four seniors on both lines.

MOUNTAINBURG (21) at Cedarville: Class

2A Mountainburg has won the past two meetings between the schools, including a 35-0 win last year. Cedarville lost three games by eight points or less in 2016, while Mountainburg has averaged seven wins a year since 2010.

DANVILLE (35) at Two Rivers: Class 2A Danville advances to 2-0 in 2017, ruining the grand opening of Two Rivers’ new football complex. The Gators played every game on the road a year ago after army worms destroyed their turf.

Aug. 29 — Charleston at Dardanelle Sept. 1 — Mountainburg at Cedarville; Bigelow at Perryville; Mansfield at Waldron; Atkins at Dover; Clarksivlle at Lamar; Paris at Yellville-Summit; Sept. 8 — Cedarville at Waldron; Episcopal at Charleston; Mayflower at Perryville; Greenland at Mansfield; Atkins at Bigelow; Subiaco Academy at Lamar; Dardanelle at Paris; Sept. 15 — Pocola, Okla., at Cedarville; Charleston at Ozark; Perryville at Poyen;

Mansfield at Lincoln; Yellville-Summit at Atkins; Lamar at Mount Ida; Paris at Hector.

Conference Play Begins Sept. 22 — Cedarville at Charleston; Perryville at Pea Ridge; Paris at Mansfield; Atkins at Lamar.

Sept. 29 — Perryville at Cedarville; Charleston at Paris; Lamar at Mansfield; Two Rivers at Atkins.

Oct. 6 — Mansfield at Cedarville; Two Rivers at Charleston; Lamar at Perryville; Atkins at Paris.

Oct. 13 — Cedarville at Atkins; Charleston at Lamar; Paris at Perryville; Mansfield at Two Rivers.

Oct. 20 — Lamar at Cedarville; Atkins at Charleston; Perryville at Mansfield; Two Rivers at Paris.

Oct. 27 — Paris at Cedarville; Charleston at Perryville; Atkins at Mansfield; Two Rivers at Lamar.

Nov. 2 — Perryville at Atkins Nov. 3 — Cedarville at Two Rivers; Mansfield at Charleston; Lamar at Paris.

FOOTBALL 2017

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

1 2 3 11 12 22 24 28 29 30 35 51 54 55 60 62 72 73 79 82 84 88 89 95

Cedarville Junior High Cody Dickens Nick Moore Kelin Mitchel Max Mcgill Dakota Parker Darryl Kattich Bruce Turney Weston Reed Johnny Wors Tommy Metcalf Hayden Partain Zac Heaton Harlyn Hodgson Easton Mongold Chris Ming Taylor Humble Landon Hopewell Gatlin Bailey William Henson Chritian Wharton Dominick Austin Elijah Cox Nathaniel Smith Tayleign Estes

8 9 9 9 9 8 8 9 9 9 8 8 8 9 8 9 9 8 9 8 8 9 8 8

QB/DB QB/DB RB/FS FB/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WB/LB FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/LB WR/DB TE/FS WB/LB WR/DB

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 19

Page 20 - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017

FOOTBALL 2017

Dragons’ quest remains unchanged The Dragons open the season with a few question marks.

“We have a lot of spots to fill,” said Mountainburg coach Tom Harrell. “Overall, there are some nights we walk out of here thinking we’re going to be good... other nights, we’re thinking... we need more work.”

Mountainburg will be without threeyear starter Quency Pixley, who finished with over 2,100 yards passing.

Senior Robert Roxin emerged as the starting quarterback for the Dragons after competition during the spring.

Roxin had 296 yards on 56 carries (5.3 ypc) with three touchdowns last fall

through six games.

Roxin broke his arm during Week 6 and was lost the rest of the season.

Roxin will be a three-year starter for Mountainburg. As a sophomore, he was a starting defensive back and tailback as a junior.

“He’s a good kid. Smart, and a good leader,” said Harrell.

Mountainburg will feature both senior Dillon Jones and junior Austin Taylor as a tandem for the tailback position.

Jones had 12 catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Slotbacks will be Caleb Jorgenson and Jesse Quick. Connor Rogers and Malachi

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

Mountainburg Senior High 1

Dillon Jones

TB/S

Sr.

43

Mitchell Linder

SB/LB

Sr.

3

Robert Roxin

QB/DE

Sr.

50

Luke Rose

C/LB

Jr.

4/58 Jackson Cowan

G/DE

Sr.

51

Matthew Valentine

C/DT

So.

5

Austin Taylor

TB/DE

Jr.

52

Hunter Tyler

T/LB

So.

8

Ethan Jones

TB/CB

So.

53

Damien Kissler

G/LB

So.

9

Kendall Seratt

SB/SS

Sr.

54

Billy Jones

T/DT

So.

10

Winston Shepherd

TE/DE

Sr.

55

Cory Reeves

T/LB

Sr.

13

Donald Quick

SB/S

Sr.

56

Colton Robbins

T/DT

Jr.

14

Jesse Quick

SB/SS

Jr.

61

Dalen Cagle

C/N

Jr.

15

Caleb Jorgenson

SB/LB

Jr.

65

Ridge Bonewell

T/DT

So.

17

James Vanourny

SB/CB

Jr.

70

Gauge Jorgenson

G/DT

Sr.

20

Connor Rogers

TE/DE

Sr.

71

Dylan Rakow

G/N

Sr.

22

Cody Fletcher

SB/SS

Sr.

77

Dolan Patterson

T/DT

So.

28

Malachi West

TE/DE

So.

80

Waylon Warren

TE/DE

Jr.

30

Jesse Maguire

SB/CB

Jr.

82

Blake Byron

TE/DE

Jr.

PRESS ARGUS-COURIER

FOOTBALL 2017 Hooten’s Poll Class 2A

GAME OF THE WEEK

2A-4

No. 3 C. Harmony Grove vs. Class 3A No. 12 Smackover This was the third matchup of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kickoff Classic at SAU in Magnolia. First-year head coach Mike Baysinger has demanded discipline and intensity at Class 3A Smackover, and the Buckaroos have defensive playmakers in senior NG Hunter Goocher and junior CB Jaqueze Modica. Third-ranked Camden Harmony Grove opens the season without senior flanker Jace Garcia and all-league RB Jordan Hicks, but the junior pass-catch combination of QB Gannon Bearden and Kentrell Hill (6-2, 190) will test Smackover’s talented secondary.

Hootens.com was 216-56 (79 percent) in Class 2A for the season.

DANVILLE (8) vs. Conway Christian (Monday, Aug. 28 at UCA): Conway Christian first-year head coach Justin Kramer is high on junior QB Jacob Wood (3,037 passing yards and 35 TDs in 2016), senior OT Nathan Burrow, center Brett Callaway and senior DT J.P. Dolan. The Eagles run the same scheme under seven-year DC Andrew Roberson.

Danville counters with a massive offensive line that averages 260 pounds, anchored by tackles Doug Harper (6-4, 270) and Jarrique Hinton (6-5, 285). The Little John skilled players are experienced and deep with junior RB/LB Quentin Tolbert set for a breakout season.

DANVILLE (35) at Two Rivers (Friday): The Little Johns go 2-0 for the week by ruining the grand opening of Two Rivers’ new stadium. Two Rivers played every game on

West will line up as tight ends.

The line will be a toss-up until the final days before the season begins. The Dragons have 14 players, who can play on either the offensive or defensive lines.

Returning is Gauge Jorgenson at guard and Corey Reeves returns at tackle.

Center is a toss up between Dalen Cagle and Luke Rose. The coach said he has several other players he expects to see on the line including Matthew Valentine, Damian Kissler, and Dolan Patterson.

On the defensive side of the ball, Colton Robbins and Dylan Rakow will shore up the line with Jackson Cowan at defensive end.

The coach is looking at Hunter Taylor, Mitchell Linder, and Jorgenson at the linebacker spots.

The defensive backfield will comprise

of James Vanourney in one corner, Dylan Jones, Donald Quick and Cody Fletcher.

Hunter Rogers will also join the backfield after playing linebacker last season.

Other players to be included in the rotation at defensive end are Austin Taylor, Jesse Quick, and Roxin.

Connor Rogers will also be at end with Cory Reeves and Hunter Taylor at linebacker.

“The main thing is to get these guys ready to play and try not to let them play both ways,” Harrell said.

Coach expects Danville to be the team to contend with this season.

“I don’t know how the rest of it will shake out, but I’ll be very disappointed if we’re not in the mix,” the coach said. “I would love to be first.”

LAST YEAR

1. Mount Ida 2. Rison 3. C. Harmony Grove 4. Danville 5. Bearden 6. Hampton 7. Des Arc 8. McCrory 9. Conway Christian 10. Cross County 11. England 12. Earle 13. Hector 14. Carlisle 15. Hackett 16. Murfreesboro

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 21

17. E. Poinsett County 18. Hazen 19. Foreman 20. Palestine-Wheatley 21. Marked Tree 22. Mineral Springs 23. Lavaca 24. Lafayette County 25. Dierks 26. Parkers Chapel 27. Mountainburg 28. Quitman 29. Magazine 30. Salem 31. Magnet Cove 32. Strong

33. Clarendon 34. Spring Hill 35. Cutter M. Star 36. Marvell 37. Bigelow 38. Woodlawn 39. Brinkley 40. J.C. Westside 41. Decatur 42. Poyen 43. W. Yell County 44. Rector 45. Midland 46. Mountain Pine 47. Hermitage 48. Augusta

the road in 2016 after army worms destroyed its grass.

Pocola, Okla. at HACKETT (12): Hackett

doubled up Pocola 28-14 a year ago. Hackett travels to Mountainburg next week for a key 4-2A matchup.

Mountainburg Junior High

Nolen. “Defensively, I think we’re going to be pretty good. We have a bit more team speed.”

The Dragons only started a pair of eighth graders last season, quarterback Ethan Gregory and running back Jack Norgaar.

Both return to their spots.

Last season the junior high’s offensive line was bigger than the high school’s.

“We just lined up and ran behind that offensive line. This year we’re not going to be able to do that. We’re gonna have to be a bit more sneaky,” said coach Chris

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Hooten’s Poll Class 2A (con’t) Magazine at MOUNT IDA (33): Magazine, with just four seniors, travels to No. 1 Mount Ida, the defending state champion.

Magazine will play multiple sophomores off its 9-0 junior high team of 2016. Mount Ida returns starters at 18 positions, including veteran linemen, punishing RB/LB Cade Helms (5-10, 200) and Jonathan Lagrange (6-1, 210) and scatback Gage Dyer (5-7, 150).

WOODLAWN (2) at JC Westside: Woodlawn has cancelled its junior high season. Varsity should dress 19 players, including four freshmen and three firstyear participants. JC Westside will dress 23, including eight sophomores. Woodlawn blanked Westside 14-0 a year ago.

BERRYVILLE (28) at Decatur: Berryville has won this matchup the past three years by a combined 129-25. Decatur will dress 19 players, including speedy sophomore QB Joseph Armstrong, the high-point man last spring at the district junior high track meet.

Lavaca at GENTRY (1): Lavaca has won nine of past 11 non-conference games and beat Gentry by four points past year.

Midland at WESTERN YELL COUNTY (35): WYC won this matchup by 40 points last year at Midland.

MOUNTAINBURG (21) at Cedarville: Mountainburg won this matchup 35-0 a year ago. Mountainburg plays host to Hackett next week in a key 2A-4 matchup.

MOUNTAINBURG DRAGONS 2017 SCHEDULE

2A-4

Sept. 1 at Cedarville Sept. 8 Hackett* Sept. 15 Danville* Sept. 22 at Decatur* Sept. 29 Lavaca* Oct. 6 J.C. Westside* Oct. 13 at Western Yell County* Oct. 20 at Hackett Oct. 27 at Magazine* Nov. 3 OPEN

2A-3 Helena at EARLE (1): This matchup showcased 300 yards in penalties last year, and Class 4A Helena rallied late for a fourpoint win. Class 2A No. 12 Earle features more than DI quarterback recruit Gerry Bohanon (6-4, 230) in 2017.

Clarendon at MARKED TREE (2): Both teams are struggling with low numbers.

Clarendon, with 18 bodies, averaged six players at most summer workouts. Marked Tree won this matchup 38-37 a year ago.

E. POINSETT COUNTY (12) at Augusta Salem at MOUNTAIN VIEW (7) Rector at PALESTINE-WHEATLEY (6) Midland at WESTERN YELL COUNTY (35) CROSS COUNTY (14) at Harrisburg

Aug. 28 — Danville vs. Conway Christian (at UCA).

Sept. 1 — Mountainburg at Cedarville; Pocola at Hackett; Danville at Two Rivers; Berryville at Decatur; Lavaca at Gentry; Woodlawn at J.C. Westside; Mount Ida at Magazine; Midland at Western Yell County.

Sept. 5 — Magazine at Waldron (JV).

Sept. 8 — Hackett at Mountainburg*; Lavaca at Danville*; Decatur at Gentry; J.C. Westside at Western Yell County.

Sept. 11 — Grove (Okla.) at Decatur (JV).

Sept. 12 — Lamar at Magazine (JV).

5-2A England at MCCRORY (12) Rose Bud at QUITMAN (7) FOUNTAIN LAKE JV (10) at Cutter M Star Bigelow at PERRYVILLE (3) WALNUT RIDGE (14) at Poyen PARKERS CHAPEL (6) at Magnet Cove DANVILLE (8) vs. Conway Christian

6-2A BRINKLEY (1) at Subiaco Academy: Brinkley will field a team, starting the season with 15 players. That might not be enough at Class 4A Subiaco Academy, which lost at Brinkley 31-21 last year.

Clarendon at MARKED TREE (2): Both teams are struggling with low numbers.

Clarendon, with 18 bodies, averaged six players at most summer workouts. Marked Tree won this matchup 38-37 a year ago.

DES ARC (3) at Bald Knob: LONOKE (10) at Carlisle Hazen at PIGGOTT (10) Rector at PALESTINE-WHEATLEY (6) E. POINSETT COUNTY (22) at Augusta England at MCCRORY (12) Sept. 15 — Danville at Mountainburg*; Dover at Lavaca; OPEN - Hackett, J.C. Westside, Western Yell County.

Sept. 22 — Mountainburg at Decatur*; Magazine at Hackett*; Western Yell County at Danville*; J.C. Westside at Lavaca*.

Sept. 29 — Lavaca at Mountainburg*; Hackett at Western Yell County*; Danville at J.C. Westside*; Decatur at Magazine*.

Oct. 6 — J.C. Westside at Mountainburg*; Decatur at Hackett*; Magazine at Danville*; Western Yell County at Lavaca*.

Oct. 13 — Mountainburg at Western Yell County*; Hackett at Danville*; J.C. Westside

Marvell at BARTON (10)

7-2A

HORATIO (1) at Dierks: Lot of unknowns here. After 16 years of stability under former HC David Bennett, Dierks enters this season with its third head coach in three years.

Bismarck at SPRING HILL (15) GENOA CENTRAL (12) at Foreman Lafayette County at GURDON (9) FOUKE (28) at Mineral Springs JESSIEVILLE (24) at Mountain Pine Murfreesboro at CENTERPOINT (3) Magazine at MOUNT IDA (33)

8-2A

RISON (5) at Fordyce: Class 3A Fordyce should dress 26 players and start three freshmen linebackers and two sophomore defensive backs.

C. HARMONY GROVE (6) vs Smackover: WOODLAWN (2) at JC Westside Bearden at JUNCTION CITY (9) Hampton vs. PRESCOTT (10) Hermitage at LAKE VILLAGE (12) Hamburg JV at STRONG (6)

at Decatur*; Lavaca at Magazine*.

Oct. 20 — Mountainburg at Hackett; Decatur at Western Yell County*; Palestine-Wheatley at Lavaca*; Magazine at J.C. Westside*; OPEN - Danville.

Oct. 27 — Mountainburg at Magazine*; Lavaca at Mountainburg*; Danville at Decatur*; Western Yell County at J.C. Westside*.

Nov. 2 — J.C. Westside at Hackett*; Danville at Lavaca*.

Nov. 3 — Danville at Augusta; Magazine at Western Yell County*; OPEN- Mountainburg.

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Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 - Page 23

Mountainburg Junior High 3

Ethan Gregory

22

Ely Linder

53

Michael Drain

77

Woodrow Sheppard

4

Jack Norgaar

23

Richard Bain

54

Kenneth Willsey

79

Travis Cooper

5

Sean Irvan

33

Kade Spradlin

63

Isaac Center

80

Logan Warren

15

Austin Byron

40

Allan Hickman

66

Ethan Howard

84

Waylon Cluck

17

Houston Morris

43

Jodie Davidson

69

Buck Buchanan

21

Zacch Sowells

50

Graham Alegria

70

Ryan Steinsiek

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