South Central AR Football Preview 2012

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THE WHOLE STORY Clint Stoerner was born in Texas, and that was the first obstacle he had to overcome in his career. Texas and Arkansas have endured a longtime rivalry, especially when it comes to football. But Stoerner, a standout Texas quarterback, chose Arkansas, and the state has taken him in and made him one of its own.

Stoerner was the quarterback for the Hogs during the 1997, 98, and 99 seasons, a time that many claim restored the sport of football in Arkansas. During his time, he set single game records for pass attempts (52 against Alabama in 1999), pass attempts in a season (357 in 1997), career pass attempts (1,023), career pass completions (528), passing yards in a game (387 against LSU in 1997), passing yards in a season (2,629 in 1998), touchdown passes in a season (26 in 1998), career touchdown passes (57) and consecutive passes without an interception (134).

Stoerner also went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys for four seasons, and started two games in the 2001 season. Today, Stoerner is a successful businessman in the Little Rock area. But each one of these successes has their own obstacles, and it was the process of overcoming these obstacles that made Stoerner the man he is today.

Clint started playing football at the age of five. “I had an older brother who was two years older than me, but I was bigger than him, and big for my age, so I played up in his league,” Stoerner says. In those early days, Clint played running back and linebacker for the Optimus League Ponies. Because of Stoerner’s size, he was able to dominate at a young age. “I can remember just dragging guys when I was running the ball, but I didn’t really like to get hit. I actually hated hitting anyone or being hit, so that really only left one position for me,” Stoerner says. That position was quarterback, and up until his junior year, Clint Stoerner honed his craft as a football quarterback.

Going into Stoerner’s junior year he had grown accustomed to playing quarterback.

However, before that season, Clint would face the first true obstacle in his football career, and how he responded to this obstacle would shape the rest of his life.

That year it was going to be best for the team for Clint to play wide receiver. “That was really tough at first,” Stoerner says, “but Pg. 6 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 6 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

after I thought about it awhile, I knew that was where I was the most needed. I took that year as an opportunity to learn more about how receivers were thinking, and in the end, it made me a better quarterback.”

Clint must have been taking notes, because by the end of his high school career he was highly ranked among Texas quarterbacks.

He even started for the Texas team in the Texas-California AllStar game. “I ended up having a pretty good high school career, and I have Dick Olin to thank for a lot of that,” Stoerner says.

“Coach Olin was my high school coach and he really believed in me, and he promised me that if I stuck with him, he’d get me a Division 1 scholarship. I didn’t really believe him, but he kept his word.”

When recruiting season came around, Clint was in more of a demand than he could have ever expected, and Coach Olin’s promise of a Division 1 scholarship had come to fruition. He visited Vanderbilt, Kansas, and LSU, and was offered scholarships by all three. But none of those felt like home for Stoerner. However, from the moment he stepped foot on Arkansas’s campus, something was different. “From my very first visit there I fell in love with everything. The guys I met on my visit were great and we really hit it off.”

Another reason Clint was so intrigued by the prospect of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks was that he was truly needed. “I remember going up into the coaches office and looking down at the field. The team was practicing and I was watching, and I remember thinking that I could play ahead of the guys that were there,” Stoerner says. As Stoerner was getting ready to leave, a coach pulled him into his office and simply told him that he was needed, and that was all Clint needed to hear. “After I heard that I went right back into Coach Ford’s office and told him by myself that this is where I wanted to come to college,” Stoerner says.

The rest, as they say, is history. Stoerner would go on to become one of the Hogs’ most prolific passers and an icon around the state of Arkansas, but not before he would have to overcome another massive hurdle, and this one would be even bigger than before.

Going into the 1998 season, the Razorback football team knew something was different. “We had just hired Coach Nutt, and he was so different from Coach Ford,” Stoerner says, “Everything was different: the coaches’ attitudes, the players’ attitudes, practices schedules, just everything. Until that point we had been trained to just beat on each other, and then Coach Nutt came in and we relaxed and played football.”

The new attitude towards Razorback football transpired to the field, and the Hogs went on an epic 8-0 run. In their ninth game, they faced off against the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers.

“Really, the game against Tennessee was no different,” Stoerner says. “It was a big game, and people were very excited about it, but Nutt did a good job about keeping it all suppressed.”

The game started, and things were going just as the Razorbacks had hoped. They were playing right along with the top ranked team in the nation, and it felt like just another game for the Hogs. “It was the best college football game that I’d ever played in,” Stoerner says. “I remember thinking we’d arrived, that we were beating the tar out of the best team in the nation. Things were going just about as good as they could. For the first time, I thought we had a pretty good team.”

Then it happened.

With 1:43 left to play, the Razorbacks neededFort to Smith onlyFootball make one 2012 • Pg. 7 first down to solidify the win over the top ranked Volunteers. But South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 7

Stoerner stumbled coming out from under center and fumbled the ball. Tennessee recovered, scored a touchdown, and went on to win the National Championship. Arkansas would finish the season 9-3.

“I had to take the blame and move on, that’s just the way I was raised,” Stoerner says. “And honestly the only thing that was on my mind were my teammates. I felt like I had let my teammates down. Of course there were bigger implications to this game, but that’s not what I was thinking about. I wasn’t thinking about the fans, the rankings, or the coaches. I was just thinking about my teammates, and that group of seniors, that would never get to play Tennessee again, and I was worried that I had let them down. That was my only regret.”

Stoerner faced this obstacle with the same will and determination as he had earlier obstacles in his life. He took a businesslike approach to his football career and went to work. “I was so worried about throwing the hitch route on the up-field shoulder and hitting the receiver in stride that I didn’t really have time to think about all the other things going on,” Stoerner says. There was no point in worrying about the past, and Clint’s work would pay off, when the Razorbacks faced the Volunteers again in 1999.

“We had really high hopes for that season,” Stoerner says.

“Things didn’t go as planned early on, so we kind of had the Tennessee game circled for a long time.”

we won,” Stoerner says.

Needless to say, this moment would forever define Clint Stoerner’s life, and his reaction to this moment is a lesson that he’ll never forget. “When we won, I thought I wanted that game more than anyone because I was the one that dropped the ball and it all happened to me. But that wasn’t the case. Everyone wanted it, and it showed,” Stoerner says.

After his college career, Clint never thought he would continue to play football. But he did. “I look up one day, and I’m playing for the Dallas Cowboys, America’s team, and I realized that I didn’t ever even think that I would get the chance to play Division 1 football. I knew right then that I truly got the most out of what I had,” Stoerner says.

Clint played for five seasons in the NFL, four with the Cowboys and one with the Miami Dolphins. He started two games in 2001 for the Cowboys, but was l a t e r released. “I never really felt like I belonged in the NFL. I always felt undersized or like my arm wasn’t strong enough. It was such a business and they put all their chips where there money is invested, and it wasn’t invested in me,” Stoerner says.

“ I had to take the blame and move on, that’s just the way I was raised,” says Stoerner.

This time around, the Volunteers were again ranked amongst the top five in the nation and had hopes of another National Championship. Down 24-21 late in the fourth quarter Clint found his favorite target, Anthony Lucas, in the end zone to put the Hogs up 28-24. The defense held, and the Razorbacks ended the Volunteers Championships hopes by the same exact score that they had been beaten by a year before. Stoerner completed 18 passes on 28 attempts for three touchdowns and over 300 yards passing.

“That game was the one time in my entire career that I really felt pressure. To me, there was no other outcome for that game other than winning. Everyone played great, it all came together, and Pg. 8 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 8 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

But even after Stoerner’s football career, he wasn’t done building teams and being successful. And getting over the fact that there would be no more football would prove to be his final obstacle. “Now I’m so interested in building a team and building a successful, strong business that it’s really kind of taken the place of football, and that has taken a long time,” Stoerner says. “I look forward to winning in the business world and being recognized for that.”

Now that Clint is working to establish his company, Stoerner and Havas Insurance Agency, he can look back and see just how football and the obstacles that it presented molded him into the man that he is today. “It’s human nature when something bad happens to think the worst, but from all of those situations I’ve learned not to over react. And that goes with the good and the bad. I’ve learned to be a good manager of people. It’s all about

reactions. Sports have taught me how to live and deal with life, and that’s all that I could have ever asked for,” Stoerner says.

As a culture we spend billions of dollars on organized sports each year. In fact, in 2011 the sports industry more than doubled the revenue of the automobile industry. Some people would look at this statistic and wonder, “why”?

Clint Stoerner’s story might be the best possible answer to that question. From a young age, a boy was taught about meeting obstacles and overcoming them. Through football, Clint was taught what it meant to succeed and what it meant to fail. If we know anything about life, we know that it comes with its share of good and bad times, and the only thing that people can control is how they react to these times.

Through the game of football, Clint Stoerner was taught to put others above himself, to take responsibility for his actions, and to know how to work with people effectively. “In the end, sports actually define me to a certain extent,” Stoerner says. “Sports are the most important factor in making me who I am today.”

In life, everyone has their own obstacles to overcome, but it’s how we respond to those obstacles that make us who we are. Clint Stoerner made the most out of his successes and his failures in order to be the man that he is today.

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Youth Football: Heat Stress and Injury Risk

Recommendations and Guidelines

T

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, South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 11

ARKADELPHIA BADGERS Experience Is Key Arkadelphia Badgers Head Coach J.R. Eldridge Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 4-7 Conference: 4A-7 Athletic Director Chris Babb Football Staff Eli Cranor – Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks Eric Hart – Assistant Head Coach/ Linebackers Brant Matros – Wide Receivers Butch Alexander – Offensive Line Derek Moore – Defensive Coordinator/ Defensive Backs 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 4-7/4-3 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 60 Returning Lettermen: 17 Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 9 Offensive System: Spread/Multiple Defensive System: 4-3/Multiple

Despite implementing a new system in 2011, the Arkadelphia Badgers were poised to compete for the conference championship midway through the season.

They overcame a 1-3 start by winning four of their next five games, and enjoyed a 4-3 record entering a crucial week nine game against Hot Springs Lakeside. They suffered a 29-28 heartbreaking loss to the Rams, and limped into the playoffs after a blowout week ten loss to Camden Fairview.

Greenbrier defeated them 35-16 in the first round to end a rocky season that saw the Badgers grow as a team.

“We spent the first three games getting adjusted to the new systems,” head coach J.R. Eldridge says. “When we played Greenbrier in the first round of the playoffs, we lost our quarterback to injury and did not respond well to adversity. But we saw what we must do to win a first-round playoff game.”

Although the Badgers didn’t respond well to adversity, Eldridge sees plenty of room for improvement. “Our two limiting factors in the previous season were strength and mental toughness,” Eldridge says. “Hopefully we have addressed both of these issues in the offseason program.”

On both sides of the ball, the key for A rkadel phi a is experience.

On defense, they have plenty of it, with nine returning starters; on offense, they struggle with it, as they return just four starters.

The Badgers hired former Ouchita Baptist quarterback Eli Cranor as the offensive coordinator, and he has brings plenty of excitement with him going into his first year in the program. “The team really fit my offensive plan,” Cranor says.

Junior Jakahari Howell leads the offense after being moved from wide receiver to quarterback. He garnered all-conference honors as a wide receiver in 2011, and his athleticism brings a dangerous versatility to the Badgers offense. “He’s got all the tools you could ever dream of,” Cranor says.

“He’s got a great arm, great feet, but he has a great knowledge of the game, too.”

Howell takes snaps in a spread offense beside junior all-conference running back Kris Oliver, who is good friends with Howell.

“We’ll go as they go,” Cranor says. “We need them to be leaders, and they have been leaders.” Given Oliver’s size (5’9, 160 lbs), he is more of a scatback, whose elusiveness makes him dangerous in the open field.

At wideout, senior Kenneth Lewis has stepped up in the offseason and claimed a starting role. “He’s developed in the new system,” Cranor says. “He’s a deep-threat.”

Senior Cantrell Lewis is a smart receiver who “knows how to work into defenses.

He always finds a way to be open,” Cranor says. Senior Darius Holt and junior John Franklin Matros round out the receiving corps. Sophomore Emmanuel Cooper is a

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Cantrell Lewis

Cole McNally

Dalton Huerkamp

Darius Holt

Starting Lineup OFFENSE QB – JAKHARI HOWELL – JR. RB – KRIS OLIVER – JR. WR – JOHN FRANKLIN MATROS – JR. WR – CANTRELL LEWIS – SR. WR – DARIUS HOLT – SR. TE – EMMANUEL COOPER – SO. T – COLE MCNALLY – JR. T – DALTON HUERKAMP – JR. C – JAKE KNIGHT – SR. G – TONY VO – SR. G – TRUMAN VO – SR.

KHALIL HART – SR.

DEFENSE DT – JYRUNN DIXON – SR. DT – TRUMAN VO – SR. DE – JAMES HOWARD – SR. DE – SHAWN JENKINS – SR. LB – AUSTIN WHITE – JR. LB – K.K. GREGORY – SR. LB – JAHLON MITCHELL – JR. CB – CANTRELL LEWIS – SR. CB – RASHAD YOUNG – SR. SS – DARIUS HOLT – SR. FS – JOHN FRANKLIN MATROS – JR.

first-time starter at tight end.

Arkadelphia’s offensive line is undersized, but Cranor sees that as a positive with what their offense is trying to do. “We’re not going to overpower defenses on the line,” he says. “But they’re hard-nosed and scrappy, and we will wear defenses down. They fit our system very well.”

The line lacks experience, as just two starters return from last season in senior center Jake Knight and junior tackle Cole McNally. Starting for the first time beside them is junior tackle Dalton Huerkamp.

Twins Truman and Tony Vo, who are seniors, have stepped up as leaders this offseason. “They’re extreme leaders on our team,” Cranor says. “They are the hardest working people on this squad.” Khalil Hart contributes at guard.

Jahlon Mitchell Jakahari Howell

Jake Knight

John Franklin Matros

2012 Badgers Schedule Date Opponent Place 8-28 Benton Little Rock 9-07 Sheridan Home 9-14 Hot Springs Away 9-21 Nashville Away 9-28 Arkansas Baptist Home 10-05 Central AR Christian Away 10-12 Pulaski Robinson (HC) Home 10-19 Ashdown Away 10-26 Bauxite Home 11-02 Malvern Away

Time 5:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:00 7:00

at corner. Kris Oliver returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against Greenbrier last season.

Eldridge believes Arkadelphia’s biggest challenge in the 2012 season will be adjusting to new personnel and a new conference.

“We have addressed the new personnel issues in the offseason and spring ball,” Eldridge says. “We will take our conference schedule one game at a time and focus on preparing for each opponent.”

The Badgers’ positive attitude will help them in their preparation.

“They have a great attitude, and they have bought into all the new systems,” Eldridge says.

The Badgers first home game is in week two on September 7th, when they host Sheridan at Badger Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Defensively, the Badgers return their front four in senior ends James Howard and Shawn Jenkins and senior defensive tackles Jyrunn Dixon and Truman Vo. While the Badgers return a majority of their starters, they have two huge gaps to fill at linebacker. Juniors Austin White and Jahlon Mitchell are first-time starters at the strong side and weak side linebacker positions, respectively. Senior K.K. Gregory starts at middle linebacker.

The Badgers’ secondary contains three of their starting wide receivers in John Franklin Matros, Darius Holt, and Cantrell Lewis.

John Franklin Matros starts at free safety, while Holt starts at strong safety and Lewis at cornerback. Rashad Young also starts South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 13

BAUXITE MINERS Rebounding

Clifton starts at OFFENSE QB – JORDAN BRANSON – JR. tackle, where Jay RB – DYLAN HERRON – SR. and Justin Reader RB – GARETT WILCOX – SR. see playing time. WR – PRESTON BARNES – SR. Brady Thompson WR – TRENT ROOKS – JR. and Dakota Turner WR – TRENT TAYLOR – JR. compete for playing WR – AARON BLAKLEY – SR. TE – JACOB PAGE – SR. Things won’t get any easier for the Miners time.

OL – CODY CHILDS – SR. this fall, as they graduated their starting quarterback and running back. But head The linebackers OL – TYLER WILLIS – SR. OL – TANNER MORRISON – SR. coach Shane Clancy is optimistic that include senior C – CODY ALLRED – SR. his team can rebound P a t r i c k and enjoy a solid 2012 N o o n e r , DEFENSE season. and juniors DT – JUSTIN CLIFTON – JR. D.J. Watson DE – JACOB PAGE – SR. Six starters return to an and Hayden DE – FOREST SIMMERMAN – JR. offense that averaged V o c q u e . LB – PATRICK NOONER – SR. 19 points per game last S e n i o r s LB – D.J. WATSON – JR. season.

J a y d e n LB – HAYDEN VOCQUE – JR. DB – JAYDEN SOUTHARD – SR. Junior Jordan Branson, S o u t h a r d DB – JUSTIN WARREN – JR. who placed second in the and Aaron DB – AARON BLAKLEY – SR. long jump at a conference Blakley track and field meet last anchor the May, inherits the starting secondary, quarterback job. while junior Justin Warren, Trent Rooks, and junior Alex Mendoza Senior running back see playing time.

Dylan Herron leads the Miners rushing attack this fall after a productive offseason, Bauxite opens the season with a tough and senior Garett Wilcox should see carries non-conference schedule consisting of also. Seniors Preston Barnes and Aaron road games against Harding Academy Blakley lead the receiving corps alongside and Glen Rose, and a home game against juniors Trent Rooks and Trent Taylor.

Jessieville. Following that game is the Miners’ conference opener, a road matchup The senior-laden offensive line is led by against 4A state runner-up Malvern. Those center Cody Allred, who improved his four teams accrued a 39-13 combined 2011 strength in the offseason. Cody Childs record, and it will be crucial for Bauxite to starts on the line, where Tyler Willis and compete in these early matchups to gain Tanner Morrison see playing time. Seniors confidence and build momentum.

Sam Bolding and Jeremy Reader, Bauxite’s first home game is in week three as well as juniors against Jessieville at The Pit. Kickoff is at Ethan Hendrix 7 p.m. and Dakota Turner, contribute on the line.

The Bauxite Miners started the 2011 season with a 26-7 upset over a talented Glen Rose team, and despite playing several quality teams close, they lost the remaining nine games on their schedule to finish with a disappointing 1-9 record.

Bauxite Miners Head Coach Shane Clancy Years as Head Coach at School: 2 Record at School: 2-18 Conference: 4A-7 Athletic Director Doug Quinn Football Staff Dennis Hudgens – Assistant Coach Wes Mode – Assistant Coach Michael Mattox – Assistant Coach Justin Ray – Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 1-9/0-7 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 53 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Split Back Defensive System: 4-3

2012 Miners schedule Date Opponent Place 8-31 Harding Academy Away 9-07 Glen Rose Away 9-14 Jessieville Home 9-21 Malvern Away 9-28 Ashdown Home 10-05 Robinson Away 10-12 Cen Ark Christian Home 10-19 Ark Baptist Home 10-26 Arkadelphia Away 11-02 Nashville Home Pg. 14 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 14 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:30

STARTING LINEUP

Bauxite returns five starters on defense, led by senior defensive end Jacob Page.

Junior Forest Simmerman sees playing time at the opposite end spot. Junior Justin

GURDON GO DEVILS A Seasoned Squad GURDON GO DEVILS Head Coach John Pace Years as Head Coach at School: 20 Record at School: 127-100-1 Conference: 2A-7 Athletic Director John Pace Football Staff Todd Lewis - Assistant Coach Hank Lewis - Assistant Coach David Davis - Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 10-3/6-1 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 8 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 50

The Gurdon Go-Devils were the team to beat in the 2A-7 last year, notching an 8-2 regular season record on the way to a conference championship. They compounded on their regular season with a deep playoff run which included victories over Cross County and Spring Hill, but their season was ended in a nail-biting 13-12 loss to Carlisle.

This fall, head coach John Pace and his seasoned squad have their eyes set on the conference championship once again, with the hope that the season culminate in a trip to the state championship.

Junior Austin Kirkpatrick rushed for over 900 yards and passed for over 900 more last season, accounting for 26 touchdowns and earning all-conference honors. Senior Cody Weems sees playing time at fullback after sitting out last season with an injury. Senior all-conference running back Kedreas Norvell rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and helps lead Gurdon’s versatile offensive attack.

Gurdon starts three senior wide receivers this fall in Chris Penny, Justice Day, and Ed Hood. Hood had two catches for 25 yards in Gurdon’s loss to Carlisle.

2012 go devil schedule Date Opponent 8-31 Prescott 9-07 Harmony Grove 9-14 Marked Tree 9-21 Dierks 9-28 Mineral Springs 10-05 Murfreesboro 10-12 Spring Hill 10-19 Lafayette Co. 10-26 Bearden 11-02 Foreman

Place Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away

Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00

Junior Devante Charles starts on the line as a tackle. Senior Austen Haliday, who is a member of the baseball team, starts at tackle also. Junior Mitch Ramos snaps the ball at center, and senior Hunter Fulton and junior DeAngelo Fields round out the linemen as guards.

Opponents will have a tough time scoring on Gurdon’s seasoned defensive squad, which returns eight starters from a group that allowed an average of 17 points per game last fall. Senior Cody Weems, junior Terry Franklin, and Devante Charles anchor the defensive line. Ed Hood recorded 11 sacks last season at defensive end.

Senior all-conference linebacker Aaron Taylor returns to lead the defensive unit after averaging eight tackles per game last fall. Junior Nick Smith and senior Tyler

Burns round out the linebacking corps.

Senior cornerback Kentrell McClelland accrued 55 tackles last season. Senior Chris Penny picked off two passes last season and returns as a cornerback. Senior Justice Day and junior Mason Clark combined for 130 tackles last year as safeties.

Gurdon’s biggest tests come in weeks three and four, when they play conference contenders Dierks and Mineral Springs in back-to-back weeks. Gurdon defeated Spring Hill twice last season, 42-26 in the regular season and 35-7 in the playoffs.

They beat Dierks 40-7 in week eight last year.

The Go-Devils’ first home game is in week one, when they play host to the Prescott Curley Wolves at Go-Devil Stadium.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – AUSTIN KIRKPATRICK – JR. FB – CODY WEEMS – SR. RB – KEDREAS NORVELL – SR. WR – CHRIS PENNY – SR. WR – JUSTICE DAY – SR. WR – ED HOOD – SR. T – DEVANTE CHARLES – JR. T – AUSTEN HALIDAY – SR. C – MITCH RAMOS – JR. G – HUNTER FULTON – SR. G – DEANGELO FIELDS – JR. DEFENSE DL – CODY WEEMS – SR. DL – DEVANTE CHARLES – JR. DL – TERRY FRANKLIN – SR. DE – ED HOOD – SR. LB – AARON TAYLOR – SR. LB – NICK SMITH – JR. LB – TYLER BURNS – SR. CB – CHRIS PENNY – SR. CB – KENTRELL MCCLELLAND – SR. S – JUSTICE DAY – SR. S – MASON CLARK – JR. Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 15 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 15

BENTON PANTHERS Plenty of Positives

Benton Panthers Head Coach Scott Neathery Years as Head Coach at School: 2 Record at School: 6-16 Conference: 7A/6A South Athletic Director Stephen Quinn Football Staff Jason Gentry - Assitant Coach Michael McClellan - Assistant Coach Rusty Davis - Assistant Coach Bobby Winn - Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 3-8/2-5 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: Multiple

Pg. 16 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 16 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

The Benton Panthers showcased an explosive offense in 2011, but struggled with a defense that allowed an average of 30 points per game last season.

They defeated Jacksonville, Little Rock McClellan, and Little Rock Fair, and played competitive against several other teams, but were unable to pull off any other wins, finishing the season with a 3-7 record.

Senior Wallace Foote returns at running back after earning all-conference honor a year ago. He rushed for 218 yards in the loss against Greenbrier last fall. Junior Samonte Wallace plays at both running back and wide receiver. Senior Boone Cox leads the receiving corps with explosive speed. Senior Taylor Wright and junior J.V. Davis round out the receivers.

Head coach Scott Neathery saw plenty of positives from the 2011 season, and hopes that the 2012 season holds a winning record in store for the struggling Panthers. Junior Tarek Beaugard took over the quarterbacking duties as a sophomore after the starting quarterback was injured, and he starts for the Panthers this fall. He threw a 16-yard touchdown pass against El Dorado last season.

Senior Ryne Keene plays on the Panthers baseball team and starts at tackle, while sophomore Kellan Hancock plays at the other tackle position. Senior guards Chase Pigue and Brody Barker anchor the line.

Senior Seth Alexander plays center.

Benton returns seven starters on a defense consisting of nine seniors. Jeffrey Hodge and Ryne Keene project as defensive linemen, while seniors Conner Henningsen

Starting Lineup OFFENSE QB – TAREK BEAUGARD – JR. RB – WALLACE FOOTE – SR. WR – TAYLOR WRIGHT – SR. WR – BOONE COX – SR. WR – SAMONTE WALLACE – JR. WR – J.V. DAVIS – JR. T – RYNE KEENE – SR. T – KELLAN HANCOCK – SO. C – SETH ALEXANDER – SR. G – CHASE PIGUE – SR. G – BRODY BARKER – SR.

DEFENSE DL – JEFFREY HODGE – SR. DL – RYNE KEENE – SR. DE – CONNER HENNINGSEN – SR. DE – JAMES LUCAS – SR. LB – CARSON HOLLOWAY – SR. LB – COLE GLOVER – SR. CB – BRANT STOUT – SR. CB – WALLACE FOOTE – SR. S – COLLIN SIMMONS – SR.

2012 Panthers Schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

Opponent Arkadelphia Jacksonville Greenbrier Bryant J.A. Fair Sheridan Texarkana Lake Hamilton El Dorado Pine Bluff

Place Away Home Home Little Rock Home 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

and James Lucas play as ends.

Senior Carson Holloway returns as a linebacker after garnering all-state honors last fall. Senior linebacker Cole Glover recorded nearly 100 tackles last season. Brant Stout, Wallace Foote, and Collin Simmons play in the secondary.

Benton must navigate a tough conference schedule including Bryant, Sheridan, Texarkana, Lake Hamilton, El Dorado, and Pine Bluff. Their conference opener is against Bryant in a crucial matchup that could set the tone for their season.

Benton’s first home game is in week two, when they play host to Jacksonville at C.W. Lewis Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 17 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 17

BISMARCK LIONS Continuuing the Momentum

Bismark Lions Head Coach Jeff McBride Years as Head Coach at School: 3 Record at School: 12-20 Conference: 3A-5 Athletic Director Larry Newsom Football Staff Nathan Sullivan - Assistant Coach Lewis Jolly - Assistant Coach Jason Hathcock - Assistant Coach Brad Loy - Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 3-8/3-4 Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-3

Pg. 18 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 18 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

The Bismarck Lions football program has struggled over the last decade – they didn’t have football from 2003-2005, and posted just four wins between 2001 and 2008. But things have looked up for the Lions in recent years, as they have won 11 games in the past three seasons.

touchdowns. Junior A.C. Clayton sees snaps also.

Several players could rotate through the fullback position, but senior Justin Schwartz should see a majority of the snaps. Junior Justin Taylor starts at running back, but expect sophomore Ryan Looper to see carries as well Bismarck posted a 3-8 record last after a productive offseason. fall, and when they won, they won convincingly; when they lost, they lost Junior Tyler Billings returns to play convincingly as well. They won their wide receiver after catching a 59-yard three games by an average of 21 points touchdown pass against Jessieville per game, and lost their eight games last fall. Seniors Hayden Thornton and by double-digit averages as well.

Tyler Smoke round out the receiving corps. Sophomore Devin Thacker In 2012, head coach Jeff McBride could blossom into an impact receiver. looks to continue the momentum from Senior Braiden Bergfels plays at tight last season and compete with quality end. opponents, hoping to earn a thirdconsecutive playoff berth and make a Senior Dusty Yarbrough anchors run towards the coveted state title. the line at right tackle after playing a majority of the games last season.

With Jason Hathcock taking over as Junior Cody Burrow, who is a member offensive coordinator, Bismarck’s of the wrestling team, starts at left offense looks to be much more tackle. Junior Austin Burrow starts at dangerous this fall. They return four left guard, and senior Aspen Yarbrough starters, most notably senior Trace is a two-year starter at right guard.

Pee, who earned all-conference Junior Trenton Corley snaps the ball at honors last year and returns as a center. dual-threat quarterback for the Lions.

He accounted for just over 1,700 all- Six starters return to a defense that purpose yards last season and 13 allowed an average of 34 points last

season, but McBride has reverted back to a 4-3 scheme, which has helped the Lions’ defense improve this offseason.

Cody Burrow plays defensive tackle, while sophomores Tristin Phillips and Chandler Williams compete for playing time.

All-conference junior Shelby Orr leads the defense at end, where he accrued five sacks and over 60 tackles last fall.

Dusty Yarbrough rushes the quarterback at the opposite end position.

Justin Schwartz projects as a linebacker, where juniors Aaron Whitehead and Bryce Yarbrough see playing time.

Austin Phillips, Ryan Looper, and Trenton Corley contribute at the position as well.

Junior Tristin Ray and senior Jacob Richerson start as cornerbacks, and there is plenty of competition for the starting safety positions. Aaron Whitehead, Tyler Billings, Garrett Scott, Ryan Looper, A.C. Clayton, Gage Henson, and Justin Taylor all competed for playing time in the secondary this offseason.

Bismarck’s conference opener is against Jessieville, who defeated the Lions 55-14 last year. After their offseason improvements, McBride hopes to set the tone for their conference schedule by competing and winning early.

Bismarck’s first home game is in week one, when they play host to Murfreesboro at Doyle Henderson Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – TRACE PEE – SR. A.C. CLAYTON – JR. FB – JUSTIN SCHWARTZ – SR. RB – JUSTIN TAYLOR – JR. RYAN LOOPER – SO. WR – TYLER BILLINGS – JR. DEVIN THACKER – SO. WR – HAYDEN THORNTON – SR. WR – TYLER SMOKE – SR. TE – BRAIDEN BERGFELS – SR. RT – DUSTY YARBROUGH – SR. LT – CODY BURROW – JR. LG – AUSTIN BURROW – JR. RG – ASPEN YARBROUGH – SR. C – TRENTON CORLEY – JR.

DEFENSE DT – CODY BURROW – JR. DT – TRISTIN PHILLIPS – SO. CHANDLER WILLIAMS – SO. DE – SHELBY ORR – JR. DE – DUSTY YARBROUGH – SR. LB – JUSTIN SCHWARTZ – SR. LB – AARON WHITEHEAD – JR. LB – BRYCE YARBROUGH – JR. CB – JACOB RICHERSON – SR. CB – TRISTIN RAY – JR.

2012 LIONS schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

Opponent Murfreesboro Dierks Cutter Morning Star Jessieville Harmony Grove Glen Rose Two Rivers Horatio Fountain Lake Centerpoint

Place Home Away Home Away Home Away 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

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 19 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 19

CUTTER MORNING STAR EAGLES Building On Excellence The Cutter Morning Star Eagles won the first game of the season last year, when they edged out the Western Yell County Wolverines for a 21-18 victory. But the season went downhill from there – they lost the remaining nine games, and finished the year with a 1-9 record.

CUTTER MORNING STAR Head Coach T.C. Shamel Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 1-9 Athletic Director David Tollet Football Staff Tim Capel 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 1-9/0-7 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 24 Returning Lettermen: 10 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 3-5-3

With such low numbers – Cutter Morning Star expects just 24 varsity players this season – the move down to 2A comes as a blessing for the struggling Eagles.

“We’re glad to be out of 3A football,” head coach T.C. Shamel says. “Dropping to 2A should make us more competitive.”

“Our numbers are traditionally low, so our kids must be in tremendous condition and be able to play both ways,” Shamel adds.

Senior Cody Machen leads the Eagles’ spread offensive attack that averaged 11.1 points per game a year ago. He threw a 21-yard touchdown pass against Fountain Lake in week six, and also handles some kicking duties. Senior runningback Michael Sims leads the Eagles’ rushing attack, and sophomore Zack Wren sees carries as well.

Pg. 20 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 20 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

Senior receiver Bryce Wren scored a touchdown against Conway Christian.

Junior Spencer May has deep-threat capability. Junior Austin Morphew helps at receiver. C.J. Hughes and Ethan Sutton round out the receiving corps.

Senior Blake Cooper leads an inexperienced offensive line from the guard position. Juniors Zac Walters and Clark McIntyre anchor the line as tackles. The two remaining line spots are still up for competition, but Shamel expects senior Kyle Grimmett and junior Sean Moore to see playing time.

Seven starters return to a defense that gave up an average of 40 points per game last season. Junior duo Clark McIntyre and Zac Walters clog the interior as defensive tackles, and senior Blake Cooper starts at noseguard.

The seasoned linebacking corps is led by Sean Moore, who led the team in tackles a year ago. Spencer May starts alongside him. Shamel expects senior Tylar Sieck

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – CODY MACHEN – SR. RB – MICHAEL SIMS – SR.

ZACK WREN – SO. WR – BRYCE WREN – SR. WR – SPENCER MAY – JR. WR – AUSTIN MORPHEW – JR. G – BLAKE COOPER – SR. T – ZAC WALTERS – JR. T – CLARK MCINTYRE – JR.

DEFENSE DT – CLARK MCINTYRE – JR. DT – ZAC WALTERS – JR. NG – BLAKE COOPER – SR. LB – SEAN MOORE – JR. LB – SPENCER MAY – JR. LB – TYLAR SIECK – SR. LB – C.J. HUGHES – SR. CB – BRYCE WREN – SR. CB – JESSE TEAGUE – JR. S – AUSTIN MORPHEW – JR.

to make an impact as a linebacker. C.J. Hughes rounds out the group.

Bryce Wren starts at cornerback opposite junior Jesse Teague.

Austin Morphew plays safety.

Shamel sees team unity as one of the team’s best attributes. “They are a tight-knit group of kids,” he says. The coach sees their week four conference opener against Mountain Pine as the most pivotal game of the year.

Cutter Morning Star’s first home game is in week two on September 7th, when they play host to the Perryville Mustangs at Eagle Field.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

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 WYC Perryville Bismarck Mtn Pine Quitman Poyen Mt Ida Conway Christian Bigelow Magnet Cove

Place Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away

Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 21 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 21

FOUNTAIN LAKE COBRAS Fresh Faces FOUNTAIN LAKE COBRAS Head Coach Thomas Gilleran Years as Head Coach at School: 9 Record at School: 72-37-1 Athletic Director Marc Davis Football Staff David Dearmon – Defensive Coordinator Kenny Shelton – Head Junior Coach Jake Dettmering – Junior High Defensive Coordinator Glenn Davis – Special Teams 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 9-5/6-1 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 65 Returning Lettermen: 23 Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Spread/Wing T Defensive System: 4-2-5

Pg. 22 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 22 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

Despite starting the season in an 0-3 hole after losses to Harding Academy, Booneville, and Hot Springs Lake, the Fountain Lake Cobras bounced back to their winning ways late in the season. They won five straight to go into the playoffs, where they got hot and won three-straight playoff games. The winning streak was ended by Charleston in the semifinals.

“We had some big losses to Harding Academy and Charleston,” head coach Tommy Gilleran says. “We played well down the stretch and turned it into a good season.”

The Cobras will have many fresh faces at the skill positions on offense. “We will struggle early on offense,” Gilleran says.

“But once they settle into their roles, we should be okay.”

Senior quarterback James Cooper succeeds Michael Pope, who graduated after earning all-state honors last season.

Senior Kolton Blake helps lead Fountain Lake’s prolific rushing attack after averaging nearly five yards per carry last season.

Senior fullback Mackenzie Ross averaged nearly seven yards per carry on the way to 1,158 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns.

Senior Andrew Barber brings athleticism to the wingback position.

Four seniors lead the Cobras receiving corps. Jordan Stone had over 1,000 yards receiving and 16 touchdown catches last season. “He’s a strength for us on

offense,” Gilleran says. Kenneth Graves, Tyler Barber, and Levi Buchmann also see playing time. Senior tight end Justin Gunnoe blocks well.

Senior left tackle David Alford anchors an offensive line that Gilleran says has drastically improved over the offseason.

Junior Cole Murray and senior Dalton Darland project as left and right guards, respectively. Senior center James Wilson starts at center. The right tackle position is open for competition, but expect Josh Barker, Tyler Brooks, and Colton Tillery to see playing time.

The Cobras return six starters to a defense which gave up an average of 19 points per game last season. Junior Cole Murray and senior David Alford work on the interior line as tackles. Several players compete for playing time at defensive end, including Ronnie Waggoner, Kody Kizer, Nathan Vassau, Tyler Robertson, and Eli Westerman.

Andrew Barber and senior Ethan Obear lead the defense at linebacker after combining for over 200 tackles a year ago.

Senior Cole Richards recorded 26 tackles last season. Junior Toby Wagner works at linebacker also.

Senior Dakota Weatherford anchors the secondary unit after snagging four interceptions last season and deflecting three passes. Tyler Barber starts at cornerback, where Wesley Sutter and

Andrew Barber

Colton Blake

David Alford

Ethan Obear

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – JAMES COOPER – SR. FB – MACKENZIE ROSS – SR. RB – KOLTON BLAKE – SR. WB – ANDREW BARBER – SR. WR – JORDAN STONE – SR. WR – KENNETH GRAVES – SR. WR – TYLER BARBER – SR.

LEVI BUCHMANN – SR. TE – JUSTIN GUNNOE – SR. LT – DAVID ALFORD – SR. LG – COLE MURRAY – JR. RG – DALTON DARLAND – SR. C – JAMES WILLSON – SR.

DEFENSE DT – DAVID ALFORD – SR. DT – COLE MURRAY – JR. LB – ETHAN OBEAR – SR. LB – ANDREW BARBER – SR. DB – DAKOTA WEATHERFORD – SR. DB – TYLER BARBER – SR.

Jordan Stone help.

James Cooper

Jordan Stone

Mackenzie Ross

2012 COBRAS schedule Date Opponent 8-31 Maumelle 9-07 Pottsville 9-14 Mountain Pine 9-21 Centerpoint 9-28 Two Rivers 10-05 Horatio 10-12 Glen Rose 10-19 Benton Harmony Grove 10-26 Bismarck 11-02 Jessieville

Place Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Home

Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00

Fountain Lake’s first home game is in week two, when they play host to the Pottsville Apaches at Larry Beckham Memorial Field.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 23 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 23

GLEN ROSE BEAVERS Finishing Games

GLEN ROSE BEAVERS Head Coach Mark Kehner Years as Head Coach at School: 4 Record at School: 36-13 Athletic Director Vic Gandolph Football Staff Darrell Ellis – Offensive Coordinator Chase Meyers – Offensive Line Bryan Weatherford – Defensive Coordinator Randy Aaron – Head Junior High Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 8-4/5-2 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 42 Returning Lettermen: 20 Returning Offensive Starters: 10 Returning Defensive Starters: 8 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-2

Pg. 24 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 24 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

Expectations were high for the Glen Rose Beavers in 2011 after an 11-win 2010 season. They had graduated players at several key roles, and entered the season young but hopeful.

But they were shocked in the season opener by a scrappy Bauxite team that beat them in convincing fashion 26-7.

The Beavers bounced back to win five straight before losing to Fountain Lake, and after a week ten 21-7 loss to Prescott, they entered the playoffs with a 7-3 record. They defeated Rivercrest 35-3 in the first round before Rison edged Glen Rose 24-21.

“Those games against Rison, Fountain Lake, and Prescott were big games,” head coach Mark Kehner says. “We were a young team, and we learned a lot from those games.”

in last year’s upset win over Jessieville.

Senior runningback Dillon Coney rushed for two touchdowns in the loss to Rison and rushed for 75 yards against Prescott. Junior Clay Holicer shares duties with Coney and was part of a committee no-hitter for the Beavers baseball team.

Junior wide receiver Kyle Petersen caught a 36-yard touchdown pass against Prescott. Junior Austin Kehner runs crisp routes. Seniors Lane Ballard and Hunter Bredensteiner complete the receiving corps.

Senior tackles Max Farr and Skyler Hix anchor the offensive line. Junior duo Drake Lackey and Zach Lankford work as guards.

Eight starters return to a stalwart “We need to learn how to finish games,” defense that allowed an average of the coach adds. “We lost three big 14 points per game last year. Skyler games in the second half last year.”

Hix and senior Tyler Southworth work on the interior line, while seniors Sam Glen Rose returns 10 starters on Brooks and Ethan Beard rush the offense this season, and look poised to quarterback as defensive ends. reclaim the conference championship they won two years ago. “We should The Beavers lack depth at the be explosive offensively,” Kehner says. linebacker position, and hope for Austin Kehner, Kyle Petersen, Hunter All-state senior quarterback Collin Bredensteiner, and Clay Holicer to Hunter leads the spread offense after step up and play crucial roles in the passing for over 2,000 yards last defense this fall. “We have to replace season. He rushed for 50 yards and some linebackers on defense,” Kehner passed for 186 yards and a touchdown says. “But we are bringing back lots of

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE

QB – COLLIN HUNTER – SR. RB – DILLON CONEY – SR. WR – AUSTIN KEHNER – JR. WR – KYLE PETERSEN – JR. WR – LANE BALLARD – SR. WR – HUNTER BREDENSTEINER – SR. G – DRAKE LACKEY – JR. G – ZACH LANKFORD – JR. T – SKYLER HIX – SR. T – MAX FARR – SR.

DEFENSE DT – SKYLER HIX –SR. DT – TYLER SOUTHWORTH – SR. DE – SAM BROOKS – SR. DE – ETHAN BEARD – SR. LB – AUSTIN KEHNER – JR. LB – KYLE PETERSEN – JR. LB – HUNTER BREDENSTEINER – SR. LB - CLAY HOLICER – JR. CB – DAKOTA HARRIS – JR. CB – TYLER LEWIS – JR. FS – DILLON LEQUIEU – JR.

2012 beaverS schedule Date Opponent 8-31 Malvern 9-07 Bauxite 9-14 Mineral Springs 9-21 Benton Harmony Grove 9-28 Jessieville 10-05 Bismarck 10-12 Fountain Lake 10-19 Centerpoint 10-26 Horatio 11-02 Two Rivers

Place Home Home Away 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

experience on both sides of the ball.”

Juniors Dakota Harris and Tyler Lewis work as cornerbacks, and junior Dillon Lequieu roams at safety.

Kehner sees every game as important for the Beavers in 2012. Their conference opener is against Benton Harmony Grove, which they defeated 40-0 in week four last season.

The Beavers’ first home game is in week one, when they play host to perennial power Malvern at Beaver Stadium.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 25 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 25

HARMONY GROVE CARDINALS Going Up HARMONY GROVE CARDINALS Head Coach Jimmy Parker Years as Head Coach at School: 2 Athletic Director Ricky Mooney Football Staff Benji White – Assistant Coach Trey Stevens – Assistant Coach Richard Moore – Assistant Coach Dwight Fite – Assistant Coach Brandon Mynhier – Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 4-6/2-5 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Wishbone Defensive System: 4-3

In just their second year as a program, the Benton Harmony Grove Cardinals posted a 4-6 record in 2011, defeating Poyen, Little Rock Episcopal, Centerpoint, and Cutter Morning Star. They competed against top-tiered opponents such as Gurdon and Bismarck, and earned their first-ever playoff berth. 2011 was a successful season for Harmony Grove, and for legendary head coach Jimmy “Red” Parker, there’s nowhere for the Cardinals to go but up.

Six starters return to the Cardinals’ Wishbone offense, which should be even more dangerous this year after two years of implementing the system. Junior Zane Anderson and sophomores Fisher Arnesen and Tyler Hamilton compete for the starting job at quarterback.

Seniors Christian Taylor and Cameron Byrd start at fullback and running back, respectively. Taylor (6’0, 190 lbs) brings strength to the backfield, and Byrd returns after a productive offseason. Junior Nick Johnson, Evan Williams, and Jorge Vasquez see playing time in the backfield.

juniors Cody Crain and Cody Kitchens work on the defensive line. Sophomore Harry McClendon and junior Billy Glenn see playing time as defensive ends.

Sophomore linebacker Fielder Arnesen is a first-time starter alongside three senior linebackers – Cameron Byrd, Chad Hardy, and Christian Taylor – who bring experience to the defense.

The secondary is led by two-year starter Ben Misenheimer, who returns at safety.

Junior Nick Johnson fills the other safety position. Ben Barber and Jose Vasquez play cornerback.

Benton Harmony Grove is looking for a winning record this fall, but their nonconference schedule isn’t doing them any favors. They play Gurdon and Magnet Cove in weeks two and three, both of whom were conference champions in their respective conferences, on top of opening conference play against perennial contender Glen Rose.

Their first home game is in week one, when Junior Ben Barber and senior Ben they play host to the Poyen Indians. Kickoff Misenheimer lead the receiving corps. is at 7 p.m.

Senior David Pierce plays at tight end.

Juniors Cole Otts and Tristyn Williamson, as well as sophomore Triston Wilkerson, should all see playing time as tackles.

Junior Cody Crain and sophomore Cody Roush compete for playing time at center, while junior Cody Kitchens and sophomore Lane Deneen start as guards.

On defense, sophomore Neil Moore and

2012 CARDINALS schedule

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE

DEFENSE DL – NEIL MOORE – SO. QB – ZANE ANDERSON – JR. FISHER ARNESEN – SO. DL – CODY CRAIN – JR. TYLER HAMILTON – SO. CODY KITCHENS – JR. FB – CHRISTIAN TAYLOR – SR. DE – HARRY MCCLENDON – SO. RB – CAMERON BYRD – SR. DE – BILLY GLENN – JR. WR – BEN BARBER – JR. LB – FISHER ARNESEN – SO. WR – BEN MISENHEIMER – SR. TE – DAVID PIERCE – SR. LB – CAMERON BYRD – SR. T – COLE OTTS – JR. LB – CHAD HARDY – SR. TRISTON WILKERSON – SO. LB – CHRISTIAN TAYLOR – SR. T – TRISTYN WILLIAMSON – JR. CB – BEN BARBER – JR. C – CODY CRAIN – JR. CB – JORGE VASQUEZ – JR. CODY ROUSH – SO. G – CODY KITCHENS – JR. S – NICK JOHNSON – JR. Pg. 26G•–Fort Smith Football 2012 LANE DENEEN – SO. S – BEN MISENHEIMER – SR Pg. 26 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

Opponent Poyen Gurdon Magnet Cove Glen Rose Bismarck Jessieville Centerpoint Fountin Lake Two Rivers Horatio

Place Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away

Time 7:00 7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00

MAGNET COVE PANTHERS Duplicating Success The Magnet Cove Panthers benefited from an explosive offense and a stalwart defense in 2011. After their early exit in the second round of the playoffs at the hands of Strong, they finished the season 10-2.

Stanley (5’11, 190 lbs) will be first-time starters at the defensive end spots.

Seniors Adam Efird (5’8, 182 lbs) and Zach Garrett will start at linebacker. The secondary will be a strength for the Panthers in 2012, with three returning seniors in cornerbacks “Last season was very successful,” head Hunter Linam, Austin Stringfellow, and free coach Ronnie Efird says. “And we have an safety Corey Dennison. Juniors Dale Clark experienced team returning this season.” and Jacob Costello will see playing time at the strong safety position also.

Efird looks to duplicate Magnet Cove’s success in the 2012 season with a team In the last three years, the Panthers football that returns a majority of starters. The team has seen an astounding 29 wins. This Panthers offense will return eight starters, has created a winning culture at Magnet and their offensive strength will be their Cove, which Efird sees as a major strength skill positions. Senior quarterback Hunter in his team this year. “They have a great Linam (6’4, 174 lbs) will lead the spread work ethic, and they believe in winning offense, with his primary targets being because they see the result of winning and senior receivers Austin Stringfellow (5’10, hard work,” he says.

145 lbs) and Corey Dennison (5’7, 130 lbs).

Senior Tucker Clements (5’11, 162 lbs) is Magnet Cove seeks to win another another returning wide receiver, and junior conference championship in 2012, and have Conner Wells (6’0, 176 lbs) will see playing their eyes set on the state championship time as well. after that. “Offseason workouts, weight room, team camps, and the pride these Magnet Cove’s offensive line will have two boys have to repeat will help this team be holes left by graduating seniors at the guard successful,” Efird says. and tackle position. Junior tackle Jerry Ross (6’0, 175 lbs) and senior guard Jonathon Mount Ida will be a pivotal matchup for the Luten (6’0, 190 lbs) will fill the gaps in the Panthers. They will meet in week four, and offensive line, while junior center Pearson it will be the conference opener for Magnet Wade (5’10, 201 lbs) will return to anchor Cove. Last year, the Panthers defeated the line. Senior Zach Garrett (6’1, 190 lbs) Mount Ida 34-13 in the season opener. will start at guard, and junior Forest Irons (6’1, 232 lbs) will start at tackle.

Magnet Cove’s first home game will be against Mount Ida on September 21st in On the defensive line, juniors Chance week four at Kenneth Hammond Stadium.

Farley (5’11, 266 lbs) and Forest Irons will Kickoff is at 7 p.m. return to the defensive tackle positions.

Juniors Jerry Ross (6’0, 169 lbs) and Jared

MAGNET COVE PANTHERS Coach Ronnie Efird Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 42-17 Athletic Director Ronnie Efird Football Staff Robert Webb - Defensive Coordinator Brian Nivens - Receivers and Linebackers 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 10-2/7-0 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 35 Returning Lettermen: 25 Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 8 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-2

2012 PANTHERS schedule Date Opponent 8-31 Parkers Chapel 9-07 Centerpoint 9-14 Benton Harmony Grove 9-21 Mount Ida 9-28 Poyen 10-05 Quitman 10-12 Mount Pine 10-19 Bigelow 10-26 Conway Christian 11-02 Cutter Morning Star

Place Away Home Away Home Away Home 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

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB - HUNTER LINAM - SR* RB - ADAM EFIRD - SR* RB - ADAM DAVIDSON - JR C - PEARSON WADE - JR* G - ZACH GARRETT - SR* G - JONATHON LUTEN - SR T - FOREST IRONS - JR* T - JERRY ROSS - JR WR - TUCKER CLEMENTS - SR* WR - COREY DENNISON - SR* WR - AUSTIN STRINGFELLOW - SR* WR - CONNER WELLS - JR

DEFENSE DT - CHANCE FARLEY - JR* DT - FOREST IRONS - JR* DE - JERRY ROSS - JR DE - JARED STANLEY - JR LB - ADAM EFIRD - SR* LB - ZACH GARRETT - SR* SS - DALE CLARK - JR SS - JACOB COSTELLO - JR CB - HUNTER LINAM - SR* CB - AUSTIN STRINGFELLOW - SR* FS - COREY DENNISON - SR* Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 27 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 27

HOT SPRINGS TROJANS Gaining Confidence HOT SPRINGS TROJANS Coach Chris Vereen Years as Head Coach at School: 2 Record at School: 3-17 Athletic Director Jim Gentry Football Staff Doug Shot – Offensive Coordinator Tony Hines – Defensive Backs Matt Gonzales – Running Backs Cory Sturdivant – Secondary Kurt Wasson – Receivers 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 1-9/1-7 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 60 Returning Lettermen: 20 Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Flexbone Defensive System: 4-3

The Hot Springs Trojans finished with a 1-9 record in a disappointing season that saw the Trojans compete well at times and falter at others. They played competitively in nearly all their games, losing to Pulaski Robinson, Glen Rose, and Hope by an average of seven points per game.

“We needed to win a few early to gain confidence,” head coach C h r i s V e r e e n says. “But we never got over that hump. We played well at times.

We’ve had a great offseason though and are looking forward to winning s o m e games and making the playoffs.”

The Trojans return seven starters to an offense that averaged 22 points per game last season. They excel at the skill positions, with wingback Quin

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – ZACH KNAPP – SR.

RYAN MORROW – SR. FB – TRENT CARNES – SR. RB – ROLANDO JOHNSON – SR

CHRIS PONDEXTER – JR. WB – QUIN COLEMAN – SR. WR – TREVON REEDY – SR. WR – DEANTRE CAMPBELL – SO. TE – HARVEY BARRON – SR. G – JOHN BONDUS – JR. G – TYRECE PERSON – SR. T – CODY CHAVEZ – SR. C – TYLER WHITAKER – SR. Pg. 28 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 28 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

DEFENSE DT – D.J. COLLINS – JR. DT – ANTONIO LOUDERMILK – SO. DE – ROBERT MOSS – JR. DE – CODY LOVE – SR. LB – ANTHONY GOFFIGAN – SO. LB – TAYLOR GILES – SO. LB – QUIN COLEMAN – SR. CB – JAQUIN COUNTS – JR. CB – RYAN MORROW – SR. S – KYONN WASHINGTON – SR. S – ZACH KNAPP – SR.

Coleman and running back Rolando Johnson returning for their senior years.

Coleman rushed for over 1,500 yards last season and leads a stable of backs that Vereen cites as the strength of his team. “We have a great backfield,” he says.

Seniors Zach Knapp and Ryan Morrow split the quarterbacking duties going into the fall. Vereen says Knapp will line up as wide receiver when he’s not playing quarterback.

Knapp’s arm ensures he sees snaps under center, but Morrow’s feet add another dimension to the Trojans’ offensive attack.

Senior Trent Carnes projects at fullback.

Sophomore wide receiver Deantre Campbell leads a talented sophomore class that will help contribute to the Trojans this year. Senior Harvey Barron

2012 TROJANS schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

Opponent Robinson Mena Arkadelphia Watson Chapel Hope De Queen Magnolia White Hall Camden Fairview Lakeside

Place Home Away Home 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

has good hands.

Junior John Bondus and senior Tyrece Person block as guards. Senior tackle Cody Chavez returns after a productive offseason. Senior center Tyler Whitaker anchors the line. Clifford Jackson, Will Hadley, and James Byrd help on the line.

Junior D.J. Collins and sophomore Antonio Loudermilk are strong defensive tackles on an inexperienced defensive line. Junior Robert Moss and senior Cody Love make an impact as defensive ends.

in a senior-laden secondary. Ryan Morrow starts at corner opposite Counts. Kyonn Washington and Zach Knapp lead as safeties. “Our secondary will be a real strength of our team,” Vereen says. “We’ve got good intangibles.”

Vereen has his eyes on the playoffs this fall, and sees their week one matchup against Robinson High School as a pivotal game early in the season. “Just to gain confidence,” he says. “We need a good non-conference start.” The game against Robinson is held at Tommy Holt Memorial Stadium, and kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Vereen sees the linebacking core as a strong suit of the defense despite starting two sophomores. Taylor Giles and Anthony Goffigan are two young players that the coach is excited about for 2012. Quin Coleman rounds off the linebacking corps.

Junior JaQuin Counts blankets receivers as the sole junior

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 29 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 29

JESSIEVILLE LIONS Staying Consistent

JESSIEVILLE LIONS Head Coach Don Phillips Years as Head Coach at School: 25 Record at School: 154-115-1 Athletic Director Steve Wright Football Staff Ron McGuire – Assistant Coach James Saveall – Assistant Coach Ryan O’Neal – Assistant Coach

2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 8-4/4-3 Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Wing-T Defensive System: 4-3

Pg. 30 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 30 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

The Jessieville Lions won eight games for the second-straight season in 2011, posting victories against teams like Mountain Pine, Mount Ida, and Benton Harmony Grove. Their losses came at the hands of quality opponents, including Glen Rose, Fountain Lake, and both a regular-season and playoff loss to the eventual conference champion Prescott.

Chambers is a member of Jessieville High’s baseball team, and starts at fullback.

Senior Hunter Mayfield, a relief pitcher for the baseball team, plays at wide receiver after a productive offseason. Senior Jake Applegate is the only returning starter in the Lions’ receiving corps. Junior Josh Mitchell projects as a receiver and is also the backup quarterback. Sophomores It was a good season for a program that averaged Taylor Anderson and Colton Hooper help at eight wins per year the last decade, and head receiver. Senior Jared Williams is a big target coach Don Phillips seeks to stay consistent in for Natzke at tight end.

2012 with a team returning nine starters.

The seasoned offensive line includes juniors Senior Brandin Natzke leads the offense and Cole Crawford and Jacob Williams, who start as succeeds quarterback Dalton Oates, who tackles. Seniors Fisher Scott and Dakota Graves graduated. Natzke has worked hard in the anchor the line as guards, and senior Scott offseason, and hopes to have a productive Kemp works at center. season this fall.

Senior D.J. Hayes leads Jessieville’s rushing attack and is poised for a breakout year. He rushed for over 700 yards last season and six touchdowns. Hayes is a downhill runner and fits perfectly into a run game that thrives on misdirection.

Senior Logan Burks also sees playing time at running back. He placed eleventh in the Men’s 400-Meter Dash at a track meet last February.

Explosive junior Brandon Garner complements the running game. Junior Johnny

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – BRANDIN NATZKE – SR. FB – JOHNNY CHAMBERS – JR. RB – D.J. HAYES – SR. LOGAN BURKS – SR. WR – HUNTER MAYFIELD – SR. WR – JAKE APPLEGATE – SR. WR – JOSH MITCHELL – JR. TE – JARED WILLIAMS – SR. T – COLE CRAWFORD – JR. T – JACOB WILLIAMS – JR. G – FISHER SCOTT – SR. G – DAKOTA GRAVES – SR. C – SCOTT KEMP – SR.

DEFENSE DT – JACOB WILLIAMS – JR. DT – COLE CRAWFORD – JR. DE – DAKOTA GRAVES – SR. DE – COY ADAMS – SR. LB – JARED WILLIAMS – SR. LB – JOHNNY CHAMBERS – JR. LB – FISHER SCOTT – SR. CB – LOGAN BURKS – SR. CB – D.J. HAYES – SR. S – BRANDIN NATZKE – SR. S – JAKE APPLEGATE – SR.

2012 LIONS schedule

The Lions defense allowed an average of 22 points per game last season, but only five starters return to the defensive side of the ball. They excel at linebacker, where they start two seniors. Jared Williams and Fisher Scott make an impact as outside linebackers, while Johnny Chambers leads the linebackers with physicality.

Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

Opponent Mountain Pine Mount Id Bauxite Bismarck Glen Rose Harmony Grave Two Rivers Horatio Centerpoint Fountain Lake

Place Home Home Away Home Away 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

Junior duo Jacob Williams and Cole Crawford anchor the defensive line as tackles, while seniors Coy Adams and Dakota Graves rush as defensive ends.

Logan Burks picked off a pass against Cutter Morning Star last fall at cornerback. D.J. Hayes works at the opposite corner position, while Brandin Natzke and Jake Applegate work as safeties.

The Lions struggle with a lack of athleticism, which they compensate for by being a powerful, physical team. An early test for them comes in week five, when they travel to Glen Rose to play the conference favorite Beavers. They play Fountain Lake in week ten, in a game which could decide the conference champion.

The Lions’ first home game is in week one, when they play host to the Mountain Pine Red Devils at Lion Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 31 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 31

Pg. 32 • Fort Smith Football 2012

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 33

LAKE HAMILTON WOLVES The Road to the Championship

starters at the skill positions this fall.

Senior Clay Jessie (5’11, 170 lbs) and Junior Nathan Sawrie (5’11, 150 lbs) compete for playing time as quarterback. “Jessie is an accurate passer, but he needs experience,” It was a good season that saw Lake Clay says. Sawrie Hamilton post a 12-2 record on the has good speed. way to a conference championship.

Joey With just under half of their starters Senior Wilkerson (5’8, 180 from last year’s team returning this fall, lbs) projects as the head coach Jerry Clay starts his team starting running on the road to the state championship back after playing again in 2012. for the junior The Wolves take the field with first-time Lake Hamilton lost just one game in the regular season, and made it to the state championship, where they played El Dorado. The Wildcats avenged their week eight loss to the Wolves by edging them out 24-21 to claim the state title.

LAKE HAMILTON WOLVES Head Coach Jerry Clay Years as Head Coach at School: 23 Record at School: 189-89 Athletic Director John Utley Football Staff Howard Leatherwood – Offensive Line Stan Cooper – Running Backs Mac Hurley – Wide Receivers Brian Bales – Defensive Coordinator/ Defensive Backs John Welch – Linebackers Greg Mundy – Defensive Line 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 12-2/7-0 Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 4-3

Pg. 34 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 34 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – CLAY JESSIE – SR.

NATHAN SAWRIE – JR. RB – JOEY WILKERSON – SR. WR – HUNTER LIPTON – JR. WR – LEVI RINGSTORF – JR. WR – ALTON BAWDY – SR. WR – TREVOR MITTELSTADT – JR. T – TREY MARTIN – SR. G – JERRY CHANCELOR – SR. G – JOHN THOMAS DUTTON – SR. C – SPENCER MAGBY – JR.

DEFENSE DE – JORDON KERSEY – JR. DE – WILL BEARD – SR. DL – TREY MARTIN – SR. DL – GAVIN DE LOS SANTOS – SR. DL – JERRY CHANCELOR – SR. LB – CHRIS EASTBURN – JR. LB – ZACH SANDLIN – SR. LB – JOEY WILKERSON – SR. DB – CODY SMITH – SR. DB – HUNTER LIPTON – JR. FS – TREVOR MITTELSTADT – JR.

varsity squad a year ago. Senior Briar Jackson (5’8, 170 lbs) could give depth at running back after missing the offseason.

Junior speedsters Hunter Lipton (5’8, 150 lbs) and Trevor Mittelstadt (6’2, 180 lbs) see playing time at wide receiver.

Junior Levi Ringstorf (5’11, 170 lbs) caught well in the offseason. Clay says senior Alton Bawdy (5’10, 165 lbs) has a chance to play wide receiver. Junior Shane Patin (6’4, 160 lbs) has good hands “and could mature into a very good receiver,” Clay says.

Lake Hamilton returns four starting lineman, led by senior all-state tackle Trey Martin (6’3, 290 lbs). “He’s been a three-year starter for us,” Clay says. “He’s just an all-around great player.”

Senior guard Jerry Chancelor (5’9, 250 lbs) is “a really aggressive blocker,” the coach says.

“He’s a great lineman.” Senior guard John Thomas Dutton (5’10, 200 lbs) is strong and pulls well. Junior center Spencer Magby (5’10, 200 lbs) started two games for the Wolves last fall. Clay expects junior Kyle Jessie (6’0, 225 lbs) and senior Zach Sandlin (6’0, 210 lbs) to contribute as linemen.

Lake Hamilton returns five starters to a defense which allowed an average

of 15.5 points per game last season. Trey Martin anchors the defensive line, alongside all-conference tackle Gavin De Los Santos (6’3, 290 lbs). Jerry Chancelor saw some playing time last season on the interior. “He played well for us,” Clay says. Senior Zach Davis rotates in on the line after making great strides in the offseason. Junior Greyson Fulbright (5’10, 200 lbs) could contribute at defensive line.

Senior Will Beard (6’4, 240 lbs) played several games at defensive end last season and is expected to start this fall.

Junior Jordan Kersey (6’2, 190 lbs) projects as the other

2012 Wolves schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

Opponent North Little Rock Earle Marion Sheridon Texarkana Pine Bluff El Dorado Benton Bryant Little Rock Fair

Place Home Home Away 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

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 35 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 35

defensive end.

Junior Chris Eastburn leads the defense at linebacker after earning all-conference honors last season. “He’s a great player,” the coach says. “He’s very physical.” Zach Sandlin projects as a two-way starter at both linebacker and the offensive line. Clay expects Joey Wilkerson to occupy the other linebacker spot.

Senior Cody Smith (5’11, 170 lbs) earned all-state honors last season as a defensive back and is a three-year starter.

Junior Quin Treat (5’10, 155 lbs) moves from linebacker to safety and “could play if he adapts to the position change,” Clay says. “He’s a good, aggressive player we could use back there.” Trevor Mittelstadt plays safety and “could be an excellent safety if he works on body control,” the coach says. Dedicated junior Alec Young (6’0, 165 lbs) helps in the secondary.

Junior Brandon Hillard (5’7, 150 lbs) handles the kicking duties after kicking in two games last season. He could also play punter. “He’s an accurate kicker,” Clay says. “Our kicking game should be good.”

Pg. 36 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 36 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

Given the toughness of its conference, Lake Hamilton will face pivotal matchups week in and week out, but one of the games to watch this season comes in week seven, when Lake Hamilton travels to El Dorado to take on the Wildcats in a highly anticipated rematch of the state title game.

The Wolves’ first home game is on August 31st in week one, when they play host to North Little Rock Charging Wildcats at Wolf Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 37 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 37

LAKESIDE RAMS Changing the Culture

LAKESIDE RAMS Coach Jared McBride Years as Head Coach at School: 2 Record at School: 17-6 Athletic Director Don Pierce Football Staff Richie Arthur – Offensive Coordinator Ryan Wallace – Defensive Coordinator Chris Brock – Linebackers Daniel Riggin – Wide Receivers Craig Moses – Defensive Line/Special Teams 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 10-2/6-1 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 75 Returning Lettermen: 25 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 4 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 3/3 Stack

Pg. 38 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 38 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

The Hot Springs Lakeside Rams boasted a 10-1 record going into the second round of the playoffs, where White Hall upset the Rams 38-21. Head coach Jared McBride has changed the culture drastically in his two years at Lakeside, revitalizing a program that won just one game the year before.

touchdowns last season.

Senior wide receivers Teveon Perkins and Spencer Bryson lead the receiving corps. Perkins caught 34 passes for 493 yards and one touchdown last season. Junior Logan Nelson and Sophomore Marcus Fischer also see playing time.

“It was a great season for us,” McBride says. “We gained a lot of experience The line consists of junior center from the last two years. But we have Chris Branham, junior guard Kreylon to replace Gulley, junior many players tackle Kellen on both sides Davis, senior of the ball. guard Chantz We need the Bellamy, and younger kids senior tackle to step up in H a y d e n a hurry.”

Bolding.

One of “We are not those young very strong or players is big,” McBride junior Garrett says of his C a r s o n , offense. “We who logged need to get significant better on the playing time last season. He passed things we can control, like quickness for 225 yards and two touchdowns in and speed.” last year’s 34-26 win over Malvern.

Senior Grant Carter possesses Senior Garrett Garner averaged six speed at defensive end. Senior yards a carry last season and enjoyed Devon Standoak clogs the interior over 700 all-purpose yards last at noseguard. Senior Brett Kindig season. Junior Blakely Lawless helps leads a junior-laden linebacking corps spearhead the Rams’ ground game consisting of juniors Spencer Hecke, after rushing for 560 yards and eight

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – GARRETT CARSON – JR. RB – GARRETT GARNER – SR. RB – BLAKELY LAWLESS – JR. WR – TEVEON PERKINS – SR. WR – SPENCER BRYSON – SR. WR – LOGAN NELSON – JR. WR – MARCUS FISCHER – SO. C – CHRIS BRANHAM – JR. G – KREYLON GULLEY – JR. G – CHANTZ BELLAMY – SR. T – KELLEN DAVIS – JR. T – HAYDEN BOLDING – SR.

DEFENSE DE – GRANT CARTER – SR. NG – DEVON STANDOAK – SR. LB – BRETT KINDIG – SR. LB – SPENCER HECKE – JR. LB – TYLER ROWLAND – JR. LB – BLAKELY LAWLESS – JR. DB – JOSH BOURGEOIS – SR. DB – TEVEON PERKINS – SR. DB – CARTER SCOTT – JR. DB – MICHAEL LYDON – SR.

Tyler Rowland, and Blakely Lawless.

Speedy senior Josh Bourgeois anchors the secondary at cornerback. Teveon Perkins starts in the secondary as well. Senior defensive back Michael Lydon racked up 50 tackles last season. Junior Carter Scott is the sole starting junior.

McBride knows the difficulty of his conference, which includes formidable opponents like Camden Fairview, Watson Chapel, and White Hall, but he knows his team has the heart to play with any team. “We play in a fast conference that has tradition, and we must not be intimidated,” he says. “My team will fight to the end. We will never be out of a game.”

Camden Fairview is the Rams’ first conference game, a pivotal matchup that could go a long way in deciding the conference champion. Hot Springs Lakeside’s first home game is on September 7th in week two, when they play host to Sylvan Hills at Chick Austin Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

2012 Rams Schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

Opponent North Little Rock Sylvan Hills Malvern Camden Magnolia White Hall Hope DeQueen Watson Chapel Hot Springs

Place Home Home Away Away Home Home 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

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 39 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 39

MALVERN LEOPARDS Handling Success After a 5-win 2010 season, the Malvern Leopards surprised everyone last fall, with a 8-2 regular season capped by a deep playoff run to the state title, where they lost 63-28 to Pulaski Academy.

MALVERN LEOPARDS Coach John Fogleman Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 34-26 Athletic Director Joe Cook Football Staff Darryl Baker – Offensive Line Chip Reeves – Wide Receivers Mike Scarbrough – Defensive Coordinator/ Defensive Backs Mark Freer – Linebackers Terry Russell – Defensive Line 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 12-3/6-1 Varsity Players expected for 2012: 56 Returning Lettermen: 19 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-3

Pg. 40 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 40 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

asset in the Leopards’ offense.

Senior running backs Tim Hardimon and Jahkery Dupree split duties and complement Malvern’s spread attack with solid rushing ability. The receiving corps “We probably overachieved last year,” head is led by seniors Khalid Dawn and Austin coach John Fogleman says. “It shows that Johnson. Junior Kaylen Burks saw most of preseason rankings don’t mean much.” his playing time on defense last season, but steps up into a receiver role this fall.

The Leopards defeated Ashdown 14-7 in double overtime, but they won all of their The offensive line is anchored by senior playoff victories comfortably, by an average guard Justis Danner, senior of 27 points per game. center Jakob Elliott, and senior tackle Michael Berry. Junior This fall, Fogleman seeks Isaac Wright and senior Trey to ensure that his team Broughton help on the line. doesn’t stay complacent as they work towards Five starters return to a stout another playoff berth.

Malvern defense which allowed “We have to handle the just 19 points per game last success from last year season, but the Leopards will and maintain the work have to replace several key ethic and team chemistry players at linebacker and in the that got us there,” he secondary. “We will be having says. some new looks at linebacker,” Fogleman says.

A mix of both upperclassmen and Justis Danner plays linebacker underclassmen seek after a productive offseason. to contribute to the Junior Matt Kidder hits hard Leopards. “A combination as a middle linebacker. of all classes should see Seniors Tarick Brown works at some starts,” he says. “This will keep a cornerback, while Austin Johnson mans the cycle of experienced players returning.” other corner position. Kaylen Burks returns to lead the defense at safety.

Senior dual-threat quarterback Austin Warford returns from last year’s team after Junior Kade Myers and senior Devin Kirk a breakout junior year. He accounted for compete as ends, while Isaac Wright nearly 3,000 all-purpose yards in 2011. returns to the other end position. while Trey His speed – he runs a 4.5 40-yard dash – Broughton clogs the interior at defensive coupled with his strong arm, make him an tackle.

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – AUSTIN WARFORD - SR. HB – TIM HARDIMON - SR. HB – JAHKERY DUPREE – SR. WR – KHALID DAWN - SR. WR – AUSTIN JOHNSON - SR. WR – KAYLEN BURKS - JR. G – JUSTIS DANNER - SR. C – JAKOB ELLIOTT - SR. T – MICHAEL BERRY - SR.

DEFENSE DE – KADE MYERS - JR. DEVIN KIRK – SR. DE – ISAAC WRIGHT – JR. DT – TREY BROUGHTON - SR. LB – JUSTIS DANNER - SR. LB – MATT KIDDER - JR. CB – TARICK BROWN - SR. CB – AUSTIN JOHNSON - SR. S – KAYLEN BURKS - JR.

Malvern navigates a tough conference schedule consisting of games against Arkansas Baptist, Nashville, and Arkadelphia, three formidable contenders in the 2012 season. “All the conference games will be pivotal,” Fogleman says. “In a conference as tough as ours, every game counts.”

2012 LEOPARDS schedule Date Opponent 8-31 Glen Rose 9-07 Lake Villge 9-14 Hot Springs Lakeside 9-21 Bauxite 9-28 Pulaski Robinson 10-05 Ashdown 10-12 Arkansas Baptist 10-19 Central AR Christian 10-26 Nashville 11-02 Arkadelphia

Place Away Away Home Home Away Home 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

Malvern’s first home game is in week two, when they play host to Hot Springs Lakeside at Claude Mann Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

$65/ Credit Hour $90/ Credit Hour

Average tuition of area 2-year Colleges

$190/ Credit Hour

Average tuition of area 4-year Colleges

A higher degree of you. www.COTO.edu 501.337.5000 Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 41 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 41

MT IDA LIONS Winning Ways

Mt. Ida Lions

Coach Mike White Years as Head Coach at School: 7 Record at School: 52-27 Athletic Director Benny Weston Football Staff Tad Kesterson – Assistant Coach Jerry Sandlin – Assistant Coach Jonathan Bates – Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 7-5/5-2 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 3 Offensive System: Split Back Defensive System: 5-3

The Mount Ida Lions won as many games in 2011 as they did in the two preceding years, notching victories over quality teams including Dierks, Bigelow, and Gurdon. After starting the season in a 1-3 hole and facing an 0-1 conference record, the Lions won six of their next seven games, before losing 31-6 in the second round of the playoffs to Bearden.

Mount Ida will be tested early in conference play, as their conference opener is against the returning conference champions Magnet Cove Panthers. They play Bigelow the Head coach Mike White, who coached following week, in two pivotal matchups the team to a 15-0 record and a state that could go a long way in deciding the title in 2007, hopes the Lions can conference. continue their winning ways this fall after graduating a majority of their Mount Ida’s first home game is in starters. week three, when they play host to the Lavaca Golden Arrows at Preston Senior dual-threat quarterback Dustin Stidman Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Elder placed third in the 100-meter dash at a track meet in April. Elder running capability makes senior running back Josh Hall that much more dangerous.

Hall, one of the most prolific rushers in the school’s history, rushed for over 200 yards and four touchdowns OFFENSE against Horatio last fall. He returns as the sparkplug for the Lions offense, QB – DUSTIN ELDER – SR. while senior Kevin Weston helps in the RB – JOSH HALL – SR. backfield.

STARTING LINEUP

Junior Brady Rutledge starts at receiver after a productive offseason.

Senior Dakota Brown placed fifth in the long jump at a track meet in April.

Sophomore Lane Dupree helps at receiver. Senior Dylan Edison plays at tight end.

2012 lions schedule Date Opponent

Place

Time

8-31 Spring Hill

Away

7:00

9-07 Jessieville

Away

7:00

9-14

Home

7:00

9-21 Magnet Cove

Away

7:00

9-28

Home

7:00

10-05 Conway Christian Away

7:00

Lavaca Bigelow

10-12 Cutter Morning Star Home

7:00

10-19 Mt. Pine

Home

7:00

10-26 Quitman

Away

7:00

11-02

Away

7:00

Poyen

Pg. 42 • Fort Smith Football 2012

Pg. 42 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

Josh Hall anchors the linebacking corps alongside juniors Bryan Stonewall and Landen Abernathy. The seniorladen secondary consists of Seth Ray, Dakota Brown, and Dustin Elder.

The seasoned offensive line consists of four seniors and one junior. Bradley Halter and Trevor Hickman work as guards, while Ryan Halter and junior Zach Rhoden project as tackles.

Andrew Hames starts at center.

Mount Ida has plenty of holes to fill on defense, with just three starters returning a defense that allowed an average of 22 points per game last fall.

Kevin Weston projects as a defensive end. Senior Dylan Edison played in a majority of games last season at end.

Bradley Halter starts at noseguard, while Ryan Halter plays alongside him as a defensive tackle.

KEVIN WESTON – SR. WR – BRADY RUTLEDGE – JR. WR – DAKOTA BROWN – SR. WR – LANE DUPREE – SO. TE – DYLAN EDISON – SR. G – BRADLEY HALTER – SR. G – TREVOR HICKMAN – SR. T – RYAN HALTER – SR. T – ZACH RHODEN – JR. C – ANDREW HAMES – SR.

DEFENSE DE – KEVIN WESTON – SR. DE – DYLAN EDISON – SR. NG – BRADLEY HALTER – SR. DT – RYAN HALTER – SR. LB – LANDEN ABERNATHY – JR. LB – JOSH HALL – SR. LB – BRYAN STONEWALL – JR. DB – SETH RAY – SR. DB – DAKOTA BROWN – SR. DB – DUSTIN ELDER – SR. S – CODY HARREL #14 JR.

POYEN INDIANS A Solid Start

POYEN INDIANS Coach Vic Barrett Years as Head Coach at School: 0 Record at School: 0-0 Athletic Director Mickey Shaffer Football Staff Keith Barrett – Assistant Coach Parker Nash – Assistant Coach Corey Brown – Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 8-3/3-4 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-3

The Poyen Indians’ football program started in 2010, and they’ve won a combined five games in the last two seasons. For a fledgling squad, five wins is a solid start to what players and fans alike hope will be a winning program. And with new head coach Vic Barrett taking the reins, Poyen looks to compete and finish the season with a winning record this fall.

Barrett will implement a spread offense this season with a talented group of athletes. Junior Ryan Dykes quarterbacks the Indians with dualthreat capability. Having played running back for the last few seasons makes Dykes especially dangerous in the backfield. Senior Will Yates starts at fullback. Sophomore running back Hunter Keen runs downhill.

Barrett’s spread offense benefits from a receiving corps consisting of three seniors. Johnny Reed is an impact wide receiver whose size creates mismatches with defenses. Justin Brocker and Ricky Shelley, as well as junior Austin Hall, fill out the receivers.

Senior Asa Riggan blocks at tight end.

The line consists of seniors Dylan Head and Logan Burrow, as well as junior Cole Oden and sophomore Daniel Goodman. Senior Cody Dykes plays on the basketball team and starts on the line also.

2012 Indians schedule Date Opponent Place 8-31 Harmony Grove Away 9-07 Two Rivers Away 9-14 Dierks Home 9-21 Conway Christian Away 9-28 Magnet Cove Home 10-05 Cutter Morning Star Away 10-12 Bigelow Home 10-19 Quitman Home 10-26 Mt. Pine Away 11-02 Mt. Ida Home

Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – RYAN DYKES – JR. FB – WILL YATES – SR. RB – HUNTER KEEN – SO. WR – JOHNNY REED – SR. WR – JUSTIN BROCKER – SR. WR – AUSTIN HALL – JR. WR – RICKY SHELLEY – SR. TE – ASA RIGGAN – SR. OL – KENDALL WILSON – JR. OL – DYLAN HEAD – SR. OL – COLE ODEN – JR. OL – LOGAN BURROW – SR. OL – CODY DYKES – SR. OL – DANIEL GOODMAN – SO. DEFENSE DE – JOHNNY REED – SR. DT – DANIEL GOODMAN – SO. DT – LOGAN BURROW – SR. DT – KENDALL WILSON – JR. LB – CODY DYKES – SR. LB – RYAN DYKES – JR. LB – WILL YATES – SR. CB – RICKY SHELLEY – SR. CB – COLEMAN STANTON – SR. S – AUSTIN HALL – JR.

Conway Christian, which will be an important matchup early in the year for the Indians to gain confidence before their week five game against conference favorite Five starters return to the Indians Magnet Cove. defense, which shifts to a 4-3 scheme this fall. Johnny Reed starts at end, Poyen’s first home game is in week while Daniel Goodman, Logan Burrow, three, when they play host to Dierks High School. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and Kendall Wilson work as tackles.

Cody Dykes and Ryan Dykes toil as linebackers, alongside senior Will Yates. Ricky Shelley anchors the secondary at cornerback, while senior Coleman Stanton and Austin Hall play cornerback and safety, respectively.

With Two Rivers and Hector moving to different conferences, Poyen will face new opponents in Cutter Morning Star and Mount Ida, who enter the conference for the first time this year.

Poyen’s conference opener is against

Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 43 South Central Arkansas Football 2012 • Pg. 43

BRYANT HORNETS A Seasoned Team If there’s one thing you can’t call the Bryant Hornets, it’s inconsistent. They’ve won eight games for six seasons straight, save for a nine-win 2010 year. Last season featured wins over the likes of Conway, Cabot, North Little Rock, and Van Buren, and the Hornets won their second consecutive conference championship. Their season ended in the first round of the playoffs in a rematch with Fort Smith Southside, where the Grizzlies defeated them 42-35.

BRYANT HORNETS Head Coach Paul Calley Years as Head Coach at School: 9 Record at School: 70-30-3 Athletic Director Michael Lee Football Staff Lance Parker – Offensive Coordinator/ Running Backs Jason Hay – Wide Receiver Steve Griffith – Defensive Coordinator/ Linebackers John Wells – Special Teams/Defensive Backs Brad Stround – Defensive Line 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf.

Record 8-3/6-1 Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 4 Offensive System: Multiple Pro Defensive System: 4-3

Senior center Blain Jackson anchors the offensive line, alongside senior left guard “Several games came down to the final Blake Hobby, senior right guard Sawyer seconds last year,” head coach Paul Calley Ivy, and senior left tackle Ian Shuttleworth.

Junior Jordan Jones is a first-time starter at says. “But we found a way to win.” right tackle.

This fall, Bryant moves into the competitive 7A South, which pits them against a slew The defensive line is comprised of all of new conference opponents, including seniors. All-conference end Tim Kelly El Dorado, Lake Hamilton, Pine Bluff, sacked the quarterback five times last Sheridan, and Texarkana. Those five teams season. Justin Hollingshead starts at the opposite end position. Cortez Williams and combined for a 44-21 record last season.

Kordell Boykins work on the interior.

“Heading into a new conference is refreshing, but we don’t expect a decline Tyree Reese leads the linebacking corps in competition,” Calley says. “We have a after recording nearly 100 tackles last number of starters back from a conference season. Other linebackers include Collin championship team. I think we’ll be up to Battaglia, Stony Stevens, Hayden Stewart, and Johnny Austin. the challenge.”

Aaron Bell returned an interception 40 yards last season against Conway to set up a crucial touchdown on the way to a 28-7 win. Junior Darian Jarrett works at the other corner position. Sophomore Brenden Senior Hayden Lessenberry starts at Young and junior Davis Nossaman start as quarterback after leading Bryant to two safeties. consecutive conference championships.

He was near perfect in the regular-season Bryant’s conference opener is against comeback win against Fort Smith Northside, Benton in week four on September 21st, completing 24 passes on 30 attempts for a game that will set the tone for a tough 335 yards and four touchdowns. Calley conference schedule. “It’s a crucial game,” sees him poised to have a huge senior year. Calley says.

The Hornets boast a seasoned team this fall that starts 21 seniors. “We have a talented senior class that knows how to work and how to win,” Calley says.

Senior Jalen Bell rushed for 54 yards on five carries against Benton and 107 yards on eight carries against Fort Smith Northside.

He rushed for two touchdowns against Cabot. Junior Jacob Irby sees carries but Calley also utilizes him as a receiver in some sets.

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – HAYDEN LESSENBERRY – SR. HB – JALEN BELL – SR.

JACOB IRBY – JR. WR – AUSTIN POWELL – SR. WR – AARON BELL – SR. WR – DEVON SEARS – SR.

DANIEL RICHARDS – SR. TE – NATE RUTHERFORD – SR. LG – BLAKE HOBBY – SR. RG – SAWYER IVY – SR. RT – JORDAN JONES – JR. LT – IAN SHUTTLEWORTH – SR. C – BLAIN JACKSON – SR. Pg. 44 • Fort Smith Football 2012 Pg. 44 • South Central Arkansas Football 2012

The senior-laden receiving corps consists of Austin Powell, Aaron Bell, Devon Sears, and Daniel Richards. Aaron Bell is an explosive receiver that will make plays for the Hornets this fall. He had a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Little Rock Catholic last season. Calley expects for senior Nate Rutherford to become more of a receiving tight end this season.

DEFENSE DT – CORTEZ WILLIAMS – SR. DT – KORDELL BOYKINS – SR. DE – TIM KELLY – SR. DE – JUSTIN HOLLINGSHEAD – SR. LB – TYREE REESE – SR. LB – COLLIN BATTAGLIA – SR. LB – STONY STEVENS – SR. CB – AARON BELL – SR. CB – DARIAN JARRETT – JR. S – BRENDEN YOUNG – SO. S – DAVIS NOSSAMAN – JR.

The Hornets’ first home game is in week two on September 7th, when they play host to Little Rock Central at Hornet Stadium.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

2012 HORNETS schedule Date 8-31 9-07 9-14 9-21 9-28 10-05 10-12 10-19

Opponent Conway Little Rock Central Little Rock Catholic Benton Pine Bluff Little Rock Fair Sheridan Texarkana

Place Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away

Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00

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LIKE SULLY!

Steve Sullivan KATV

S P O R T S Fort Smith Football 2012 • Pg. 47

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