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Youth Football: Heat Stress and Injury Risk Recommendations and Guidelines
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o safely and sufficiently acclimatize in the early season and improve the safety profile for each player, teams should use graduated repeated exposure to heat stress, training intensity and volume, and the football uniform, combined with appropriate alterations of practice intensity and duration, equipment cover, and between practice recovery time. This will allow players to adapt more safely and effectively.
Acclimatization During the Football Preseason Many athletes will report to preseason practice with minimal conditioning and without sufficient acclimatization to the heat. To minimize heat strain and allow a safe transition to full-intensity practice in full gear, gradual and increasing exposure to practice intensity and duration and gradual introduction of the different uniform configurations are critical. Two-a-day conditioning and training sessions should not be introduced in the first week of preseason practice. If two-a-day sessions are introduced in the second week of practice, they should not be scheduled on consecutive days. A minimum of three hours with specific instructions should be given for the athletes to cool down, rest, eat, and sufficiently restore fluids between same-day sessions. A suggested practice schedule emphasizing acclimatization during the first 14 days: • Initial 6-day acclimatization period: — Days 1 and 2 – Single practice session with helmets only, no
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live contact, and not to exceed three hours of warm-up, conditioning, instruction, breaks, and cool-down. — Days 3, 4, and 5 – Single practice session with helmets and shoulder pads only, no live contact, and not to exceed three hours of warm-up, conditioning, instruction, breaks, and cooldown. Limited contact may be initiated with blocking sleds and tackling dummies on days four and five. — A second 60-min. walk-through may be scheduled each of the first five days for instruction in team formations and plays— however, there should be no running, conditioning, weightroom work, protective equipment (e.g., helmets, shoulder pads), or equipment related to football (e.g., footballs, blocking dummies, blocking sleds) during these sessions. — Day 6 – Single practice session with full pads allowed not to exceed three hours of warm-up, conditioning, instruction, breaks, and cool-down, with no live contact drills (use sleds and tackling dummies only). • Day 7 – Off.
• Days 8-13 – Allow multiple practice sessions on a two-a- warrant closer and constant scrutiny for heat illness. day, one-a-day alternating rotation, with the option of full pads • Pre-practice daily body weight and urine-specific gravity or based on practice modification parameters (see next section), urine color can be used as indirect indicators of hydration stanot to exceed three hours in one practice session (including tus. warm-up, conditioning, instruction, breaks, and cool-down) • Pre- and post-practice body weight measurements can help and five hours a day combined practice duration (including all in determining how much fluid should be replaced before the within-session breaks), with at least three continuous hours of next practice and to educate players regarding better fluid inrecovery time between same-day sessions. take during practice. • Intra-squad scrimmages should not be scheduled before day • There should be enough coaches, staff, and athletic trainers 12 of the 14-day period. to effectively monitor all athletes on the field for signs of heat • Day 14 – Off. illness. • Changes in performance or personality might be early indications of developing heat injury. • For any changes in player perPractice Modifications to Reduce Heat Exhausformance, personality, or wellbeing, including pale color, bright tion or Exertional Heat Stroke Risk red flushing, dizziness, headache, excessive fatigue, fainting, vomiting, or complaints of feeling hot or cold during practice With increasing levels of heat and humidity, the risk for heat exor conditioning drills, immediately stop practice for all affected haustion or exertional heat stroke can increase dramatically, esplayers. pecially if practice intensity is high. Insulating football protective • In addition to all the above, prudent special precautions for equipment further increases the risk. players with sickle-trait should include no day-one fitness runs • Practices should be modified for the safety of the athletes, and no timed miles or sustained sprints over 500 meters. Any in relation to the degree of environmental heat stress on the cramping should be treated as sickling, until proved otherpractice field. wise. • Midday (12–4 p.m.) is often the hottest part of the day, espe• Teams should use the “buddy” system (two players who play cially on a bright, sunny day. However, late afternoon or early the same position are assigned to “keep an eye on” each othevening (4–7 p.m.) can be just as hot or hotter during the sumer). mer months. • If heat stroke is suspected, the player should be stripped of • When conditions are too extreme (i.e., unusual high heat and equipment and cooled in a tub of cold water or by using rapidly humidity), practice should be canceled, moved into aircondirotating ice water towels to the extremities, trunk, and head tioned spaces, or held outside as walk-through sessions with and ice packs in the armpits, groin, and neck areas, until emerno protective gear or conditioning activities, with regular breaks gency personnel can assume care and evacuate the athlete for fluid consumption and reduced sun exposure. to the nearest emergency facility. Importantly, cooling should • Adjust the work-to-rest ratio by lowering the activity duration continue en route. and/or intensity and increasing the frequency and duration of • If urine becomes tan or brown in the first hour up to several breaks to lessen the thermal strain on players. days after practice, players should immediately seek medical • Many activities can be continued safely by removing equipattention. ment and having players in shorts with helmets and shoulder • Coaches and support staff should have annual education on pads only (not full equipment) or shorts only (with all protective heat-related illness reduction, identification, and first aid. equipment removed), as heat stress increases. summary uses selected excerpts from the Roundtable Consensus Statement Youth Football: • Players should wear as little covering as is appropriate and This Heat Stress and Injury Risk published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise® (August 2005, helmets should be taken off whenever possible (e.g., during 37(8): 1421-30), which was developed from an official ACSM Roundtable held June 30–July 2, 2004 at Indianapolis, IN. Support for the Roundtable from the following is gratefully acknowledged: Gainstruction). torade Sports Science Institute and NFL Charities/NFL Youth Fund. Special thanks to educational • Players should wear light-colored clothing during practice and supporters American Academy of Pediatrics, National Athletic Trainers’ Association and National Federation of State High School Associations. use shade (if available) during breaks. • Regular breaks should be included in each practice session EXPERT PANEL: Michael F. Bergeron, Ph.D., FACSM (Co-Chair), Douglas B. McKeag, M.D., (Co-Chair), Douglas J. Casa, Ph.D., ATC, FACSM, Priscilla M. Clarkson, Ph.D., FACSM, schedule, to allow rest, cooling, and fluid replacement, at least FACSM Randall W. Dick, FACSM, E. Randy Eichner, M.D., FACSM, Craig A. Horswill, Ph.D., FACSM, Anevery 30–45 min. Breaks should be more frequent, as heat and thony C. Luke, M.D., MPH, Frederick Mueller, Ph.D., FACSM, Thayne A. Munce, Ph.D., William O. Roberts, M.D., FACSM, and Thomas W. Rowland, M.D., FACSM humidity rise. • Provide easy access (not too far away and plenty of fluid stations) to chilled fluids and adequate time for drinking. • Athletic trainers or volunteer staff should bring fluid to players on the field between “official” breaks, using portable fluid delivery systems. • Practice parameters should be individualized for athletes known to be at greater risk for heat injury. • Players with acute gastrointestinal or febrile (feverish) illness should not be allowed to participate. • Players should not use stimulants such as ephedrine, Ma Haung (Chinese ephedra), and high-dose caffeine that are often found in certain dietary supplements and “energy” drinks.
Monitoring Players During Practice All players should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of developing heat-related injury. Players who are not acclimated or aerobically fit, especially large linemen with excessive body fat, Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 11
BOONEVILLE BEARCATS Growing Pains
By Booneville’s standards, the 2011 season
Booneville Bearcats Head Coach Scott Hyatt High School Booneville Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 46-12 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 54-24 Athletic Director Michael Johnson Football Staff Ricky May – Defensive Coordinator Trent Goff – Special Teams Josh Walker – Oline/Dline 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 8-3/6-1 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 53 Returning Lettermen: 15 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: T Defensive System: 50
But Hyatt is confident that this year’s team was a sub-par season for the Bearcats, even will adopt the same winning attitude left by though they finished at 8-3 on the season. last year’s team. “I think the example set Additionally, one of those losses came by last year’s seniors will carry over with against Ozark, their rival, when they lost 21-7 to the Hillbillies in week one. “Last season by most standards was a good season, but the expectations are high each year,” coach Scott Hyatt said. “We had a group of kids last year that worked hard, played hard, and fought for every win they earned. We had some good leadership and a successful season.” A notable win for Booneville in 2011 came in week two against Fountain Lake, when they were down 14-0 going into the fourth quarter and facing an 0-2 start for the first time since 2006. They rallied to score 17 unanswered points to win the game, with the final touchdown coming with less than a minute to play. The Bearcats will try to meet expectations with a team containing just ten seniors and a team returning a total of ten starters. “A lot of our sophomores and juniors are going to have to step up and contribute,” Hyatt said.
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Brandon Roberson
Bryson May
Damon May
James Ray
Joseph Saldana
DEFENSE DE – BRANDON CARTER – SR. DT – DALTON GRAY – JR. NG – JUSTIN SHACKLEFORD – SO. LB – BRYSON MAY – SO. LB – JAMES RAY – SO. LB – DAMON MAY – JR. CB – GRANT WIGGINS – JR. CB – MATTHEW BERRY – SO. S – BUDDY HAWKINS – SR. S – CODY HARREL – JR.
this year’s team,” Hyatt said. “They understand the price you have to pay on and off the field to be successful.”
Matt Berry
Michael Springs
2012 bearcat schedule
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – CODY HARREL – JR. HB – JACOB JONES – SR. FB – BRYSON MAY – SO. WR – GRANT WIGGINS – JR. WR – CODY SIMPSON – JR. TE – DAMON MAY – JR. C – JESSE FROST – SR. G – CHUCK ALVAREZ – SR. G – TANNER FRITSCHE – SR. T – HUNTER TOWNSEND – SR. T – DALTON GRAY – JR.
Justin Shackleford
Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Ozark Gravette Star City Waldron Subiaco Dardanelle Mena Dover Pottsville Maumelle
Place Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
The Bearcats return just five starters on offense. Their offense will be led by junior quarterback Cody Harrel, who will take snaps in a backfield with senior halfback Jacob Jones and sophomore fullback Bryson May. Notable offensive linemen include junior tackle Dalton Gray and senior guard Chuck Alvarez. Hyatt is confident in their blocking ability, but also realizes the need to fill up the holes on the rest of the line. “Offensively, the key to us being successful is plugging in the holes on our offensive line,” Hyatt said. “Some of our younger skilled players will have to adjust and be able to step in and contribute.”
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Grant Wiggins
Cody Simpson
Landon Roberson
On defense, Hyatt is confident that he has eleven players that will be on the ball, but will need the intangibles as well for success. “I think we can put eleven players on the field that will hit, but the lack of size and experience are the keys there,” he said. “It depends on how fast some of our youngsters grow up.” Senior safety Buddy Hawkins will lead the Bearcats defense, along with junior safety Cody Harrel. Hyatt expects junior linebacker Damon May to make big plays and key tackles. While they might be young, their attitude and work ethic has impressed Hyatt. “They have a desire to be successful,” Hyatt said. Booneville’s first home game will be against Ozark in week one on August 31st at Bearcat Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
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Cody Harrel
Jacob Jones
Buddy Hawkins
Tanner Fritsche
Jesse Frost
Hunter Townsend
Jacob Lear
Brandon Carter
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BEARCAT CHEERLEADERS
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CEDARVILLE PIRATES Changing the Culture
Cedarville Pirates
Head Coach Mark Shelton High School Booneville Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 0-10 Athletic Director Terry Parks Football Staff Danny Fuller – Offensive Coordinator Jarrod Remer – Offensive/Defensive Lines Chase Rackley – Wide Receivers/Secondary 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 0-10/0-7 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 41 Returning Lettermen: 32 Returning Offensive Starters: 9 Returning Defensive Starters: 8 Offensive System: Wing T Defensive System: 5-2
The 2011 season was not a successful one for the Cedarville Pirates. The Pirates went 0-10, and 0-7 in conference play. But they were a young team that had eight sophomores starting on both sides of the ball. “Last season was tough,” says head coach, Mark Shelton. “But we did begin the work of changing the culture here at Cedarville. The players worked as hard at the end of the season as they did in week one. We had a lot of quality efforts but came up short. One play here and one play there, and it’s an entirely different season.” This year, Coach Shelton is relying on hard work to propel his team into a winning season in 2012.
As a whole, the offensive line for the Pirates has gotten bigger and faster during the offseason. Last year the line average 189lbs. This year they will be averaging 222lbs. D e f e n s i v e l y, Hunter Frazee returns for his junior year. He will play linebacker. Jake Sharum also returns for his junior season at linebacker. Dayton Wolff had nine interceptions at free safety in 2011. Hunter Emberton is a high intensity, high motor player that is ready for his senior year as a nose tackle. Dakota Thorman and Walker Rowe will both anchor the defensive line for their senior seasons.
One guy that Shelton will be relying on will be senior receiver Dayton Wolff. Wolff has the size and speed to be a great player. He is looking to develop his hands and take a little pressure off of the running game. Dylan Shelton will be the Pirates’ quarterback in 2012. The junior has a solid arm, a 4.0 GPA, great leadership skills, and a good work ethic. Alex Cantrell is a junior wingback and should have the best hands Even though the Pirates did not win a game on the team for 2012. last year that does not mean that they didn’t work hard. When asked what this team’s
Photos by Carolyn Self (Self Photography) Pg. 18 • Fort Smith Football 2012
2012 pirates schedule
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – DYLAN SHELTON – JR. RB – AUSTIN SOEHLMAN – JR. FB – NICK TURNER – JR. WB – ALEX CANTRELL – SR. WR – DAYTON WOLFF – SR. TE – DAKOTA THORMAN – SR. OL – HUNTER EMBERTON – SR. OL – WALKER ROWE – SR. OL – HUNTER FRAZEE – JR. OL – JAKE SHARUM – JR. OL – CHRISTIAN CAMPBELL – SR.
DEFENSE NG – HUNTER EMBERTON – SR. DL – WALKER ROWE – SR. DL – DAKOTA THORMAN – SR. OLB – CASEY SANDERS – JR. OLB – CORBIN POLLY – JR. LB – HUNTER FRAZEE – JR. LB – JAKE SHARUM – JR. OLB – DYLAN SHELTON – JR. CB – AUSTIN SOEHLMAN – JR. FS – DAYTON WOLFF – SR. SS – ALEX CANTRELL – JR.
Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Mountainburg Conway Christian Waldron Atkins - Lamar Paris Mansfield Charleston Lavaca
Place Away Home Away Home - Away Away Home Away Home
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
best overall attribute was, Coach Shelton responded by saying, “Work ethic. In my twenty years of coaching, I have never had a group of kids work as hard as this group in any sport. Last season we started the season with one lineman that could bench press 225lbs. This season we will be capable of putting eleven starters on the field that can bench over 225lbs,” says Shelton.
before district play,” says Shelton.
In 2012 the Pirates will try to start off fast and gain some confidence. “Every early game is important. We have to establish our confidence
Any 0-10 season is tough. It’s hard on the players, the parents, and the coaches. But something is learned from every experience. The Cedarville Pirates have learned from their experience in 2011. They have increased their strength, and are putting together a team that is capable of winning a number of games in 2012. In short, they are changing the culture of football in Cedarville. Come out and support the Pirates when they take on Conway Christian during week two of the high school season. The game will be held at Glen Wisely field at 7:30pm.
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MAGAZINE RATTLERS Duplicating Success The
attack this fall led by junior fullback Abraham Dority and senior running backs Josh Britton and Jonathan Travis. Dority averaged nearly six yards per carry last season, while Britton rushed for 185 yards on 16 attempts, including two touchdowns. Travis was the third-leading rusher on the team last season, rushing for over 500 Former head coach Josh Jones has left the yards and eight touchdowns. program to take the coaching position at Lamar, and now Doug Powell steps up to Senior receiver Jack Scott caught four take over the storied program. The Rattlers touchdowns last season and averaged 22 looks to duplicate last season’s success yards a reception. Senior Jonathan Stover starts at tight end, where senior J.W. with a team returning eight starters. Crossland contributes. “They must Senior Logan Blaylock and improve in the junior Landon Starling start weightroom and as tackles. Junior duo Layton become mentally Robinson and Alex Elkins tougher,” Jones anchor the line as guards. says. “The second Senior James Reed plays string received center. more playing time than the starters the Magazine starts an unproven last two years, so defensive line consisting they have a lot of of defensive ends Austin experience.” McAllister and Landon Starling and defensive tackles Magazine returns a James Reed. Senior defensive formidable rushing Magazine Rattlers have won 37 games in the past three seasons, including a 2010 season that resulted in a state title. They went undefeated in the regular season last season, and their only loss came in the quarterfinals of the playoffs to Junction City.
Magazine Rattlers Head Coach Doug Powell Years as Head Coach at School: 0 Athletic Director Randy Loyd 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 12-1/8-0 Varsity Players expected for 2012:28 Returning Lettermen: 16 Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Multiple Veer Defensive System: Multiple
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Abraham Dority
Alex Elkins
Billy Yang
Charly Moua
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – CHARLEY MOUA – JR. FB – ABRAHAM DORITY – JR. RB – JONATHAN TRAVIS – SR. RB – JOSH BRITTON – SR. WR – JACK SCOTT – SR. TE – JOHNATHAN STOVER – SR. T – LOGAN BLAYLOCK – SR. G – LAYTON ROBINSON – JR. C – JAMES REED – SR. G – ALEX ELKINS – JR. T – LANDON STARLING – JR.
DEFENSE DE – AUSTIN MCALLISTER – SR. DE – LANDON STARLING – JR. DT – JAMES REED – SR. DT – LOGAN BLAYLOCK – SR. LB – BILLY YANG – SO. LB – JONATHON TRAVIS – SR. LB – ABRAHAM DORITY – JR. DB – JOSH BRITTON – SR. DB – J.W. CROSSLAND – SR. DB – JACK SCOTT – SR. DB – CHARLEY MOUA – JR.
tackle Logan Blaylock recorded 18 tackles last season.
Jack Scott
James Reed
Johnaton Stover
Jonathon Travis
2012 rattlers schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Greenland Quitman Hackett Union Christian Hector WYC Hartford JC Westside Mountainburg Decator
Place Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away
Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30
Abraham Dority and Jonathan Travis recorded a combined for nearly 100 tackles last season and return to lead the linebacking corps. Sophomore Billy Yang could see playing time. Three seniors start in the secondary. Josh Britton recorded 13 tackles and starts this fall at safety. J.W. Crossland had three pass deflections last year at cornerback. Jack Scott snagged two interceptions last season. Junior Charley Moua helps at corner. A key matchup for the Rattlers comes in week nine, when they host the conference favorite Mountainburg Dragons in a game that could decide the conference champion. Their first home game is in week one, when they play host to the Greenland Pirates at Diamondback Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
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GREENWOOD BULLDOGS Road to Perfection To say that the Greenwood Bulldogs were
Greenwood Bulldogs Head Coach Rick Jones High School Greenwood Years as Head Coach at School: 7 Record at School: 50-34 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 50-34 Athletic Director Randy Loyd Football Staff Doug Powell - Defensive Coordinator 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 12-1/8-0 Varsity Players expected for 2012:28 Returning Lettermen: 16 Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Multiple Veer Defensive System: Multiple
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the best 5A team in Arkansas last season is an understatement. They were head and shoulders above every other team in the division, defeating opponents by an average of 30 points per game on the way to an undefeated season and a state championship. Only two teams lost to Greenwood by less than 24 points last year – Alma in week ten, and Camden Fairview in the state semifinals. Both games were decided by three points. The Bulldogs capped off the season with a 53-11 victory over Batesville in the state championship game, and move into the tougher 6A conference this season. With a slew of new opponents, Greenwood will try to head down the road to perfection once again.
Greenwood showcases two quarterbacks this fall that will share duties. Senior Houston Kennedy threw a 19-yard touchdown pass in week one against Sallisaw, and ran for 130 yards last season. Junior Jabe Burgess threw for 77 yards in limited playing time last fall. Running back Justin Sunde has graduated after rushing for 962 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago. Three juniors – Hoyt Smith, Austin Drackett, and Austin Garnes – should see playing time this season after combining for 250 yards and three touchdowns last season. Seniors Cole McAllister and Drew Morgan return as receivers. Morgan was the Bulldogs’ go-to guy last season: he led the receivers with over 1,100 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns, more than twice as many yards as the second-leading receiver. McAllister dashed for a
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – HOUSTON KENNEDY - SR. QB – JABE BURGESS - JR. WR – JANSEN STEIN - SR.* WR – JONATHAN CLEMONS - JR. WR – DREW MORGAN - SR.* WR – COLE MCALLISTER - SR.* OL – LOGAN GREGORY - SR. OL – ROBERT KIRBY - SR. OL – TYLER THOMPSON - SR.* OL – KORBAN WALDEMAR - SO.* OL – KOLTEN SCHIBBELHUT - SR.
DEFENSE DL – JUSTIN KOCH - JR. DL – COLE MCALLISTER - SR.* LB – AUSTIN DRACKETT - JR. LB – KEEGAN HELLER - SR.* LB – DREW MORGAN - SR.* LB – SAUL PALMER - SR.* DB – JONATHAN CLEMONS - JR. DB – CHRIS DAVIS - SR. DB – TAYLOR HASLEY - JR.* DB – MATT SISCO - SR.* DB – RYAN VOTA - SR.
2012 BULLDOG schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Sallisaw Alma Shiloh Christian Northside Little Rock Parkview Little Rock Catholic Little Rock Hall Southside Conway Russellville
Place Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
linebacker also. Junior Taylor Hasley and senior Matt Sisco return to anchor the secondary. Hasley recorded 38 tackles last season and snatched interceptions. Sisco recorded 59 tackles and three interceptions, in addition to six pass break-ups. Senior Ryan Vota starts as a defensive back after making 15 tackles a year ago. Chris Davis helps in the secondary. Greenwood’s first home game is in week two on September 7th, when they play host to the Alma Airedales at Smith-Robinson Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. 66-yard touchdown again Sallisaw. In limited playing time last fall, junior Jonathan Clements caught four passes for 31 yards. Senior Jansen Stein caught four touchdown passes last season. Tyler Thompson returns to anchor the senior-laden offensive line. Seniors Logan Gregory, Robert Kirby, and Kolten Schibbelhut start as well. Sophomore Korban Waldemar played as a freshman for Greenwood late last season. Six starters return to the Bulldogs’ defense. Junior Justin Koch starts on the defensive line after a productive offseason. Cole McAllister earned all-state honors last year as a defensive end. The linebacking corps is led by senior Saul Palmer, who returns after recording 95 tackles last season, good for second-best on the team. Drew Morgan and senior Keegan Heller bring experience to the group. Austin Drackett contributes as a Fort Fort Smith Smith Football Football 2012 2012• Pg. • Pg. 2323
NORTHSIDE GRIZZLIES Working Hard The
Northside Grizzlies Head Coach: Darrell Henry Years as Head Coach at current school: 12 Record at School: 54-57-1 Athletic Director: Jim Rowland Football Staff and Positions: Charles Baty – Offensive Coordinator Defensive Coordinator – Ryan Solley Chad Frazier – Assistant Coach Richard Bracken – Assistant Coach Billy Joe Releford – Assistant Coach Rusty Bush – Assistant Coach Ted Neal – Assistant Coach Brian Fry – Assistant Coach 2011 Overall / Conference Record: 5-7/2-5 Returning Lettermen: 24 Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 1 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-4
Pg. 24 • River Fort Smith ValleyFootball Football2012 2012
Fort Smith Northside Grizzlies competed in the 7A West last season, a tough conference for any team, much less one that has been as young and small as the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies fought their way to a 4-6 record, good enough for a playoff berth, where they upset the 7A Central Champions Bryant. “We’ve really been young and small the last couple of years,” head coach Darrell Henry says. “The thing that hurts you at this level is that your kids try hard and work hard, but when you’re playing with 180-pound defensive lineman against 280pound offensive lineman, and through 48 minutes, that really wears on you. But we had a great year last year, and I’m very proud of what they did.” Northside is young again this season, but Henry hopes that they will be bigger than they have in recent years. “This sophomore class has got more size,” he says. “We’re not completely overmatched this season size-wise.”
Senior Andarious Jones anchors the offensive line as the top lineman for the Grizzlies. Senior lineman Cody Lee earned a starting job after being one of the Grizzlies’ most improved players this offseason. Seniors Kolby Laborn, Garrett Chase, and Mason Fowler help on the line. Northside’s defense allowed an average of 46 points per game last season, but showcases more speed this season than they have in recent years. Senior Jamal Smith sees playing time as a defensive tackle, and juniors Chris Jenkins and Daquion Jackson rush the quarterback as defensive ends. Sophomore Evan Rollans had a good summer and sees playing time as a defensive end. Senior Gabe Sopshire leads the defense at linebacker. “He’s our best defender,” Henry says. “He does a real good job.” Gray Stanton plays as a linebacker also, where senior John Spradlin contributes.
Senior Nigel Spears anchors the secondary at safety, and Michael Rhae and Jermaine “We’re real young, but we’ve got some Pryer start as cornerbacks. Both are juniors. talent,” the coach continues. “Their work ethic is great, and their willingness to work Henry praises his team’s work ethic this offseason. “The kids have worked really has really been pleasing this offseason.” hard, they’ve done a great job,” he says. Gray Stanton started on defense last year “Obviously we’ve got to get a lot better and takes over the quarterbacking duties between now and when we play Pine for the Grizzlies this fall after being a part Bluff.” of the system for three years. “Gray has a great concept of the offense and will do a “We feel like we could be really talented, great job,” Henry says. “He’s real smart we’re just really young,” Henry adds. “And when you go into this league, at this level, and real intelligent.” as young as we are, you going to learn fast, Senior running back Devonte Carter “can and you going to grow up fast.” be a threat,” Henry says. Sophomore Emmanuel Martinez sees carries also after Henry views the week one matchup against a good August. “He’s shown us a lot,” the Pine Bluff as a good measuring stick for his team. “When you play a team like Pine coach says. Bluff early in the year, you get to see a The Grizzlies feature a new receiving lot,” he says. “I think it’ll be really telling corps this season led by senior receiver in where we are and what we can do for Ernest Gray. “He’ll have to step up and forty-eight minutes. We’ll really get our oil make some plays this season,” the coach checked that first game.” says. Caleb Myers has good hands and starts as an impact receiver this fall. “We’re “What’s pivotal is how we grow after expecting him to be a big-time player for that first game, because as young as we us, both blocking and catching,” the coach are, we’ve got to grow up every game,” says. Sophomore D.T. Neil impressed he continues. “By the end of the season, we need to be playing like seniors, even coaches this offseason.
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE
DEFENSE
QB – GRAY STANTON – SR. RB – DEVONTE CARTER – SR. EMMANUEL MARTINEZ – SO. WR – ERNEST GRAY – SR. WR – CALEB MYERS – SR. OL – ANDARIOUS JONES – SR. OL – CODY LEE – SR. OL – KOLBY LABORN – SR. OL – GARRETT CHASE – SR. OL – MASON FOWLER – SR.
DT – JAMAL SMITH – SR. DE – CHRIS JENKINS – JR. EVAN ROLLANS – SO. DE – DAQUION JACKSON – JR. LB – GABE SOPSHIRE – SR. LB – JOHN SPRADLIN – SR. LB – GRAY STANTON – SR. CB – MICHAEL RHAE – JR. CB – JERMAINE PRYER – JR. S – NIGEL SPEARS – SR.
though we’re mostly sophomores and juniors.” Northside’s first home game is in week one on August 31st, when they play host to the Zebras at Mayo-Thompson Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
2012 GRIZZLIES schedule Date 08-21 08-31 09-07 09-14 09-21 09-28 10-05 10-11 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Springdale Pine Bluff Heritage Rogers Greenwood Russellville Conway Parkview Arts/Science Catholic Hall Southside
Place Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home
Time 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 25
SOUTHSIDE REBELS Improving Tremendously
Southside Rebels
Head Coach Jeff Williams Years as Head Coach at School: 8 Record at School: 47-24-1 Athletic Director Jim Rowland Football Staff Justin Key – Quarterbacks Kevin Tiffee – Wide Receivers Tadd Stewart – Offensive Linemen Keith Fimple – Defensive Coordinator Steve Peoples – Defensive Lineman Steven Thessing – Inside Linebackers Craig Jones – Outside Linebackers Brooks Witherspoon – Safeties Athletic Trainer – Brent Griffis Charles Schmedley – Kicking Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 8-4/5-2 Varsity Players expected for 2012:112 Returning Lettermen: 36 Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 3 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 3-4
Pg. 26 • River Fort Smith ValleyFootball Football2012 2012
The Southside Rebels has been to the state semifinals five out of the last six years, and have made the trip to the state finals three out of the last five. Last year saw the future state champions Fayetteville hold off the Rebels in the last seconds of the game to pull off a 23-20 victory. “We’ve had a good run,” head coach Jeff Williams says. “Our main focus has always been to play in the final game. Expectations at Southside are high. If we’re not playing on Thanksgiving, then it hasn’t been a successful year. Our kids understand that – they understand the tradition, and they understand the expectations that are here.” Southside returns just seven starters to the team, but Williams has enjoyed the competition the open starting spots have fostered. “It’s been a lot of fun to see these guys develop as they’re getting ready to play,” he says. “This team has improved tremendously from the first day of spring practice to where we are right now.”
starter and a two-year all-conference selection. “He’s the most consistent guy we’ve got, and with such a young quarterback, a tight end can be his best friend,” Williams says. “John’s got great hands, and he’s a matchup problem for a lot of teams.” Southside has to replace the entirety of its offensive line, but Williams is excited about the first-time starters. Junior left guard Lane Fargo and senior left tackle Josh Dean anchor the line. “They do a good job for us,” he says. Junior Richie Savathrongxay brings size to the line as a 300-pound guard. Sophomores Dakota Whalen and Brett James compete for the starting center position. Junior William Jenner starts at right tackle.
The Rebels return three starters to a defense that allowed an average of 23 points per game last season. Senior noseguard Fred Holden enjoyed a solid offseason and returns to anchor the line. Senior Jake Falleur played on the special teams for the last two years and has the potential to be a fierce pass rusher. Junior Darrell Sanders and Junior Isaac Jackson moves to quarterback senior Hayden Lockhart contribute on the line. after garnering all-conference honors at wide receiver last year. “He’s a Cam Newton type of Speedy seniors Oscar Hernandez and Matt quarterback,” William says. “He can run it and Schenk start at outside linebacker, where Colin throw it well. When you look at a guy like Isaac, Moore could see playing time. “They do a great job in pass coverage and they’re tough,” you feel that he’s a difference maker.” Williams says. “They’re good tacklers.” Southside benefits from a stable of running Sophomore Ian Jackson and senior Will Brag backs led by all-stater David Price, who man the inside linebacker positions. dropped 15 pounds in the offseason after rushing for over 1,000 yards last year. “He’s in Senior Clayton Pankey returns after earning allgreat shape,” the coach says. “He’s done a great conference honors last year. “He always seems to be in the right place,” the coach says. “He job this offseason.” has a lot of experience.” Junior Grandy Nguyen Quincy Whitfield played some running back covers well at the opposite corner position. last year, and sophomores J.D. Rivaldo and Derek Fernandez are talented newcomers on Seniors Jake Moore and Jarrod Echols split the squad. “Any four of those guys can come playing time as safeties. Garrett Wolfe balances in on Friday night and play and be productive,” his size with speed. “He’s big for a safety, but Williams says. Luke Bross returns at fullback he’s probably one of the fastest guys we have on the team,” Williams says. “He breaks on balls for his senior year. well.” Williams says that senior wide receiver Austin Griffin could play running back in addition to “We have four or five guys with a lot of playing wide receiver. “We’ll move him around experience, so we’re a lot different than last some,” he says. Senior Reece Strickland has year. We’re inexperienced, but you can see struggled through injuries in the two previous them improving every day, and that’s exciting.” seasons but returns as an impact receiver for the Rebels who has potential to be an all-state The Rebels benefit from a close senior class that has seen playing time in two semifinal games. caliber player. “The ones that are here have played a lot, and Dependable junior Coady Wooten is “steady they’re a tight-knit group, so the team chemistry and consistent. He doesn’t seem to say a word, is really solid,” the coach says. but he always makes plays,” Williams says. Southside has a tough non-conference schedule Senior tight end John Hunton is a Division 1 including Rogers Heritage, El Dorado, and prospect, as he enters his senior year a three-year Springdale Har-Ber, three teams with a combined 2011 record of 22-14. “Coming out
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – ISAAC JACKSON – JR. RB – DAVID PRICE – SR. QUINCY WHITFIELD – JR. FB – LUKE BROSS – SR. WR – AUSTIN GRIFFIN – SR. WR – REECE STRICKLAND – SR. WR – COADY WOOTEN – JR. TE – JOHN HUNTON – SR. RT – WILLIAM JENNER – JR. RG – RICHIE SAVATHRONGXAY – JR. C – DAKOTA WHALEN – SO. BRETT JAMES – SO. LG – LANE FARGO – JR. LT – JOSH DEAN – SR.
DEFENSE NG – FRED HOLDEN – SR. DE – JAKE FALLEUR – SR. OLB – OSCAR HERNANDEZ – SR. OLB – MATT SCHENK – SR. COLIN MOORE – JR. ILB – IAN JACKSON – SO. ILB – WILL BRAGG – SR. CB – GRANDY NGUYEN – JR. CB – CLAYTON PANKEY – SR. CB – SPENCER SCHMIDT – SR. S – GARRETT WOLFE – SR. S – JARROD ECHOLS – SR. JAKE MOORE – SR. SPECIAL TEAMS K – COADY WOOTEN – JR. P – DAVID PRICE – SR.
2012 rebels schedule Date 08-31 09-07 09-14 09-21 09-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Place Heritage Rogers El Dorado Home Har-Ber Springdale Parkview Arts/Science Home Catholic Little Rock Hall High Home Conway Home Greenwood Away Russellville Home Northside Home
Time 7:30 7:00 7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
of those three games, you’re going to know where you’re at as a football team.” The Rebels’ first home game is in week two on September 7th, when they play host to El Dorado at Jim Rowland Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
River Fort Valley Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 27
VAN BUREN POINTERS Adjusting To The System The Van Buren Pointers struggled in the Van Buren Pointers Head Coach Brooks Coatney Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 3-8-1 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 13-19-1 Athletic Director Randy Loyd Football Staff Adam Pendergrass – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterback/Running Backs Bret Hobbs – Defensive Coordinator/ Outside Linebackers Mike Guthrie – Assistant Head Coach/ Outside Linebackers John Vitale – Offensive Line Chris Elliot – Defensive Line Andy Williams – Special Teams Coach/Secondary 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 3-8-1/1-6 Varsity Players expected for 2012:70 Returning Lettermen: 25 Returning Offensive Starters: 9 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 3-4
tough 7A Central conference last season, winning just one conference matchup after posting a 2-1 nonconference record. When the dust settled, the Pointers finished with a 3-7 record. “We had some trouble adjusting to a new offensive system, but we picked it up as the season progressed,” head coach Brooks Coatney says. “We played a very tough schedule.”
The Pointers’ schedule won’t get any easier this fall, as they move into the 7A West, a conference which has won the last seven state titles thanks in part to perennial powers like Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Springdale Har-Ber. Coatney’s squad looks to navigate the tough waters of the conference with a core group of seniors. The Pointers have had a productive offseason, and they’re ready to compete this fall. “They kids have a strong work ethic and attitude,” he says. “I think they are more comfortable with the new system and changes.” Senior Jacob Eason can make plays with both his feet and his arm. He rushed for 99 yards and passed for 162 more and two
Pg. 28 • River Fort Smith ValleyFootball Football2012 2012
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – JACOB EASON – SR. RB – DEVERICK FIMPLE – SR. WR – WILLIAM WALTON – SR. WR – WACEY CONNER – SR. WR – BRADLEY EVERSOLE – JR. OL – DILLON KINSEY – JR. OL – NATHAN WHITLOW – JR. OL – TAYLOR HENSON – SR. OL – CODY EUBANKS – SR. OL – TRISTEN HALLFORD – JR.
DEFENSE DT – DILLON KINSEY – JR. NG – ANTHONY BRASUELL – SR. DE – GARRETT BRUMLEY – JR. DE – JALEN BREWTON – SR. LB – CHRIS BALDWIN – SR. LB – CODY FINK – SR. LB – RANSOM PEARSON – SR. DB – BRADLEY EVERSOLE – JR. DB – ANTHONY GIBBONS – SR. S – WACEY CONNER – SR.
touchdowns against Conway last fall, in addition to rushing for 144 yards against Bryant. Explosive senior Deverick Fimple rushed for 80 yards on 14 attempts against Little Rock Central. “He’ll be an impact player for us,” Coatney says. William Walton and Wacey Conner start as wide receivers after breakout seasons in 2011. Walton runs crisp routes, and runs a 4.59 40-yard dash. He shredded Cabot last season, racking up 170 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Conner caught a 10-yard touchdown pass against Cabot. Junior Bradley Eversole, who is also a member of Van Buren’s baseball team, plays wide receiver. Junior lineman Dillon Kinsey returns as a starter after a productive offseason. Junior Nathan Whitlow, who has helped out the community this offseason by helping start a recycling program at a Van Buren hospital, starts at tackle. Seniors Taylor Henson and Cody Eubanks use their size to anchor the line. Junior lineman Tristen Hallford gained over 30 pounds this offseason.
2012 pointers schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Alma J.A. Fair Poteau Fayetteville Rogers Springdale Har-ber Springdale Bentonville Rogers Heritage Siloam Springs
Place Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away
Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30
Van Buren will have a trial by fire in their initiation into the 7A West, when they travel to play the reigning state champions Fayetteville in their conference opener in week four. Their first home game is in week two, when they play host to J.A. Fair at Blakemore Field. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Several impact players on Van Buren’s defense graduated, presenting the coaching staff with a difficult task this offseason, as the Pointers’ defense gave up over 30 points per game last fall. “We will need to fill key roles on the defensive side of the ball,” Coatney says. Dillon Kinsey starts at defensive tackle, alongside senior noseguard Anthony Brasuell. Junior Garrett Brumley and senior Jalen Brewton rush aggressively as defensive ends. Senior Chris Baldwin is a member of the Pointers wrestling team and brings physicality to the defense as a linebacker. Senior Cody Fink plays outside linebacker, and senior Ransom Pearson starts as an inside linebacker. Senior Anthony Gibbons returns to lead the secondary as a cornerback. Junior Bradley Eversole saw limited playing time at cornerback last season but should start this fall. Wacey Conner prowls at safety. River Fort Valley Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 29
ALMA AIREDALES Crucial Strengths For the Alma Airedales, the 2012 season
Alma Airedales Head Coach Todd Dilbeck High School Alma Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 28-26-1 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 87-85-1 Athletic Director Dr. Mike McSpadden Football Staff Chris Gunter – Quarterbacks/ Offensive Coordinator Jason Reeves – Cornerbacks/ Defensive Coordinator Josh Driscoll – Linebackers/Special Teams Kevin Edwards – Wide Receivers Erick Marsh – Defensive Line Tom McMurray – Safeties 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 7-4/5-2 Varsity Players expected for 2012:81 Returning Lettermen: 50 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 9 Offensive System: No Huddle Defensive System: 3-4
was bittersweet. They won six of their first seven games, their only defeat an upset at the hands of the Russellville Cyclones. But they played Greenwood for the conference championship in week ten, and were edged out 23-20 by the Bulldogs, who went on to win the state championship. Alma was on the outside looking in after an early playoff exit at the hands of Hot Springs Lakeside, who beat them 40-14 in the first round.
including six on offense. Junior Gage Jensen will be a first-time starter at quarterback this fall, but he’ll be surrounded by an experienced backfield and core of receivers in senior running back Nate Whitson and returning wide receivers Gage Battles and Alex Elam. Battles is a junior and Elam a senior. Additionally, seniors Dillon Work and Lance Wheeler will step into starting jobs in 2012. Junior Malachi White will see playing time at running back.
“Our seniors put us in a position to win While receivers will be a strength for Alma, a conference championship,” head coach their offensive line lacks experience. They return only one starter to the line in senior Todd Dilbeck says. Lane Ball. Juniors Brad Hurst, Michael But even though they graduated a strong Edwards, and Trevor Loomis will start on senior class this year, Dilbeck sees depth the line beside him. Junior Chris Sipe will as a crucial strength for Alma this fall. “We start at center. return more defensive players than we have in the past five years,” he says. “So depth Alma returns nine starters to their defense, led by junior linebacker Alex Burris, who will be a key for us.” returns from a solid sophomore year. “We The Airedales return a total of 15 starters, have more returners than we have had in the past five years,” he says. “And we can run, which is a great strength.” Senior Collin Ogilvie will return to start alongside Burris. Juniors Cade Spencer and returning starter Keith Shultz will start at outside linebacker. Senior Harrison Newton, who started at
Pg. 30 • Fort Smith Football 2012
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE
DEFENSE
QB – GAGE JENSEN - SR. RB – NATE WHITSON - SR. WR – GAGE BATTLES - JR. WR – DILLON WORK - SR. WR – LANCE WHEELER - SR. WR – ALEX ELAM - SR. OL – BRAD HURST - JR. OL – LANE BALL - SR. OL – MICHAEL EDWARDS - JR. OL – TREVOR LOOMIS - JR. C – CHRIS SIPE - JR.
NG – TREVOR LOOMIS - JR. DE – BRADLEY HURST - JR. DE – HARRISON NEWTON - SR. LB – COLLIN OGILVIE - SR. LB – ALEX BURRIS - JR. OLB – CADE SPENCER - JR. OLB – KEITH SHULTZ - JR. CB – LANCE WHEELER - SR. CB – DILLON WORK - SR. S – REYN BECHKHAM - JR. S – ADAM WILBANKS - JR.
outside linebacker last season, will move to defensive end this year, where he will start opposite returning junior end Bradley Hurst. Junior Trevlor Loomis will anchor the line at nose guard. In the secondary, senior Lance Wheeler returns at cornerback, and senior Dillon Work will be a first-time starter at the opposite corner position. Junior Reyn Beckham will also be a first-time starter at the safety position, alongside returning junior Adam Wilbanks.
2012 Airedales schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Van Buren Greenwood Russellville Clarksville Morrilton Harrison Huntsville Vilonia Greenbrier Shiloh Christian
Place Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
Alma’s first home game will be against Van Buren in week one, on August 31st at Airedale Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Dilbeck foresees depth as a potential problem for the Airedales defense. “We don’t have a lot of depth with two-way players,” Dilbeck says. “We need to have some young players give us depth.” Team speed, however, will make their defense tough to score on. Alma’s week five home matchup against Morrilton will be crucial for setting the tone for their conference schedule. Alma and Morrilton are ranked first and second respectively in the AR Sports Coaches Poll 5A West Coaches Poll, and that game could decide the conference champion early in the season.
Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 31
CHARLESTON TIGERS Repeat Performance The Charleston Tigers lost one game last
Charleston Tigers Head Coach Doug Loughridge High School Charleston Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 59-6 Overall Record w/ Years as HC:59-6 Athletic Director Shane Storey Football Staff Greg Kendrick –Off Coordinator – QB/RB/DB Josh Underwood – WR/DE Ryan Meyers – OL/DL 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 13-1/7-0 Varsity Players expected for 2012:38 Returning Lettermen: 14 Returning Offensive Starters: 1 Returning Defensive Starters: 1 Offensive System: Multiple Multiple Defensive System: 4-3
Pg. 32 • River Fort Smith ValleyFootball Football2012 2012
season en route to a state championship, winning their four playoff games by an average margin of 17 points. “We got better every week and we peaked at the right time in late November,” head coach Doug Loughridge says.
Senior Josh Moore takes over as the starting running back after seeing limited playing time for Charleston last season. He averaged seven yards per carry last season and rushed for a touchdown against Lavaca.
The Tigers start two senior wide receivers in Chance Shelby and Taylor Lovelady. In a run-dominated offense that saw the Tigers carry the football nearly 40 times per game last season, the duo provided crucial support in the passing game. Shelby had 340 yards receiving and With just two starters returning to last three touchdowns, while season’s 13-1 squad, Loughridge’s team Lovelady caught seven needs all the experience they can get. passes for 89 yards. “We’re very young and unproven,” he says. “We have only four seniors.” But he Charleston’s offensive remains excited about his young team, as line consists of all replacing the junior and sophomore classes enjoyed juniors, back-to-back undefeated seasons in junior last year’s five starting linemen who graduated. high. Levi Young starts at left guard, The skill positions are a strength for the while Garrett Conway and Tigers. Sophomore quarterback Ty Storey Justin Alcantar compete is undefeated as a starter for Charleston, for playing time at right having led the junior high team. “He’s a guard. Dillon Walker and Taylor Bottoms great leader,” the coach says. work as tackles. Guido Arroyo Not only was a deep playoff run satisfying because it culminated in a state championship, it also gave the younger players extra experience. “Our young guys got five weeks of extra week and experience,” the coach says.
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – TY STOREY – SO. RB – JOSH MOORE – SR. WR – CHANCE SHELBY – SR. WR – TAYLOR KING – SO. WR– TAYLOR LOVELADY – SR. LG – LEVI YOUNG – JR. RG – GARRETT CONWAY – JR. JUSTIN ALCANTAR – JR. RT – DILLON WALKER – JR. LT – TAYLOR BOTTOMS – JR. C – GUIDO ARROYO – JR.
DEFENSE DT – GARRETT CONWAY – JR. DT – J.J. JOHNSON – JR. DE – TAYLOR BOTTOMS – JR. DE – DILLON WALKER – JR. LB – JOSH MOORE – SR. LB – COLTON POSKEY – SO. LB – JUSTIN ALCANTAR – JR. DB – CHANCE SHELBY – SR. DB – TAYLOR KING – SO. DB – TAYLOR LOVELADY – SR.
projects as center.
2012 tigers schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Clarksville Gentry Ozark Danville Paris Atkins Lamar Cedarville Lavaca Mansfield
Place Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
On defense, Garrett Conway, Taylor Bottoms, and Dillon Walker work on the defensive line. Junior J.J. Johnson starts as a defensive tackle. Josh Moore leads the linebacking corps after recording 30 tackles a year ago. Sophomore Colton Poskey and Justin Alcantar occupy the other linebacker positions. Chance Shelby and Taylor Lovelady anchor the secondary unit. Shelby racked up 35 tackles and two interceptions last season, while Lovelady recorded 19 tackles. Sophomore Taylor King assists. Loughridge highlights the week five game against perennial conference contender Paris as the most pivotal matchup for the upcoming season. Charleston edged out the Eagles 13-7 last season, and Paris returns a solid squad this fall. The Tigers’ first home game is in week two, when the play host to the Gentry Pioneers at Alumni Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Photos by Carolyn Self (Self Photography)
River Fort Valley Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 33
WALDRON BULLDOGS Working to Win After
Waldron Bulldogs Head Coach Shane Davis Years as Head Coach at School: 0 Athletic Director Bob Wolfe 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 2-8/1-6 Varsity Players expected for 2012:45 Returning Offensive Starters: 2 Returning Defensive Starters: 2 Offensive System: Triple Option Defensive System: 3-4
just four wins in the past four seasons, the Waldron Bulldogs are looking to rebound in the 2012 season. Shane Davis takes over as head coach after coaching Strong to a state championship last fall. After posting a 20-5 record in two seasons at Strong, Davis is ready to take a different Bulldog team deep into the playoffs, but he’ll have to do it with a team that returns just four starters. Senior Dakota Wagner starts at quarterback after seeing playing time at wide receiver last season. Wagner caught 15-yard and 51-yard touchdown passes against Ozark last fall. Juniors Garren Carpenter and Hunter Sims split duties at running back, where senior Dakota Crabtree and juniors Zach Dye and Ber Chang could contribute.
start on the offensive line also. Two starters return to a defense that allowed an average of 29 points per game last season. Irving Ledesma and Chris Luna work on the line, alongside sophomore Billy Reed. Juniors Jaylin Brumbelow and Winchester Ingle lead the defense as linebackers and are two of the best defenders on the squad. Junior linebacker Hayden Trozzie starts alongside them. The secondary consists of Bryson Betz, junior Jonah Tull, and Ber Chang. Garren Carpenter, Zach Dye, and Jacob Armstrong help in the secondary.
A key matchup for Waldron comes in week four, when they open their conference schedule in a home game against Booneville. They compete in the tough Senior Bryson Betz leads the receiving 4-4A, which includes perennial winning corps. Betz (6’4, 160 lbs) is a big target teams such as Pottsville, Maumelle, and for Wagner, and look for Davis to employ Mena. his size to create matchup problems for opposing teams. Junior Jacob Armstrong Waldron’s first home game is in week plays at receiver also. three, when they play host to the Cedarville
Pirates at Sawyer-Wright Field. Kickoff is Seniors Irving Ledesma and Chris Luna at 7 p.m. anchor the line after productive offseasons. Both of them saw playing time last season. Juniors Daniel Rogers and Date Opponent Place Time Jacob Johnston Photos by Carolyn Self (Self Photography) 8-31 Mansfield Away 7:00 9-07 Paris Away 7:00 9-14 Cedarville Home 7:00 9-21 Booneville Home 7:00 DEFENSE 9-28 Maumelle Away 7:00 OFFENSE DT – IRVING LEDESMA – SR. QB – DAKOTA WAGNER – SR. 10-05 Subiaco Away 7:00 DT – BILLY REED – SO. RB – GARREN CARPENTER – JR. DE – CHRIS LUNA – SR. 10-12 Dardanelle Home 7:00 RB – HUNTER SIMS – JR. LB – JAYLIN BRUMBELOW – JR. WR – BRYSON BETZ – SR. 10-19 Mena Away 7:00 LB – WINCHESTER INGLE – JR. OL – IRVING LEDESMA – SR. LB – HAYDEN TROZZIE – JR. OL – CHARLES LUNA – SR. 10-26 Dover Home 7:00 CB – BRYSON BETZ – SR. OL – DANIEL ROGERS – JR. 11-02 Pottsville Away 7:00 CB – JONAH TULL – JR. OL – JACOB JOHNSTON – JR.
2012 bulldogs schedule
STARTING LINEUP
S – BER CHANG – JR.
Pg. 34 • River Fort Smith ValleyFootball Football2012 2012
HACKETT HORNETS Rebuilding The Hackett Hornets face a tough schedule in 2011. They lost
to three teams that were ranked in the top five in the state, and they took one of those teams to overtime. Even with such a tough schedule, the Hackett Hornets were able to set many team and individual offensive records in 2011. Their many problems last year were special teams and stopping people on defense. This year will be different. The 2012 Hackett Hornets are a much younger, newer team.
Hackett Hornets Head Coach Eddie Ray Years as Head Coach at School: 8 Record at School: 43-39 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 43-39 Athletic Director Tim Branham Football Staff Jeff Richardson Lanny Woodhull Matt Whitsett 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 7-4/5-3 Returning Lettermen: 4 Returning Offensive Starters: 4
This year Hackett must replace every skill position on offense except for one wide receiver position. “It is going to be a rebuilding year, but we expect to be competing for a top place in the conference when the season finishes,” says head coach, Eddie Ray. The success Coach Ray predicts will depend heavily upon his four returning starters on offense. Kylar Graf returns for his senior campaign. This will be Graf’s
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – WILLIAM THOMAS JR. RB – DALTON BRADSHAW SR. DUSTYN KIRKPATRICK SR. WR – C.J. CLEM SR. ZACHARY RAY JR. SE – TREVOR THOMPSON SR. TE – AARON RAMEY SR. OG – KYLAR GRAF SR. OG – KYLE CARTER SR. OT – ZACH HALL SR. OL – BRENDON SCHULTZ JR. OL – GARRETT WILSON JR. OL – HUNTER FULLER JR. Pg. 35 • River Valley Football 2012
DEFENSE NG – LANE THOMAS JR. DT – KYLAR GRAF SR. DL – SAM HODGES SR. DL – KYLE CARTER SR. DL – HUNTER FULLER JR. DT – SKYLER MIZELL SR. LB – DUSTYN KIRKPATRICK SR. LB – WILLIAM THOMAS JR. LB – AARON RAMEY SR. DB – TREVOR THOMPSON SR. DB – DALTON BRADSHAW SR. DB – ZACHARY RAY JR. FS – CJ CLEM SR.
second year as a starter. He has played offensive line, but this year might be different. “Kylar plays basketball so he has the agility and hands to make the move to tight end. We plan on using a tight end more this season,” says Coach Ray. Kyle Carter is also back for his senior year. He is a smaller offensive lineman, but the Hornets will rely on him to be tenacious and make most of the calls for the offensive line. Zach Hall is a 6’3”, 200lbs offensive tackle. He is also returning and entering his senior year. “Zach was the most improved player from his sophomore to junior year, but he still has to get stronger. He is hungry and knows what it will take for him to play at a higher level,” says Coach Ray. Senior Trevor Thompson returns as the fastest, most athletic player for the Hornets. In 2012 Trevor accounted for eight total touchdowns and over five hundred total yards. The Hornets will also be relying on a stable of other players step up and help on the offensive side of the ball. These players include, C.J. Clem, Dalton Bradshaw, Dustyn Kirkpatrick, William Thomas, Zachary Ray, Brendon Schultz, Garret Wilson, Aaron Ramey and Hunter Fuller. “Offensively we have enough players that played in our system as backups for the last year or two that we should be able to execute at a level that will let us be successful,” says Coach Ray. Defensively, the Hornets are also returning four starters. Lane Thomas returns for his junior year as the Hornets’ nose guard. He is one of the strongest players on the team and could possibly move to inside linebacker throughout the season. Kylar Graf will start on the defensive side of the ball as well. Kylar will play defensive tackle. Trevor Thompson will also go both ways for the
2012 hornet schedule Date Opponent 8-31 England 9-07 Hector 9-14 Magazine 9-21 Decator 9-28 WYC 10-05 Union Christian Academy 10-12 Mountainburg 10-19 Dierks 10-26 WYC 11-02 Hartford
Place Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
River Fort Valley Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 35
PARIS EAGLES Talented Upperclassmen The Paris Eagles lost just two games last year – one to the eventual state champions Charleston, the other to the state runnerup Barton Bears. The nine games which they won were decided by an average of 41 points. “We won all nine games by the mercy rule,” head coach Bryan Hutson says.
Paris Eagles Head Coach Bryan Hutson Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 30-23-1 Overall Record w/ Years as HC:92-61-1 Athletic Director Britt Bauer Football Staff Kelly Edwards – Offensive Coordinator Tommy Britt – Offensive Line/Defensive Line Shawn Vickers – Linebackers Sean O’Toole – Offensive Line/Defensive Line Clint Baxter – Wide Receivers/Special Teams 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 9-2/6-1 Varsity Players expected for 2012:30 Returning Lettermen: 23 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: Multiple
Paris graduates a group of seniors that won a combined 25 games over the last three seasons, and the Eagles have several holes to fill at the skill positions. “We have to replace key starters at quarterback and running back,” Hutson says. Hutson hopes that a talented group of upperclassmen can lead the Eagles to their fourth consecutive playoff appearance this fall. Senior Harrison Ramsey and junior Andy Trusty compete for the starting quarterback job. Trusty rushed for a touchdown in the Eagles’ 54-0 win over Cedarville last fall.
Pg. 36 • River Fort Smith ValleyFootball Football2012 2012
Several of Paris’s skill players rotate in at receiver, where junior Justin Estala and Jordan Forbis project as starters. The offensive line is comprised of five seniors, led by all-conference guard Jordyn Coronado. Brandon Bradley starts at the opposite guard position, while Tyler Gilbert and Caleb Barnes work as tackles. Jeremy Cooper snaps the ball at center. The Eagles’ strength this fall is undoubtedly their defense. Seven starters return to a squad that gave up a total of 70 points in the regular season last year. “We have a real solid group returning,” Hutson says. “We’re going to rely on them to get the job done.”
Seniors Marcos Salgado, Kyeran Hurley, and Levi Koch project as linemen. Brandon Senior fullback Casey Dishongh earned all- Bradley clogs the interior as a noseguard. conference honors last season. He caught a 10-yard touchdown pass against Cedarville Linebacker Payton McClure recovered a last year, and rushed for a touchdown fumble in the endzone against Mansfield.
STARTING LINEUP QB – HARRISON RAMSEY – SR. ANDY TRUSTY – JR. FB – CASEY DISHONGH – SR. RB – PAYTON MCCLURE – SR. TYLER SCHNEIDER – SR. WR – KYLE JACKSON – JR. WR – JUSTIN ESTALA – JR. TE – JORDAN FORBIS – JR. C – JEREMY COOPER – SR. T – TYLER GILBERT – SR. T – CALEB BARNES – SR. G – JORDYN CORONADO – SR. G – BRANDON BRADLEY – SR.
against Lavaca. Seniors Payton McClure and Tyler Schneider work in the backfield as running backs.
DEFENSE NG – BRANDON BRADLEY – SR. DL – MARCOS SALGADO – SR. DL – KYERAN HURLEY – SR. DL – LEVI KOCH – SR. LB – PAYTON MCCLURE – SR. LB – RYAN SPENCER – SR. CB – JUSTIN ESTALA – JR. CB – TYLER SCHNEIDER – SR. S – CASEY DISHONGH – SR.
2012 eagles schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent JC Westside Waldron Farmington Mansfield Charleston Lavaca Cedarville Atkins Danville Lamar
Place Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
Senior all-conference linebacker Ryan Spencer returns as a leader of the defense. Jordyn Coronado rounds out the linebacking corps. Justin Estala picked off a pass against Lavaca last season at cornerback. Tyler Schneider contributes at cornerback as well. Casey Dishongh helps in the secondary as a safety. The Eagles have built a winning tradition over the last few seasons, which Hutson hopes they will continue into the 2012 year. “We’re really physical,” he says. “And we know how to win football games.” An early test for Paris comes in week four, when they play the Mansfield Tigers at home. The Eagles defeated the Tigers 42-0 in last year’s matchup, but was on the losing end of a close 14-13 match the year before. The Eagles’ first home game is in week one, when they play host to the Johnson County Westside Rebels at Eagle Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
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OZARK HILLBILLIES High Expectations Expectations are high for the Ozark Hillbillies.
Ozark Hillbillies Head Coach Jeremie Burns Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 9-2 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 9-2 Football Staff Cliff McAnally – Quarterbacks/ Defensive Coordinator Rick Gage – Running Backs/Secondary Jason Wilbanks – Wide Receivers/Secondary 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 9-2/6-1 Varsity Players expected for 2012:55 Returning Lettermen: 33 Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: Multiple
After a two-year period in which their storied football program only won a combined four games, the Hillbillies bounced back in 2010 to win seven games, and enjoyed even more success in the 2011 season, finishing the season with a 9-2 record, including a victory over rival Booneville. “It was a great year,” head coach Jeremie Burns says. “We finished conference champions with a lot of junior and sophomore starters last year.” Those juniors and sophomores will take the helm this year, and seek to reestablish Ozark’s winning ways. The Hillbillies return 14 starters, and most of those starters are players playing on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, the Hillbillies will struggle from a lack of depth in their skilled positions. Senior Jonathon McKenzie returns at quarterback. He benefited from an all-state running back in Asher Lee last season who helped complement the passing game, but Lee graduated and Ozark will rely on McKenzie’s leadership much more this season. He registered several efficient performances last season, including DEFENSE DT – BRIAN CLINE-KARNS – SR. 196 yards passing DT – DAVID STARTEN – SR. on 16 completions DE – JOSEPH LEWIS – SR. in the first round DE – WADE BARHAM – JR. LB – BRANDON BROKESHOULDER – SR. playoff loss to LB – ETHAN HAWKINS – SR. Dollarway.
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE OFFENSE QB – JONATHON MCKENZIE – SR. RB – BUBBA ELDER – SR. WR – TOBY RICHARD – SR. WR – BRANDON BROKESHOULDER – SR. TE – LOGAN PARKS – SR. OL – TRIPP WHITE – SR. OL – JACOB TOOLEY JR. OL – BRIAN CLINE-KARNS – SR. OL – DAVID SARTEN – SR. OL – ANDREW JENKINS – SR.
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LB – BUBBA ELDER – SR. LB – TAYLOR MCILROY – SR. CB – JAKE SIMPSON – JR. CB – ERIC SHAFFER – SR. FS – TOBY RICHARD – SR SS – LOGAN PARKS – SR.
starting duties for Lee. He saw playing time last season, and scored a touchdown in Ozark’s 44-7 win over Berryville last year. At wideout, senior Brandon Brokeshoulder will be McKenzie’s primary target. Brokeshoulder played a huge role in Ozark’s season-opening win over Booneville, as he returned the second-half opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, as well as catching a 52-yard touchdown pass. Senior Toby Richard is another impact wide receiver, but the remaining wideout positions are still question marks for Burns’ offense. Trying to develop his wide receiving corps has been one of Burns’ tasks during the offseason. Three seniors start on the line, including left guard Tripp White, right guard Brian Cline-Karns, and right tackle David Starten. Junior Jacob Tooley will start at center. Senior Logan Parks starts at tight end.
At running back, Most of Ozark’s offensive starters will senior Bubba Elder also see playing time on defense, including has big shoes to fill Cline-Karns and Starten, both of which in taking over the
will start at defensive tackle. Brokeshoulder and Elder will start at linebacker. The cornerback position is still a question mark for Ozark, but Richard and Parks will start at the free safety and strong safety positions, respectively. Lack of depth in the secondary will be a major weakness of the Hillbillies. Burns’ biggest concern for the fall is the pressure Ozark will face. After winning just one game in 2008 and three games in 2009, expectations were low for the Hillbillies in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. But they notched a total of sixteen wins in the last two years, and expectations are high once again. Burns also knows that opposing teams will be ready for them in 2012. “If someone overlooked us last year, I don’t think they will this year,” he says. “Everyone is paying attention to us now.” Ozark’s first home game will be on September 7th, in week two, when they play host to the Clarksville Panthers at Hillbilly Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
2012 hillbilly schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Booneville Clarksville Charleston Prarie Grove Berryville Gravette Pea Ridge Farmington Lincoln Gentry
Place Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
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SUBIACO TROJANS Moving On After
averaged nearly four yards a carry last season, rushing for 283 yards and four touchdowns. “He’s one of the best athletes on our team,” Berry says. “If we have a breakaway threat, he’s that guy. We’re going to utilize him a lot more this year, and we expect him to have big numbers.” The Trojans utilize him as a receiver out of the backfield, as he had over 500 yards receiving last year and three touchdowns, averaging 14 yards per reception. Senior “We were down to 18 players in week three, and ended up having Eli Schluterman saw playing time last season in the backfield and to move up three ninth-graders just to fill out a roster,” head coach contributes this fall. Mike Berry says. “That, along with injuries to key players, made Many of the skill players rotate in at wide receiver, including it very difficult for us to win football games.” posting back-to-back six-win seasons, the Subiaco Academy Trojans struggled last year with low numbers that resulted in a young team lacking the experience key to winning games. They played competitive matches with Lamar, Dover, and Waldron, but were unable to notch wins, and finished the season with an 0-10 record.
“It was humbling,” the coach continues. “But we all learned a lot from it, so we’re moving on.”
Subiaco Trojans Head Coach Mike Berry Record at School: 27-43 Athletic Director Tim Tencleve Football Staff Mike Berry – Quarterbacks/Defensive Backs/ Offensive Coordinator Kenneth Stobaugh – Assistant Head Coach/ Defensive Coordinator/Running Backs/Linebackers Dustin Corley – Special Teams Coordinator/ Offensive Line/Defensive Line Kevin Wewers – Linebackers/Receivers 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 0-10/0-7 Returning Offensive Starters: 9 Returning Defensive Starters: 9 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-3
Subiaco returns nineteen starters to the squad that garnered that crucial experience from last season, and Berry hopes to capitalize on talent at the skill positions. “We feel like we’ve got a good crop of athletes in the defensive secondary as well as the backfield and the receiver positions,” he says. Senior quarterback Seth Drewry returns after throwing for 1,100 yards and ten touchdowns last season. He completed sa 79-yard pass against Dover. Senior Austin Breed
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STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – SETH DREWRY – SR. FB – GREG KELLEY – SR. RB – AUSTIN BREED – SR. RB – ELI SCHLUTERMAN – SR. WR – CHRIS POST – JR. WR – KAMRON HURST – JR. WR – DANNY KOPACK – SR. OL – ZACHARY RUESEWALD – JR. OL – CODY EVELD – JR. OL – JOSEPH BOLTUC – SR. OL – BANKS BRASELL – SR. OL – MIKE VANGAASBEEK – SR.
DEFENSE DT – JOSEPH BOLTUC – SR. DT – JACK HERTLEIN – SO. DE – LUCAS KOCH – SR. DE – MIKE VANGAASBEEK – SR. LB – ELI SCHLUTERMAN – SR. LB – BEN BECK – SO. LB – AUSTIN BREED – SR. LB – CHRISTIAN LOWERY – SO. CB – DANNY KOPACK – SR. CB – CHRIS POST – JR. S – SETH DREWRY – SR. S – KAMRON HURST – JR.
2012 trojan schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Decatur Lamar Pottsville Booneville Waldron Maumelle Dardanelle Mena Dover
Place Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
junior Kamron Hurst. Junior receiver Chris Post caught seven passes last year. Senior Danny Kopack rounds out the receiving corps. Senior Greg Kelley blocks well at tight end and returns after accruing 200 yards receiving last year. “We use our tight end a lot in our offenses, and he’s a glorified offensive tackle out there at tight end,” Berry says. “We feel like he can handle it size-wise, and he probably has one of the best sets of hands on the team.” Senior Joseph Boltuc anchors the line as a two-year starter, and Berry says he has all-conference potential. “He’s a big strong kid,” Berry says. “He’s a leader on our offensive line. We really think he’s going to have a great year.” Other lineman include seniors Banks Brasell and Mike VanGaasbeek and Junior Cody Eveld and Zach Ruesewald. Joseph Boltuc racked up 22 tackles and two sacks last season at defensive tackle. Sophomore Jack Hertlein plays with intensity. Senior end Lucas Koch recorded 15 tackles last fall. Mike VanGaasbeek is a presence on the line as an end, returning after a 27-tackle two-sack 2011 campaign. Eli Schluterman led the team in tackles last season with 70 notched a sack in Subiaco’s week one loss to Magazine. Berry says he performed well in scrimmages in the offseason. “We expect him to be a big impact player on that side of the ball,” he says. Schluterman returns to lead a young linebacking group consisting of sophomores Christian Lowery and Danny Kopack. Austin Breed picked off three passes last season as a defensive back, but moves to linebacker this fall. Danny Kopack and Chris Post play as cornerbacks after combining for 58 tackles last fall and two interceptions last fall. Seth Drewry anchors the secondary at safety, alongside fellow safety Kamron Hurst. Subiaco opens conference play against Booneville, a pivotal game that will set the tone for their conference schedule and their season as a whole. The Trojans have never defeated the Bearcats, and a victory could put Subiaco over the hump on the way to a winning season. The Trojans first home game is in week one, when they play host to the Decatur Bulldogs at Raymond Rebsamen Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
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MANSFIELD TIGERS Bouncing Back For a program that had won 29 games
in the past three years, the 2012 season was drastically out of character for the Mansfield Tigers. They lost three of their first four games en route to a 5-5 regular season record and a first-round playoff loss at the hands of Yellville-Summit.
Mansfield Tigers Head Coach Jason Gill Years as Head Coach at School: 6 Record at School: 43-7 Athletic Director Floyd Fisher Football Staff Brandon Elmore – Offensive Coordinator Floyd Fisher – Secondary Brian Mckay – Special Teams 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 5-6/4-3 Varsity Players expected for 2012:38 Returning Lettermen: 11 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Split Back Veer Defensive System: 4-3
But head coach Jason Gill is determined not to let his team be a below .500 team for two straight seasons. “Last year was a very disappointing season,” he says. “We don’t want to go through that kind of season again.” Six starters return to an offense that averaged 17 points per game a year ago. Multi-sport athlete Jesse Cotner returns to quarterback the Tigers. He scored 19 points in the Mansfield basketball team’s 10-point comeback against Lavaca in the host of sophomores seek to contribute. District Tournament. “He’s a competitor,” Caleb Hattabaugh, Dustin Elmore, Chase Gill says. Plowman, Michael Robles, Oscar Lavos, and Donovan Phoumivong all compete for Mansfield’s rushing game is led by a pair of playing time. seniors in Timmy Snider and Garrett Glenn. Snider is a seasoned player after seeing Senior Zach Claude runs track and starts plenty of playing time last season, while at tight end. Sophomore Colton Rowe is a Garrett Glenn fights hard for yardage. first-time starter at the opposite tight end position. Seniors Chase Alderson and Ryan Glenn lead at the receiver position, where a The Tigers’ offensive line is led by three upperclassmen. Strong senior Traye Stokes starts at tackle. Seniors Christian Varnell and C.J. Elmore work as guards. Joshua Harris, Cullen Nicodemus, and Harrison Sears contribute on the line. Mansfield boasts a senior-laden defensive squad comprised solely of upperclassmen. Junior Joshua Harris works as a defensive tackle, where Traye Stokes is a three-year starter. Christian Varnell and junior Tyler Elmore start as defensive ends. Seniors Chase Alderson and Timmy Snider play as outside linebackers after productive offseasons. Junior Kolt Johnson has plenty
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Photos by Carolyn Self (Self Photography)
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – JESSE COTNER – SR. RB – TIMMY SNIDER – SR. RB – GARRETT GLENN – SR. WR – CHASE ALDERSON – SR. WR – RYAN GLENN – SR. TE – ZACH CLAUDE – SR. TE – COLTON ROWE – SO. OT – TRAYE STOKES – SR. OG – CHRISTIAN VARNELL – SR. OG – C.J. ELMORE – SR.
DEFENSE DT – TRAYE STOKES – SR. DT – JOSHUA HARRIS – JR. DE – CHRISTIAN VARNELL – SR. DE – TYLER ELMORE – JR. LB – BEN PETERSON – JR. LB – KOLT JOHNSON – JR. LB – CHASE ALDERSON – SR. LB – TIMMY SNIDER – SR. S – JESSE COTNER – SR. CB – GARRETT GLENN – SR. CB – RYAN GLENN – SR.
of potential as an inside linebacker, where junior Ben Peterson contributes. Jesse Cotner anchors the secondary as a two-year starter at safety. Garrett and Ryan Glenn play as corners. Gill praises his team’s toughness, an intangible that will be crucial in helping them win games this fall. “This team has great mental toughness,” he says. “They had a physical and demanding offseason. It’s been the best offseason a team has had since I’ve been here.” Gill sees Mansfield’s week four conference opener against Paris as a key matchup for the Tigers this season. Paris blanked the Tigers 42-0 last season in a game which set the tone for Mansfield’s lackluster conference showing. The Tigers’ first home game is in week one, when they play host to Waldron at Tiger Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
2012 tigers schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Waldron Greenland Mena Paris Lamar Danville Atkins Cedarville Lavaca Charleston
Place Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Home
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
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LAVACA GOLDEN ARROWS Creating Excitement After winning a total of 35 games in an
Lavaca Golden Arrows Head Coach Mark Headley Years as Head Coach at School: 15 Record at School: 63-43 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 63-43 Athletic Director Mark Headley Football Staff Lance Tucker – Defensive Coordinator Brian Schlinker – Assistant Coach Bud Bogan – Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 2-8/2-5 Varsity Players expected for 2012:35 Returning Lettermen: 12 Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 4 Offensive System: Wing I Defensive System: Multiple
impressive four-season stretch, the Lavaca Golden Arrows have fallen on hard times in recent years, winning a combined four games in the past two seasons. Last season, Lavaca posted a 2-8 record, defeating Perryville 41-18 in week seven and beating Cedarville 25-16 in week ten to end the season on a good note. The Golden Arrows struggled with low numbers last season, and head coach Mark Headley was proud of their effort. “I’m proud of how hard our guys fought,” he says. Headley seeks to create some excitement for fans with a young group of players that hope to help out this fall. “We’re excited about this year,” he says. “We have a talented ninth grade class moving up with upperclassmen. They all worked really hard this offseason.”
loss to Mount Ida. Senior Josh Brown played at quarterback last year and moves to halfback this fall, but Headley says he could rotate through the skill positions. The receivers include sophomore Levi Voss and senior Jarren Moore, but senior tight end Taylor Harmon is a target also. The offensive line is anchored by seniors Kyle Pierce and Devin Bryant. Junior Colton Cox competes for playing time. Jim Reid, Kevin Wein, Jay Daniel Puckett, and Marcus Cole contribute on the line. Lavaca features a speedier defense this year than in previous years, and Headley hopes to capitalize on their talent this fall. “Defensively, we should be faster and more physical,” he says.
Taylor Harmon anchors the defensive line as a noseguard, while sophomore Vic Gates and senior Devin Bryant rush the Lavaca returns four starters to a team quarterback at defensive end. Kyle Pierce that averaged just 12 points per game a and Marcus Cole work as tackles. year ago, but he says that they have made tremendous improvements this offseason. Junior Andrew Majzner leads a talented Junior Anthony Todaro leads the offense linebacker corps consisting of sophomore at quarterback with athleticism and smarts. Tanner Graham, junior Austin Douglas, “He’s definitely a player to watch this and Coby Graves. year,” Headley says. Junior Sam Weaver helps lead the Junior fullback Coby Graves dashed 90 secondary, and senior Joseph Johnson yards for a touchdown in their week three helps at safety. Sophomores Hayden
STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – ANTHONY TODARO – JR. FB – COBY GRAVES – JR. HB – JOSH BROWN – SR. WR – LEVI VOSS – SO. WR – JARREN MOORE – SR. TE – TAYLOR HARMON – SR. OL – KYLE PIERCE – SR. OL – COLTON COX – JR. OL – DEVIN BRYANT – SR.
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DEFENSE NG – TAYLOR HARMON – SR. DT – KYLE PIERCE – SR. MARCUS COLE – SO. DE – VIC GATES – SO. DE – DEVIN BRYANT – SR. LB – COBY GRAVES – JR. LB – TANNER GRAHAM – SO. AUSTIN DOUGLAS – JR. LB – ANDREW MAJZNER – JR. DB – HAYDEN HEADLEY – SO. DB – JOSEPH JOHNSON – SR. DB – SAM WEAVER – JR. DB – LEVI VOSS – SO.
2012 golden arrow schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02
Opponent Prarie Grove Elkins Mt Ida Lamar Atkins Paris Danville Charleston Mansfield Cedarville
Place Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away
Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
Headley and Levi Voss also see playing time. Headley underscores his team’s work ethic as a major strength of this year’s squad. “They have great unity and they work hard,” he says. “They want to be successful.” “We have to get back to making every game important and getting back to competing,” he continues. “Every game will be pivotal for us.” Lavaca’s first home game is on August 31st in week one, when they play host to the Prairie Grove Tigers at Jimmy D. Hobbs Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
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