2018 High School Football Preview by Times Record

2018

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE TIMES RECORD | SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

Grizzlies aiming higher in 2018 By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

An invigorating run to end last season has the Northside Grizzlies thinking they will go even further in 2018. For much of 2017, a rebuilding Grizzlies squad had taken their lumps on Falleur the field. But they punched their ticket into the postseason by beating Southside in the regular season finale; then went up to Springdale and knocked off Har-Ber in the opening round of the 7A playoffs. Northside coach Mike Falleur is aware of the higher expectations which await his squad, and he offered some reasons why the Grizzlies may be able to meet those lofty goals. “I would say, number one, experienced players on both sides of the ball,” Falleur said. “I think on defense, we’ve got eight back that played a lot of football last year and a couple of them that got to play some, so the majority over there has got some experience. Offensively, the same thing; I think six or seven or maybe eight of them played a bunch. ... I would also say our skill guys are as good as we’ve had across the board. Then both of our lines, we’re not necessarily big but they’ve played. “Our weakness is depth, we can’t get anybody hurt. We’ve got to stay as healthy as we can stay and you don’t have a lot of control over that, that’s just what happens, but hopefully we’re

Northside head coach Mike Falleur looks on during practice on July 31. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

going to be in great shape.” The Grizzlies will return their starting quarterback in senior Derrick “Deuce” Wise (5-foot-11, 190 pounds), who passed for nearly 1,400 yards while adding 957 yards on the ground. “I felt like last year, he learned a ton and as the season went on, you could see the improvement and the comfort that he saw from really not being a quarterback, being a quarterback moved to running back, to now where he’s really fluid and does a great job,” Falleur said. “I think you’re going to see really big things out of him.” Falleur added the Grizzlies have spent preseason workouts still deciding on a backup for Wise. Junior Matt Hollenbeck (5-11, 155) and sophomore Drey Norwood (6-0, 160) are vying for that spot.

Northside also brings back senior tailback Eli Bolton (5-7, 170), who rushed for more than 600 yards as a junior. “Eli’s as tough a guy as we’ve got on our football team and we feel good about him,” Falleur said. Also expected to get snaps at tailback behind Bolton are junior Demarion Shepard (5-11, 180) and two sophomores, Rakaim Jackson and Dagan Moore. Jackson King (5-9, 185), a junior who shared tailback duties with Bolton, will now move over to a slot receiver position, though he may still get the chance to carry the ball at times. “He’s as good an allaround (player), catch the ball, run the ball, do all the different things you want him to do,” Falleur said. “He had a great sophomore season and we expect big things out of him.”

Wise

Bolton

King

Thorne

Clayton

Travis

Rone

Tabut

G. Washington

Young

Backing up King will be senior Jamal Norwood and junior Jeremy Maffei (5-11, 150), a couple of players that Falleur said can play at several positions. J.T. Thorne (5-9, 190), who was involved in several big plays for touchdowns a

season ago, returns as a junior wideout. “He’s kind of like Jackson, he can do all kinds of things,” Falleur said. “We can play him anywhere we need to play him, offense or defense. He can throw the football, he just does a lot of

good things.” Several other players are expected to see time at receiver, including senior Howard Dotson (5-11, 165), juniors Preston Baugh (6-3, 180) and Johnny Klein See GRIZZLIES, 4

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Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

NHS’ Young poised for even bigger things By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

One thing which stands out about Northside senior right tackle Stevie Young might be his long arms. Young said the last time he measured those arms, it came out to 77 inches. And there’s no quesStevie tion he uses those Young to his advantage while blocking defenders. “With my long arms, it’s easy for me to reach over and grab other people from letting them go anywhere else,” Young said. Another figure Young, who goes up to 6-foot-5, checked recently was his weight. At the start of summer, he weighed 305 pounds but heading into the regular season opener, he trimmed down to 291. “I wasn’t really expecting to lose weight,” Young said. “I

GRIZZLIES Continued from 2

(5-7, 145) and sophomore Avonte Tucker. Another returning pass-catcher is junior tight end James Clayton (6-2, 215), who caught four TDs last season and a player Falleur said has improved physically and has become a better blocker. Senior Pierson Hurst (6-4, 220), a transfer from Southside prior to the 2017 season, may see time there as well. Up front, the offensive line will be anchored by senior right tackle Stevie Young (6-5, 291), who will be a three-year starter. Also returning are senior Josh Adkins (6-2, 300), who saw action last season at center but will now play right guard, and senior left tackle

thought I was going to gain a lot of weight because we’re lifting weights also, but I don’t even understand how I’m losing so much weight sometimes because I do eat a lot.” But Northside coach Mike Falleur was quick to point out a slimmer Young, entering his third season to start for the Grizzlies, may make him an even better and dominant player than he was before. “I think he’s lost weight in a good way,” Falleur said. “I think he’s trimmed up and lost some of that, and I’m going to call it baby fat. ... He’s worked hard in the weight room, and he’s transformed that into more muscle. “And he’s very active; he’s up here with us every day and he likes to play basketball, he does that a bunch so he’s on the go.” Young is seeking to add weight in a different but still positive light. That’s the weight of being counted on as a senior leader and a returning offensive lineman. “It’s really like your leadership role and it really brings out

the best in your character, too, because without the offensive line, you really can’t move the ball, so your running backs, your quarterback and your receivers and even your defensive people are looking up to you to block and do right,” Young said. “And then with me being a leader, I had to help everybody else out.” No doubt, Falleur is expecting to see big things from Young entering his senior season, especially since Young has been receiving attention from various college programs. “He’s a very good run blocker, and he has improved tremendously as a pass protector,” Falleur said. “He just gets better every year; he’s got all the natural talent. “Great feet, can run, long and he has learned the game so much better. ... I definitely expect him to be the kind of player I know he can be, and that’s as good a lineman as there is in this state and I don’t have any doubt that’s what’s going to happen.” Young has also played a number

Alex Bustillo (5-11, 220), who started the last several weeks in 2017. Center will possibly be manned by junior Jacob Arnold (6-1, 215), while the projected starter at left guard is senior Zach Stephens (5-10, 270), who had played defense for two seasons. Other offensive linemen expected to get action include senior guard Axel Sedano (6-2, 280), senior center Alexis Madrigal (5-9, 240) and Sam Johnson, a sophomore who will be Young’s backup at right tackle. On the defensive line, senior end Raytel Rone (6-2, 220) returns, coming off a season where he made 38 tackles and four sacks. “We’ve been to several camps this summer and have yet to see anybody block him consistently,” Falleur said. “He is so explosive and fast, so we feel real good about

him.” Khaden Washington (6-4, 245), a junior who is also a standout pitcher on Northside’s baseball team, will also see time at end. Senior Alex Nguyen (5-9, 220) is the top candidate at nose guard, and the Grizzlies will also bring in senior Aaron Fields (5-11, 225), senior Gustavo Ortiz (5-11, 225), junior Jay’len Coleman (6-2, 220) and even Young in the defensive line rotation. The linebacking corps is headed up by senior Anthony Travis (6-2, 215), who plays on the outside. Travis went out for the football team before his junior season and immediately made his presence felt, as he ended up leading the team in tackles with 130 along with recording seven sacks. “He led our team in tackles last year and made a lot of big plays,” Falleur said. “We’re expecting big,

of roles on the defensive line, but Falleur said he wants Young to focus more on playing offense this season. But the coach knows he has Young handy just in case he needs some extra help on defense. In fact, it was a defensive play Young made which may have set the tone in Northside’s 21-9 win at Springdale Har-Ber in the

opening round of the 7A playoffs last season. On Har-Ber’s first offensive play, Young blew through the line and came up with a sack. “On that first play, Boo (senior linebacker Anthony Travis) really got into my head,” Young said. “He was like, ‘Stevie, let’s just go out loud on them,’ and then the first play, we was just doing our thing out there.” The Grizzlies are hoping to do even more big things this season, and Young has faith that another postseason run is in store. “The way we finished last year, we all want (something similar) for this year because it took us almost until the end of the year to all start playing as one. ... This year is different for us because everybody has their (focus),” Young said. “Especially since we beat Southside and HarBer and made it to the playoffs when we weren’t even likely to make the playoffs, it (rallied) our team so everybody’s excited to make it state this year, that’s our mindset.”

big, big things out of him.” Juniors Conley Bone (5-9, 150) and J.J. Mills (6-0, 175) are also expected to start at outside linebacker. The big question mark for the Grizzlies’ defense will be the inside linebacker roles, as they lost three seniors. Two juniors may be among the leading candidates in Stetson VanMatre (6-2, 220) and Glenn Brewer (6-0, 205), with senior Braiden Sharum (5-9, 215) and sophomore Chase Needham in the mix as well. There will be a wealth of experience returning in the secondary. They include senior cornerbacks Elijah Tabut (5-10, 185) and Tyriq Adams (5-10, 170), along with senior safety Greg Washington (6-1, 175), who made 102 tackles last season. “I feel really good about our secondary; we’ve got a lot of guys

back that have played and as you well know, you’ve got to be solid back there,” Falleur said. “If you’re not, you’re in trouble.” The free safety position will be between a pair of juniors in Tumontay Parks (6-1, 180) and Skyler Mingboupha (5-10, 170). Senior Henry Hernandez (5-11, 195) will be the placekicker. Punting candidates include Thorne and Moore, while Clayton serves as the primary deep snapper. “I think for us to be a good football team, we have to have good defense; that’s how I’ve always wanted it and I want to start there,” Falleur said. “Offensively, we’ve got to get better; we have to protect the football and not turn it over and we’ve worked on that every day and we have to execute and just be sound in what we do, and that’s how we’re going to approach it.”

Northside’s Stevie Young runs sprints during practice on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

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Sunday, August 26, 2018 5

Experienced Mavs ready to hit reset button Plethora of practice should benefit squad in tight 7A-Central race By Kevin Taylor Gatewood

Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

Fourth and goal. For the win. Three years ago, Southside quarterback Taye Gatewood was on the threshold of helping Southside Williams open conference play with back-to-back conference wins. Then, disaster. He fumbled. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, star linebacker Darin Davenport had been lost for the season earlier in the game. Then, the losses. The Mavericks have endured back-to-back three-win seasons since the inception of the program. But Gatewood is back. So is Davenport. Southside returns 16 starters this season — eight on both sides of the ball. “We’ve got a lot of

Savoy

Weindel

“We all really just grew up with each other. We’re close, and even on days off, we’ll come up here and work to get better. We want to do better than we did last year.” Tyrese Solomon

Southside’s Ricardo Savoy goes out for a pass as head coach Jeff Williams looks on during practice Friday, Aug. 3, 2018. Southside will open its season at Bentonville West on Aug. 31. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

experience,” Gatewood said. “Most of us are going to be seniors. We have to go out there and finish all

the games we play.” Gatewood’s supporting cast may be the best the school has had in awhile.

Davenport

Jordyn Jackson, Tyrese Solomon, Ricardo Savoy. “We’ve got a bunch of play-makers,” Gatewood said. “My job is just to get them the ball and let them make plays.”

Jackson

Coleman

Smith

“It’s fun to work with,” Solomon said. “We all really just grew up with each other. We’re close, and even on days off, we’ll come up here and work to get better. We want to do better than we did last year.” The Mavericks scored 40 or more points in five of their six games a year ago, finishing with 31.9 points a game — almost eight points more a game than in 2016. Gatewood nearly accounted for 3,000 passing yards, throwing 26 touchdown passes and using his big frame (210 pounds) to account for 17 rushing touchdowns. Southside opened conference play with a tough

Solomon

Turner

overtime loss to Conway, followed by a 43-41 setback at Cabot. “We learned that we can play with these guys in the 7A-Central, we just came up short in a few games,” Gatewood said. “With learning experience, we can finish those games out this year.” The team’s 2017 culprit was defense — or a lack of execution. Southside allowed opponents to score 30 or more points in eight of their 11 games. The Mavericks promoted Jacob Cox to defensive coordinator last spring after longtime assistant Steven Thessing took a job at Greenwood. See MAVS, 6

Sunday, August 26, 2018

MAVS Continued from 5

“I believe our defense is starting to fall in line,” Davenport said. “We’re starting to learn our defense really well. We have some things perfected now.” “Not too many people think we’re going to come out and beat Bentonville West and beat Greenwood, the top schools in the state,” Solomon said. “But we think we have a chance against them. All we have to do is stay focused and keep our heads up. If we go through a bad time during the game, we have to keep pushing.” Coach Jeff Williams, eight wins shy of 100 for his career at Southside, knows the team faces a difficult nonconference slate. West may have the most explosive receiver (Jaden Jackson) and a three-year starter at quarterback (Will Jarret). Then there’s Greenwood, whom the Mavericks haven’t

2018 Football Preview

beaten since 2007. “We’re seniororiented,” Williams said. “We have some three-year guys who have been through the battles. “(But) it comes down to making some plays on defense. We were in a lot of games last year, we just weren’t able to get key stops.” That was never more evident than the first two league games. The Mavericks wasted a two-touchdown lead against Conway, then put up 41 against Cabot. “It’s a great conference; there are no sure things,” Williams said. “It just comes down to execution.” “It’s a great place here at Southside High School,” Davenport said. “We’ve had a rough last two years, but I would love to finish off my senior season with a winning season and possibly make a great run in the playoffs, because I know Southside is known for making great playoff runs. “They’ve been one of the best teams in 7A.”

“Not too many people think we’re going to come out and beat Bentonville West and beat Greenwood, the top schools in the state. But we think we have a chance against them. All we have to do is stay focused and keep our heads up. If we go through a bad time during the game, we have to keep pushing.” Tyrese Solomon

Mavs’ Turner sets bar high for other linemen By Kevin Taylor Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

Keith Turner isn’t a household name among 7A-Central offensive linemen. Not yet, anyway. But more than that, the Southside senior is one of Turner four returning starters that will anchor an offensive line that potentially could crack the 500-point barrier. Turner is a rules follower. “The guy never misses; he’s always here,” Southside offensive line coach Tadd Stewart said. “No. 1, it’s his work ethic. No. 2, is his commitment to get better. He does reps at full speed. What I mean by that is some kids just don’t put forth the effort. But he cares. “Every snap he tries to do it right.” On time; dependable. And strong. The 6-foot-2, 270pound Turner bench presses 300 pounds. “I’ve got people at home that depend on me,” Turner said. “I do it for the people that I love, and I’ve got people above watching me — that’s what keeps me going.” “He should be our most physical offensive lineman,” Stewart said. “Honestly, he should be our best offensive lineman.” Turner started for the Mavericks at left tackle as a sophomore and junior. The transition to left guard has

Southside’s Keith Turner works with the offensive line during practice on Aug. 3. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

been a seamless one. “There’s a lot more pulling,” Turner said of the guard position. “I’ve enjoyed it.” Turner will start next to agile left tackle Jonathan Humphreys, a two-year starter.

Walli Zaman, who backed up multiple positions last season, takes over at right tackle. Wally West returns at right guard, and can also slide over to center if called on. Senior Sean Ottman will start at center.

“Honestly, if we just pick things up on the O-line, we already have the backfield, I think we can do it,” Turner said. “We have the defense, we have the receivers. A lot of people don’t believe in this team, but I think we can make it far this season.”

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Sunday, August 26, 2018 7

Greenwood piecing together another run By Leland Barclay Special to the Times Record

GREENWOOD — Despite graduation taking a major toll off last year’s nationally ranked Class 6A state championship team, the Greenwood Bulldogs still have solid pieces in place from last year’s Jones dominating defense. “We have a good group, we have one guy up front, one guy in the middle and two guys on the back end,” Greenwood head coach Rick Jones said. “That’s a good core group to build around. We had a lot of unsung guys. That was a really good group.” Greenwood completed a dominating 13-0 season with a 52-14 win over Pine Bluff for the Class 6A state championship. The season included a 7-0 march through the 6A-West for the Bulldog’s ninth outright conference championship in the last 10 years. Senior linebacker Travis Cox (5-10, 182) is the team’s leading returning tackler with 75

Greenwood’s Peyton Holt, left, and Jace Presley run through passing drills as head coach Rick Jones looks on during practice on Aug. 10. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

tackles, including 19 for lost yardage. “He does such a great job of being physical,” Jones said. “He’s not huge, but he’s active and runs all over the field. He plays like you want a defensive guy to play. He’s an outside guy, but we’ve played him some at inside. His motor runs.” Cox will remain at outside linebacker this season and will be joined at the linebacker corps from a group of senior Sam Sandifer (5-11, 207), and juniors Jayden Martin (5-8, 189), Eli Martin (5-10, 172) and

Leighton Johnson (5-8, 165). “We have guys at linebacker that are going to battle it out,” Jones said. “We have several guys in the mix. We move them around and kind of figure out how we’re going to make that work. That’s what’s fun about it.” Up front, senior Morgan Hanna (6-3, 214) returns. He had 74 tackles with 25 for lost yardage last year from his end position. He also had seven sacks. “He has the ability to be a really good player,” Jones said. “He has the

Cox

Ceniceros

Simpson

Fox

Holt

Woods

Ohl

James

ability to be a good edge pass rusher and be good against the run. He’s good and long, which I like coaching long guys because they are so versatile and can do a lot of things. He has a chance to have a really good season.” Senior Austin Archer (6-1, 182) could be at end with senior Josh Maze (6-2, 264) and junior Coleton Erwin (5-9, 262) on the inside. “It’s sort of a work in progress,” Jones said. “The great thing when you lose so many guys, you have great competition.” In the secondary, senior safety Aaron Ohl (5-11, 167) returns after intercepting seven passes last

year. Senior cornerback Trey Woods (5-11, 147) also returns. "They’ve played a lot of football for us,” Jones said. "They’ve done very, very well. I think they’re going to play great.” Seniors Dawson James (5-9, 161) and Max Vickery (5-7, 138) are working at the other corner with junior Logan Workman (5-9. 147) at safety. “We have Hanna up front, Cox in the middle and then we have Ohl and Woods in the back,” Jones said. “We don’t have a lot of guys back but they’re spaced out well. Defensively, we’re going to be okay.” The most experienced unit on the Bulldogs is the

offensive line, although senior Cole Ceniceros (5-10, 243) moves from left guard to center. Senior Noah Fox (6-1, 242) returns for his third season at right guard. Senior Colton Simpson (5-10, 242) returns at left tackle. “We have three guys back out of five,” Jones said. “We expect that to be the strength of the team. We have no other position mathematically close to that. Those guys have to take it upon themselves to lead their guys. It will be interesting to see who we put at the other two spots. That’s not settled yet.” Senior Landon Sloan (6-0, 294) logged some varsity action at left guard last year. Junior Kevin Douglas (6-1, 293) is working at right tackle. Junior Traven Nichols (5-9, 263) is working at both left guard and right tackle, and “there are a couple of young guys that can fill in there,” Jones said. Senior Marc Jones (5-6, 172) ran for 161 yards a year ago on 37 carries in sparse varsity action, and sophomore Hunter See GREENWOOD, 9

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

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2018 Football Preview

Sunday, August 26, 2018 9

Holt looking to guide Greenwood By Leland Barclay Special to the Times Record

GREENWOOD — Peyton Holt caught 14 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns in helping the Bulldogs win the state football championship with a win over Pine Bluff last December. He led the state in receiving with 101 receptions for 1,355 yards and 17 touchdowns for the season. Holt also threw a touchdown pass and ran for two scores. In baseball, he was 3-for-4 with a double, drove in a run and scored twice in helping the Bulldogs win the state baseball championship with a win over Benton in May. For the season, Holt hit .531 with 17 doubles and seven homers and a slugging percentage of 1.044. All of that was as a junior. So, what does Holt do for an encore for his senior year? “I couldn’t tell you,” Holt said. “I’m just going to go out here and play as hard as I did last year, and

Greenwood’s Peyton Holt throws during practice on Aug. 10. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

hope for the best.” One thing is likely, Holt will be counted on this season in a different way for Greenwood in football. Holt will probably shift from receiver to quarterback and trigger the Bulldog’s offense. “Coach Jones came to me and talked to me about it,” Holt said. “I was all for it. We’ve been working on it the whole spring and summer.” Playing quarterback isn’t new to Holt. “I played quarterback all through middle school and

GREENWOOD Continued from 7

Wilkinson (5-9, 183) will also see some playing time this year after being called up from the freshman team after its season ended. Returning all-state receiver Peyton Holt (5-9, 176) played exclusively at quarterback in the spring, summer and fall camp as the likely signal caller for the Bulldogs. “Peyton is elusive,” Jones said.

up until the ninth grade,” Holt said. “I got up to high school and played receiver.” He threw a 31-yard touchdown pass last year against Northside in the season opener. “When I was at receiver, I always worked at different positions,” Holt said. “I kind of know the offense.” The move to quarterback wasn’t an easy one for the Bulldogs to make. Holt is arguably the best receiver and an electrifying play-maker with the

“He has great feet. He throws a nice ball. It will be interesting to see how that pans out.” However, senior Josh Barlow suffered a knee injury in the first week of August drills which left the next leading returning receiver sidelined likely for the season. Barlow caught 29 passes for 329 yards and three touchdowns. If Holt remains at quarterback with Barlow out, that leaves the receiving corps completely unproven. The Bulldogs have three other capable quarterbacks in senior

knack for making highlight-worthy catches. “He’s gone to quarterback school,” Greenwood head coach Rick Jones said. “Anytime we’ve had a really athletic guy that can throw the ball, we’re going to train him as a quarterback. It’s what a lot of O-Line guys do with centers. They’ll make every offensive lineman learn how to snap especially in the shotgun. That way you’re never without somebody. That’s sort of our thought process.” Moving a top receiver to quarterback also isn’t new in Greenwood. Stephen Hogan was a tremendous receiver and moved to quarterback his senior year in 2010. The same with Hayden Smith in 2011. “We moved Stephen Hogan to quarterback, and Stephen was really a quarterback the whole way,” Jones said. “Hayden Smith was really a quarterback and we played him at receiver until his time came. Both of those guys we trained. It’s not like we haven’t done this before.” The probable move took

Timothy Earnhart (5-10, 207), junior Jace Presley (6-4, 182) and sophomore L.D. Richmond (6-0, 140). Presley was the junior varsity quarterback the last two years while Richmond was the junior high quarterback last year, but he was moved to receiver during the spring. “We have choices,” Jones said. “We have pieces to the puzzle, it’s not that we don’t have pieces. Presley’s been a quarterback his whole life. He’s been our J.V. quarterback and has worked his way up

a different turn, though, the first week of August practice when Josh Barlow suffered a knee injury. Barlow would have been the go-to offensive threat as the lone experienced receiver. Holt will now have only inexperienced receivers at his disposal. That, and adjusting to throwing a football, has been the challenges for Holt. “I’ve had to help the receivers and I’ve been coaching them,” Holt said. “Then, throwing the football. I haven’t really thrown it for several years. I’ve only been throwing a baseball. It’s a little different from an 8-ounce ball. It’s a lot different.” Holt moved back to Greenwood from Russellville before his ninth grade season and immediately started at shortstop for the baseball team. He is originally from Greenwood and moved to Russellville when his dad took a job in Conway and would have played for his dad’s cousin, Jeff Holt, at Russellville. Before that, though, he played on an undefeated

through the system. He throws a good ball. He can make all the throws.” Senior Luke Leonard (5-9, 164) and Isaiah Belue (6-1, 149) are working at the two slots positions along with Richmond and sophomore Peyton Carter (6-4, 176). At the outside receiver spots are juniors Treyton Dawson (5-9, 163), Lazaro Angel (5-8, 163), Caden Taylor (5-10, 156) and Patrick Kelleher (5-11, 171), and sophomore Caden Brown (5-7, 127). “We’ve got a number of guys

Immaculate Conception grade school football team with current Northside quarterback Derrick Wise, Dover running back Blake Massengale, Southside receiver and quarterback Colton McBride, and Greenwood offensive lineman Landon Sloan that dominated its opponents. “We were undefeated,” Holt said. “That was a lot of fun.” Holt has already signed to play baseball with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. “What’s he’s done in baseball is unbelievable,” Jones said. “I like sitting there watching him play baseball because his hands are so good. He has unbelievable hand-eye coordination.” Holt has every single one of the intangibles of an elite athlete. “He’s used to being in the big spot, in the big moment,” Jones said. For Holt, his intentions for his senior season haven’t changed any from last year. “I want to be the leader and get the team back to the championship,” Holt said.

that we think have a chance to be players for us,” Jones said. “Sometimes, you put the best four out there and sometimes they don’t fit the criteria that you’d hope for.” An area which is of no concern to the Bulldogs is kicker, where senior Grant Ennis returns. “He’s gotten better every year,” Jones said. “He’s not just better because he’s a year older, he works at it. He’s gone to camp. He’s traveled. He’s trying to get better. He has a passion to get better as a kicker.”

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

VB seniors see third change in three years By Leland Barclay Special to the Times Record

Van Buren’s seniors will undergo their third major change in three years this season, and the biggest change begins up front for the Pointers. “Anytime you’re making a shift from what they’ve done in the past to what we’re doing now, that’s a Dick bigger challenge for those guys up front,” Van Buren head coach Casey Dick said. “Not just pass blocking a little bit more, but some of the schemes we’re doing are a little bit different.” Dick was named the new head coach in April when Greg Werner decided to return to Oklahoma and headed for Muskogee Hilldale. Last year, the Pointers changed back to the spread formation after being in the flexbone runoriented offense when this group of seniors was sophomores. Van Buren was 0-10 last year, including 0-7 in the 7A-West but lost at Rogers Heritage in overtime and to Rogers the next week just 24-17. Up front, this season, only senior Hunter Gregory (6-0, 220) returns with experience so the Pointers are rebuilding with a lot of new faces along the offensive line. “They’ve come a long way from the spring, and they’ll continue to improve as we come out here and they get more familiar with our terminology and what we’re asking them to do,” said

Van Buren head coach Casey Dick talks with the Pointers after practice on Aug. 8. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

Dick, the former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback who’s been the offensive coordinator at Bentonville West the last two years. Junior Jackson Hurst (6-1, 210) and senior Josiah Acorn (6-1, 197) are working at the tackle positions up front with senior Garrett Standifird (5-11, 274) and junior Stephen Young (6-1, 215) at guards. Sophomore Jeiden Safonov (5-10, 186) and senior Matthew Maruiri (5-10, 240) are also vying

for playing time in the trenches. “There’s some other guys that will fill in there,” Dick said. “They just have to take advantage of the opportunity in fall camp.” Senior quarterback Christian Morrow (5-11, 190) started the three nonconference games last year before a seasonending injury sidelined him. Morrow, also a track standout, made it back in time to compete in the last

2018 Football Preview

couple of track meets in the spring. “Anytime you have a quarterback coming back with experience that’s a plus,” Dick said. “To get back there and it’s not the first snap of the first game of the season, we feel comfortable with that. We’ll do some things back there with our personnel and try to move some people around and do some things. It’s always a plus to have a kid like Christian who is mobile and can run. It will be different from traditional teams in how we use him. He’ll be an asset and will shoulder the load. He’s taking it well and has improved every time he comes out here.” Morrow completed 32 of 56 passes for 522 yards and four touchdowns in his three games, which included 237 yards and a touchdown at Siloam Springs before his injury. In addition to working behind an inexperienced line, Morrow will also have a relatively inexperienced receiving corps as well. Senior Logan Humphreys (6-5, 230) led the team in receiving last season and is the lone experienced receiver. He snared 32 passes for 418 yards and two touchdowns, including seven catches for 117 yards and a score against Northside. Sophomore Haden Roark (5-10, 165), Konnor Anawaty (6-0, 160), junior Bobby Theplama (5-5, 130), junior Jude Bartholomew (6-1, 165), sophomore Gary Phillips (6-1, 180), senior Dylan Dye (5-10, 155), senior Presley Kindrix (6-3, 190), and senior Brayden Fimple (6-3, 185) are all possibilities. Several of those players will also see action in the secondary.

Morrow

Humphreys

Bartholomew

Kuykendall

Davis

Dyer

Sunday, August 26, 2018 11

“Anytime you have a quarterback coming back with experience that’s a plus. To get back there and it’s not the first snap of the first game of the season, we feel comfortable with that. We’ll do some things back there with our personnel and try to move some people around and do some things. It’s always a plus to have a kid like Christian who is mobile and can run. It will be different from traditional teams in how we use him. He’ll be an asset and will should the load. He’s taking it well and has improved every time he comes out here.” Casey Dick Van Buren coach

“We’ll have some defensive guys that will come over and play receiver,” Dick said. Senior Brayden Rivas (5-6, 162) has some experience at running back after rushing for 274 yards on 58 carries last year in spot duty. Senior Isaac Davis (5-10, 180) will also run the ball some in addition to his starting duties at cornerback. The defensive line has been the shining spot for the Pointers throughout off-season drills and practices. Junior Cha’Raun Page (5-11, 260), junior Miles Kuykendall (6-3, 201), junior R.J.Riley (6-1, 210), and sophomore T.J. Dyer (5-11, 170) are working up front and playing time will be dictate a lot on whether the Pointers are in a 3-4 of 4-3 look.

“Those guys up front, I feel like that’s an area of strength for us,” Dick said. “They’ve done a good job of grasping what we want to do from the first day until now. They’ve gotten a lot better as far as scheme and overall what we want them to do.” Junior Devin Swearingen (5-11, 190) and senior Laiken Stikeleather (5-11, 225) are experienced players back at linebacker. “We’ve got some guys with experience that we feel good about,” Dick said. “They’re continuing to improve and grasp everything like a lot of the other guys like on their technique and every single day they come out here.” Certainly an important factor of Van Buren’s defense will be the physical play of senior Landrey Wilkerson (6-0, 180), who

Van Buren quarterback Christian Morrow throws during practice on Aug. 8. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

will roll down from safety and play a striker position at linebacker at times. “A jack of all trades for us,” Dick said. “He’s done a great job ever since we first came out here of being a leader. It’s been awesome to watch him grow and watch him take that defense and be the leader of the defense.”

Davis, junior Trent Ball (6-3, 210) and junior David Evans (5-9, 164) are working at corners with Dye and Ball also working at safeties in addition to Wilkerson. “We feel like we have some guys that rotate in and do a good job,” Dick said. Rivas will handle the

punting duties while senior Chris Flores taking on the kicking duties. “I like the kids’ attitudes, their work ethic and their approach every day,” Dick said. “They know we’re not where we need to be, but they continue to improve every single day we come out here, and that’s all we can ask for.”

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

Davis ready to take on more for Pointers By Leland Barclay Special to the Times Record

Van Buren’s Isaac Davis is considered one of the top defensive backs in the 7A-West going into the season. Now, he wants to add running back to those accolades, too. “I’m Davis going to be playing offense and defense, I’m working on my stamina,” Davis said. “I’ve got to be ready to play an important role at running back. At corner, I’ve got to lock down people.” New head coach Casey Dick knows the value of an experienced cornerback especially with all of the returning quarterbacks in the 7A-West but also couldn’t pass up getting the ball into Davis’ hands at running back. “We’ll bring him over and put him at running back,” Dick said. “We have guys back there that we feel confident in in different situations in the game and can get some productivity out of them.” Even new defensive coordinator Kenneth Chick is willing to share Davis with the offense. “He’s got a great work ethic,” Chick said. “He’s going to play both ways for us; he’s going to play running back and corner. He really wants to improve his skill set. He works every day to do what he can do to help this team.” Davis has started 19 games for Van Buren at defensive back, playing in the secondary as a sophomore when another

defensive player was moved over to offense. “I’ve been wanting to play offense since my sophomore year,” Davis said. “I want to play offense, too. Coming into my sophomore year, they put me at corner. We had to switch one of our corners to offense because we needed some help on the offensive side. That was the first time I’d play corner and I excelled at that position. I really love playing corner, but I love playing running back and I get to play both this year.” The Pointers have very little experience at running back returning this season, and Davis seemed a natural at the position in the spring and summer. “He’s such a weapon at running back,” Chick said. “He’s a natural at it. We’d be crazy not to utilize him there.” Davis was in on 42 tackles last year and proved to be a run-stopper, but his main contribution will be defending the aerial attacks in the pass-happy 7A-West. “The way we want to play on defense, our corners have to be able to play,” Chick said. “They’ve got to have short memories and go to work every play. We’re going to count on him. They’re going to be one on one at times.” Going up against Bentonville West’s talented quarterback-receiver tandem of Will Jarrett and Jason Jackson, Fayetteville quarterback Darius Bowers, and Springdale quarterback Grant Allen, Davis knows he will be tested this season. “That’s what I work for,” Davis said. “We come out here and work with each other and go to camps for challenges like that. I like

Van Buren’s Isaac Davis, right breaks up a pass intened for Brayden Fimple during practice on Aug. 8. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

going out and competing. It’s nice.” Davis is ready to contribute on both sides of the ball for the Pointers this season as part of the senior class that wants to head the

program in the right direction under its new coaches. “This group, we have a lot of good people,” Davis said. “I like the offense we have. I love coach Chick, and the defense we’re running is

really good.” On top of his play on the field, Davis also has worked on helping the Pointers off the field. “I have to be a leader this year,” Davis said. “We

have a lot of young people coming in, and they’re looking up to us. Coach told me last year, that I was not necessarily a vocal leader. This year, I’m trying to be vocal.”

2018 Football Preview

Sunday, August 26, 2018 13

Alma to lean on offensive line early By Leland Barclay Special to the Times Record

The Alma Airedales lost almost its entire offensive production from a year ago so it makes sense they will lean early and often on a big, experienced offensive line. “We lost 97 percent of our offense,” Alma head coach Doug Loughridge Loughridge said. “I would rather have inexperienced skill guys than inexperienced lineman because those guys are the ones that get you teed off.” Alma finished 7-5 last year, including 5-2 in the 5A-West and shared the conference championship with three other teams. This year, Zac Henson (6-3, 290) and Levi Prestidge (6-2, 245) anchor the line at tackles with Eli Aleck (6-2, 240) and Darion Crawford (5-8, 203) at the guards. All four are seniors and all four are returning starters. “We have all of those linemen back and their backups,” Loughridge said. “We’re a big, big class linemen-wise. We’re as big as we’ve ever been.” Alma would have been completely experienced along the front except senior center Nathan Alexander (5-11, 230) missed part of the school year in the spring and most of the summer with a serious illness. “Nate was our starter,” Loughridge said. “He’s just trying to get back to where he can help and

Alma football players lift weights Monday, Aug. 6, 2018, during two-a-days before the 2018 season. [JAMIE MITCHELL/TIMES RECORD]

play sometime this year.” Junior Nick Archer (6-0, 228) and sophomore Seth Cole (6-1, 301) are trying to fill Alexander’s void. Seniors Colton Barenberg (6-4, 366) and Dylan Porter (5-10, 326), juniors Sam Davila (6-2, 217), Logan Ingram (6-0, 190), and Matt Hamblin (5-11, 254) are also working up front and will see playing time. “We’ve got some big guys in there,” Loughridge said. “We’ve got about 10 guys that we feel good about that we can throw in there. This time last year, we were talking about all the inexperience on the offensive line. We had two senior linemen last year, and we had a new offensive line coach.”

The offensive line will literally carry the load of the offense as the Airedales break in a new quarterback. Senior Tanner Shelton (6-2, 212) and junior Landon Blair (6-1, 228) took snaps during the spring and summer, and nothing’s been decided as far as who will start at the position. “It’s wide open, both of those guys have done a good job during the spring and through the summer,” Loughridge said. “One of them will take a step up at one practice or one competition, and then the next time the other one will. That’s a good problem to have. Both are doing real well. It’s a good competition. It keeps both of them locked in.”

The Airedales were balanced on offense last year, rushing and passing for more than 2,000 yards. However, almost half of the rushing yards were by the quarterback. “Since 2013, our leading rusher has been our quarterback,” Loughridge said. “We’ve got one of

Crawford

Prestidge

Aleck

Canﬁeld

Shelton

Salazar

Bowerman

Rosebeary

our best offensive lines we’ve ever had so we’ll be a little more tailback oriented. We need to get to where we’re a little more tailback oriented.” Senior Keegan Rosebeary (6-0, 192) is the leading returning ground gainer with 112 yards on 20 carries a year, but he starts at linebacker. Junior Josh Davis (5-8, 155) ran for 81 yards on 23 carries last year and is the second-leading returning rusher. Sophomore Logan Chronister (5-7, 161) is also getting looks at tailback. Grayson Bailey returns at receiver after catching 19 passes for 343 yards

and five touchdowns, and was the Airedale’s second-leading receiver last year. Junior Marquis Peter (6-0, 154) moved in from Russellville last year, and he was the Cyclones’ second-leading receiver a year ago the last five games of the season. Peter caught 23 passes for 165 yards and five touchdowns in the final three regular-season games and the playoffs after catching just two passes for 20 yards in the first seven games of the year. Seniors Peyton Canfield (5-10, 140), who caught See ALMA, 15

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

Sunday, August 26, 2018 15

Henson, Pancake Platoon set to pave way for Alma By Leland Barclay Special to the Times Record

ALMA — Zac Henson and the rest of his offensive line buddies like their weekly diet of pancakes, more for what they represent figuratively than for Henson their nutritional value. “It’s a competition every week between them on who can get the most pancake blocks,” Alma head coach Doug Loughridge said. “They’ve made it a competition. We feed them pancakes every Thursday morning. They’ve already called themselves the Pancake Platoon.” Henson is a relative newcomer to the offensive line after spending most of his career on the defensive side. “I started as a sophomore on defense, and then last year I transitioned to offensive line,” Henson said. “That’s what I’ve been looked at for college so I’m trying to get more offensive now.” Henson started every

snap on the offensive line last year and will move from defensive end to noseman on the defensive line. “He’s just as important on both sides of the football,” Loughridge said. “We try to help out by getting him off the field on special teams and maybe letting him get a drink that first drive and then get right back out there.” More importantly, though, is Henson has fully recovered from a broken foot suffered during baseball season. “He’s as big and his best that he’s ever been,” Loughridge said. Henson, generally recognized as one of the top linemen in Class 5A, suffered the injury just 11 games into baseball season and hated to miss the season. “I did, but I had to be healed up right for football for my senior year,” Henson said. “I’ve been back the whole summer.” Henson hit .370 in 11 games as a catcher, and that athleticism is one of the aspects that will make him one of the best two-way

ALMA Continued from 13

nine passes for 157 yards and score last year, and Noble Skadden (5-6, 135) will see playing time at the other two receiver spots. “They may not have game experience but they have experience they get during 7 on 7, and there’s no telling how many games they’ve played doing that stuff,” Loughridge said. “They

linemen in the state. “He’s an athletic, big guy,” Loughridge said. “This is only his second year of playing offensive line. He’s got a high ceiling on that. He’s getting better and better. He started as on the defensive line as a sophomore and played on the defensive line last year.” Henson started midway of his sophomore season on the defensive line and played all 12 games there last year. He started working on the offensive line during the summer after his sophomore season, and that’s where his future lies now. On defense last year, Henson had 52 tackles, including five for lost yardage, recovered three fumbles and had 2-½ sacks. “I expect to play a lot just like last year,” Henson said. “I’ve gotten into shape to prepare myself to play both ways.” He’s worked this summer to prepare for playing both offense and defense this year on a full-time basis and doesn’t want to choose to play just one.

don’t have live game experience but it’s different from them. The linemen, it has to do with how big and strong some of the guys they’re going to line up against that first game. The skill guys, it’s about the speed of the game.” Defensively, up front, it starts with Henson, who will move to the middle of the line from end. “It starts with Henson,” Loughridge said. “He’s going to play inside at nose this year. Then Hamblin, and then it’s kind of the same guys on the offensive line; Aleck, Prestidge, Cole,

“I just get in shape and play through it,” Henson said. “I like them both; it just depends on which one I’m one. I like sacking the quarterback but I like getting pancakes.” On offense, Henson is part of a line that returns four starters, and that experience has been noticeable. “It’s amazing,” Henson said. “Practices have gone a lot better just because we have all of our leaders back on the offensive line.” He’s glad to be part of the Pancake Platoon on offense along with returning starters Levi Prestidge at the other tackles and guards Eli Aleck and Darion Crawford. All four are seniors and comprise one of the biggest offensive lines in school history. “They’re road graders,” Loughridge said. The offensive line is also a fraternity of sorts, which naturally forms a bond. “It’s a brotherhood,” Henson said. “There’s no group that works together like the O-line. Every play you’ll see us talking about where we’re going and who we’re working to.”

Crawford. We’d like to find a steady starter and then rotate some of those offensive linemen at the other spot.” Seniors Bryson Treadaway (5-10, 216) and Garrett Richmond (6-0, 197) and junior Karsten Beneux (6-0, 200) are working at the ends along with Davila. “They’re splitting time over there,” Loughridge said. “We’ve got to find defensive ends.” Rosebeary returns at linebacker and will joined by any combination of seniors Tommy Patton (5-8, 186), Ceasar Salazar

Alma’s Zac Henson plays on both the offensive and defensive lines, and this year moves to nose guard from defensive end. [JAMIE MITCHELL/TIMES RECORD]

(5-5, 154), juniors Josh Davis (5-8, 155) and Bobby Winfrey (6-2, 194) along with junior Gabe Jensen (6-1, 205) and Blair, if he doesn’t start at quarterback. Chronister, a sophomore, has also gotten looks there. “The only returner is Rosebeary but he might be playing some tailback,” Loughridge said. “The only one with big-game experience is Roseberry.” The most experienced unit on defense is in the secondary where seniors Coltin Bowerman (6-1, 17) and Austin Fraley (6-4, 198) return at safeties.

Canfield, Bailey, Skadden, Peter and Tanner can all play corner and have some varsity experience. “We feel good about our safeties back there,” Loughridge said. “I think we can rotate some guys at corner. Three out of the four have big-game experience. Probably the least amount of experience is at end and linebacker. The most experience is at secondary.” Senior Brandon Combs (5-9, 143) and sophomore Dane Martin (6-0, 190) are battling for the place-kicking duties.

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

High School Football Schedules 2018 ARKANSAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES ALMA Aug. 28 Van Buren Sept. 7 at Springdale Sept. 14 Russellville Sept. 21 Vilonia Sept. 28 at Farmington Oct. 5 at Morrilton Oct. 12 Clarksville Oct. 19 Harrison Oct. 26 at Greenbrier Nov. 2 at Huntsville BOONEVILLE Aug. 24 Clarksville Aug. 31 at Ozark Sept. 7 Pottsville Sept. 21 at Paris Sept. 28 West Fork Oct. 5 at Greenland Oct. 12 Mansfield Oct. 19 Charleston Oct. 26 at Lamar Nov. 2 at Cedarville CEDARVILLE Aug. 24 JC Westside Aug. 31 at Mountainburg Sept. 7 Bigelow Sept. 21 Lamar Sept. 28 at Charleston Oct. 5 at Paris Oct. 12 West Fork Oct. 19 at Greenland Oct. 26 Mansfield Nov. 2 Booneville CHARLESTON Aug. 24 Melbourne Aug. 31 Dardanelle Sept. 14 Ozark Sept. 21 at Greenland Sept. 28 Cedarville Oct. 5 at Mansfield Oct. 12 Paris Oct. 19 at Booneville Oct. 26 West Fork Nov. 2 at Lamar CLARKSVILLE Aug. 24 at Booneville Aug. 31 at Paris Sept. 7 at Ozark Sept. 21 Farmington

Sept. 28 at Harrison Oct. 5 Huntsville Oct. 12 at Alma Oct. 19 Greenbrier Oct. 26 at Vilonia Nov. 2 Morrilton GREENWOOD Aug. 31 at Northside Sept. 7 at Southside Sept. 14 Sand Springs, Okla. Sept. 21 LR Hall Sept. 28 at El Dorado Oct. 5 at Siloam Springs Oct. 12 Russellville Oct. 19 Benton Oct. 26 at Sheridan Nov. 2 Lake Hamilton HACKETT Aug. 23 Mansﬁeld Aug. 31 at Pocola, Okla. Sept. 14 Panama, Okla. Sept. 21 at Magazine Sept. 28 Western Yell County Oct. 5 at Decatur Oct. 12 Hector Oct. 19 Mountainburg Oct. 26 at Lavaca Nov. 2 at JC Westside JOHNSON CO. WESTSIDE Aug. 24 at Cedarville Sept. 7 Two Rivers Sept. 14 at Lamar Sept. 21 Lavaca Sept. 28 at Hector Oct. 5 Mountainburg Oct. 12 Decatur Oct. 19 at Magazine Oct. 26 at Western Yell Co. Nov. 2 Hackett LAVACA Aug. 31 Subiaco Academy Sept. 7 Mansﬁeld Sept. 14 at Two Rivers Sept. 21 JC Westside Sept. 28 Mountainburg Oct. 5 at Western Yell Co. Oct. 12 Magazine Oct. 19 at Hector Oct. 26 Hackett Nov. 2 at Decatur MAGAZINE Aug. 24 at Bigelow

Aug. 31 Mount Ida Sept. 14 at Cutter Morning Star Sept. 21 Hackett Sept. 28 at Decatur Oct. 5 Hector Oct. 12 at Lavaca Oct. 19 JC Westside Oct. 26 at Mountainburg Nov. 2 Western Yell Co. MANSFIELD Aug. 23 at Hackett Aug. 31 Waldron Sept. 7 at Lavaca Sept. 21 at West Fork Sept. 28 Greenland Oct. 5 Charleston Oct. 12 at Booneville Oct. 19 Lamar Oct. 26 at Cedarville Nov. 2 Paris MOUNTAINBURG Aug. 31 Cedarville Sept. 7 Greenland Sept. 21 Decatur Sept. 28 at Lavaca Oct. 5 JC Westside Oct. 12 Western Yell Co. Oct. 19 at Hackett Oct. 26 Magazine Nov. 2 at Hector NORTHSIDE Aug. 24 Rogers Heritage Aug. 31 Greenwood Sept. 7 at Van Buren Sept. 21 at Bryant Sept. 28 at LR Central Oct. 5 LR Catholic Oct. 12 at Conway Oct. 19 North Little Rock Oct. 26 at Cabot Nov. 2 Southside OZARK Aug. 31 Booneville Sept. 7 Clarksville Sept. 14 at Charleston Sept. 21 Mena Sept. 28 at Subiaco Academy Oct. 5 Dardanelle Oct. 12 at Pottsville Oct. 19 Dover Oct. 26 at Waldron Nov. 2 at Elkins

2018 Football Preview

PARIS Aug. 24 Perryville Aug. 31 Clarksville Sept. 7 at Waldron Sept. 21 Booneville Sept. 28 at Lamar Oct. 5 Cedarville Oct. 12 at Charleston Oct. 19 at West Fork Oct. 26 Greenland Nov. 2 at Mansﬁeld SOUTHSIDE Aug. 31 at Bentonville West Sept. 7 Greenwood Sept. 14 at Rogers Heritage Sept. 21 Conway Sept. 28 Cabot Oct. 5 at North Little Rock Oct. 12 Bryant Oct. 19 at LR Catholic Oct. 26 LR Central Nov. 2 at Northside SUBIACO ACADEMY Aug. 31 at Lavaca Sept. 7 Lamar Sept. 14 Lincoln Sept. 21 Dover Sept. 28 Ozark Oct. 5 at Elkins Oct. 12 at Waldron Oct. 19 at Dardanelle Oct. 26 Mena Nov. 2 at Pottsville VAN BUREN Aug. 28 at Alma Sept. 7 Northside Sept. 14 Siloam Springs Sept. 21 at Rogers Sept. 28 Bentonville Oct. 5 at Fayetteville Oct. 12 Rogers Heritage Oct. 19 at Springdale Har-Ber Oct. 26 at Bentonville West Nov. 2 Springdale WALDRON Aug. 31 at Mansﬁeld Sept. 7 Paris Sept. 14 at Danville Sept. 21 Elkins Sept. 28 at Dardanelle Oct. 5 Pottsville Oct. 12 Subiaco Academy Oct. 19 at Mena Oct. 26 Ozark Nov. 1 at Dover 2018 OKLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES ARKOMA

Aug. 31 at Oaks Sept. 7 at Webbers Falls Sept. 14 at Midway Sept. 21 Canadian Sept. 28 Watts Oct. 5 Porum Oct. 12 at Dewar Oct. 18 Keota Oct. 26 at Cave Springs Nov. 2 Gans CENTRAL Aug. 30 Panama Sept. 7 at Pocola Sept. 14 at Chouteau Sept. 21 Warner Sept. 28 Savanna Oct. 12 at Talihina Oct. 18 Hulbert Oct. 26 at Porter Nov. 2 Gore GANS Aug. 24 Oaks Aug. 31 at Midway Sept. 7 Weleetka Sept. 14 Webbers Falls Sept. 21 Regent Prep Oct. 5 at Keota Oct. 12 Cave Springs Oct. 18 at Dewar Oct. 26 Porum Nov. 2 at Arkoma HEAVENER Aug. 31 Gore Sept. 7 at Panama Sept. 14 Spiro Sept. 21 Eufaula Sept. 28 at Atoka Oct. 5 Valliant Oct. 12 at Antlers Oct. 18 Hugo Oct. 26 at Wilburton Nov. 2 at Hartshorne KEOTA Aug. 24 at Weleetka Sept. 7 Oaks Sept. 14 at Canadian Sept. 21 at Depew Sept. 28 Wetumka Oct. 5 Gans Oct. 12 at Porum Oct. 18 at Arkoma Oct. 26 Dewar Nov. 1 Cave Springs MULDROW Aug. 31 Sequoyah-Tahlequah Sept. 7 Roland Sept. 14 at Stigler Sept. 21 at Broken Bow

Sept. 28 Tulsa Central Oct. 5 at Fort Gibson Oct. 12 Hilldale Oct. 18 at Sallisaw Oct. 26 Poteau Nov. 2 at Stilwell PANAMA Aug. 30 at Central Sept. 7 Heavener Sept. 14 at Hackett, Ark. Sept. 21 at Westville Sept. 28 Vian Oct. 5 Pocola Oct. 12 at Spiro Oct. 18 Keys Oct. 26 Sequoyah-Tahlequah Nov. 2 at Holland Hall POCOLA Aug. 31 Hackett, Ark. Sept. 7 Central Sept. 14 at Gore Sept. 21 at Holland Hall Sept. 28 Sequoyah-Tahlequah Oct. 5 at Panama Oct. 12 at Keys Oct. 18 Spiro Oct. 26 Vian Nov. 2 at Westville POTEAU Aug. 24 El Reno Aug. 31 Durant Sept. 7 at McAlester Sept. 21 Sallisaw Sept. 28 Fort Gibson Oct. 5 at Tulsa Central Oct. 12 at Stilwell Oct. 18 Broken Bow Oct. 26 at Muldrow Nov. 2 Hilldale ROLAND Aug. 31 at Spiro Sept. 7 at Muldrow Sept. 14 Keys Sept. 21 Seminole Sept. 28 at Stigler Oct. 5 Okmulgee Oct. 12 Lincoln Christian Oct. 19 at Tulsa Webster Oct. 26 at Checotah Nov. 2 Idabel SALLISAW Aug. 31 at Catoosa Sept. 7 Stigler Sept. 14 at Tahlequah Sept. 21 at Poteau Sept. 28 Stilwell Oct. 5 Hilldale Oct. 12 at Fort Gibson

Sunday, August 26, 2018 17

Oct. 18 Muldrow Oct. 26 Broken Bow Nov. 2 at Tulsa Central SPIRO Aug. 31 Roland Sept. 7 Hartshorne Sept. 14 at Heavener Sept. 21 at Vian Sept. 28 at Westville Oct. 5 Keys Oct. 12 Panama Oct. 18 at Pocola Oct. 26 Holland Hall Nov. 2 at Sequoyah-Tahlequah STIGLER Aug. 31 Hartshorne Sept. 7 at Sallisaw Sept. 14 Muldrow Sept. 21 at Lincoln Christian Sept. 28 Roland Oct. 5 at Checotah Oct. 12 at Seminole Oct. 18 Idabel Oct. 26 Okmulgee Nov. 2 at Tulsa Webster VIAN Aug. 31 Eufaula Sept. 7 Lincoln Christian Sept. 14 at Okmulgee Sept. 21 Spiro Sept. 28 at Panama Oct. 5 at Sequoyah-Tahlequah Oct. 12 Westville Oct. 18 at Holland Hall Oct. 26 at Pocola Nov. 2 Keys

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

New Paris coach, players hit field running By Kevin Taylor Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

PARIS — It’s the last day of July. A light rain has dampened Eagle Stadium, home to the Paris Eagles. First-year coach Tyler Clark is in the locker room getting to know his players. As the Eagles prep for the 2018 season, he wasn’t sure who would be the quarterback and didn’t know the first names of all of his defensive players. Special teams? Clark Clark, who was hired in early June, a week before the mandated two-week dead period, had 28 Poole players in uniform at the start of fall camp. Like all coaches, he’d love to see more. And, though he and his assistant coaches don’t plan on going doorto-door to meet every Paris resident, they certainly want to be seen off campus. “We’re doing what we can do to get the number up,” Clark said. “It may not happen this year, but we’re trying to get out in the community and be scene and give back. Things were running well before I got here, but being out in the community and giving back to the people who back to us on Friday night, that’s important. “Every 10 years we may have one kid that goes Division I, but I’d

Paris defensive coordinator Clint Baxter works with the Eagles during practice on Aug 6. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

“We really need to focus on the working on the new offense. Coming in, we lost our spring with coach (Bryan) Hutson moving schools, so we started the summer a little bit behind. We need to get this offense to where we can run it super efficiently.” Travis Bryant senior receiver

bet 99 percent of them are going to be husbands and daddies — hopefully that’s going to lead to an uptick in numbers.” Clark has instituted a spread offensive attack, though, because of getting hired late, he and his staff missed out on some key 7-on-7 and team

camp opportunities. “We’ve got a little bit of work to do with a new offense coming in,” senior receiver Landen Forbis said. “We think we’re going to have some success on the field. We really enjoy it.” The team’s wouldbe quarterback, senior

George Poole, is a big kid who can throw it as well as run it, Clark said. “George Poole, who hasn’t played quarterback before, is kind of the front-runner right now,” the coach said. “Anthony Potts is pushing him for playing time.” “We really need to

focus on the working on the new offense,” senior receiver Travis Bryant said. “Coming in, we lost our spring with coach (Bryan) Hutson moving schools, so we started the summer a little bit behind. We need to get this offense to where we can run it super efficiently.” “I think it will do a lot; it will spread the (opposing) defenses out and help us run the ball in the box a little bit better,” Forbis said. “It’ll help us throw it, too.” Defensive coordinator Clint Baxter’s defense,

which will support a base 4-4 scheme, includes one of the league’s premier defenders at inside linebacker. In all, the Eagles return seven defensive starters. And they’ll be tested early. As Clark was surveying the field, he couldn’t help but notice who had been pinned as the conference opener — the mighty Booneville Bearcts. “They can play with anybody,” he said. “Really, all we want to do in the nonconference is shore up everybody we’ve taught in the summer.”

2018 Football Preview

Sunday, August 26, 2018 19

Bearcats return loaded offense, defense By Kevin Taylor Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

BOONEVILLE — Booneville coach Scott Hyatt isn’t worried about opposing defenses. Oh, he Hyatt knows the Bearcats can’t just show up and expect to win. Complacency, however, is a valid concern. The Bearcats return 19 starters in 2018, including the team’s entire backfield from a year ago. They will begin the season as the No.

Ulmer

Ray

Dobbs

Hesson

1-ranked team in 3A. Dropping from 4A to 3A, Booneville will begin the season as a bonafide threat to make a run at a state title.

Reyes

Nichols

Robertson

“I met with the kids individually, and I told them, we can be our own worst enemy,” Hyatt said. “The mental aspect of it, staying even and

not getting too cocky, that’s a huge key. If you start getting overconfident, somebody’s going to beat you, and it may come at the wrong time.” Hyatt, 100-33 in his first 11 seasons, which included unbeaten state title run in 2013, has quarterback Brandon Ulmer for another tour. “He’s (Ulmer) been around here forever,” Hyatt said. “Being a coaches kid, he’s got a good grasp for the game. He’s very athletic and can make decisions on the run. He’s a big asset for us.” Carson Ray ran for 637 yards and a team-high

15 touchdowns in 2017. And, while 600 yards may not sound like much, consider that the Bearcats have always featured a balanced attack - it was that way four decades ago. It’ll be like that in 2018, too. Mike Hesson (492 yards) and Andrew Robertson (393) are also back in the mix. Booneville has still others, too, including Cam Brasher, Jeremy Elliott, Gabe Fennell and Chance Shigley. Ethan Dobbs led a respectable passing game with 22 receptions for 483 yards and five touchdowns.

“We have at least four or five three-year starters,” Hyatt said. Two-way star Noah Reyes will anchor the line. “He’s a true student of the game,” Hyatt said. Reyes had 76 tackles, including 16½ behind the line of scrimmage — tackles for a loss. Marcus Nichols added 57 stops and 2½ sacks a year ago. Linebackers Austin Foster and Dalton Tatum are back in the fold. The Bearcats’ defense allowed seven or fewer points in five of their seven league games a year ago. Dropping to 3A, those numbers may spike.

Youthful Cedarville sets lofty expectations this season “The biggest thing for this group of sophomores is to adjust to the speed of the high school game. Another thing is that this group of guys mesh well. That’s another good sign of a team coming together.”

By George Mitchell Press Argus Courier

Cedarville has high expectations for itself. “This is the first time since I’ve been the head coach, the team has goals,” said Pirate coach Max Washausen. “The past teams had goals, but this group knows the work necessary to reach those goals.” The 2018 Pirates expect themselves to contend for a 3A-1 Conference title. It won’t be smooth sailing, but the Pirates believe they can navigate their chosen course. “I’ll contend that our conference may be the toughest in the 3A,” said Washausen. “We got Booneville, who is expected to win state. Of course, Charleston is always going to be tough.

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Lamar is young like us, and so is Mansfield. You can’t count out West Fork, Paris and Greenland. “Everybody in this conference can be a contender. I feel like on any night any team will be in the mix.” The Pirates are bringing a class of sophomores

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which won their junior high conference last season. Some of the players even saw playing time with the high school crew late in the 2017 season. “The biggest thing for this group of sophomores is to adjust to the speed of the high school game,”

Max Washausen Pirate coach

Washausen said. “Another thing is that this group of guys mesh well. That’s another good sign of a team coming together.” The Pirates return seniors Tate Larue and Isaiah Lawson, both running out of the backfield. Larue, an all-conference pick, led the conference with 903 yards and seven touchdowns. Lawson added 702 yards. Sophomore Kelin Mitchell, who had over 1,000 yards during the junior high season, will also be called upon to carry the ball. For the first time in three years, Cedarville has

a returning quarterback. Dylan Murray came into the last four games of the season to take on the role and has spent the summer getting better. Cedarville also has sophomore Nick Moore and junior Calloway Henslee pushing Murray. Receivers include senior Jose Chavez, sophomore Easton Mongold, and junior Kolbye Beals. Mongold measures at 6-3 while Beals is 6-1. On the line will be a pair of three-year starters with Billy Mongold and Nathan Heaton, who moves from

center to guard. Junior Alex Ascencio moves from tackle to center. Junior Brayden Russell and senior William McBroom, both saw action last season on the line. The defense will see sophomores Max McGill, Murray, and Chavez as linebackers. Hensley and senior Dillon Hancock are part of the defensive secondary. Hancock will also line up in a receiver spot for some rotations. Mitchell will play as a free safety. Easton Mongold had 10 tackles against Paris last season. “We want to build a program that makes Cedarville synonymous with ‘hardnosed football,”’ said Washausen. “We’re going to play as hard as we can do and do it the right way. We want to be a team the town can be proud of.”

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

Skill players back, but line play concerns Hackett coach By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

With Hackett’s size as a school and playing in 2A, numbers are always a pressing concern. It really wasn’t much of an issue for the Hornets in recent seasons, but going into this season, the number L. Hester of players out for preseason workouts is something that worries coach Lonnie Hester. “Right off the bat, we’re seeing some of the struggles that teams across the state have seen, our numbers are down,” Hester said. “In the last four years, we’ve had at or over 30 kids every year and we’ve got mid 20s this year. If everybody’s here and including every kid, we’ll have 27 kids. ... We have the same problem a lot of 2A schools do. “Our numbers haven’t been an issue and this year, we’ve kind of been preaching to the kids to get in better shape because if they come off the field, they won’t have anybody to go in for you.” The numbers issue may be more glaring across the lines. It’s something else which concerns Hester, especially given the fact that the Hornets do return plenty of experience among the skill players. “We’ve got the same skill guys we’ve had since they were sophomores, so those guys have been in the system and they know what they’re doing,” Hester said. “But we graduated every lineman last year that was a true starter, so we’ve got a lot of guys on the line that we’re having to coach them up and get that mindset in them that they’re

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the man this year and they’ve got to step it up. “We feel like skill-wise, we’re as good as anybody we’ll face and we feel like we have potential to be as good as anybody line-wise, it’s just getting those guys the reps.” Hester added that all five offensive line positions remain up in the air. But he expects two players to start for sure in junior Briar Goines (5-foot-9, 275 pounds) and senior Matthew Carter (5-10, 210). Two other seniors, Nathan Childs and Barrett Locklear, also expect to be in the mix up front. The Hornets don’t have as many question marks in the offensive backfield, though. Senior quarterback Brady Hester (5-10, 150) returns, as does senior tailback Cooper Shipman (6-1, 165). Last season, Brady Hester threw for more than 1,250 yards and 16 touchdowns while also rushing for 13 more TDs. Shipman was a 1,000yard rusher as a sophomore. Lonnie Hester also expects big things from senior slotback Pacey McBride (5-8, 130), provided that McBride can stay healthy. “Pacey was injured a lot last year, but he has the

potential to be as good as anybody we play all year,” Hester said. Other go-to players on offense include sophomore fullback Fischer Shipman (6-0, 150), senior receiver Tanner Wright and senior tight end Anthony Collins. On defense, Carter returns at middle linebacker. He led the Hornets in tackles last season with 78 “He’s a returning all-district player and he’s a tough linebacker; he’s good,” Hester said. “He’s been starting there since he was a sophomore.” Both Cooper and Fischer Shipman as well as sophomore Weston Winters (5-7, 115) are also expected to see action at linebacker. McBride returns at safety, but Hester said is a player that hits like a linebacker. Much like the offensive line, the defensive line remains a work in progress. “We’ve got a lot of guys back who are cornerstones and guys we’ve depended on, but right now, it’s just getting guys that we know can go both ways on the line and seeing if we can platoon them on offense and defense,” Hester said. “Line is our question right now.”

Hackett head coach Lonnie Hester looks on as the Hornets begin practice on Aug. 1. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

“We’ve got the same skill guys we’ve had since they were sophomores, so those guys have been in the system and they know what they’re doing. But we graduated every lineman last year that was a true starter, so we’ve got a lot of guys on the line that we’re having to coach them up and get that mindset in them that they’re the man this year and they’ve got to step it up. Lonnie Hester Hackett coach

2018 Football Preview

Sunday, August 26, 2018 21

Talented Mansfield short on numbers, big on heart By Kevin Taylor Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

Mansfield football coach Craig Bentley has had three years to get his team ready for a playoff run. Is 2018 the breakthrough season? It sure appears that way on paper. The Tigers, 2-8 a year ago, were in control of their playoff desBentley tiny before a trio of lateseason losses spoiled their chances. With 10 offensive and 10 defensive Stovall holdovers, the Tigers appear primed to make a statement in a league that now includes two perennial state contenders, Booneville and Charleston. “We have 26 players, but they are the right 26,” Bentley said. “They are doing everything we ask them to do and more. They understand the game. We have some technique issues to clear up on both sides of the ball, but that is all correctable and we will get better at that each day.” Mansfield lost three games by a touchdown or less last season, two of which (Paris and Cedarville) cost them a playoff berth. “The biggest hurdle we have to overcome is lapses in mental toughness at times,” Bentley said. “We can’t let one bad play turn into another bad play. One mistake turn into 2 mistakes and so on. It’s

Mansfield’s Jaicy Griffin breaks away from Paris defenders during their game on Sept. 22, 2017, at Mansfield. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

“We have 26 players, but they are the right 26. They are doing everything we ask them to do and more. They understand the game. We have some technique issues to clear up on both sides of the ball, but that is all correctable and we will get better at that each day.” Craig Bentley Mansﬁeld coach

getting better, but we have to be more consistent. We (coaches) have told them for months, this team has a chance to be special. There are no more excuses ... we are experienced, comfortable with

our schemes, and have the strength, talent and athleticism to compete with anyone.” Junior quarterback Ethan Stovall passed for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago in just

eight games. Despite losing jack-ofall trades Brennan James (Stovall’s replacement), the Tigers have plenty of offensive play-makers, including talented junior receivers Tyler Holmes and Layton Howard. In all, Holmes, Howard, Zach Woolbright, Hunter Willsey and Jaicy Griffin accounted for 1,799 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Griffin, a junior, caught 41 passes for 452 yards and three touchdowns last fall.

Holmes caught 18 passes for 303 yards and five touchdowns last season. The Tigers have some depth on the offensive line, too. Colton Stipins has shifted to right tackle. Keaton Boyd (who squats 420 pounds and bench presses 275) started at guard last season but may shift to center. Last season’s center, Isaac Colthan (420 squat and 280 power clean) is moving to guard. Defensively, Colthran contributed 39 tackles a year ago. Griffin also

played well on defense last season, recording 87 tackles, including five tackles for lost yardage. He also had two interceptions. With so many weapons back, on both sides of the ball, the Tigers have a chance to do something they haven’t done in a while — finish September without a loss. Mansfield opens conference play with West Fork and Greenland before opening October with Charleston and Booneville.

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

Tradition-rich Tigers don’t take past for granted Caudle leads potent, re-tooled Charleston offense By Kevin Taylor Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

CHARLESTON — Coach Greg Kendrick doesn’t have the numbers other 3A football teams have across the state. But those who will suit up Friday against Dardanelle? They’re pretty good. Winning isn’t something that’s talked about in Charleston; it’s expected. The Tigers, who haven’t had a losing season since 1985, return quarterback Brayden Caudle and a number of key defensive players from last season’s 12-1 run. “It’s apples and oranges. We can’t compare it to last year; we can’t compare it to two years ago,” Kendrick said. “This team is made up of new individuals, with five or six returning starters on each side of the ball.” “We’re going to win some ball games,” Caudle said. “We’re just not going to be quite as explosive as we were last year, because with Sean (Flanagan) and Mason (Wisdom), we could score at any time. “But we’re going to be a lot more fundamentally sound and move the ball around, instead of throwing a deep ball for 50 or 60.” Caudle threw for 2,792 yards and 38 touchdowns last season. And, while the Tigers scored 35 or more points in 10 of their 12 wins, Caudle also learned how to win. The team rallied to stun Dardanelle in its opener and overcame a 14-point deficit against Paris.

Charleston head coach Greg Kendrick looks on during practice on Aug. 7. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

“He stays calm and cool under pressure,” Kendrick said. “We put a lot of pressure on our quarterbacks as far pre-snap reads, it’s a lot to take in. But he does a great job.” “Talent-wise, we’ll be down from last year,” safety Mason Keener said. “But I honestly think we have the group of guys that can turn it on. The heart is there; the effort is there. I think our defense has a

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chance to be better, just because of the effort.” Caudle and the Tigers get another crack at Dardanelle this week. “We’ve got a tough schedule,” Caudle said.

“But we want to make sure we control the tempo and Keener make them (opponents) play our game.” “We’re definitely going to have to take nonconference serious; it’s nothing to mess around with this year,” defensive standout Hunter Kengla said. “We’re

not high on numbers, but we’re disciplined, and if we push that hard enough and use our heads, I think we have a chance to do good things.” Keener believes the team’s coaching staff gives them an edge. “We’ve had talented groups, but between coach K (Kendrick) and the defensive coordinator, whether it’s coach (Matt) Stewart or coach (Brett)

Hobbs, they’re brilliant,” Kenner said. “They put in tons of hours; they know the schemes. We’ll play 7-on-7, and we’re not fast, and we shouldn’t be competing, and we’re competing with Fayetteville and Har-Ber. It amazes me; I go in thinking we’re not going to be able to do anything. “But we run plays and get open, and it’s because we’re so well prepared.”

2018 Football Preview

Sunday, August 26, 2018 23

Spike in numbers keys Lavaca’s 2018 season By Kevin Taylor Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

LAVACA — Good numbers, some depth, and a solid nonconference schedule was just what the doctor ordered for veteran Lavaca football coach Brian Schlinker. Rain on the first official day of fall camp? Unexpected. But, aside from being a little chilly the first day, Schlinker Schlinker couldn’t be happier. “I went home after the first practice, where it rained, and I’m sitting in my chair at the house and I’m freezing,” he said. “I’ve never seen rain on the first day of summer practice.” The Golden Arrows, who open the season this week against Subiaco Academy, will pin their hopes on senior quarter Tyler Armistead (6-foot3, 205). Armistead is one of six offensive holdovers, though he’s been pushed for the starting job. “We have had kind of a competition going on at quarterback,” Schlinker said. “The Armistead kid is up to 6-3 and 205, and runs well, is a really good athlete. Armistead was locked in a competition with Jimmy Hall.” Hall missed 2017 with a torn meniscus. “He was able to come back and have a great year of baseball,” Schlinker said. “He’s come back bigger and stronger than he’s ever been. He’s 6-2 and 215, so we have two big quarterbacks back

Lavaca head coach Brian Schlinker works with his defense during practice on Aug. 3 at Lavaca. [JAMIE MITCHELL/TIMES RECORD]

there who can throw the ball and run the ball. “Whoever wins the job, the other one is going to be in the backfield in some capacity.” The Golden Arrows return Trey Werner back, Schlinker said. Colby Clunn has been penciled in as the z-back. “He’s a little scat-back whose gotten a lot stronger,” the coach said of Clunn. Trevon Moore, affably nicknamed T-Man, will anchor Lavaca’s offensive line. Moore is a three-year starter on both sides of the See LAVACA, 24

Lavaca quarterback Jimmy Hall works on passing routes Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, during practice at Lavaca. [JAMIE MITCHELL/ TIMES RECORD]

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

Subiaco Academy welcomes back 16 starters Armistead

By Kevin Taylor Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

The Subiaco Trojans don’t have the numbers to compete with a lot of 4A schools. They don’t, in fact, start seeing most of their players until the first part of August. But second-year coach Steven Moore does have 16 returning starters. The Trojans return eight starters on both sides of the football this season, including senior quarterback Luke Hertlein Moore and halfback Jordan Rainwater. With most Subiaco football teams, depth can make or break a season. But Moore believes the Trojans not only have some depth, but some Hertlein play-makers. The team was 2-2 through four games last season before losing their final six regular season games, of which they managed just 40 points — 21 of which came in a 41-21 loss to Pottsville

Moore believes the Trojans not only have some depth, but some playmakers. The team was 2-2 through four games last season before losing their final six regular season games, of which they managed just 40 points — 21 of which came in a 41-21 loss to Pottsville on the next-to-last game of the season.

on the next-to-last game of the season. Senior Haeven Patterson, who started six games at center last season before breaking his hand, is moving to tackle, Moore said. The rest of the Trojans’ offensive line includes Ethan Strobel, who did so well as Patterson’s replacement last fall that he’s taken on the responsibility fulltime. Evan Redmond, Tin Le and Kevin Allen complete the team’s offensive line. Patterson (6-1, 185) recorded 40 tackles last season before being lost for the season. Ball-hawking safety Thomas Bourgeois was in on 102 tackles last season, earning himself all-conference honors.

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ball, the offensive line and linebacker. Creek Harp will also play on both sides of the ball at tackle and defensive tackle. Bailey Vann (6-0, 230) will also help the Golden Arrows, Schlinker said. “Offensively, we’re going to be more of a power spread,” the coach said. “I’m actually moving over the defense; our new assistant coach (Colby Graves) actually felt more comfortable on the offensive side of the ball. He did some work in Fayetteville at Ramey and learned a lot. With the personnel we have, I like it a lot.”

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“Offensively, we’re going to be more of a power spread. I’m actually moving over the defense; our new assistant coach (Colby Graves) actually felt more comfortable on the offensive side of the ball. He did some work in Fayetteville at Ramey and learned a lot. With the personnel we have, I like it a lot.” Brian Schlinker coach

Defensively, the Golden Arrows will have a multiple set, though it’ll be based out of the 3-4. “We also have some other multiple fronts as well,” Schlinker said. “We have a plethora of kids who can play linebacker, and a lot of skill kids on the backside of the defense that can run well. We have some 6-foot, 6-1 defensive

ends that can keep those tackles off of them. It’s been exciting.” Assignment football; that’s Schlinker’s goal. “If everyone understands and plays their role, we’ve got a chance to do some good things this year,” Schlinker said. “Of course, you’re still looking at Mountainburg and Hackett, and we have Hector coming in.”

First-year Waldron coach implements wing-T scheme By Kevin Taylor Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

WALDRON — Choosing his words carefully, first-year Waldron football coach Jonathan Bates likes the makeup of his 2018 football team. Like the Bulldogs’ former coach, Ricky May, Bates prefers the wing-T offensive scheme. He grew up running the wing-T in Jessieville. “I think that’s one of the reasons I got hired, because my philosophy is very similar,” Bates said.

“I grew up in the wing-T system, which was beat into you from the seventh grade on. Coaching, I always catch myself using wing-T blocking schemes.” Bates fashions his quarterbacks after Auburn’s attack. “I feel like if you’re going to do that, you’ve got to have a dude that can distribute the ball,” he said. Bates certainly knows the lay of the land, too. The Jessieville native began his coaching career at Waldron a decade

earlier before moving on to other schools. Bates’ coaching resume includes stops at Mount Ida, Mena, Paris and Dierks. “It’s allowed me to develop my (coaching) philosophy,” Bates said of his coaching stops. “I’ve had the ability to adapt and change my philosophy.” His offensively passion, the aforementioned wing-t scheme. Sophomore Braden Williams is the heir apparent to replace last year’s Bulldogs’ quarterback — his own brother, Trey.

The younger Williams guided the Bulldogs to a 7-3 junior high record last season. Senior Jarrod Starr filled in as a part-time starter last season. Levi Hayden, Dayton Manning and newcomer Logan Holland are also expected to contribute. For Waldron to compete in the 4A-4, a big key to success will be the play of the offensive line. Rick Hinojosa will play tight end, Bates said. Mason Cox and big Joey Cardenas (6-foot-6, 338 pounds) will anchor the

line at the tackle slot. Dayton Lovett, Andy Chang and Ethan Slater began fall practice in pursuit of starting jobs at guard. Senior Spencer Chapel returns at center. “We lost 17 seniors last year, and that’s a big blow, but he just rolled another bunch in,” Bates said. “We’ve got Joey Cardenas and Bradley Smith at tackle, and one of them will play. The (Riley) Shupert kid can play guard, too. “I’ve got a bunch of kids stepping up.”

Waldron, which opens conference play with newcomer Elkins, will be tested with three good nonconference games with Mansfield, Paris and Danville. “I don’t think there’s ever an off-week in this conference,” Bates said. “Being down in the southern part of the state, you see a lot more skilled players. But in this league, they’ll run it down your throat and hit you square in the mouth. If we can sustain a physical level of play for four quarters, I think that will be a key.”

2018 Football Preview

Sunday, August 26, 2018 25

Mountainburg looks to make another run By George Mitchell Press Argus Courier

The Mountianburg Dragons had one of its best finishes last season as the team ended with a 9-2 record and reached the second round of the Class 2A playoffs in a 38-26 loss to Conway Christian. The team expects to make another run, but early momentum and confidence will be key for the Dragons. Mountainburg won’t have a pre-season scrimmage and will open with Cedarville on Aug. 31 followed by Greenland on Sept. 7. Decatur dropped football after the schedule was made and it left a hole in the Dragons’ itinerary.

Coach Tom Harrell added another away game, this time at Marshall, so Mountainburg won’t have a two-week bye, but the gist of the schedule follows with Lavaca, Westside, Western Yell, Hackett, Magazine and Hector. “If we perform we will be pretty good,” said Harrell. “We will have to get after it. We start with two pretty tough games and some good confidence will help us. We’ll just have to build on it.” This season the Dragons are balanced among all its classes, but will have a mostly junior class starting with some speed and quickness. Austin Taylor leads the returners for the Dragons. The senior, all-conference

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player rushed for more than 900 yards last season with nine touchdowns. Mountainburg lines up with flanking tight ends and will rotate with a host of players. Harrell will use senior Austin Wakefield, junior Hunter Taylor, and

sophomore Shawn Irvan. Malachi West returns as both tight end and wing back. Junior Damien Kissler moves from guard to tackle as Dolan Patterson shifts from tackle to guard. Senior Luke Rose

started 10 games at center last season and will anchor the line again. Junior Ridge Bonewell lines up at right tackle. Senior Dalen Cagle lines up at right guard with Triston Murchison at left tackle. The Dragons are currently working two players at quarterback with sophomore Ethan Gregory and senior Austin Wakefield. Running out of the backfield will be Taylor, and seniors Jesse Quick and James Vanourny. West could fill in at times as running back as needed. The secondary will be comprised of junior Ethan Jones, Blake Byron, and sophomore Kade Spradlin. Harrell said the defense was still up in the air as of early August.

Seeing the action on the line could be seniors Colton Robbins, Dalen Eagle, Matthew Valentine and junior Billy Jones. Murchison will see time on the defensive line as well. The Dragons will work in a bunch of defensive ends this season along with Wakefield, sophomore Hunter Morris, and seniors Waylon Warren and Colton Gregory. Kissler may see some time at defensive end. The defensive backfield will be comprised of Vanourny, sophomore Jack Norgaar, Ervin and Gregory. “We’re gonna do what we can to keep guys from going both ways,” Harrell said.

Offensive line integral to Ozark Hillbillies’ 2018 run By Kevin Taylor Times Record ktaylor@swtimes.com

OZARK — Ozark football coach Jeremie Burns has more offensive firepower than he knows what to do with. But it’s not like it’s the first time the veteran Hillbilly coach has had a few touchdown-makers. “The 2012 team, we had some good speed that went to (4A) championship game,” Burns said. “This is getting pretty close to that.” The high-powered Hillbillies, winners of nine games a year ago, return most of their offensive line as well — tackles Chad Hollingsworth and Andrew Hopper among them. Hollingsworth is a three-year starter and Hopper led the team in pancake blocks last season. Center Will Timmerman

improving to do, but I think he can get there. Defensive-wise, we have a really good secondary. We lost a lot of guys on the line, so we’re having to rebuild that. “We just have to be really J. Burns B. Burns Dietz Millsap Woolsey aggressive this year.” Ozark averaged almost 36 points a game last season, including 62 against West Fork. “We all work pretty well together; we don’t usually argue with each other too much,” Hollingsworth said. “Our quarGraham Foster Sanders Whitson Hollingsworth terback communicates real well with our line and our running and guards Patrick Whitson But for Ozark, which begins backs, we try and communicate and Hayden Smith complete the season 30 days from now with them on running plays. the undersized but aggressive against Booneville, the key to “Overall, I think we’re pretty Ozark offensive line. the offense begins with the good as a team.” Quarterback Dawson Dietz, offensive line. Hopper agreed. explosive backs Eddie Graham “The only guy we lost on the “We’re not very big, but we’re and Daniel Woolsey, tight end line was our right guard (Tyler pretty aggressive and we’ll hit Bryant Burns and play-mak- Hayward),” Hollingsworth said. you in the mouth,” he said. “If ing receivers Ethan Foster and “We have a sophomore play- we mess up, we just pick each Hayden Sanders are back in the ing there this year; his name is other up and keep going.” fold as well. Hayden Smith. He’s got a lot of “Right now we want to win

conference, go deep in the playoffs, and hopefully make it back to Little Rock,” senior Colton Millsap added. “It’s our No. 1 and No. 2 goals. We just want to play as hard as we can each and every week and get better.” A strong nonconference schedule, which includes scrimmaging Farmington, then facing stout Booneville, Clarksville and Charleston teams will bode well for the Hillbillies who conclude the season by playing five of their final six games on the road. “We’ve got Booneville, and they’ve got everyone coming back as well,” Burns said. “Clarksville is huge up front; that’s always a battle, and Charleston, the ‘Battle of the Feud’ game is always a tough one, and we have a scrimmage with Farmington. “We have four tough ones to start off with.”

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

Muldrow in rebuilding mode after move up to 4A By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

Even with a successful seven-win season a year ago, Muldrow coach Terry Jones knew things would be drastically different in 2018. The Bulldogs are undergoing an offensive overhaul with the Jones loss of eight starters, and have even changed formations, going from a spread to a two-back set. But Jones also knew this season will be more challenging because the Bulldogs are moving up a class, going from 3A to 4A. “That’s huge; there’s going to be some great teams in that conference there with Poteau, Broken Bow and Hilldale,” Jones said. “Week in and week out, you’re going against some good people. “It’s going to be a challenge for us; we have

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our work cut out for us. I would have liked to stayed in 3A, but that’s not our call; it’s going to be an extremely tough conference and good competition, but it is what it is.” On the other hand, Jones is optimistic that Muldrow can more than handle its own in its new classification. “We had a fairly good Summer Pride; the kids that was here worked really hard and got bigger and stronger,” Jones said. Jones added the Bulldogs bring back several

starters on defense, so it won’t be as daunting having to replace a bunch of players on that side of the ball as it is on offense. “I feel like defensively, we shouldn’t fall off that much,” he said. “We’ve got all of our down linemen, we’ve got our two inside linebackers and one of our outside linebackers, so we’re replacing some secondary guys with kids who are good athletes but haven’t played a lot of football.” The Bulldogs return all four of their defensive

line starters in senior end Nolan Gray (6-foot, 175 pounds), junior end Elijah Hixon (5-10, 165) and senior tackles Logan Williams (5-11, 195) and Noah Vessell (6-2, 217). “Those four guys, they basically started and played all of last year, so that’s one of the reasons I think we’ll be pretty solid up front,” Jones said. “What we don’t have is a lot of depth.” Senior Logan Nipper (5-10, 160), who started every game at inside linebacker and led the team in tackles a season ago with 89, returns, as does junior Logan Crain (6-1, 175), who had started the first few games before going down with an injury. The Bulldogs’ other returning starter is junior Breckin Allen (5-10, 140), who also started every game last season. But Jones is breaking in three new players in his secondary, all of whom don’t have any significant playing experience. It’s more of a recurring theme on offense,

especially at quarterback and receiver. Muldrow must adjust to life without Braden Gleason, the quarterback who helped generate more than 7,000 yards in total offense in his career. The Bulldogs also replace their entire receiving corps. “We’ve got a new guy now (at quarterback) so we’ve had to change up the offense a little bit and trying to get kids acclimated to what we’re doing because for most of them, it’s totally new,” Jones said. “We’re going twoback and trying to run the ball a little bit and eat some time off the clock because we’re not going to be able to score at will like we have in the past.” Replacing Gleason at quarterback will be Nate Chandler (6-0, 165), a junior. “Totally different guy from Braden,” Jones said. “He’s not a scrambling guy, he doesn’t have the big arm, but I think he’s a kid we can win with. ... He’s come along pretty good, he just hasn’t

played a lot of football.” The Bulldogs have one senior receiver, Levi Pace (5-8, 145), along with several freshmen and sophomores. Muldrow will have experience in the running game, as Nipper returns at tailback. “He’s probably going to be our go-to guy,” Jones said. “He’s a senior and a kid with tremendous speed and balance. If we can move some people up front, I think he’ll make it happen for us but he’s a good football player.” Crain is expected to get some carries in the backfield as well. The Bulldogs also return three experienced offensive linemen in Hixon, who plays center, as well as tackles Vessell and Gray. “We’ve got three guys up front who have played a lot of football and we’re still trying to fill the other two spots,” Jones said. “But they are going to be young kids, kids that haven’t played a lot of football.”

Expectations haven’t wavered for talented Wolverines By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

Starting his third season as Vian’s coach, Gary Willis said his team will have high expectations this season. But then again, high expectations come with the territory in traditionrich Vian, which has won a total of 51 games over the past five seasons, including 10 each of the

past three seasons. “We really have high expectations, which Vian always has them and coming off the last three years, we feel like we’re more talented than we’ve been and plan on making a deep run, stay healthy and take it one game at a time,” Willis said. “We feel like we’re pretty good. “A lot of the strength of Vian is just the town’s expectations; these boys

are brought up in it. It’s a football-crazy town and you can’t fake that if you don’t have it. ... Around here, they call it the ‘Vian Way’ and it’s a football town, they have those expectations every year and Vian expects a gold ball every year.” Another reason Vian may reach and possibly exceed those high expectations is that the Wolverines return nine starters on both sides of

the ball, including several members of a talented senior class. “(We have) good senior leadership, strength, speed,” Willis said. “We feel like we’re faster and we had the best spring and off-season. “This is my 21st year in coaching, not all at the high school level as I spent some of my early years in junior high, but this was See WOLVERINES, 27

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High expectations for Poteau Pirates this season By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

Poteau coach Forrest Mazey is fully aware of the high expectations which surround his ballclub. Several statewide media outlets believe the same, as the Pirates have received lofty ‘preseason rankings. In fact, OKPreps. com picked Poteau to win the 4A state chamMazey pionship, while the VYPE preseason magazine had the Pirates ranked No. 5 in 4A. Still, as far as Mazey’s concerned, it’s a matter of the team working to get into a position to where the Pirates can live up to the preseason hype. “I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, it’s expected, we’re supposed to be good,” Mazey said. “But at the end of the day,

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it’s all about where we are in Week 10 and 11 and 12, we can’t worry about where we are preseason.” It also helps the Pirates’ cause if they can avoid the injury bug. “We should be seasoned, I’ll say that, but we’ve got to stay healthy,” Mazey said. “Last year, we had a rash of injuries and I don’t care if you’re 7-0 or 8-0, if you hit the right amount of injuries at the wrong time, things go bad real quick, so you’ve got have some

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the best spring and summer I’ve been a part of.” One of Vian’s top seniors is River Simon (6-foot, 215 pounds), who will be a fouryear starter at linebacker and is entering his second season as the Wolverines’ starting quarterback. Simon rushed for more than 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns a season ago while throwing for nearly 450 yards. But Willis said to expect Simon’s passing numbers to increase in 2018.

luck involved. “You can’t just be good, you’ve got to have luck and most good teams that win a state championship or go deep in the playoffs will tell you you’ve got to have some luck mixed in with being good.” The Pirates do bring back experience, with seven starters on both sides of the ball. However, Mazey said perhaps the most important position for the team will be in the offensive line. “I think it all starts up

“He’s really a running quarterback, but he’s improved his passing this year,” Willis said. “He looked really good in passing league and team camp throwing the ball. ... He’s a leader of the group and has been forever.” The receiving corps has been bolstered by the addition of junior Elijah Wright (6-0, 205), a move-in from Fort Gibson who caught 42 passes for 712 yards last season. Wright’s father, former Vian standout Kenyatta Wright, has joined the Wolverines’ staff as the linebackers coach. The Wolverines also return an experienced receiver in sophomore Isaiah Teehee (5-8, 165) and an experienced tight

front with the offensive line; a majority of those guys are three-year starters, so really they anchor down everything that we do,” Mazey said. “When they play poorly, we’re not very good. ... I can’t say enough about the offensive line and what they’re able to do for us and when they’re on, we’re really good.” Those three-year starters up front include seniors Seth Ford (6-foot-1, 225 pounds), Bryson Myers (6-1, 260) and Clay Cross (6-0, 225). As for the other two positions, Mazey said it remains up in the air and it may not be finalized until the season opener. Poteau also brings back a powerful one-two punch in the backfield with senior quarterback Jett Pitchford (6-4, 180) and junior tailback Easton Francis (6-1, 215). Pitchford threw for nearly 1,500 yards and had 17 touchdowns last season, while Francis gained

end in junior Gunnar Griffith (6-0, 200). Also back for the Wolverines is senior tailback Bodhi Vann (5-7, 185), who gained 1,875 yards and scored 26 TDs as a junior. But Willis noted he likes the depth at the tailback spot. “Our tailbacks are very deep; we feel like we’ve got literally four starting tailbacks that are capable,” Willis said. “Bodhi’s a senior and he’s the one that’s earned it, but there’s some right there that you don’t feel too bad if he needs a (break) and there’s three other ones that can go.” The offensive line is anchored by senior center Kade Cato (6-0, 210), senior

more than 1,400 yards and found the end zone 23 times as a sophomore. Another player Mazey is high on is senior receiver Carson Cheek. Mazey said Cheek is an unsung player for the Pirates and not necessarily for his catching ability but his impressive blocking skills. On the defensive side, senior Gunnar Thompson (6-4, 230) returns at end after compiling 83 tackles and eight sacks last season. The linebacking corps is headed up by junior Nate Ulmer (5-10, 210) and senior Dalton Brock (5-10, 170), while juniors Kagan Stockton (5-10, 175) and Jayden Mankin (6-1, 170) will be among the ones to watch in the secondary. The Pirates also return senior placekicker Garrett Clark, whom Mazey said has had some impressive camps over the summer. “You’ve got all those guys back that are in the mix, in some way, shape

right guard Bobby Risley (6-0, 250) and senior left guard Tee Jay Trotter (5-10, 255). Sophomore Nick Hughes (6-0, 225), an all-district selection a season ago, returns at right tackle while junior Will Lyons (6-0, 250) mans left tackle. On defense, another newcomer is Solomon Wright (6-0, 255), a sophomore nose tackle and the brother of Elijah Wright. Solomon Wright also is a move-in from Fort Gibson, where he recorded 48 tackles and three sacks as a freshman. Hughes and Lyons, who had 61 tackles and five sacks last season, will play the tackle spots. Simon, who had 91 tackles last season, is back at middle

or form,” Mazey said. “So you have a wealth of experience back, but once again, experience only goes so far, you’ve still got to go perform every week and you can’t let your guard down against anybody.” As far as the 4A-4 district race goes, Mazey believes Poteau is a contender along with Broken Bow and Hilldale, now led by former Poteau coach Greg Werner. The Pirates also get to host both of those teams this year, part of a six-game home schedule. “We’ve got a good home slate this year and usually, we’re pretty tough at home,” Mazey said. “So hopefully, that plays in our hands, but like I said, we’ve got to be prepared and we’ve got to play to the best of our abilities every Friday night that we’re out there. “I think they’re hungry. ... They feel like they should be there, this group does.”

linebacker and will be joined there by Griffith. Cato and senior Whitt Fletcher (5-7, 165), who is also the team’s fullback on offense, are the outside linebackers. In the secondary, Teehee and sophomore Javyn Wright (6-0, 155) are the cornerbacks, while Elijah Wright will play strong safety. Gray Cloud (5-7, 155), a junior, will be the free safety. “It’s the most aggressive defensive line I’ve ever had and been a part of in 21 years of coaching right now,” Willis said. “Strong, fast up front, quick off the football and very aggressive. ... Those (linebackers) fly around and the secondary’s as fast as any that we’ve had.”

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

Healthy again, Poteau DE has extra bounce in his step By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

POTEAU — Gunnar Thompson has turned in two solid seasons at defensive end. Guess what? The best may still be yet to come for the Poteau senior. That’s because Thompson Thompson is fully healthy for a change, which he said he hasn’t been in a long time. “The spring game coming into my junior year, I tore my Achilles so I was out for about four or five months,” Thompson said. “Then I broke my finger during a game and had to have surgery on that, so I haven’t been very healthy; I’ve had some shin splints and they’ve always killed me, but now I feel the best I’ve ever had.” And while that may not be good news for the Pirates’ opponents, it’s certainly great news for Thompson (who goes 6-foot-4 and weighs 226 pounds) and the Pirates themselves. “I think, obviously, the way he plays is what sets him apart and obviously, he’s got great measurables for a college-type athlete or college-bound type of athlete. ... I think the leadership capabilities of him are what sets him apart,” Poteau coach Forrest Mazey said. “The kids respect him, and it’s really by his hard work and that commands respect in itself.” Thompson actually got some playing time as a

freshman, mainly during the final minutes of games the Pirates had well in hand en route to an undefeated regular season and a trip to the 4A semifinals. “The good thing about that team my freshman year is I got to see how to do things correctly,” he said. “Those seniors coached me up so well and I still have good contact with them today and without them, I don’t think I would be where I am today.” But Thompson’s breakthrough came in his sophomore season, as he finished with 102 tackles and five sacks. Last season as a junior, despite his various ailments, Thompson still recorded 83 tackles and eight sacks. His season high for tackles last year was 15 in a win at Sallisaw, a game in which Thompson left early while battling cramps. “I use my hands really well; I think that’s one of the best things I practice on over and over and using my hands, that sets me apart. ... I also think how fast I get off the ball, too (is an advantage),” Thompson said. “Sometimes, I’m in a two-point stance and sometimes, I’m in a three-point stance, or even in a four-point stance, and just the way I get off the ball, as soon as the ball is snapped, I’m there.” He’s also had guidance from his position coach, who also happens to be his dad, John Thompson, who is entering his second season on the Pirate coaching staff. “I think having my dad right there with me the whole time (has helped),” Gunnar Thompson said.

“He’s been my coach since second grade all the way up until now and he’s never missed a game. After practice, I go home and he tells me what I need to work on, what I need to focus on and it just sets him apart.” Thompson has put in a busy off-season, not just getting ready for his senior season but also for future seasons. He attended several camps and is being courted by a number of college programs. “He’s on the cusp of being a DI (Division I) type of kid,” Mazey said. “I wouldn’t say he’s an SEC or a Big 12 kid just yet, but he’s one film away from a coach going, ‘Holy cow, this guy’s really good, we need to pick him up.’ “You also talk to him and see how respectful he is and how he carries himself, and that’s going to set himself apart from some other kid that may not have that.” Thompson, who also plays basketball at Poteau and is on the school’s track team while carrying a 4.0 grade-point average, said he hopes the hard work he has put in during the off-season will pay off in the end with a successful senior season. While staying healthy, of course. “I’ve been in the weight room seven days a week and I’ve worked out twice, twice a day and it’s been unreal,” Thompson said. “I’ve been out running, I’ve got my 40 (yard dash) down real good and I’ve started to go to all these camps, meeting all these new players and coaches. It’s just been a good summer and I think I’m ready for (the season).”

Poteau senior defensive end Gunnar Thompson ﬁnished his sophomore season with 102 tackles and ﬁve sacks. As a junior, despite being injured, Thompson recorded 83 tackles and eight sacks. [BUCK RINGGOLD/TIMES RECORD]

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Sallisaw alum seeking to revitalize program By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

Since returning to his alma mater of Sallisaw as coach, Randon Lowe has done things in order to help revitalize the program. Among the new changes in Black Diamond country have been a redesigned helmet logo, an increased social media presence, new home jerseys and a new offense, Lowe’s preferred Air Raid. What Lowe didn’t have to change entering preseason practices earlier in August was his players’ willingness to do whatever it takes to erase Sallisaw’s 1-9 finish last season and restore the Diamonds’ place among the contenders in the 4A-4. “They’ve showed up to work every day with a good attitude and it’s almost like you can’t run them enough,” Lowe said. “They’re out there in good shape right now and they just continue to keep getting in better shape. “Right now, what we’re really doing is we’re coming out and we’re

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installing our offense and our defense. We’re already in shape, because we’ve been here every day all summer, so we don’t have to really focus on that part of it so it allows us to put more teaching time in the schedule and more things like that.” Lowe, who played quarterback for Sallisaw in the late 1990s, and his staff have also moved several players to different positions. Of the 40 players that came out for the opening day of workouts, Lowe said at least half will get to see the field a lot this season. “You look at our overall offense and defense,

there’s a list of 20 to 25 guys that we feel comfortable with playing on Friday night,” Lowe said. “Right now, we think the strength of our offense is the receiver position; we have a lot of skill and it may be the first time in school history that we have this many skill players. “Then on defense, our position on defense is our linebacker corps which is almost the same guys. We do have enough linemen on both sides of the ball, we’re just not as deep as we’ve been in the past here on the (offensive) line and the (defensive) line. We have enough players,

and we’re going to be OK, we’re just not super deep like we’ve been before.” Lowe has also been in the process of finding a quarterback. The competition came down to two players, junior Jace Nicholson (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) and sophomore Jaxon McTyre (5-10, 170). “Those two guys are picking it up slowly, but I feel like there’s no reason they can’t be there,” Lowe said. Whichever player doesn’t get the nod at starting quarterback will be shifted to receiver. That’s a position that’s already deep as it is; in fact, one go-to receiver, senior Caden Bailey (5-10, 197), had been the Diamonds’ quarterback last season. Another senior receiver, Sawyer Pool (5-11, 141), is a converted running back. Fellow senior Bennett Lessley (5-11, 140) has experience there, and there may be some more in the mix with players like senior Justin Richards (5-11, 159) and juniors Caleb Boreman (5-11, 154) and Payton Ruark (5-8, 143). The Diamonds were dealt a severe blow in

their running game with the loss of senior Hunter Williams, the team’s primary tailback last season, but is out of action this season due to an off-season injury. Lowe is putting together a committee of tailbacks, including seniors Nate Asbill (5-9, 175) and Connor Daffin (5-10, 175) along with junior Colt Sanders (5-9, 163), with Lowe adding all three will see significant action at linebacker. Anchoring the offensive line will be senior left tackle Preston Glover (6-3, 303), who hadn’t played football in a while before coming out for the team this season. Senior Anthony Hill (6-0, 209) is the leading candidate at right tackle, while the center and guard positions are still being sorted out, but will likely be filled by sophomore Trenton Jones (5-11, 209) and Trevor Sparks (5-10, 223) along with senior Bryce Derrick (6-0, 190). “It all starts up front, and our o-line, we’re going to be really, really athletic up front,” Lowe said. “All those kids can run; they can move, they

can move lateral, they can run down the field.” On the defensive line, Glover will plug in the middle at nose guard, while another inside lineman may be sophomore David Decker (5-11, 245). Sparks, Derrick, Hill and senior Colton Johnson (5-11, 172) are among those vying for the end positions. Nicholson heads up the outside linebacker corps, and may be joined by senior Alec Capehart (5-10, 148), a converted cornerback. Bailey will be moved from safety to inside linebacker, which also includes returning starter Daffin along with Sanders and Jones. The three starting secondary positions are still up in the air. Among the front-runners are McTyre, Lessley and Pool, while Ruark and Boreman are also in the running. There is still one constant among the Black Diamonds: Once again, they will bring back a solid placekicker, in this case senior Juan Castor (5-9, 147), who also punts but Lowe said there are several other players vying for that role.

Hall of Fame coach goes back to work for Spiro By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

It was quite an eventful 12-month span for longtime Spiro coach Chris Bunch. Last season, Bunch picked up his 200th career win, part of a Bulldog run in which they reached

the second round of the 2A playoffs. Then this summer, Bunch received another honor, as he was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Tulsa. “That was a great honor; I would like to thank all of those guys that was behind it, especially my former

players and coaches,” Bunch said. “It was one of those kind of deals where I wasn’t really aware what was going to happen until it happened, so they kind of pulled one (over) on me. ... We had a lot of people show up (for the ceremony) and it was a nice deal.” While the accolades have been nice, Bunch is

now focused on getting Spiro back into the postseason. It won’t be easy, though, as the Bulldogs will play in a loaded 2A-5 which also features powers Vian, Holland Hall and Sequoyah-Tahlequah. “There are three heavyweights in there, and it’s not going to be easy,” Bunch said. “I thought our district

was pretty tough last year, but this one here is going to be a lot tougher, and so it’s going to be a dogfight every game.” Bunch, though, believes he has a team capable of finding its way into the hunt for the 2A-5 championship. “I think we can be pretty good,” Bunch said. “We’re going to be awful young in

the line and that’s going to be our biggest worry right now is our offensive and defensive linemen. “Skill kids, we’ve got a lot of them coming back so we should be pretty good there.” Those returning skill players include senior See SPIRO, 31

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview

New changes await Roland this season By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

For the first time in more than a decade, the Roland Rangers will be under the guidance of a new coach. Potts Peters Strassle Muncy Wolfe Waymon Potts, a former Roland assistant, was promoted this spring to replace long-time coach Jeff Streun, who is now Sallisaw’s defensive coordinator. The Rangers also hope there’s a change in results, as they are coming off a stretch of Davis Bush Dalton Cantrell Youngblood two seasons where they combined to win four games. “The kids seem to be excited; “We’ve been working on going to play eight in the box we’ve got a lot of seniors on the what we’ve been working on and try to keep it that way. team and I think they’re looking this spring, the implementa“I feel like any time you can forward to playing,” Potts said. tion of our big five plays in the stop a team from running the “The last couple of years wasn’t flexbone and we got those in the football, it gives yourself a what they wanted, and I think first week of (pre-season) prac- chance. ... Our offensive line is they’re hungry to win. tice and we’re just trying to get a strength as well because we’ve “You can see it, they want to better from there,” Potts said. got a few linemen that have win, and so that’s what we’re “Defensively, we’ve been played over the last two years.” trying to push as coaches, working heavily on our run The Rangers will also return the little details how to win. (sets) and where we need to fit a three-year starter at quarThey’ve been disappointed up; we’re moving from a 4-3, terback in senior Eli Dalton the last couple of years, and so 3-4 type structure defense to a (5-foot-11, 190 pounds), who that’s our focus, getting off to a true 4-4, and so there are some has thrown for more than 3,000 good start and winning that first changes in our (sets) defen- yards and 34 touchdowns the football game.” sively and how we do that, but previous two seasons. But with Upon being promoted to it’s been going well I think.” Potts going to a ground-based coach, Potts has also been at Potts added he has a bevy of offense, it means Dalton will work overhauling the Rangers’ linemen on both sides of the not get to air it out. offense, as they will now go to ball at his disposal, and likes the “He’s made some big adjusta flexbone scheme and pre- depth of the line. ments going from reading dominantly run the ball at will. “I feel like the strength of our and throwing the football to Roland’s defense will be altered team is probably our defensive now reading and running the as well. front eight,” he said. “We’re option,” Potts said of Dalton.

“You can see it, they want to win, and so that’s what we’re trying to push as coaches, the little details how to win. They’ve been disappointed the last couple of years, and so that’s our focus, getting off to a good start and winning that first football game.” Waymon Potts coach

“It’s a big change for him, but he’s a strength as well. “He’s making the right reads and he’s being very, very coachable.” Running the ball behind Dalton will be several players, notably senior Javonte Youngblood (5-9, 170), who gained nearly 300 yards a season ago, along with juniors Cole Davis (6-0, 180), Dakota Bush and Gauge Marquez. Seniors Jacob Cantrell (5-10, 185), Logan Wolfe (6-2, 235) and Christian Crittenden will share duties at H-back. Should the Rangers decide to throw it, Dalton’s targets at receiver include seniors Trevor Riddle and Alex Cabrera along with sophomores Paxton Pitts and Luke Lewis. Among the returnees up front include two-year starters Spencer Dewitt (6-0, 225), Prentiss Peters (6-0, 235) and Ryan Dean (6-0, 225), all seniors. Potts is also converting two former skill

players to linemen in seniors Kendall Muncy (6-0, 185) and Josh Strassle. Sophomores Jaden Taylor and Everett Bergwall are also being counted on to provide depth. Those aforementioned players on the offensive line will play on the defensive line. “The strength with all those linemen, most of those guys squat 400 pounds and they’ve worked really hard in the offseason,” Potts said. “With our offensive and defensive lines, that’s where our depth is. ... We’re blessed with a lot of linemen that can play and help us.” Cantrell, Bush and freshman Drake Davis head up the outside linebacking corps, while inside linebackers include Muncy and Crittenden. Youngblood and Pitts, along with Lewis and Cabrera, are vying for the two cornerback positions. Sophomore Jackson Kemp may get the starting nod at safety.

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New Pocola coach looks to set tone in tough 2A By Buck Ringgold Times Record bringgold@swtimes.com

Pocola will be under its third coach in as many seasons, but the Indians’ new coach brings a sense of familiarity to the program. Jason Parker, a 1998 Pocola graduate, was promoted to head coach in the off-season after spending last season as the defensive coordinator at his alma mater. He said it hasn’t been a hard transition so far, and that the players have been receptive. “It helps a lot,” Parker said. “Once I became the head coach, I talked with them about buying in and what we needed to do. I had an affinity with all of them, we got along really well and so we made a decision this summer. “I said ‘Do you all want to win?’ They said yes, so I said, ‘Well, if we’re going to do that, here’s what we’re going to have to do,’ with summer (workouts) and they all bought into that.” Parker is also changing up a few things, especially on offense. The Indians will move away from a

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spread-based formation to more of a two-back ground-oriented game. “One of the biggest things is that instead of just going with an offense maybe that we knew, we went ahead and evaluated our players and our talent; what’s going to work best for us,” Parker said. “We want to run the ball more, and we’ve got two good running backs, so we’ve moved to that style.” The tailbacks will be junior Keyshaun Steele (6-foot-1, 215 pounds), who averaged 100

yards per game a season ago, and senior Nathan Sharp (5-9, 160), a transfer across the border from Greenwood. “Keyshaun put in a lot of good work this summer as well as Nathan,” Parker said. “Keyshaun was 185 pounds last year and he’s 6-1, 215 now and can run. He’s elusive but just powerful.” Pocola will be breaking in a new quarterback due to the shift in offense. That job falls in the hands of senior Greg Mendez (5-9, 165), who is also capable of running the ball.

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quarterback Deontei Braggs (6-foot-2, 190 pounds), who passed for nearly 1,250 yards and 12 touchdowns and added more than 1,000 yards and 17 TDs on the ground last season. The Bulldogs also bring back junior tailback Malik Roberson (5-8, 176), who had nearly 1,900 yards and 18 TDs as a sophomore. There will also be plenty of receivers for Braggs, including senior Ty Clayton (6-2, 185), junior Kwame Sey (5-11, 185), sophomore Mekhi Roberson (6-3, 155)

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But don’t think the Indians still won’t throw it when they need to. When they do, they have receivers with size and speed like junior tight end Derek Carter (6-5, 247) and a pair of brothers at wide receiver in senior Eric Carlton (5-9, 165) and junior Brandon Carlton (5-9, 150). “Eric’s a legit 4.6 kid and Brandon’s not quite that fast but he’s fast,” Parker said. On the defensive side, Parker is very high on his line, which includes Carter and Steele at ends along with senior nose tackle Daniel Ahne (6-0, 315), who recorded 25 tackles for loss as a junior. Two other seniors, Parker Killion (6-3, 235) and Austin Hancock (6-3, 240), are also players to watch up front. The Indians will run a 4-4 defense, and the Carlton brothers will be handling the duties at outside linebacker. Parker said the inside linebacker positions remain up in the air, but those who fill it will likely be young players. Mendez, the team’s leading tackler last season with 85 stops,

returns to anchor the secondary at free safety. Pocola will move up to 2A this season and will play in maybe the toughest district in the state, 2A-5. “We’re going to have to control the clock and pound the ball with us moving into the district we’re moving into,” Parker said. “There’s different rankings but the last one I saw was five teams ranked in the top 20 that are in that district, so with us being a power team, we’re going to have to really gauge ourselves on what we’re doing and run the clock.” But with the Indians returning nine starters on each side of the ball, Parker believes they’re more than capable of competing in the challenging district. “I feel 100 percent confident that we’ll be completely competitive this year,” he said. “It’s not like we’re going out hoping to win two or three games this year, we intend on getting into the playoffs this year in what I think is the hardest district in 2A. ... Our goal is to get into the playoffs and win a playoff game this year.”

“We’re going to have a lot of kids going two ways, and that’s another thing, conditioning is going to play a big factor in that,” Bunch said. “Early in the season, we’re going to have to play a lot of people at those positions to get some rest because we’ve got a lot of kids going both ways, so hopefully, we’ve got a few kids that can step in and back up some and get them a little rest on offense and defense.” Chris Bunch coach

Sey

Dolan

and sophomore Nick Johnson (5-10, 145). “We went to a lot of 7-on-7’s this year, we went to about three or four of them, and that really helped, just to work on our passing and timing,” Bunch said. “And just being up

Dunigan

here lifting weights, getting a little stronger, all of that’s going to help (on offense).” But as Bunch mentioned previously, the offensive line will be a work in progress. The Bulldogs return junior Sam Dolan (6-2, 250)

for his third season to start, but will be breaking in several sophomores, including Bryten Sebo (5-11, 220), Peyton Upchurch (5-10, 220), Conner Reed (6-0, 225) and Clark Fant (5-9, 239). On defense, junior Will Dunigan (5-11, 195) heads up the linebacking corps

after recording 82 tackles last season. Bunch said Dolan, despite his size, may likely play more at linebacker than on the line. The offensive skill players will also figure prominently in the secondary, with a boost from sophomore Cory Rodgers (5-10, 140), who will move

from outside linebacker to free safety. Like the offensive line, there will be plenty of new faces on the defensive line. One to watch up front may be sophomore Jeremiah Phillips (6-1, 175). “We’re going to have a lot of kids going two ways, and that’s another thing, conditioning is going to play a big factor in that,” Bunch said. “Early in the season, we’re going to have to play a lot of people at those positions to get some rest because we’ve got a lot of kids going both ways, so hopefully, we’ve got a few kids that can step in and back up some and get them a little rest on offense and defense.”

Sunday, August 26, 2018

2018 Football Preview