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Clint Stoerner The Whole Story by Eli Cranor

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 www.arsports.net www.arsports.net

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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. 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.

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.”

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 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 Pg. 6 • River Valley Football 2012

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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 needed to only make one first down to solidify the win over the top ranked Volunteers. But 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

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about all the other things going on,” Stoerner says. There was no Needless to say, this moment would forever define Clint point in worrying about the past, and Clint’s work would pay off, Stoerner’s life, and his reaction to this moment is a lesson that when the Razorbacks faced the Volunteers again in 1999. 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 “We had really high hopes for that season,” Stoerner says. it all happened to me. But that wasn’t the case. Everyone wanted “Things didn’t go as planned early on, so we kind of had the it, and it showed,” Stoerner says. Tennessee game circled for a long time.” After his college career, Clint never thought he would continue to This time around, the Volunteers were again ranked amongst play football. But he did. “I look up one day, and I’m playing for the top five in the nation and had hopes of another National the Dallas Cowboys, America’s team, and I realized that I didn’t Championship. Down 24-21 late in the fourth quarter Clint ever even think that I would get the chance to play Division 1 found his favorite target, Anthony Lucas, in the end zone to put football. I knew right then that I truly got the most out of what I the Hogs up 28-24. The defense held, and the Razorbacks ended had,” Stoerner says. the Volunteers Championships hopes by the same exact score that they had been beaten by a year before. Stoerner completed Clint played for five seasons in the NFL, four with the Cowboys 18 passes on 28 attempts for three touchdowns and over 300 and one with the Miami Dolphins. He started two games in 2001 yards passing. for the Cowboys, but was later released. “I never really felt like I belonged in the NFL. I always felt undersized or like my arm “That game was the one time in my entire career that I really felt wasn’t strong enough. It was such a business and they put all their pressure. To me, there was no other outcome for that game other chips where there money is invested, and it wasn’t invested in than winning. Everyone played great, it all came together, and me,” Stoerner says. we won,” Stoerner says. But even after Stoerner’s football career, he wasn’t done building

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people would look at this statistic and wonder, “why”?

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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

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Youth Football: Heat Stress and Injury Risk

Recommendations and Guidelines

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 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

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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-aday, one-a-day alternating rotation, with the option of full pads based on practice modification parameters (see next section), not to exceed three hours in one practice session (including warm-up, conditioning, instruction, breaks, and cool-down) and five hours a day combined practice duration (including all within-session breaks), with at least three continuous hours of

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recovery time between same-day sessions. • Intra-squad scrimmages should not be scheduled before day 12 of the 14-day period. • Day 14 – Off.

Practice Modifications to Reduce Heat Exhaustion or Exertional Heat Stroke Risk With increasing levels of heat and humidity, the risk for heat exhaustion or exertional heat stroke can increase dramatically, especially if practice intensity is high. Insulating football protective equipment further increases the risk. • Practices should be modified for the safety of the athletes, in relation to the degree of environmental heat stress on the practice field. • Midday (12–4 p.m.) is often the hottest part of the day, especially on a bright, sunny day. However, late afternoon or early evening (4–7 p.m.) can be just as hot or hotter during the summer months. • When conditions are too extreme (i.e., unusual high heat and humidity), practice should be canceled, moved into airconditioned spaces, or held outside as walk-through sessions with no protective gear or conditioning activities, with regular breaks for fluid consumption and reduced sun exposure. • Adjust the work-to-rest ratio by lowering the activity duration and/or intensity and increasing the frequency and duration of breaks to lessen the thermal strain on players. • Many activities can be continued safely by removing equipment and having players in shorts with helmets and shoulder pads only (not full equipment) or shorts only (with all protective equipment removed), as heat stress increases. • Players should wear as little covering as is appropriate and helmets should be taken off whenever possible (e.g., during instruction). • Players should wear light-colored clothing during practice and use shade (if available) during breaks. • Regular breaks should be included in each practice session schedule, to allow rest, cooling, and fluid replacement, at least every 30–45 min. Breaks should be more frequent, as heat and 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.

• There should be enough coaches, staff, and athletic trainers to effectively monitor all athletes on the field for signs of heat illness. • Changes in performance or personality might be early indications of developing heat injury. • For any changes in player performance, personality, or wellbeing, including pale color, bright red flushing, dizziness, headache, excessive fatigue, fainting, vomiting, or complaints of feeling hot or cold during practice or conditioning drills, immediately stop practice for all affected players. • In addition to all the above, prudent special precautions for players with sickle-trait should include no day-one fitness runs and no timed miles or sustained sprints over 500 meters. Any cramping should be treated as sickling, until proved otherwise. • Teams should use the “buddy” system (two players who play the same position are assigned to “keep an eye on” each other). • If heat stroke is suspected, the player should be stripped of equipment and cooled in a tub of cold water or by using rapidly rotating ice water towels to the extremities, trunk, and head and ice packs in the armpits, groin, and neck areas, until emergency personnel can assume care and evacuate the athlete to the nearest emergency facility. Importantly, cooling should continue en route. • If urine becomes tan or brown in the first hour up to several days after practice, players should immediately seek medical attention. • Coaches and support staff should have annual education on heat-related illness reduction, identification, and first aid. This summary uses selected excerpts from the Roundtable Consensus Statement Youth Football: Heat Stress and Injury Risk published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise® (August 2005, 37(8): 1421-30).

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, warrant closer and constant scrutiny for heat illness. • Pre-practice daily body weight and urine-specific gravity or urine color can be used as indirect indicators of hydration status. • Pre- and post-practice body weight measurements can help in determining how much fluid should be replaced before the next practice and to educate players regarding better fluid intake during practice. www.arsports.net

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How to Select an Orthopaedic Surgeon As it sometimes happens, your first encounter to serving communities and individuals with with an orthopaedic surgeon may be in the unique needs.” (AAOS, tyyp://www.6.aaos.org/ hospital emergency room after you have about/public/definition.cfm) sustained an injury – a fractured ankle, for example, or a sprain. But how do you find Things to Consider when an orthopaedic surgeon when there isn’t an an Orthopaedic emergency and you need a specialist to check Choosing out that sore knee or chronic shoulder pain? Surgeon

Here’s a look at what orthopaedists do and how to choose the one that’s right for you. According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “an orthopaedic surgeon is a physician devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of injuries, disorders and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons. While orthopaedic surgeons are familiar with all aspects of the musculoskeletal system, many orthopaedists specialize in certain areas, such as the foot and ankle, hand, shoulder and elbow, spine, hip or knee. Orthopaedic surgeons may also choose to focus on specific fields like pediatrics, trauma, reconstructive surgery, oncology (bone tumors) or sports medicine.” Some orthopaedists may specialize in several areas and may collaborate with other specialists, such as neurosurgeons or rheumatologists, in caring for patients. There are many musculoskeletal conditions that can be treated without surgery through the use of medication, exercise and other rehabilitative or alternative therapies.

Who does an Orthopaedic Surgeon Treat? “Orthopaedic surgeons treat patients of all ages – newborns, children, athletes, baby boomers and the elderly – with conditions that range from bone and joint disorders and fractures to diseases or tears of the muscles, ligaments and tendons in all regions of the body. It is essential that patients and their families develop partnerships with their physicians. This will help ensure that decisions about medical treatments honor the patients’ wants, needs, preferences and values. Orthopaedic surgeons respect the value of diversity and are committed Pg. 16 • River Valley Football 2012

One of the first things to consider is the doctor’s level of education. An orthopedist may have completed up to 14 years of formal education, including four years of undergraduate education, four years in medical school, five years of concentrated study in an orthopaedic residency at a major medical center, and an additional year of specialty training. After becoming licensed to practice medicine, an orthopaedic surgeon completes board certification. To become board certified, an orthopaedic surgeon must undergo a peer-review process, and then demonstrate his/her expertise in orthopaedics by passing both oral and written examinations given by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. It is important to visit orthopaedic surgeons who are either board certified or in the process of becoming certified. Because orthopaedic surgeons complete a rigorous recertification process every 10 years, they spend many hours studying and attending continuing medical education courses to maintain current orthopaedic knowledge and skills. Next, make sure the orthopaedist you choose has experience in your injury or condition. Chances are your primary care physician has already diagnosed your problem and has made the referral, but when you contact the orthopaedic clinic make sure to ask for the orthopaedist with experience for your problem. If your primary care physician hasn’t made a referral for you, ask for a recommendation of the best local orthopaedists. Talk to your friends. For common conditions, such as arthritis, ACL surgery, carpal tunnel, etc., you are likely to have co-workers, friends or family who know a good orthopaedist and will have firsthand experience. In addition, an excellent source of information is the AAOS website: www.aaos.org. Once you have made a selection, think about what you want to ask the doctor. During the course of an appointment, an orthopaedist will www.arsports.net

obtain a complete medical history, prescription drug/medication inventory, and description of the problem. Orthopaedists are skilled in the diagnosis of an injury or disorder, prescribing treatment, recommending rehabilitation, and offering information on prevention. But, it’s still important to ask questions. Consider bringing a friend or family member with you to help you remember questions. Don’t be afraid to ask about your doctor’s credentials and experience. Here are some questions recommended by the American Association of Hop and Knee Surgeons: -Do you have written materials or videotapes about this surgery that I can review? -How much improvement can I expect from this surgery? -What is your experience doing this type of surgery, and how many have you done? -Are you board certified? -What are the risks involved? How likely are they? -What type of anesthesia will be used? What are the risks? -What type of implant will be used? What is the track record for this type of prosthesis? -Will I have to stop taking any of my medications before surgery? -What options are available to avoid a blood transfusion? -How long will I have to stay in the hospital? -How much pain is normal to expect and how long will it last? Will I receive medication for the pain? -When will I start physical therapy? Will I need home or outpatient therapy? -Will I need to arrange from some assistance at home? If so, for how long? -What limits will there be on activities, such as driving, bathing, climbing stairs, eating, etc.? -How long will I need to be off work? -How often will I need to return for follow-up visits? -What complications, if any, can arise after surgery? What are the signs to look for? Look for an experienced, well-regarded surgeon. Meet your orthopaedist to make sure you can work well with him/her. Trust your instincts. If a meeting with a doctor does not go well, it doesn’t mean he/she is a bad doctor or you are a bad patient. It simply may mean the two of you are not a good fit.

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Russellville Cyclones

A New Year T

Russellville Cyclones Head Coach Jeff Holt

High School Russellville Years as Head Coach at School: 13 Record at School: 74-74-1 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 74-74-1 Athletic Director Johnny Johnson Football Staff Matt Warrick – Offensive Coordinator Jeff Carter – Defensive Coordinator Joey Jones – Wide Receivers Charlie Goodman – Offensive Line Ben Goodman- Secondary Harley Sisson – Defensive Line 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 1-10/0-7 Varsity Players expected for 2012:95 Returning Lettermen: 21 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 8 Offensive System: One Back Defensive System: Multiple

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he Russellville Cyclones were on the losing side of several games in the 2011 season, and they finished with a 1-10 record, including an 0-7 conference performance. The Cyclones’ games against North Little Rock, Little Rock Central and Bryant were all decided by less than five points and all came down to the last seconds of the game. But this is a new year for Russellville, and with a strong group returning - including a solid group of skill players and an impressive incoming class of sophomores - the Cyclones are ready to get back to their winning ways. Head coach Jeff Holt is excited about the potential of Russellville’s offense. They return six starters to an offense that averaged twenty points a game last season. “We should be a lot of fun to watch,” he says. “We should be able to throw it around a little bit. We’ve got some solid targets.” Junior Jalen Curtis (5’9, 165 lbs) is one of those targets. He found success last season from his mixture of speed and athleticism, which makes him an explosive player. In the final game of the season against Cabot, he returned a kickoff 71 yards for a touchdown, and caught a 26-yard

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touchdown pass. He looks to duplicate his success from last season in 2012. Junior Drew Smith (6’3, 215 lbs) is a big, physical receiver who will be another target for the Cyclones in 2012. He has the potential to create matchup problems with opposing defenses. Junior Kyle Roberson

Jalen Curtis

Drew Smith

Brandon Ruiz

Mitchell Mullen

Kyle Roberson

Cody Jones

Nick Hendrix

2012 cyclone schedule

STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE QB – MITCH MULLEN - SR. RB – NICK HENDRIX - SR. WR – JALEN CURTIS - JR. DREW SMITH - JR. MASON FREEMAN - SR. OL – BRANDON RUIZ - SR. CHAUNCEY HEATHCOAT - SR. DAKOTA LASETER - SR. TYLER GOODMAN - JR. BRETT ABELE - SR. TE – JAMES VAUGHN - SR.

Mason Freeman

DEFENSE DL – DAUVI WISE - SR. DEVON HUNTER -SR B.J. HOGG - SR. MICHAEL TROUB - SR. GUY HOBBS - SR. LB – KYLE COUSAR - SR. ISAIAH MCGLONE - JR. BEAU HARRIS - JR. DB – DRE JOHNSON - SR. OSCAR REYES - SR. HUNTER STANDRIDGE - JR. BARRETT HARRIS - SR.

(6’1, 175 lbs) and senior Mason Freeman (5’10, 170 lbs) will be go-to guys in 2012 as well. Freeman saw several big play opportunities in 2011, including an 89-yard touchdown reception against Little Rock Central. Senior James Vaughn (6’2, 205 lbs) will fill the tight end position. The Cyclones have two quarterbacks that saw playing time last season in senior Mitchell Mullen (5’10, 185 lbs) and junior Cody Jones (5’11, 190 lbs). Mullen returns as the starting quarterback, but Jones saw playing time last season in games where Mullen struggled. Overall, Holt feels good about Mullen as his starter. He had several big games last year, including a 302-yard passing game on 17 of 36 completions and one touchdown against Little Rock Central. Regardless, Jones should provide solid completion for the starting job.

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

Opponent Morrilton Siloam Springs Alma Conway FS Northside LR Parkview LR Catholic LR Hall FS Southside Greenwood

Place Home Away 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

Running backs will be a strength for the Cyclones. “Our running backs should be one of our most solid positions,” Holt says. Russellville returns senior Nick Hendrix (5’5, 145 lbs), who is a small tough runner. Senior E.J. Carpenter (5’9, 190 lbs) will be a fresh face on the Cyclones squad, a back who balances his physicality with speed. The Cyclones’ running game will benefit from an experienced offensive line containing three senior returning starters. Brandon Ruiz (5’9, 240 lbs), Chauncey Heathcoat (6’0, 300 lbs) and Dakota Laseter (6’2, 205 lbs) anchor the line. Senior Brett Abele (6’1, 280 lbs) and junior Tyler Goodman (5’10, 190 lbs) project as starting lineman. The Cyclones defense struggled last year, although they had several games where www.arsports.net www.arsports.net

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they played solidly, including their matchup against Conway. Russellville’s defense gave up an average of 37 points a game last season, and Holt seeks to lower that average substantially in the 2012 year. With eight returning starters, he will have the experience to do it. Their defensive line will be a strong point of their defense, as they have four senior linemen in Devon Hunter (5’11, 240 lbs), Guy Hobbs (6’1, 265 lbs), Dauvi Wise (5’10, 245 lbs) and B.J. Hogg (5’10, 225 lbs). All four either started or saw significant playing time last year. Senior Michael Troub (6’2, 245 lbs) helps on the interior. The problem, however, will be finding depth at the defensive line position because of the toughness and physicality of the Cyclones’ conference. Linebackers will be the strongest position for the Cyclones defense, as juniors Beau Harris (6’0, 180 lbs), Andrew Elam (5’8, 170 lbs), Isaiah McGlone (5’9, 180 lbs), and senior Kyle Cousar (5’10,

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EJ Carpenter

Chauncey Heathcoat

Oscar Reyes

Hunter Standridge

Dre Johnson

James Vaughn

175 lbs) will all bring experience to the linebacker position as returning starters. The secondary is returning two senior cornerbacks in Dre Johnson (6’0, 185 lbs) and Oscar Reyes (5’9, 155 lbs). Junior Hunter Standridge (6’1, 175 lbs) Trevor McDaniel (5’10, 155 lbs), senior Barrett Harris (5’11, 160 lbs), and junior Kyle Roberson (6’1, 170 lbs) should all be able to help out at secondary positions as well. Coach Holt is pleased with the speed of his 2012 squad. “This team’s best attribute has got to be its speed,” Holt says. “We really should have a solid group of skill players.” Holt has the bar set high for this season, as he and the Cyclones look to turn it around in 2012. “We just want to get back to winning,” Holt says. “We will get back to competing for the conference and state championships. That’s the ultimate goal every year.” Holt understands the importance of winning early in the season, something they weren’t able do to last year. Russellville opened 2011 with a 42-14 loss to Morrilton, which set the tone for the remainder of the season. They open the year against Morrilton in 2012 as well, and Holt will look to that game to establish both momentum and confidence for his team. “Our first game will mean everything. When you’re coming off a 1-10 season, it’s all about a good start,” he says. The Cyclones’ first home game is in week one on August 31st, when they play host to the Morrilton Devil Dogs at Cyclone Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

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LIKE SULLY!

Steve Sullivan KATV

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danville little johns

New Challenges A

fter dropping their season opener to Dardanelle, Danville scorched through the remainder of their schedule, winning nine of their next ten games, before losing in the second round of the playoffs to Carlisle.

Danville Little Johns Head Coach DJ Crane High School Danville Years as Head Coach at School: 9 Record at School: 75-32 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 75-32 Athletic Director DJ Crane Football Staff Daniel Morris Offensive Coordinator Zach Hettinga Special Team Coordinator 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 9-3/7-1 Varsity Players expected for 2012:38 Returning Lettermen: 30 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: I-Formation Defensive System: 4-3

Pg. 30 • River Valley Football 2012

Even with their success last season, head coach D.J. Crane was disappointed that they weren’t able to go deeper in the playoffs. “We didn’t meet the expectations that we had for ourselves,” Crane says. “We didn’t get the breaks we needed. We had a really strong group, but things just didn’t go our way, and that happens sometimes.” This year, Danville will face even higher expectations, as they move into the larger 4-3A conference.

He was named to 4-2A’s 1st Team AllConference and Tri-County 1st Team Offense Dream Team for the 2011 season. He’s an athletic quarterback that balances his strong arm with his ability to run on read options.

Junior Bret Wilkins (5’11, 215 lbs) will be an impact wide receiver, but will see playing time in several skill positions throughout the year. “He’s a utility guy,” Crane says. “He’s one of those guys that can do it all.” Seniors Drake Penzo (5’5, 150 lbs) and Zack Papasan (5’8 135 The Little Johns will rely on its offensive lbs) will start at line to be a driving force for success in the wide receiver fall. Seniors Montel Jiles (5’9, 225 lbs), also. Grant Laster (5’11, 290 lbs) and Jaymie Tolbert (5’10, 280 lbs) all return as starters Senior Ryan to the line, with Steven Heathman and Alec Gault (5’6, Lane (5’8, 160 lbs) filling in as first-time 145 lbs) will starters at the other two spots. get most of the carries at tailback, Senior Dakota Long (6’1, 190 lbs) will with junior Caleb Short see most of the playing time this fall at (5’6, 180 lbs) to join him in quarterback after splitting time last season. the backfield at the fullback

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Montel Jiles

Grant Laster

Jaymie Tolbert

Mckenzie Garner

Ryan Gault

Zach Papasan

Armondo Jaime

2012 Little John schedule

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Dakota Long-SR FB – Caleb Short-JR TB – Ryan Gault-SR WR – Bret Wilkins-JR Drake Penzo-SR Zack Papasan-SR TE – McKenzie Garner-SR OL – Montel Jiles-SR Steven Heathman Grant Laster-SR Jaymie Tolbert-SR Alec Lane-JR

Dakota Long

Defense DE – Armondo Jaime-SR Jaymie Tolbert-SR DT – Grant Laster-SR NG – Chance Hayden-JR LB – Montel Jiles-SR Caleb Short-JR Alec Lane -JR CB – Kevin Dominguez Ryan Gault-SR S– Zack Papasan-SR Drake Penzo-SR

position. Senior McKenzie Garner (6’0, 190 lbs) enjoyed a solid junior year and returns at the tight end position.

Date 08-31 09-07 09-14 09-21 09-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

Opponent Dardanelle Mineral Springs Bigelow Charleston Cedarville Mansfield Lavaca Lamar Paris Atkins

Place Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home

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

On the defensive side of the ball, Crane will look to the front four and his middle linebacker to make plays for the Little Johns. “It’s good to have a group like that,” Crane says. “Especially since we’re moving into a bigger, tougher conference where they like to run the ball a lot.” Grant Laster and junior Chance Hayden (5’10, 240 lbs) will plug the middle at the defensive tackle and nose guard spots, respectively. Jaymie Tolbert and senior Armondo Jaime (5’10, 185 lbs) will rush the quarterback at defensive end.

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 31

All-conference linebacker Montel Jiles will be the Little Johns’ impact player on defense, and Caleb Short and Alec Lane will round out the linebacking core. Danville’s secondary will have several holes left by graduating seniors. Zack Papasan, Drake Penzo, Kevin Dominguez, and Ryan Gault will all compete for the secondary positions. Moving up in conference will increase the difficulty of their conference schedule, but Crane also sees the positives of the move. “The best thing is that we’ll be underrated,” he says. “We should be able to shock a lot of people. We have solid offensive and defensive lines, and that’s crucial.” The goals still remain high for the Little Johns in 2012. “We want to be conference champions and state champions,” Crane says. Crane sees both the season opener and conference opener matchups as key games for Danville this fall. “The Dardanelle game is a good one every year. We always want to play well in that game,” he says. “Also, the Charleston game will be huge. So weeks one and four will be very big weeks for us, and the good thing is that they are both home games.” The Little Johns’ first home game is in week one on August 31st, when they play host to the Dardanelle Sand Lizards at Little John Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Pg. 32 • River Valley Football 2012

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clarksville panthers Unchartered Territory Last

Clarksville Panthers Head Coach Michael Banning High School Clarksville Years as Head Coach at School: 14 Record at School: 69-72 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 69-72 Athletic Director John Burke Football Staff Doyle Watkins Offensive Coordinator Brad Pearson Defensive Coordinator 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 5-7/3-4 Varsity Players expected for 2012:50 Returning Lettermen: 38 Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 3 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-3

year, the Clarksville Panthers Football team started off the season with a tough non-conference schedule, losing their first three games to Charleston, Ozark, and Farmington. “We could have quit right then,” head coach Michael Banning says. “After that we played Dardanelle, and that game really defined our season. We were able get things back on track and win enough games to get into the playoffs.”

solid kid,” Banning says. “He’s a leader and a 4.0 student.” Senior D’Aundra Cain (5’10, 240 lbs) will be the Panthers’ primary running back in the fall. He’ll be a workhorse for Clarksville as a power back. Senior Brody Wilhelms (5’8, 150 lbs) blocks at fullback. Senior Colton Smith (6’4, 190 lbs) will be Clarksville’s deep threat in the fall. Last season, he caught 58 passes for 880 yards and five touchdowns. Junior Nick Mitchell (5’9, 160 lbs) catches well. Senior Adam Bagsby (6’0, 180 lbs) and junior Steven Banyard (5’9, 150 lbs) will also see playing time at wide receiver.

The Panthers made it to the second round of the playoffs and extended their season two extra weeks. The extra excitement should carry over for the 2012 season and provide momentum as the Panthers venture into the uncharted territory of the 5A West. “These will be bigger teams, both physically and numerically, but our expectations won’t Junior Trey Fales (5’9, 140 lbs) also returns change,” Banning says. as an all-purpose utility player. “He is a game breaker,” Banning says. “He’s got Offensively, the Panthers have made their the potential to score on every play.” money primarily through the passing game, as they run a spread offense. But All conference senior guard Luis Cabello the Panthers graduated their starting (6’1, 205 lbs) and junior tackle Cory Vire quarterback and leading receiver, and they (6’3, 240 lbs) will anchor the offensive will look to first-time starters to fill the huge line. Juniors Aeryk Self (6’4, 250 lbs) and shoes left in their wake. Junior Brandon Devon Buchanan (6’4, 210 lbs) will see Lovell (5’11, 195 lbs) will take over at the playing time at tackle also. Senior Cody quarterback position. Lovell is more of an Hatchett (5’10, 240 lbs) projects at center. option style running quarterback. “He’s a

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 33

Brandon Lovell

Luis Cabello

Colton Smith

Corey Vire

Trey Fales

Ronnie Green

Keaton Wood

Brandon Johnson

STARTING LINEUP Offense

Defense

QB– Brandon Lovell - Jr. FB – Brody Wilhelms - Sr. TB – D’Aundra Cain - Sr. WR– Colton Smith - Sr. Nick Mitchell - Jr. Trey Fales - Jr. TE – Brandon Johnson - Sr. OL – Cory Vire - Jr. Aeryk Self - Jr. Luis Cabello - Sr. Cody Hatchett - Sr. DEVON BUCHANAN - JR

DL – Ronnie Green - Sr. Luis Cabello - Sr. D’Aundra Cain - Sr. Aeryk Self - Jr. LB – Brandon Lovell - Jr. Nathaniel Box - Jr. Keaton Wood - Sr. CB – Trey Fales - Jr. Colton Smith - Sr. S – Yoni Garcia - Sr. Nick Mitchell - Jr.

Banning considers his defense the strength of his team. They are the Panthers look to compensate with the experience they’ve returning eight starters, but the three graduating starters played garnered at the other defensive spots. crucial roles in Clarksville’s defense. Skylar Grace, Trenton Lax, and Ryan Rogers leave big shoes to fill for first-time starters. But Senior Ronnie Green (6’4, 195 lbs) returns on the defensive line.

Pg. 34 • River Valley Football 2012

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2012 PANTHER schedule He had 10 sacks in 2011 alone, and will lead the Panthers’ pass rush in the fall. Luis Cabello will rush the quarterback from the other end position. D’Aundra Cain and Aeryk Self will clog the interior line at defensive tackle. Banning expects senior Keaton Wood (5’9, 170 lbs) to have a big year at linebacker because of his ball-hawking tendencies. He recorded 88 tackles in 2011. “He’s the type of guy that just always ends up around the football,” Banning says. “He plays extremely hard.” Joining him at linebacker are Brandon Lovell and junior Nathaniel Box (6’1, 170 lbs).

Date 08-31 09-07 09-14 09-21 09-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

Opponent Charleston Ozark Dardanelle Alma Huntsville Vilonia Greenbrier Harrison Shiloh Christian Morrilton

Place Home Away 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

In the secondary, senior Colton Smith returns as a three-year starter at cornerback who had five interceptions in 2011. “He’s just a solid, all-around person,” Banning says. “He’s a coach on the field.” Trey Fales will start at the opposite cornerback position. be a nice gauge to see where we are at when we play against Senior Yoni Garcia (5’11, 160 lbs) and Nick Mitchell will provide them.” help over-the-top at safety. Clarksville’s first home game is in week one, on August 31st, Coach Banning has his eyes set on one game early in the 2011 when they play host to Charleston in a rematch of last year’s season - his conference opener with Alma. “We’re really excited season opener. The game will be played at Bill Metheny Field. about the Alma game,” he says. “They’re a good team, and it will Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 35

morrilton devil dogs Moving Forward Morrilton

Morrilton Devil Dogs Head Coach Cody McNabb High School Morrilton Years as Head Coach at School: 2 Record at School: 9-12 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 9-12 Athletic Director Trent Tipton Football Staff Zack Watson Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Todd Sparks – Wide Receivers Brooks Muller – Defensive Line Scott Poteete –Defensive Backs 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 6-5/4-3 Varsity Players expected for 2012:55 Returning Lettermen: 26 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 3-4

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overall success are better than what we had last year, so that is a step in the right direction,” he says. The Devil Dogs will rely on a strong offensive line to drive the offense and create holes for their backs. Senior Gilberto Garcia (6’3, 270 lbs) will anchor the line. He was the 5A West Lineman of the year in 2011 and looks to continue that success this season. Senior Devonte Walls (6’1, 305 lbs) missed some games last year, but will start this year, and McNabb expects him to have a solid season. Senior Anfernee Foster (5’8, 220 lbs) and juniors But the Devil Dogs rallied to win the last Kelvin Mitchell (6’2, 220 lbs) and Reggie four games of the regular season to make Toney (5’6, 220 lbs) are expected to it to the playoffs, where they lost 28-21 to round out the offensive line. Camden Fairview. Senior Juwaan Trezvant 200 lbs) will Head coach Cody McNabb saw plenty (5’9, see most of the snaps a t to be impressed with in the 2011 season. quarterback. Senior Jamar “I’m really proud of how they reacted to adversity,” he says. “That was something Criswell (5’10, 170 lbs) is the that I really focused on coaching this year, Devil Dogs’ most explosive player and one of the top running backs in the state. and they really bought into it.” After recovering from his ACL tear in the McNabb has noticed his team working fifth week of the 2011 season, Criswell even harder this offseason in preparation is poised for a huge year this fall after for what they hope will be a successful posting over 2,000 rushing yards and over 2012 campaign. “Their work ethic and 20 touchdowns in his career at Morrilton. was 2-0 through the first two weeks of the season, having won convincingly over both Russellville and Dardanelle in the first and second weeks. They seemed poised for a deep playoff run and maybe even a conference championship. But the Devil Dogs suffered a four-game losing skid, losing close matches to both Searcy and Alma in weeks three and four. To make matters worse, Morrilton’s star running back Jamar Criswell tore his ACL in mid-October, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

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Jamar Criswell

Toney Hawkins

Devonte Walls

Timmy Wilson

Duncan Starr

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Juwaan Trezvant - Sr. FB – Bobby Foster - Jr. RB – Jamar Criswell - Sr. WR – Toney Hawkins - Jr. WR – Reese Heidenreich - Jr. Montrell Hood - Sr. Rashad Criswell - Jr. C – Gilberto Garcia - Sr T – Devonte Walls - Sr. G – Anfernee Foster - Sr. T – Kelvin Mitchell - Jr. G – Reggie Toney - Jr.

Defense DE – Bobby Foster - Jr. DT – Kieran Cole - Jr. DT – Dalton Burnett - Sr. LB – Avery Hawkins - Sr. LB – Duncan Starr - Sr. LB – Timmy Wilson - Sr. LB – Anfernee Foster - Sr. CB – Reese Heidenreich - Jr. CB – Rashad Criswell - Jr. S – Jymond English - Jr. S – LaQuanta Canady - Sr.

Division One colleges including Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State have expressed interest in Criswell. “He’s just a great all-around player,” McNabb says. Junior Toney Hawkins (6’1, 175 lbs) is expected to see playing time at both wide receiver and quarterback. He is a versatile player who is volatile with the ball in his hands. “He is the type of guy that has the possibility to score every time he touches the ball,” McNabb says. “We’re going to try to get him as many touches as we can.” Junior fullback Bobby Foster blocks powerfully.

2012 DEVIL DOG schedule Date 08-31 09-07 09-14 09-21 09-28 10-05 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-02

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Opponent Russellville Prarie Grove Searcy Shiloh Christian Alma Greenbrier Vilonia Huntsville Harrison Clarksville

Place Away Home Home 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

River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 37

Senior Montrell Hood (6’1, 200 lbs) also returns at wide receiver. He should make an impact as a possession receiver for Morrilton in the fall. Junior Reese Heidenreich (5’7, 140 lbs) enjoyed a good offseason and will start at wide receiver also. Junior Rashad Criswell (5’9, 150 lbs) projects as a receiver. The Devil Dogs will have to replace several key players on the defensive line, and they return just five starters on defense. But senior Dalton Burnett (6’0, 255 lbs) is back for his senior season to anchor the defensive line. Juniors Bobby Foster (5’11, 215 lbs) and Kieran Cole (5’10, 205 lbs) are also expected to fill large rolls for the defensive line. At linebacker, senior Avery Hawkins (5’11, 205 lbs) is coming off a big junior campaign and goes into his third starting year. Senior

Timmy Wilson (6’0, 160 lbs) will provide many hard hits for the Devil Dogs in 2012, alongside senior Duncan Starr (5’9, 175 lbs). Senior Anfernee Foster (5’8, 215 lbs) helps at linebacker.

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Pg. 38 • River Valley Football 2012

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In the secondary, senior LaQuanta Canady (6’2, 177 lbs) is a ball hawk at the safety position, and McNabb expects him to be a solid leader for the team. Junior Jymond English (5’9, 155 lbs) will lead at safety beside him, while Reese Heidenreich and Rashad Criswell (5’9, 145 lbs) will start at cornerback. McNabb is excited about the Devil Dogs’ potential in 2012, and sees the chemistry of his team as a major strength going into the fall. “This team’s really got chemistry,” he says. “The better the locker room, the better the team, and that saying really applies to this team. They’ve got good work ethic, focus, and they like each other, so that makes them very fun to coach.”

The Morrilton Devil Dog’s first home game of the 2012 season will be against Prairie Grove at Devil Dog Stadium, on September 7th. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 39

morrilton devil pups Capitalizing On Experience The

Morrilton Junior High Devil Pups struggled last year, winning just one conference game on the way to a 2-8 record. But head coach Jeff Davis is optimistic about the 2012 season following a productive offseason.

Morrilton Devil Pups Head Coach Jeff Davis JR High School Morrilton Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 19-21 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 19-21 Athletic Director Trent Tipton Football Staff Corky Ellis – Defensive Coordinator Tyler Briscoe – Offensive Line/Defensive Line 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 2-8/1-7 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 3-4

“Last season left a bad taste in the coaching staff’s mouth and made us really push the kids in the offseason,” he says. “The kids really responded. They had a great offseason, and I think that will translate to the field.” The Devil Pups return five players who started as eighth graders, and Davis seeks to capitalize on their experience this fall. definitely improved his accuracy and “That experience is invaluable, and it gave throws really well on the run.” Palacios is those kids a leg up going into the season,” the fastest player on the team. he says. Jalen Wright and Armanda Palacios split duties at quarterback, and both bring dual threat capability to the position. “Both will be on the field, either at quarterback or wide receiver,” Davis says. Davis sees Wright as the most improved player on the team, as he has settled into the quarterback position nicely. “He’s really worked hard and focused on his mechanics at the quarterback position,” he says. “He’s

Pg. 40 • River Valley Football 2012

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H-back Tracy Blakely has the best hands on the team and is a primary target for Wright and Palacios. Jacob Maxwell and Tyler English start at wide receiver. Despite lacking depth, Davis expects the Devil Pups’ big offensive line to allow the Devil Pups to run the ball well this year. Jordan Toland blocks at left tackle, while left guard Devin McMorrough anchors the line.

Devin McMorrough

Tyler English

Tracy Blakely

Jalen Wright

STARTING LINEUP

Armando Palacios

Jacob Maxwell

Jordan Toland

Harrison Pavatt

2012 DEVIL PUP schedule

Jalen Wright – QB/WR/S Armando Palacios – QB/WR/S Harrison Pavatt – RB/OLB Jacob Maxwell – WR/OLB Tyler English – WR/CB Tracy Blakely – H-back/MLB Jordan Toland – LT/DE Devin McMorrough – LG/DE

The Devil Pups’ defense is led by an athletic linebacking core consisting of Harrison Pavatt, Jacob Maxwell, and Tracy Blakely. Davis cites Pavatt and Blakely as the two top defensive players on the squad. “They both have that nose for the football,” he says. “They love to hit people.” Morrilton Junior High’s secondary matches the linebackers in athleticism, with Jalen Wright and Armanda Palacios ball hawking at safety. Tyler English blankets receivers at cornerback.

Date 08-16 08-23 08-30 09-06 09-13 09-20 09-27 10-04 10-11 10-18 10-25 10-30

Opponent Marron/Gray Ozark Dardanelle Russellville West Quitman Russellville West Russellville East Vilonia Greenbrier Beebe Searcy Litte Rock Christian

Place Home Home Home Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Away Home

Time 6:00 5:30 5:30 /7:00 5:30 /7:00 5:30 /7:00 5:30 /7:00 5:30 /7:00 5:30 /7:00 5:30 /7:00 5:30 /7:00 5:30 /7:00 5:30 /7:00

Similar to the offensive line, the defensive line lacks depth but clogs the interior with its big linemen. Jordan Toland and Devin McMorrough rush the quarterback as defensive ends. Davis expects the conference opener against RJHS West to be a key pivotal matchup for them early in the season. Winning that game is key to paving the road towards a conference championship. The Devil Pups’ first home game is in week one on August 30th, when they play host to Dardanelle. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m.

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 41

Pg. 42 â&#x20AC;˘ River Valley Football 2012

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perryville mustangs Compete and Finish After

Perryville Mustangs Head Coach Ed Baker High School Perryville Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 0-0 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 0-0 Athletic Director Kevin Campbell Football Staff Marc Tucker – Defensive Coordinator Jason Wilson – Offensive Coordinator & Defensive backs coach Pike Palmer – Junior High Offensive Coordinator & Linebackers Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 1-8-1/1-6 Varsity Players expected for 2012:36 Returning Lettermen: 18 Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 8 Offensive System: Double Slot Defensive System: 4-4

Pg. 44 • River Valley Football 2012

winning seventeen games in two seasons, the Perryville Mustangs, a team averaging eight wins a season from 2005 to 2009, have won just three combined games in the last two seasons. It’s a harsh disparity, but for entering head coach Ed Baker, all he sees is room for improvement.

learned a lot about the position. This year he’ll be better with his reads and pocket movement.” Junior Jess Jones (5’10, 170 lbs) will also see some time at the quarterback position. He is a do-it-all player though, having played at both running back and quarterback on offense and free safety on defense. Look for the 4.0 GPA student to be an impact utility player for the Mustangs this fall.

This offseason, the Mustangs have implemented “competition days” into their offseason program. Everything from weights to grades are involved in these competition days. “It’s really a special thing to watch,” assistant head coach Marc Perryville’s strength will be a nucleus of Tucker says. “These kids are buying in, backs will varied skill sets that will bring and that is what matters.” versatility to their Flexbone offense. Junior Taylor Collier (5’10, 190 lbs) After a couple of seasons of struggling will bulldoze at fullback, and with inexperience, the Mustangs are senior Christian Gossett now a seasoned team consisting of 16 (5’5, 150 lbs) is a small returning starters. Now, Perryville is ready but strong running to compete, finish, and make its mark this back with good speed. season. Senior John Stidham (6’0, Offensively, the Mustangs will return their 190 lbs) will starting quarterback in senior Lane Tubbs see plenty of (5’10, 170 lbs). His leadership ability and passes thrown quarterback skill set evolved over last his way at season, and he is poised for a breakout tailback. Coaches year in 2012. “Lane is a tremendous are excited about leader,” Tucker says. “He’s tough and has newcomer Michael

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Jess Jones

Lane Tubbs

John Stidham

Tyler Nebling

STARTING LINEUP

Taylor Nebling

Corbit Williams

Jonathan Hill

Sawyer West

2012 mustang schedule

Defense Offense NG – Tyler Nebling - Sr. QB – Lane Tubbs - Sr. DT – David Burns - Jr. Jess Jones - Jr. RB – Christian Gossett - Sr. DT – Terrell Bird - Jr. Halston Tart - Jr. FB – Taylor Collier - Jr. DE – Luke Gaddis - Jr. TB – John Stidham - Sr. DE – Taylor Collier - Jr. SE – Blake Glenn - Sr. MLB – Sawyer West - Sr. WR – Jesse Scott - Jr. OLB – Jayme Shadell - Jr. T – David Burns - Jr. CB – John Stidham - Sr. G – Tyler Nebling - Sr. CB – Christian Gossett - Sr. C – Terrell Bird - Jr. SS – Austin Brown - Jr. G – Sawyer West - Sr. FS – Jess Jones - Jr. T – Johnathan Hill - Sr.

Johnson, and Dylan Wougamon and Austin Brown will also see playing time in the backfield. Senior Blake Glenn (5’10, 160 lbs) and junior Jesse Scott (5’8, 150 lbs) will be Perryville’s go-to receivers. Glenn played his first year of football in 2011, but runs crisp routes and has solid hands. Corbit Williams, and Ryan Williams will see playing time also.

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

Opponent Bigelow Cutter Morning Star Marshall Mayflower Episcopal Barton Rosebud Riverview Harding Academy Bald Knob

Place Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Home

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

Perryville returns eight starters on defense, most notably nose guard Tyler Nebling. David Burns, Terrell Bird, and Halston Tart are all expected to play at defensive tackle, and Luke Gaddis and Taylor Collier will rush from the end positions.

Sawyer West and junior Jayme Shadell will lead the linebacking corps. John Stidham and Christian Gossett will start at the cornerback Junior center Terrell Bird (5’10, 270 lbs) positions, with junior strong safety Austin Brown (5’9, 160 lbs) and will lead the offensive line, alongside free safety Jess Jones rounding out the secondary. senior guards Sawyer West (5’7, 190 lbs) and Tyler Nebling (5’10, 215 lbs). Junior The Mustangs will have depth in their backfield, as well as in their David Burns (5’10, 260 lbs) brings experience defensive secondary. “We’re still looking for some linemen to step to the tackle position, while senior tackle Johnathan up, and also some linebackers,” Tucker says. Hill (5’8, 180 lbs) will be a first-time starter. Colby Stout and Halston Tart are expected to contribute on the Perryville’s first home game will be in week three on September 14th, when they play host to Marshall. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. line as well.

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 45

pottsville apaches Building On Excellence The

Pottsville Apaches’ quest for perfection lasted all the way until the quarterfinals of the playoffs, where they were trounced 65-13 by the Pulaski Academy Bruins, who would go on to win the 4A state title.

Pottsville Apaches Head Coach Bryan Rust High School Pottsville Years as Head Coach at School: 6 Record at School: 33-22-2 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 72-39-2 Athletic Director Bryan Rust & Chance Johnson

Despite the crushing loss, Pottsville had plenty to be excited about in 2011. It

Football Staff Ryan Staggs – Defensive Coordinator Ben Stang – Offensive Line/Defensive Line Shaun Bailey – Assistant Offensive Line /Defensive Line Greg Jones – Receivers/Secondary Greg Coffman – Secondary

Rust minces no words - he sees his team as repeat conference champions, and hopes to extend that to a state championship also. “I would say we are the team to beat for next year,” he says. “We want a conference and state championship in 2012. These guys know what it takes, and they’re already talking about how they’re going to achieve these goals.” Rust acknowledges that his offense will return several familiar faces from last year, but the new personnel will alter the Pottsville offense in key areas. “Overall,

2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 11-1-1/7-0 Varsity Players expected for 2012:50 Returning Lettermen: 36 Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Multiple T Defensive System: 50

Pg. 46 • River Valley Football 2012

was one of the best seasons in the school’s history, as their first-ever undefeated regular season (9-0-1) earned them their first-ever conference championship. “It was a great year,” head coach Bryan Rust says. “There’s a lot to build on for the future.”

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Andy Hepp

Michael Perry

Quwillien Porter

Michael Perry - Jr. Corey Campbell - Sr. Quwillien Porter - Sr. Tyler Weaver - Sr. Corey McKown - Sr. Luke McAnulty - Sr. Austen Rogers - Sr. Parker Thompson - Sr. J.D. Dugger - Sr. Andy Hepp - Jr.

Austen Rogers

Hunter Daniel

Parker Thompson

2012 APACHE schedule

STARTING LINEUP QB – FB – RB – RB – TE – TE – LT – LG – C – RT –

Corey Campbell

Defense DE – Parker Thompson - Sr. DE – Austen Rogers - Sr. NG – Drew Hancock - Jr. LB – Corey McKown - Sr. LB – Sean Ellison - Sr. LB – Hunter Daniel - Sr. LB – Tanner Weaver - Jr. CB – Corey Campbell - Sr. CB – Luke McAnulty - Sr. S – Tyler Weaver - Sr. S – Michael Perry - Jr.

we’ve got a lot of the same elements that made us a great team last year,” he says. “But we’re still a different team, and because of that we’ll have to do some things differently on offense.” Offensively, the Apaches return seven starters, most notably Michael Perry (5’10, 175 lbs), who returns for his junior season as the Apaches’ quarterback. He’s a perfect fit for Pottsville’s Multiple T offense, as he rushed for 1446 yards on 136 carries and 19 touchdowns in the 2011 season. The backfield for the Pottsville Apaches is the team’s most impressive quality. They return a stable of running backs that carried them in 2011. All-state halfback Quwillien Porter (5’7, 165 lbs) visited the end zone 35 times last season, and will return as the workhorse for the Apaches. Senior Corey Campbell (5’10, 190 lbs) will start at fullback, with senior Tyler Weaver (6’4, 180 lbs) is a versatile athlete that can both run and catch. All are returning starters. Another important reason why the Apaches have found so much success on their ground game is their talented and experienced

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

Opponent Heber Springs Fountain Lake Clinton Subiaco Dardanelle Mena Dover Maumelle Booneville Waldron

Place Away Away Home 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

group of lineman. Senior left guard Parker Thompson (5’11, 245 lbs) and senior center J.D. Dugger (5’11, 225 lbs) anchor the line. Senior left tackle Austen Rogers (6’1, 250 lbs) and junior right tackle Andy Hepp (5’8, 235 lbs) will fill the remaining spots as first-time starters. Seniors Corey McKown (6’5, 210 lbs) and Luke McAnulty (5’11, 185 lbs) will start at the tight end positions. McKown, who is ranked first in his class academically, runs crisp routes and

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 47

Trent Beard

Tanner Weaver

J.D. Dugger

possesses soft hands. The defensive side of the ball will provide the biggest challenge for the Apaches. “We lost a lot,” Rust says. “There will be a lot spots open, and we’ll have to fill them with solid players.” On the defensive line, Austen Rogers and Parker Thompson will be asked to step up into starting roles at defensive end. Junior Drew Hancock will also be a first-time starter on the line at noseguard. Seniors Corey McKown, Quwillien Porter, and Sean Ellison all provide key experience to the two outside linebacker positions. They all saw playing time last year, and will do the same in the 2012 season. Senior Hunter Daniel (5’10, 180 lbs) returns to the inside linebacker spot. Seniors Corey Campbell, Luke McAnulty, and Tyler Weaver all return to their starting spots in the defensive secondary. Campbell and McAnulty will start at cornerback, while Weaver will play

Pg. 48 • River Valley Football 2012

safety alongside Michael Perry. The key players that made the 2011 season so successful will be returning for 2012, and Rust sees their winning tendencies as a motivation for the fall. “They’re just winners,” Rust says. “They are really used to winning, and they’re extremely good athletes, which doesn’t hurt. They are a very blessed group.” Mena and Booneville will prove to be pivotal games for the Apaches this year, and will provide key matchups the Apaches need to win if they plan on making another run at the State title. Pottsville’s first home game is in week three on September 14th, against Clinton at Needham Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

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Many people throughout the years have made a lasting impact on the Pottsville community - men like George Potts, Jack Jones, and Reverend Thomas Morris. Family names like the Oates, Duffields, Fergusons, and the Falls Sinclairs are also synonymous with Pottsville history. As for those who have contributed to the Pottsville School District, the list is long, but some that stand out are coaches George Jones and John Needham, and longtime teacher Adolph Vodrazka.

throughout the entire River Valley.

One individual that qualifies for both of these prestigious lists is Jerry Akin. Jerry was a friend to many, not only in the Pottsville area, but

Jerry was born in Pine Bluff to Gerald R. Akin Sr. and Dorothy Rannenberg. He was raised in North Little Rock and attended Sylvan Hills High School, where he met the love of his life and future wife Susie. This wonderful marriage of 35 years produced a son, Jeffrey Daniel Akin. They moved to Pottsville in 1985. Jerry owned and operated Fleet Tire over the next 25 years. He served 17 years on the Pottsville School Board, where he was a Master School Board Member and a recipient of the Pinnacle Award. He was also on the Pottsville High School Scholarship Committee. Larry Duggar, superintendent of the Pottsville School District, said that “Jerry always had the students’ best interests in his heart when he made a decision regarding the district. Mr. Akin will truly be missed, not only by the school district, but by the community as well.” Jerry loved flying his airplane, gardening, fishing, hunting, and camping in his R.V. Personal friend and Russellville superintendent Randall Williams stated, “Jerry was always willing to help and organize a fun outing. He was always there with words of support and encouragement. I was proud to call him a friend.” Jerry’s life was also blessed with a daughter-in-law Brandi and two wonderful grandchildren, Jace and Lia Kate Akin. Jerry attended Pottsville Baptist Church with his wife. Reverend Jim Huffman said, “Jerry had a passion and love for his family, friends, his community, as well as the Pottsville School District, faculty, staff, and administration. He took pride in attending any and every Pottsville school event. I am a better person today from having known him.” “Jerry Akin was truly Pottsville’s biggest fan,” Huffman continued. “And he would want me to say one last thing...

‘Work hard, study hard, play hard. That’s Apache pride!’” www.arsports.net

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A Parents guide to Fostering Good Sportsmanship R

emember the saying “Actions speak louder than words”? That’s especially true when it comes to teaching your kids the basics of good sportsmanship. Your behavior during practices and games will influence them more than any pep talk or lecture you give them. Here are some suggestions on how to build sportsmanship in your kids: • Unless you’re coaching your child’s team, you need to remember that you’re the parent. Shout words of encouragement, not directions, from the sidelines (there is a difference!). • If you are your kid’s coach, don’t expect too much out of your own child. Don’t be harder on him or her than on anyone else on the team, but don’t play favorites either. • Keep your comments positive. Don’t

bad-mouth coaches, players, or game officials. If you have a serious concern about the way that games or practices are being conducted, or if you’re upset about other parents’ behavior, discuss it privately with the coach or with a league official. • After a competition, it’s important not to dwell on who won or lost. Instead, try asking, “How did you feel you did during the game?” If your child feels weak at a particular skill, like throwing or catching, offer to work on it together before the next game. • Applaud good plays no matter who makes them. • Set a good example with your courteous behavior toward the parents of kids on the other team. Congratulate them when their kids win. • Remember that it’s your kids, not

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you, who are playing. Don’t push them into a sport because it’s what you enjoyed. As kids get older, let them choose what sports they want to play and decide the level of commitment they want to make. • Keep your perspective. It’s just a game. Even if the team loses every game of the season, it’s unlikely to ruin your child’s life or chances of success. • Look for examples of good sportsmanship in professional athletes and point them out to your kids. Talk about the bad examples, too, and why they upset you. • Finally, don’t forget to have fun. Even if your child isn’t the star, enjoy the game while you’re thinking of all the benefits your child is gaining — new skills, new friends, and attitudes that can help all through life.

River Valley Valley Football Football 2012 2012 •• Pg. Pg. 51 51 River

dardanelle sandlizards Breaking Expectations The Dardanelle Sand Lizards won five games in the 2011 season, an improvement on a four-win 2010 year. While they posted a losing record last season, head coach Josh Price realizes that the Sand Lizards broke expectations by making the playoffs.

Dardanelle Sand Lizards Head Coach Josh Price High School Dardanelle Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 28-27 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 28-27 Athletic Director Larry Walker Football Staff Phil Vega – Def. Coordinator Kole Carpenter – Off. Coordinator Bryan Hardaway – Oline/Dline Shawn Walter – Head Jr. High Coach Jeff Seay – Jr. High Assist 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 5-6/4-3 Varsity Players expected for 2012:45 Returning Lettermen: 24 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 4-2-5

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“A lot of people didn’t give us much of a chance,” Price says. “We really overachieved by making it to the playoffs. I don’t think anyone thought we would make it that far.” Price will look to achieve a record above .500 this fall. He looks to continue the momentum from last year’s regular season, after winning three of their last four games before a competitive loss in the first round of the playoffs to Osceola. The Sand Lizards have a strong corps of senior players going into the 2012 season. “We are solid in our senior class, but I am still looking for some of our young guys to mix in and add some depth,” Price says. Offensively, the Sand Lizards will be relying on key skill positions to be successful in the 2012 season. Senior Evan Carter (6’3, 170 lbs) will manage games from the quarterback position. He’s a track star that will bring a dual threat to the Sand Lizards’ offense.

the Sand Lizards. Coach Price is looking for an every down back that can carry the ball 20-30 times a game, get the tough yards, and not turn the ball over. Juniors J.J. Dunn (5’10, 150 lbs) and Clint Smallwood (5’10, 170 lbs) will compete for the starting job. Price expects to throw the ball more this year in order to be successful, so they will rely on an experienced receiving corps to get the ball in the endzone. Junior Will Lawrence (6’3, 185 lbs) as well as seniors Dalton Craig (6’1, 155 lbs), Garrett Robinson (5’11, 165 lbs), Jonathan Wear (5’8, 135 lbs), and senior Dalton Keys are all expected to have an impact at the receiver position. Senior Ethan Sigle (6’3, 215 lbs) starts at tight end.

While the offensive line is comprised of nearly all senior players, they lack valuable in-game experience. Junior center Hunter Tomlin (5’11, 225 lbs) and senior left tackle Dalton Lorenz (6’0, 240 lbs) both return as starters, while seniors Fernando Ayala and Denton Lee will start at the left and right guard spots, respectively. Senior Chase Standridge will start The running back position is still open for at right tackle.

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Evan Carter

Ethan Sigle

Dalton Craig

Levi Rhoden

Canyon Dulli

2012 sand lizard schedule

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Evan Carter - Sr. RB – J.J. Dunn - Jr. WR – Dalton Craig - Sr. WR – Garrett Robinson - Sr. WR – Will Lawrence - jr. TE – Ethan Sigle - Sr. C – Hunter Tomlin - Jr. LG – Fernando Ayala -Sr. LT – Dalton Lorenze - Sr. RG – Denton Lee - Sr. RT – Chase Standridge - Sr.

Elvis Mejai

Defense DLElvis Mejai - SR. DE – Canyon Dulli - Sr. DE – David Carter - Sr. OLB – Clint Smallwood - Jr. OLB – J.J. Dunn - Jr. MLB – Ethan Sigle - Sr. ILB – Levi Rhoden - Sr. DB – Evan Carter - Sr. DB – Dalton Craig - Sr. DB – Garrett Robinson - Sr. S – Will Lawrence - Jr. S – Dalton Keys - Sr.

Coach Price is also looking for solid contributions from his underclassmen. T.J. Tucker, Parker Witt, and Dakota Thomas are three younger guys that he is looking to step up in 2012. Defensively, the Sand Lizards are relying on their line to carry them this year. Seniors Canyon Dulli (5’11, 225 lbs) David Carter (6’3, 250 lbs) and Elvis Mejai are all expected to play crucial roles this fall. Coach Price is looking for strong players to fill the gaps at linebacker position in 2012. Senior Ethan Sigle will be moving from defensive end to linebacker to help fill the void, and juniors Clint Smallwood and J.J. Dunn play outside linebacker. Senior Levi Rhoden brings experience to inside linebacker.

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

Opponent Danville Mayflower Clarksville Dover Pottsville Booneville Waldron Subiaco Maumelle Mena

Place Away Home Home 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

Two returning starters, Evan Carter and Dalton Craig, will lead the secondary. They will provide senior leadership, as well as in-game experience. Will Lawrence will see playing time at safety, and Dalton Keys and Garrett Robinson will see playing time in the secondary as well. This year’s Sand Lizard team is heavy on experience. “We have a lot of guys that have played here and are very hard workers,” Price says. “They know what it takes, and they know how to work for what they want.” The Sand Lizards first home game will be against Mayflower on September 7th. The game will be at 7pm, at Keenan Field in Dardanelle, Arkansas.

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dover pirates Starting Over With just four starters returning from last

Dover Pirates Head Coach Greg Smith High School Dover Years as Head Coach at School: 0 Record at School: 0-0 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 87-37-1 Athletic Director Robby Chenowith Football Staff Ed Kelley – Defensive Coordinator Jason McGhee – Head Junior High Coach Jon Price – Assistant Junior High and Assistant Senior High 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 4-5-1/3-4 Varsity Players expected for 2012:35

year’s 4-5-1 team and new coach Greg Smith at the helm, the Dover Pirates will be starting over in the 2012 season. Smith is optimistic about the coming season, hoping to carry over some of the momentum from the Pirates’ late season surge in 2011. But it won’t be easy. Dover returns just six lettermen, although several of them are to skill positions. Offensively, Smith will look to senior Blake Kriesel (5’10, 200 lbs) to carry the load at running back. Kriesel averaged over 100 yards a game last season and played a large role in the Pirates’ late season surge. He rushed for over a hundred yards and two touchdowns in Dover’s week three 22-22 tie with Lamar.

Sophomore Chance Stines (5’8, 165 lbs) will be Dover’s primary receiver as well as their deep threat. Junior Kendall Standridge (5’9, 160 lbs) will also start at wide receiver. Sophomore tight end Dalton Haynes (6’1, 200 lbs) has good hands and will create matchup problems with his speed. Senior Cody Chessher (5’11, 210 lbs) will start at tight end also. On the offensive line, senior guard Justin Haynes (5’9, 165 lbs), senior tackle Matt Senior Jody Brown (6’1, 185 lbs) was Robinson (6’2, 210 lbs) and junior tackle a star wide receiver for the Pirates last Jessie Flores (5’10, 250 lbs) all return to year, but he will be asked to assume the their starting roles. “These guys are all

Returning Lettermen: 6 Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 1 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 4-4

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quarterback position this fall. “He’s just an overall athlete and leader,” former head coach Chris Taylor says. “He can really make us a better football team.” Junior Hayden Higgins (5’10, 215 lbs) will block at fullback.

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Blake Kriesel

Jody Brown

Jessie Flores

Justin Haynes

Brent West

STARTING LINEUP

Hunter Hogue

Matt Robinson

2012 pirate schedule

Defense QB – Jody Brown - Sr. DT – Tyler Able - So. RB – Blake Kriesel - Sr. DT – Jessie Flores - Jr. FB – Hayden Higgins - Jr. DT – Matt Robinson - Sr. WR – Chance Stines - So. WR – Kendall Standridge - Jr.LB – Hayden Higgins - Jr. LB – Wesley Burton - So. TE – Dalton Haynes - So. LB – Ethan Davis - So. TE – Cody Chessher - Sr. DB – Court Griffin - So. G – Justin Haynes - Sr. DB – Hunter Hogue - So. G – Tyler Collins - So. DB – Brent West - So. T – Matt Robinson - Sr. S – Jody Brown - Sr. T – Jessie Flores - Jr. C – Noah Hampton - Jr.

dependable and solid,” Taylor says. “They’ve worked really hard in the offseason and gotten much bigger and stronger.” Junior Noah Hampton (6’2, 220 lbs) will snap the ball at center. Sophomore Tyler Collins saw playing time in junior high at guard and is expected to fill a similar role on the varsity team. Despite the team’s inexperience, Dover will have a gifted squad of ninth graders joining the varsity team this fall. “They are a talented group that is used to winning,” Taylor says. “They will make an immediate impact.” Defensively, there will be several new faces for the Pirates. The 2012 Pirate defense will lack size but will compensate with increased speed. Expect several young, scrappy players to take the field this fall for Dover. Matt Robinson will anchor the defensive line, alongside

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

Opponent Atkins AR Baptist Lincoln Dardanelle Mena Maumelle Pottsville Booneville Waldron Subiaco

Place Home Away 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

sophomore Tyler Able (5’11, 250 lbs) and junior Jessie Flores. Hayden Higgins will bring key experience to a linebacking corps as the sole starting upperclassman. Sophomores Wesley Burton (6’0, 195 lbs) and Ethan Davis (6’0, 190 lbs) will start at linebacker. Jody Brown will anchor the secondary from the safety position. He snagged four interceptions last year. Sophomores Brent West and Hunter Hogue started for the junior high team last year, and are expected to contribute in the secondary. Sophomore Court Griffin (5’9, 170 lbs) will also see playing time in the secondary. The Pirates first home game is against the Atkins Red Devils on August 31, 2012, at Jack Berry Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

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lamar warriors Seasoned The Lamar Warriors saw moderate success

Lamar Warriors Head Coach Josh Jones High School Lamar Years as Head Coach at School: 0 Record at School: 0-0 Overall Record w/ Years as HC:49-32 Athletic Director Lance Spence Football Staff Lance Spence – Defensive Coordinator Larry Debusk – Asst Coach Rick Lambert – Asst Coach John Sandlin – Asst Coach Cliff Jones – Asst Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 5-5-1/4-3 Varsity Players expected for 2012:35 Returning Lettermen: 24 Returning Offensive Starters: 9 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 4-3

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on the football field last year, finishing the season with a 5-4-1 record and tied for third place in their conference going into the playoffs. They were drummed in the first round by Prescott, however, by a score of 68-27. Lamar lost the last two games of the season, but they are a young team that improved throughout the year. They will bring back a majority of their starters from last year, and look to experience to guide them in the 2012 season. “We’re very experienced this year,” assistant coach Cliff Jones says. “We’re really going to be returning a lot, and we expect to be in the conference race.”

The Warriors are also returning their senior starting quarterback Jordan Haas (5’11, 150 lbs). “He took over midway through last year,” Jones says. “He’s a true competitor and leader. We expect big things from him this year.”

Out of all the returning starters, Jones believes the team is strongest at the offensive line positions. “Our strength will be our offensive line,” he says. “We’re returning four starters, and two of them have started every game of their high school football careers. The four returners are senior guard Sam Lindsey (5’9, 252 lbs), senior tackle Hayden Carlton (6’6, 290 lbs), senior guard Tyler Keylon (5’7, 230 lbs) and junior center Trevor Hogrefe (5’10, 200 lbs). Junior Sean Nichols (6’3, 275 lbs) arrives as a first-time starter at tackle.

The Warriors are also returning a solid stable of receivers. Nathan Green (6’0, 150 lbs) returns for his senior season and has very solid hands. Junior Jalen Chenault (6’2, 160 lbs) is a gifted athlete who caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in last season’s 28-27 thriller win over Dardanelle. Junior Ryan Jones (6’2, 185 lbs) and senior Michael Williams (5’8, 150 lbs) are also expected to see playing time at the receiver position.

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Junior Ely Young (6’3, 255 lbs) and senior Shane Sinor (6’1, 170 lbs) both return as tight ends.

Senior Justus Williams (5’10, 190 lbs) returns as the Warriors leading rusher and

Sam Lindsey

Hayden Carlton

Tyler Keylon

Jordan Haas

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Jordan Haas - Sr. RB – Justus Williams - Sr. FB – Logan Yarbrough - So WR – Nathan Green - Sr. WR – Jalen Chenault - Jr. TE – Shane Sinor - Sr. Ely Young - Jr. G – Sam Lindsey - Sr. T – Hayden Carlton - Sr. G – Tyler Keylon - Sr. C – Trevor Hogrefe - Jr. T – Sean Nichols - Jr.

Justus Williams

Joey Anderson

Ryan Jones

2012 warrior schedule

Defense DL – Shane Sinor - Sr. DL – Hayden Carlton - Sr. DL – Joey Anderson - Sr. Sean Nichols - Jr. T.J. Barto - Sr. LB – Caleb Robinson - Jr. LB – Justus Williams - Sr. LB – Logan Yarbrough - So. DB – Nathan Green - Sr. DB – Jordan Haas - Sr. DB – Braxton Sampley - So. DB – Stephen Wiles

was an All-Conference selection last year. Hunter Sanders (5’10, 180 lbs) and Steven Wiles (5’7, 150 lbs) both return and are expected to get time at the running back position.

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

Opponent Gravette Subiaco WYC Lavaca Mansfield Cedarville Charleston Danville Atkins Paris

Place Away Away Home 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

The fullback position is wide open, but the coaches are looking at The Lamar Warriors football team’s first home game will be in the Dalton Parnell, Ethan Sanders, and sophomore Logan Yarbrough second week of the season on September 7th, 2012. The Warriors to compete for playing time. will play Subiaco Academy at Warrior Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Defensively, the Warriors will rely on a strong secondary. Nathan Green and Jordan Haas will be the anchors of the secondary unit. Haas was the team’s leader in interceptions last season. Sophomore Braxton Sampley and Stephen Wiles start as defensive backs. Justus Williams will be a player to watch at linebacker. Caleb Robinson (5’11, 230 lbs) will return for his junior season to start at linebacker as well. Seniors Hayden Carlton and Joey Anderson (5’2, 190 lbs) are both expected to anchor the defensive line. Junior Zach Fox (5’8, 225 lbs), Tyler Keylon, and Sam Lindsey will see playing time on the line as well. Senior T.J. Barto, juniors Ely Young, Trevor Hogrefe, and Sean Nichols, and sophomores Blake Bauman, Quinten Walker and Steven Wiles, are all expected to help round out the defense in 2012. Lamar returns a total of sixteen starters, so experience will be a key attribute in this year’s team. “Our strength is going to be our experience. We have a ton of it,” Jones says. “And our offensive line should be impressive. They are very big and physical.” With all of this experience, the goals are set high for the Warriors in 2012. “Our main goal is to compete for a conference championship. If we do that, then there will be a lot of other smaller goals met along the way, but that’s the main one,” Jones says. www.arsports.net

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jc westside rebels Focusing On The Team The

most fitting word to describe the 2011 Johnson County Westside team is “streaky.” They outscored opponents by a staggering average of 44 points a game in their victories, but were outscored by an average of 25 points per game in their losses, and finished the season with a 4-6 record.

JC Westside Rebels Head Coach Jeff Stewart High School Johnson County Westside Years as Head Coach at School: 2 Record at School: 9-11 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 9-11 Athletic Director Steve Golden Football Staff Bruce Dunlap Assist Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 4-6/3-5 Varsity Players expected for 2012:24 Returning Lettermen: 6 Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Flexbone Defensive System: 50

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In the 2012 season, head coach Jeff Stewart will focus on consistency and togetherness as a team. “We are really wanting to mature this season,” Stewart says. “Last year we weren’t pleased with our togetherness as a team. Week in and week out, we have to remain a team. It’s not about individuals.” Offensively, Coach Stewart is transitioning his team to a Flexbone style offense for 2012. He will be relying on a larger than average offensive line to anchor this new offensive scheme. Seniors Jonathan Holland (6’3, 290 lbs) and Garrett Nagel (6’2, 270 lbs) and sophomore Treston Rogers (5’10, 275 lbs) are all over six feet tall and close to threehundred pounds.

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Juniors Quentin Addis (5’8, 180 lbs) and Sheridan Millmaker (5’9, 170 lbs) are smaller lineman who balances out their lack of size with good technique. The Rebels have an advantage over most of the other teams in their conference, as they return their entire offensive backfield. Seniors Chris McCormick (6’2, 185 lbs) and Jordan Stricklin (5’11, 205 lbs) will start at wingback. McCormick will provide crucial versatility for the Rebels this season. “He’s just an all around athlete,” Stewart says. “He punted for us last year, and he’s a pitcher on the baseball team. He can do it all.” Stricklin has very sound hands and will be able to be a very solid possession player for the Rebels. Senior Skyler Estes (5’6, 155 lbs) leads the offense at quarterback. Senior Taylor “Bulldog” Houston (5’7, 210 lbs) is a small

Jonathan Holland

Garrett Nagel

Taylor “Bulldog” Houston

Skyler Estes

STARTING LINEUP

Jordan Stricklin

Blong Lor

Quentin Addis

2012 rebels schedule

Defense Offense NG – Garrett Nagel - Sr. QB – Skyler Estes - Sr. DT – Jonathan Holland - Sr. FB – Taylor Houston - Sr. Chris McCormick - Sr. WB – Jordan Stricklin - Sr. DE – Jordan Stricklin - Sr. WB – Chris McCormick - Sr. DE – Quentin Addis - Jr. WR – Josh Griffith - Sr. MLB – Taylor Houston - Sr. WR - Keith brown - SR OLB – Cristian Medina - So. WR – Blong Lor - Sr. ILB – Jeff Sage - So. C – Treston Rogers - So. RG – Jonathan Holland - Sr. CB – Josh Griffith - Sr. CB – Blong Lor - Sr. RT – Quentin Addis - Jr. SS – Skyler Estes - Sr. LG – Garrett Nagel - Sr. LT – Sheridan Millmaker - Jr. FS – Wesley Lor - So.

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

Opponent Paris WYC Union Christian Mountainburg Decatur Hartford Magazine Hackett Hector

Place Away Away Home 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

but hard-nosed fullback that craves contact. “He’s about as tough and gritty as they come,” says Stewart. “He’s not very tall, and that really helps him out when we’re running the ball because we have such big linemen. No one can see him.” They’re battle worn. Most of the other teams graduated a bunch of seniors.” The Rebels will have an undersized receiving corps in seniors Blong Lor (5’6, 125 lbs), Keith Brown (5’9, 145 lbs), and Josh Furthermore, Stewart seeks to carry the momentum of a winning Griffith (5’8, 135 lbs), all of which are vying for time at wide season into a deep playoff run. “We really want to break into the receiver. playoffs this year,” he says. “If we win all the games that Defensively, the Rebels are relying on a strong corps of we are supposed to win, it linebackers and secondary. The defensive line will have holes left shouldn’t be a problem.” by graduating seniors, so Stewart will be relying on some of their younger players to fill in the gaps. Garrett Nagel will plug the The Johnson County middle at nose guard, alongside defensive ends Jordan Stricklin Westside Rebels’ first home and Quentin Addis. Jonathan Holland and Chris McCormick will game is against Union both see playing time at defensive tackle. Christian Academy. The game will be played at Taylor Houston will lead the defense at linebacker. Cristian Wayne Miller Field. Kickoff Medina (5’4, 180 lbs) is expected to start beside him, with is at 7 p.m. sophomore Jeff Sage seeing playing time as well. The Rebels will benefit from a secondary that includes three seniors in cornerbacks Josh Griffith (5’5, 130 lbs), Blong Lor, and Skyler Estes. Sophomore Wesley Lor will start at free safety. When Stewart looks at his team, he sees the recipe for a winning season. “We couldn’t be happier with our situation for this season,” Stewart says. “We’ve got four solid skill players that are all returning for their third year. www.arsports.net

River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 63

atkins red devils Buying In

In his first year as the Atkins Red Devils

Atkins Red Devils Head Coach Tommy Cody High School Atkins Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 6-4-1 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 53-54-2 Athletic Director Charlie Sorrels Football Staff Gary Childress – Defensive Coordinator Charles Rector – Asst. Coach Darrell Webb – Asst Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 6-4-1/4-3 Varsity Players expected for 2012:28 Returning Lettermen: 7 Returning Offensive Starters: 2 Returning Defensive Starters: 1 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 5-2

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receiver. He will be returning after seeing plenty of playing time in 2011. Senior Coty Hegeman (5’11, 170 lbs) will start at halfback, but look for him to line up as a slot receiver in certain sets also. He is the big play threat for the Red Devils. Malachi McDaniel (5’9, 175 lbs) will start at running back.

head coach, Tommy Cody brought in a fast paced, high-powered offense that averaged 31 points a game. “Last year was a good year for the program,” Cody says. “It was a good start. We had to learn a new offense and defense, but they really bought into it, and that is the important part. Now we really believe that we can be in better condition than a lot of other teams, and we On the line, Doug Poyner (5’9, 180 lbs) will start at center, alongside tackle know that we can score a lot of points.” Wendell Johnston (6’3, 220 lbs) and guards Offensively, the Red Devils will run Cody’s Jordan Duvall (5’11, 210 lbs) and Blaine version of the spread. He hopes to make Holloway (5’10, 185 lbs). Holloway, their offense more prolific. “Towards the a returning senior, is one of the fastest end of last year, we were getting off around players on the team, so he has been moved 70 snaps a game,” Cody says. “We want to to a pulling guard position. Players are still competing for the starting job at the other increase that this year.” tackle position. The Red Devils return their quarterback from last year in senior Ty Ennis (5’11, 205 lbs). Ennis threw for over 1,500 yards during his first year in the new system. “I’m really expecting big things from him this year,” Cody says. “It’s always a plus when you have your quarterback coming back.” Cody considers Matthew Collins (5’9, 135 lbs) the most improved player for 2012. He has worked hard in the off-season and gotten bigger and faster. Cody looks for Collins to be the Red Devils’ go-to receiver.

Cody had many question marks on his defense going into spring ball, and is still eyeing different players for starting positions. “We have to find 11 guys that will fly to the ball,” Cody says. “We’re going to be undersized, but we will have speed. We will have to use that to our advantage.”

Senior Dillon Isom (5’11, 225 lbs) will start at nose guard alongside junior defensive tackle Wendell Johnston. Junior Zach Lazenby (5’11, 270 lbs) and sophomore Jordan Duvall (5’11, 220 lbs) will compete Alex Duvall (5’10, 155 lbs) will start at slot for playing time at the other defensive

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Ty Ennis

Blaine Holloway

Matthew Collins

Alex Duvall

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Ty Ennis - Sr. HB – Coty Hegeman - Sr. RB – Malachi McDaniel-JR WR – Matt Collins -sr WR – Alex Duvall-jr TE– Kyle Chronister-jr C – Doug Poyner-sr G – Blaine Holloway - Sr. G – Jordan Duvall-so T – Wendell Johnston-jr

Defense NG – Dillon Isom - Sr. DT – Wendell Johnston - Jr. DT – Zach Lazenby - Jr. Jordan Duvall - So. DE – Blaine Holloway - Sr. DE – Judd Moore - Sr. LB – Alex Duvall - Sr. LB – Jacob Chism - Jr. Grady Duvall - So. CB – Matthew Collins - Sr. CB – Brandon Burns - Jr. Kyle McCabe - Sr. S – Coty Hegelman - Sr. S – Alex Spradlin - So. Colby Johnson - So.

tackle position. Seniors Blaine Holloway and Judd Moore (5’11, 170 lbs) will start at the defensive end positions. At linebacker, senior Alex Duvall (5’10, 145 lbs) will lead at linebacker. Junior Jacob Chism (5’10, 140 lbs) and Grady Duvall (5’10, 165 lbs) will both see playing time at the other linebacker position.

Caleb McClure

Coty Hegeman

Doug Poyner

Dylan Ison

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

Opponent Dover Bigelow Two Rivers Cedarville Lavaca Charleston Mansfield Paris Lamar Danville

Place Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away

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

The Atkins Red Devils open up their home schedule at Lemley Field on September 7th, against Bigelow. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. The Red Devils would love for you to come out and support them as they look to clinch a spot in the state playoffs.

In the secondary, junior Brandon Burns and senior Kyle McCabe (5’8, 155 lbs) are competing for playing time at the cornerback position. Senior Matthew Collins (5’9, 150 lbs) will fill the opposite cornerback spot. Coty Hegeman will lead the secondary at safety, bringing experience to sophomores Alex Spradlin and Colby Johnson (6’0, 180 lbs), who are battling for playing time at the other safety position. The 2012 Red Devils best overall attribute is their work ethic. “This year’s team just refuses to be outworked, and that makes it really fun to coach them,” Cody says. “The town should be proud of this group and the way that they’ve worked.”

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River Valley Football 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ Pg. 67

hector wildcats Rebuilding H

ead coach Mark Taylor is ready to bring a winning culture back to the Wildcats, and the first step to doing this is to rejuvenate interest in the Wildcats program.

Hector Wildcats Head Coach Mark Taylor High School Hector Years as Head Coach at School: 0 Record at School: 0-0 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 0-0 Athletic Director Gary Simmons Football Staff Jeff Haralson Assistant Coach Kyle Russell - Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 1-9/0-7 Varsity Players expected for 2012:24 Returning Lettermen: 11 Returning Offensive Starters: 10 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Multiple/Spread Defensive System: 50

“What we’re trying to do is get numbers and participation back up, and give the kids a chance to be successful,” he says. “I’ve got a good group of eighteen to twenty guys that are very faithful. They show up every day. They’re really hungry, and they’re working hard. I couldn’t be happier with their effort.” Taylor’s biggest challenge with changing the culture at Hector will be changing the team’s mindset. Taylor enters as a firsttime head coach to a program that has won just four games in the past five seasons. “We’re going to have to overcome all the negativity from the last few seasons,” he says. “The hardest thing sometimes is changing their mindset. But I’ve already seen a great deal of optimism from the kids and the parents. Just the pure numbers that we’ve had showing up here in the summer is very encouraging to me.” Taylor will have an experienced team to work with this offseason, as Hector brings an impressive seventeen returning starters back from last season. However, Taylor is still evaluating several positions to determine starters.

running the huddle.” Nichols lacks that experience, but Taylor adds that he is very athletic. “If Gus is not playing quarterback, he will be on the field somewhere,” Taylor says. Senior all-conference running back Charles Smith (5’10, 150 lbs) and junior Austin Humphrey (5’7, 195 lbs) will both see playing time at running back. The two backs bring different styles to the Wildcats offense. “Austin’s a bigger thicker kid,” Taylor says. “He runs downhill. Charles is more of a scatback that can make people miss. He’s a little faster.” Hector will come out in three and four wide receiver sets in 2012, and their wide receiving corps will be led by junior Shawn Lusk (5’11, 150 lbs). Lusk is “a long kid with good range,” Taylor says. Taylor has also been impressed by sophomore Tyler Brashear’s (5’10, 145 lbs) route-running and athleticism. “He’ll also carry the ball some, with what we do,” Taylor says of Brashears. Senior Jeremiah Humphrey will start at wideout also. “He’s an extremely hard worker with good hands,” Taylor says.

On offense, senior Logan Riley and junior Gus Nichols (5’9, 155 lbs) will compete for the starting job. “Experience is a big thing for Logan,” Taylor says. “He Taylor sees two larger tight end/wide throws a nice ball, receivers that he plans to employ to create and does a nice job matchup problems for defenses. Daniel Pg. 68 • River Valley Football 2012

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Nick McKinstry

Charles Smith

Austin Humphrey

Jeff Proctor

STARTING LINEUP

Kyle Fillion

Karson Lee

2012 wildcat schedule

Defense OFFENSE DL – Nick McKinstry - Sr. QB – Logan Riley - Sr. DL – Todd Saucier - So. Gus Nichols - Jr. DL – Blake Sceifiers RB – Austin Humphrey - Jr. DL – Daniel Lott - Jr. Charles Smith - Sr. DL – Jeff Proctor - Jr. WR – Shawn Lusk - Jr. LB – Austin Humphrey - Jr. WR – Tyler Brashear - So. WR – Jeremiah Humphrey - Sr. LB – Eric McGowan - Jr. DB – Jeremiah Humphrey - Sr. TE – Daniel Lott - Jr. DB – Kyle Fillion - Jr. Blake Sceifers DB – Shawn Lusk - Jr. C – Chris Poole - Jr. DB – Tyler Brashear - So. LG – Nick McKinstry - Sr. LT – Jeff Proctor - Jr. RG – Karson Lee - Jr. RT – Morgan Newport Hunter Loveland

Lott (6’1, 195 lbs) and Blake Sceifiers will both see playing time on the Wildcats’ offense this fall. “Daniel is big and athletic for his size, and he has good hands,” Taylor says. “Blake is very strong, and a hard runner.” The offensive line will be a strength for the Wildcats. “They played well in the spring,” Taylor says. “They have good quickness.” Junior Chris Poole (6’1, 285 lbs) will anchor the line at center, alongside senior left guards Nick McKinstry (6’1, 205 lbs) and junior right guard Karson Lee (5’7, 235 lbs). Junior Jeff Proctor (6’2, 260 lbs) will start at left tackle, and Morgan Newport and Hunter Loveland will compete for playing time at the right tackle position. Hector returns seven starters to their defense, but Taylor sees defense having the most room for improvement for the coming season. “We have to be able to tackle better, we have to be able to run to the football better, and I feel like that’s where we need to make the most strides,” he says. “If we want to improve, we have to get better defensively.” Sophomore Todd Saucier (6’2, 210 lbs) will start at defensive end opposite Blake Sceifers, and Daniel Lott is expected to see playing time at end also. Nick

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

Opponent Two Rivers Hackett Hartford WYC Magazine Mountainburg Union Christian Decatur Midland JC Westside

Place Home Away Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Home

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

McKinstry, Daniel Lott, Jeff Proctor, Stephen Ester, Tyler Gilliane, and Dylan Blackwood help on the line. Taylor is concerned about the linebacker position, as they have problems with lack of depth. “We are short on linebackers,” he says. D.J. Davis and Eric McGowan should start at linebacker, but Taylor is still evaluating the position. Nearly all of Hector’s wide receivers will see playing time in the secondary. Additionally, junior Kyle Fillion (5’10, 150 lbs) will see playing time also. Taylor has a simple goal for this year: he wants to make the playoffs. “We felt like this was a good goal for us, because that means we’re winning half of our conference games, more or less,” he says. “We felt like that was a realistic goal.” Hector’s first home game is in week one on August 31st, when they play host to Two Rivers at Wildcat Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 69

wyc wolverines All About The Numbers The

Western Yell County Wolverines Head Coach Daniel Phipps High School Western Yell Co Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 2-8 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 2-8 Athletic Director Carla Catlett Football Staff Blane Bartlett – Asst Coach Bryan Shelton Asst Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 2-8/2-6 Varsity Players expected for 2012:25 Returning Lettermen: 7 Returning Offensive Starters: 2 Returning Defensive Starters: 4 Offensive System: Spread Option Defensive System: 4-3

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2011 season marked the debut of Daniel Phipps’ head coaching career, and while the Western Yell County Wolverines did win only two games, there was plenty to build on for the 2012 season. One challenge the Wolverines will have to overcome, though, is their lack of personnel. “We were always one or two players away from being really good,” Phipps says. “This year we will have good numbers, and we are expecting to be very competitive.” The Wolverines are relying on a talented incoming sophomore class to help add to the numbers on the team. Offensively, many of the key positions will be filled by sophomores, as Western Yell County’s offense only returns two starters. Trent Cobb (5’10, 165 lbs) will be making his debut at the quarterback position. He is a talented sophomore that led the junior high to a winning season in 2011. Sophomore Chris Thygesen (6’2, 160 lbs) is slated to have a breakout year at running back. “Last year Chris only played half the junior high season, but he still led the team in rushing,” Phipps says. “He’s a special kind of player.” Sophomore Dalton Essman blocks at fullback.

fast and explosive running back that saw time last year when Thygesen was injured. Sophomore Clayton Montgomery (6’4, 170 lbs) will create matchup problems at wide receiver, and will be a primary playmaker for the Wolverines. Sophomore Alex Thygesen (6’2, 170 lbs) will start also, and junior Ryan Akin (5’10, 175 lbs), junior Justin Sourjivong (5’10, 169 lbs) and sophomore Wade Claunts (6’2, 170 lbs) round out the receiving corps. Junior Daniel Apple helps at tight end.

The sophomore class is also expected to help out on the offensive line as well. Alex Ridenour (6’0, 305 lbs) and Jake Fowler (6’0, 225 lbs) will both see playing time in 2012. Ridenour is a strong Brenton Buckman (5’10, 160 lbs) is a powerful player, while Fowler

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Clayton Montgomery

Alex Ridenour

Jake Fowler

Mikey Mitchell

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Trent Cobb - So. FB – Dalton Essman - So. RB – Chris Thygesen - So. RB – Brenton Buckman - So. WR – Clayton Montgomery - So. WR – Alex Thygesen - So. WR – Ryan Akin - Jr. WR- Justin sourjivong - jr. TE – Daniel Apple - Jr. OL – Alex Ridenour - So. OL – Ryan Brand - Sr. OL – Mikey Mitchell - Sr. OL – Jake Fowler - So. OL – Jimmy Randolph - Jr.

Daniel Apple

Jimmy Randolph

Dalton Essman

Justin Sourjivong

2012 wolverine schedule

Defense DL – Alex Ridenour - So. DL – Ryan Brand - Sr. DL – Mikey Mitchell - Sr. DL – Jake Fowler - So. LB – Chris Thygesen - So. LB – Brenton Buckman - So. DB – Trent Cobb - So. DB – Clayton Montgomery - So.

is quick and will use his feet to ward off defenders. Senior left tackle Ryan Brand is one of the few returning starters. “Ryan is a hard-nosed tough player,” Phipps says. “He probably played all of last year with a broken hand, and he played on both sides of the ball.” Mikey Mitchell returns for his senior year at the center position. He is a three-year starter, and Phipps considers him “very scrappy.” Junior guard Jimmy Randloph helps on the line.

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

Opponent Cutter Morning Star JC Westside Lamar Hector Hackett Magazine Decatur Mountainburg Hartford Union Christian

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

them.” The Wolverines open up their season with a home scrimmage game against Cedar Ridge. The game will be on August 31st, at Wolverine Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

The Wolverines defense will have slightly more experience than the offense, as they return four starters. On the defensive line, Alex Ridenhour, Ryan Brand, Mikey Mitchell, and Jake Fowler will see playing time. Chris Thygesen and sophomore Brenton Buckham will start at linebacker, and Trent Cobb and Clayton Montgomery will start in the secondary. There are still several questions marks, however, for Western Yell County’s defense. Even though they are a young team, the 2012 Wolverines are already building team chemistry. “This team really plays well together,” Phipps says. “They are very competitive and have a lot of heart. Mix that with the talent of the young group, and they could really be something special.” The week six game against Magazine is a rivalry that Phipps looks forward to. “There’s a little rivalry with Magazine,” Phipps says. “They’re only about fifteen minutes from here, so our kids know their kids. We’d like to beat www.arsports.net

River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 71

two rivers gators Overcoming Obstacles The

Two Rivers Gators Head Coach Josh Harrison High School Two Rivers Years as Head Coach at School: 3 Record at School: 11-19 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 11-19 Athletic Director Barry Fisher Football Staff Mark Smith – Def. Coordinator Mike Perez – Def. Coordinator 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 2-8/1-6 Varsity Players expected for 2012:28 Returning Lettermen: 12 Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 8 Offensive System: Multiple Spread Defensive System: 5-2

Two Rivers Gators’ 2011 season will probably be most remembered as one plagued by injury and lack of depth. The main injury came in week three, when junior starting quarterback Tyler Green (6’2, 180 lbs) suffered a season ending injury. They were 1-1 after that game, and finished the season 2-8. But head coach Josh Harrison has high hopes for his Gators in 2012, as they look to avoid the injury bug and accrue more players for a deeper roster. “This offseason has been our best ever,” Harrison says. “We have more kids out than we’ve ever had, and we’re stronger than we’ve ever been. We have twelve kids that bench over 220 pounds. All of that is really exciting for 2012.”

to in 2012. “All of these guys are solid,” Harrison says. “The best thing about them is the fact that they will catch the ball when it’s thrown to them.” Senior Drew Owens starts at tight end. Junior Matt Burnett (5’10, 198 lbs) will be a utility player for the Gators. He will play fullback, tailback, and punter Junior Jessie Young (5’9, 175 lbs) is the Gators’ player to watch in 2012. He has little experience playing football, but Harrison likes his intangibles. He will see playing time at the running back position. The Gators’ offensive line consists of versatile lineman who bring mobility to the position. Two seniors will start this season in tackles Elijah Jones (6’3, 260 lbs) and J.T. Robinson (5’10, 160 lbs). Juniors Cody Green (5’8, 165 lbs) and Dylon Piles (5’9, 175 lbs) will block at guard. Junior Scottie Hicks (6’1, 195 lbs) will snap the ball at center. Ryan Horn (6’1, 210 lbs) is expected to see playing time also.

The Gators will rely upon the return of Green at quarterback. In the season opener against Dover last season, Green connected on his first nine pass attempts for 155 yards and two touchdowns. “We really ask him to do a lot,” Harrison says. “He has to make a lot of reads and get the ball to the right place, but we also like to run him a lot too. Defensively, all-conference junior Matt He’ll be a big part of our offense this year.” Burnett will start at the middle linebacker position. He led the team in tackles last Juniors Tyler Garcia (6’1, 180 lbs) and year, and returns poised for a huge season Gary Morrison (6’2, 185 lbs) as well as in 2012. “We really rely on him to make a senior Jonathan Ellis (5’9, 165 lbs) will lot of tackles,” says Harrison. “We expect all provide soft hands for Green to throw a lot out of him this year.”

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Tyler Green - Jr. RB – Matt Burnett - Jr. WR – Gary Morrison - Jr. WR – Jonathan Ellis - Sr. WR – Tyler Garcia - Jr. TE – Drew Owens - Sr. C – Scottie Hicks - Jr. G – Dylon Piles - Jr. G – Cody Green - Jr. T – Elijah Jones - Sr. T – J.T. Robinson - Sr.

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Defense DE – Drew Owens - Sr. DE – Dustin Powell - Jr. DT – Scottie Hicks - Jr. DT – Elijah Jones - Sr. DT – J.T. Robinson - Sr. LB – Matt Burnett - Jr. LB – Dylan Piles - Jr. LB – Cody Green - Sr. CB – Jon Ellis - Sr. CB – Tyler Garcia - Jr. S – Tyler Green - Jr. S – Gary Morrison - Jr.

Elijah Jones

JT Robinson

Luke Andrews

Matt Emberson

Dustin Powell (6’2, 180 lbs) is going into his junior year and will play defensive end. “He is a worker. He’s strong and has good size, but his best quality is his work ethic,” Harrison says. “I wish we had eleven guys with the same attitude as him.” Drew Owens starts at the opposite end spot. Senior Wyatt Robinson helps on the line. Jonathan Ellis will lead the defensive secondary from the corner position. Harrison considers him a coach on the field and has a very good concept of the game.

Wyatt Robinson

Tyler Green

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

Opponent Hector Poyen Atkins Horatio Fountain Lake Centerpoint Jessieville Bismarck Benton Harmony Grove Glen Rose

Place Away Home Home Home Away 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

Although nine seniors will take the field as starters for Two Rivers this fall, Coach Harrison is also excited about his junior class, which comprises the majority of the remaining starter spots. “This group has played together since they were in seventh grade. They won a lot of games in junior high, and we expect them to do the same. Last year they were just sophomores, so now they have some experience,” Harrison says. “Our senior class is small, Two Rivers’ first home game will be in week two, on September but they are solid leaders. We’ll rely on all of them to win games 7th, when they host Poyen at Gator Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. this year.”

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 73

bigelow panthers Coming Back Stronger The pieces are coming together for the Bigelow Panthers.

Bigelow Panthers Head Coach Jeff Starks High School Bigelow Years as Head Coach at School: 19 Record at School: 73-114-1 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 73-114-1 Athletic Director Chad Wilson Football Staff Jim Brown – Def. Coordinator Matt Chandler – DB/WR 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 7-3-1/6-1 Varsity Players expected for 2012:43 Returning Lettermen: 23 Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Wing T Defensive System: 3-3 Stack

Pg. 74 • River Valley Football 2012

shape to make a run this year.”

Bigelow returns seven starters from the dangerous 2011 offense that averaged 33 points per game, many of them skill players. Returning starters include senior halfback Terrell Dunlap (5’6, 150 lbs), who rushed for 870 yards last season and 10 touchdowns, senior quarterback Austin Turner (5’11, 165 lbs) who passed Now, head coach Jeff Starks’ eyes are on for 1,158 yards and 14 touchdowns last a conference title, and from there, a trip to season, and senior wideout Lane Embry (6’2, 170 lbs) who had 529 yards receiving the state championship. and eight touchdowns last year. First, Starks will seek to improve his team’s mentality in the 2012 season. “We Senior James Holland, Michael Harding, cannot take things for granted,” he says. Cody Brunson, and Cody Davis are “We have to approach every game with the expected to see playing time at wide same fire and determination in order to be receiver also. successful.” They’ve won 16 games in the last two seasons, notching a 9-3 record in 2010 and a 7-3-1 record in 2011. They’ll be returning a total of 12 starters from that team, including a host of impact players from both seasons.

Starks will look to his team’s seniors for the leadership to win games for the Panthers this season. “We have a good senior class,” he says. “They’ve been playing together since the tenth grade, and we think we’re in good

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Terrell Dunlap

Austin Turner

Lane Embry

Jake Starks

Korey Steed

Jake Hoy

Bret Kagebein

2012 panthers schedule

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Austin Turner - Sr. RB – Terrell Dunlap - Sr. RB – Tim Gunn - Sr. RB – Javier Granillo - Jr. WR – Lane Embry - Sr. WR – James Holland - Sr. OL – Jake Starks - Sr. OL – Nick Olles - Sr. OL – Korey Steed - Sr. OL – Jake Hoy - Sr. OL – Bret Kagebein - Jr.

Nick Olles

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

Defense DL – Nick Olles - Sr. DL – Korey Steed - Sr. DL – James Holland - Sr. DL – Bret Kagebein - Jr. LB – Austin Turner - Sr. LB – Jake Starks - Sr. LB – Tim Gunn - Sr. LB – Jake Hoy - Sr. DB – Terrell Dunlap - Sr. DB – Lane Embry - Sr. DB – Javier Granillo - Jr.

Opponent Perryville Atkins Danville Quitman Mt Ida Mt Pine Poyen Magnet Cove Cutter Morning Star Conway Christian

Place Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Away

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

Four out of five of Bigelow’s offensive line will be seniors, including Jake Starks (6’0, 185 lbs), Nick Olles (6’1, 210 lbs), Korey Steed (6’2, 300 lbs) and Jake Hoy (6’0, 190 lbs). Bret Kagebein (5’11, 180 lbs) is the sole junior on the line. Junior Overall, team speed will be a difficulty for the Panthers, but they Blake Byrd, Austin Morgan, and Cody Standridge are also will flock to the ball on defense. “We will get after you,” Starks expected to see playing time. says. “We have good technique and good aggressiveness.” Most of Bigelow’s players will play on both sides of the ball. Holland, Kagebein, Steed, and Olles will anchor the defensive line also, and Starks, Turner, and Hoy will see time at the linebacker spot. Senior Tim Gunn (5’9, 170 lbs), who rushed for 344 yards last season as the backup tailback, will also play linebacker.

If Bigelow can avoid key injuries, Starks sees Bigelow as a prime contender to win conference. “Staying healthy is key,” he says. “If we stay healthy, we should be in good shape to win the conference and make a deep run in the playoffs.”

Bigelow’s week one matchup against Perryville will be a crucial In the secondary, Dunlap, Embry, and junior Javier Granillo (6’1, game because of its obvious implications for both momentum and 160 lbs) will see playing time at the defensive back position. confidence for his team. “Perryville sets the tone for the whole season,” Starks says. The Panthers’ first home game will be week one on August 31st, when they host Perryville at Panther Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

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Summer Sports in the Hot Seat: An Overview of Heat Related Illness Christina Bartlett, M.D. Pediatric Medicine I have always loved the late summer season, because it means a new school year, catching up with friends, and of course, football. Early in my life I adored football, not only for the sport itself, but also the bonding I had with my father while watching and learning about the great game.

Heat exhaustion is a term to describe patients with symptoms of heat illness, and a core body temperature between 98.6 and 104 degrees. Symptoms include excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting, headache, weakness, dizziness and severe thirst. Treatment of heat exhaustion involves rapid cooling as discussed below to prevent progression to heat stroke. If cooling does While my love for the sport has never not completely resolve symptoms in thirty faltered, it has evolved significantly minutes to one hour you should seek throughout my life. As a teenager, I still medical care immediately. enjoyed watching the game, but it was also my duty to transport my younger brother Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It to “two-a-days.” I remember snootily typically involves similar symptoms to requiring him to shower before entering heat exhaustion with an elevated core my “new to me” car. During my college temperature of greater than 104 degrees. years, I began my lifelong relationship Heat stroke also involves neurologic with the Razorbacks, which is a story in changes that may include disorientation, itself. Football changed again during my headache, irrational behavior, irritability, medical training, when I would moonlight emotional instability, confusion, loss of as a team doc at Junior High football consciousness, or seizure. Many believe games. I became much more focused on that heat stroke occurs when sweating the mechanics and possibility for acute ceases. This is actually not true, as heat injury. Now, as I am more seasoned - or, stroke can ensue with or without sweating; let’s face it, old - I am concerned about my specifically, an exertional (with exercise) patient’s endurance during these sequential heat stroke frequently involves sweating. days of 100-plus degree heat. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention, as this illness can result in Heat related illness is an umbrella term used damage to muscles (heart), the kidney, and to describe a spectrum of conditions related the liver. Rapid cooling should still occur to an imbalance between heat load and heat on the field while awaiting emergency dissipation. In high humidity (greater than personnel. The longer duration of time 75%), sweating or evaporation becomes prior to cooling the body, the more likely ineffective in transferring heat, placing the risk for organ damage. Ultimately, us Southerners at risk. Among teenage death may occur. athletes, heat illness is the third major cause of death behind trauma and cardiac Rapid cooling of a victim involves moving conditions. The highest incidence of heat the athlete to a cool place, either indoors or related illness is found among football to shade, and removing as much clothing as players. Most cases occur during summer possible. Place cool water on the skin and practice when players are less fit and direct an air conditioner or fan to promote temperatures and humidity are high. With evaporation. Placing cool packs near major a little education, preplanning, and paying vessels at the neck, groin and underarms attention to your body, heat related illness can also help to cool the athlete. Hydration is in most cases easily preventable. is key in the treatment of heat related www.arsports.net

illness. However, victims of heat stroke should be assessed for risk of choking or seizing prior to oral hydration The American Academy of Pediatrics released in September 2011 some key tips on prevention of heat related illness: • Allow time to gradually adapt to physical activity in the heat. Acclimation should occur ten to fourteen days prior to practices. • Encourage adequate hydration before, after and during practice. Generally three to eight ounces of fluid every twenty minutes is adequate for nine to twelve year olds, and thirty to fifty ounces per hour is adequate for adolescent boys and girls to minimize fluid deficits during exercise if pre-hydration is adequate. • Take frequent breaks, preferably in the shade. • Get adequate sleep. • Attempt to maintain physical fitness in off seasons. • Avoid practice in heat if you are ill, as illness typically deprives your body of fluids. • Rest a minimum of two hours between multiple events on one day. References: Council On Sports Medicine and Fitness and Council on School Health. (2011). Policy Statement−− Climatic Heat Stress and Exercising Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics; originally published online August 8, 2011; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-1664 Ishimine, Paul. (2011). Heat Stroke in Children. UpToDate. Retrieved from www.utdol.com O’Connor, F, and Casa, D. (2012). Exertional Heat Illness in Adolescents and Adults; Epidemiology, thermoregulation, Risk Factors and Diagnosis. UpToDate. Retrieved from www.utdol.com

Christina Bartlett, is a doctor in Pediatric Medicine at Millard Henry Clinic and Saint Mary’s Hospital River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 77

rjhs eastside whirlwinds Expecting Big Things The

RJHS Eastside Whirlwinds Head Coach Eston Jones Jr High School Russellville Years as Head Coach at School: 0 Athletic Director Johnny Johnson Football Staff Jeff Crumpton - Assistant Coach Matt Howerton - Assistant Coach Barry Whittington - Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 0-10/0-7 Varsity Players expected for 2012:40 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-3

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2012 season didn’t go as planned for the Russellville Junior High Eastside Whirlwinds, as they finished with an 0-10 record. But the season was a learning experience. There were many players that were dropped into new positions, and this experience helped this group grow as team, especially in regards to the fundamentals of the game. “We lost some close ones last year,” head coach Rick Correia says. “But it was good because we learned to compete even while we were in new positions and maybe not as comfortable as we wanted to be.” With all of this newly acquired experience, and a stable of athleticism and speed, the Eastside Whirlwinds are expecting big things in 2012. Offensively, the Eastside Whirlwinds will have many athletes and look to spread the ball around to each of them. To do this, they will rely heavily upon quarterback Jacob Boles. Boles will have a number of athletic options to throw to in James Woods and Marquis Rhode. Both of these players are dynamic game changers, and they have the ability to score on every play. Miguel Contreras has had a very productive offseason and could

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also earn some playing time at either running back or wide receiver in the fall. Hunter Hobby and Zac Harrington will anchor the offensive line. Hobby moved from tight end to left tackle last year and had a productive season. Hobby is one of the Whirlwinds’ strongest blockers, and he should be the focal point for most of Eastside’s running game. Rance Ellis will fill the center position, and he’s a smart player who excels at shotgun snaps. The Whirlwinds are looking for motivation and confidence in its linemen. “All in all, we just need five guys who believe they can get it done,” he says. D e f e n s i v e l y, the Eastside

James Woods

Austin Hart

Jacob Boles

Hunter Hobby

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Jacob Boles RB/WR – Marquis Rhode James Woods WR – Zach Carter Seth Hunt TE – Drew Turner OL – John Stallaccio Dashun Jackson Rance Ellis OL – Zac Harrington OL – William Tollison Skill – Miguel Contreras

Marquis Rhode

Zach Harrington

2012 eastside schedule

Defense DL – John Stallaccio Dashun Jackson Colter Goodman Zac Harrington Drew Turner LB – Seth Hunt Marquis Rhode Hunter Hobby CB – James Woods Michael Ritchie FS – Jacob Boles SS – Miguel Contreras

Whirlwinds return their leading tackler in linebacker Marquis Rhode. James Wood and Jacob Boles will anchor the secondary, competing for interceptions just as they did last season. The defensive line will rely heavily on Colter Goodman, Zac Harrington, and Drew Turner. “Those guys are solid run stoppers. We’ll really need them to play well,” Correia says. John Stallaccio and Dashun Jackson also work on the line. The 2012 Eastside Whirlwinds have a stable of athletes that will lead the team. “This team’s best overall attribute has to be its team speed,” Correia says. “We have several faster than average kids, and they really know how to fly to ball.” Some pivotal games along the way will b e the first game against Little Rock Catholic and the game against Little Rock Christian. “The first game will be important so we can come out strong

Date Opponent 2012-08-31 LR Catholic 2012-09-07 Alma 2012-09-14 Dardanelle 2012-09-21 LR Christian 2012-09-28 Morrilton 2012-10-05 Searcy 2012-10-12 Beebe 2012-10-19 Greenbrier 2012-10-26 Vilonia 2012-11-02 RJHS West

Place Home Away Home Home Away Home 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 set the tone,” Correia says. “The game against Little Rock Christian will be a tough one because they are a talented team.” Eastside’s first home game will be in week one, on August 30th, when they play host to Little Rock Catholic. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

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rjhs westside whirlwinds Building On Past Success The

RJHS Westside Head Coach Josh Edgin Jr High School Russellville Years as Head Coach at School: 6 Record at School: 37-23 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 37-23 Athletic Director Johnny Johnson Football Staff Nick Fisher - Assistant Coach Jason Martin - Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 9-1/7-0 Varsity Players expected for 2012:32 Offensive System: One Back Defensive System: 4-3

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Russellville Junior High School Westside Whirlwinds have enjoyed a nice run of successful seasons under head coach Josh Edgin. They posted a 9-1 record in 2011, and they look to build off that success as they venture into yet another season in 2012. “Last year was a year of progress,” Edgin says. “The 8th graders were able to be around a successful program, and they were able to see exactly what it takes to become a winning team. That experience should be helpful for them this year.” This year the Westside Whirlwinds will be relying on a solid defensive attack to anchor their team. “Our defense will be our strong suit this year,” Edgin says. This strong defensive unit will be led by defensive end James Phommavongsa (6’2, 210 lbs). The Whirlwinds will look for Phommavongsa’s size to provide matchup problems throughout the season. Dorian Riley, Tyler Bailey, and Jonathan Herrera have all improved in the offseason, and Edgin expects to be solid linebackers in 2012. “Our linebackers have all made great strides in the offseason, and they will be a strong unit,” Edgin says. Matt Laws

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returns to help lead the secondary. Laws saw playing time in 2011 with the 9th grade team. Ben Pusch helps at cornerback. O ff e n s i v e l y, the Westside Whirlwinds’ success will depend heavily on their offensive line. Mathew Wagner, Larkin Harris, and Chris Ruiz are all expected to anchor the line in 2012. Jahaziel Martinez is expected to be a big time playmaker at wide receiver, and he has the capability of stretching the field. Brock Mathis will be a possession receiver for the Westside Whirlwinds. “Brock has solid hands, and he’ll be able to find a lot of holes in defenses,” Edgin says. Matt Laws is expected to be the starting quarterback in

atu wonderboys The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys lost their

Arkansas Tech University Head Coach Steve Mullins Years as Head Coach at School: 15 Record at School: 91-69 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 91-69 Athletic Director Steve Mullins Football Staff Jo Nixon – Defensive Coordinator Dean Norworthy – Offensive Coordinator Les Boyum – Assistant Coach Matt Kitchens – Assistant Coach Clint Reed – Assistant Coach Kyle Shipp – Assistant Coach 2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conf. Record 2-8/1-4 Returning Lettermen: 35 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 3-4

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season opener in a competitive 38-31 loss to Arkansas-Monticello, but bounced back and defeated Southwest Baptist 31-20 in week two. But after a five-game losing skid in which the Wonder Boys played three top-25 teams - including No. 1 North Alabama - Arkansas Tech found themselves with a 1-6 record. They won one of their remaining three games to finish the season at a disappointing 2-8.

4.6 yards per play, as well as 317 yards per game. But the Wonder Boys’ red zone woes kept them from winning many close games. They scored just 14 touchdowns in 32 visits to the red zone, a 44% touchdown average in comparison to their opponents 58%. Their defense also gave up 412 yards a game, nearly 300 of that through the air.

Coach Steve Mullins

Statistically, the Wonder Boys outperformed their opponents in key categories in 2011. They held the ball for an average of 31:05 minutes per game, in comparison to their opponents’ 28:55 average. They had a better third-down conversion rate (34% to In 2012, head coach their opponents 31%). Additionally, they Steve Mullins will seek averaged 3.3 yards per rush last season, and to turn the program back to its winning ways with a team that returns 11 starters. They will return six starters to offense, including sophomore Preston Conder (6’0, 190 lbs). Conder played in ten games last year, completing 111 passes on 212 attempts for 1,430 yards, with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Conder also rushed for 212 yards last season. Conder and senior transfer Tanner Marsh (6’3, 205

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Casey Henderson

Courtney Rockwell

Roland Dampeer

STARTING LINEUP Offense QB – Tanner Marsh - Sr. QB – Preston conder - SO. TB – Casey Henderson - Jr. FB – J.J. Ford - So. WR – Ethan Gammill - Jr. WR – Jonathan Keener - Jr. WR – Dwight Brooks - Sr. WR – Cassius Washington - Jr. TE – James Jackson - Jr. LT – Tim VanOrsdol - Jr. LG – Justin Moss - Sr. C – Ricky Nelson - Jr. RG – Sam Shelby - Jr. RT – Tyler Kell - Sr.

2012 wonderboy schedule

Defense STUD – Solomona Aigamaua - Sr. NT – Alex Smith WOLF – Roland Dampeer - Sr. SAM – Logan Genz - Fr. MIKE – Jacob Midyett - So. WILL – Codey Zickefoose - Sr. BANDIT – Wesley McKinney - So. CB – Andreveus Brandon - So. CB – Mike Waldon - Jr. ROVER – Will Farley - Sr. FS – Courtney Rockwell - Sr.

lbs) compete for the starting quarterback job. Marsh passed for 370 yards and three touchdowns last year for West Texas A&M. At running back, Tech will return junior Casey Henderson (5’10, 225 lbs), but they lose Trayshun King, who helped lead the Wonder Boys’ two-pronged rushing attack. Henderson gained 380 yards on 81 attempts last year, with four trips to the end zone. Sophomore J.J. Ford (5’11, 262 lbs) will start at fullback. Arkansas Tech will hurt the most at the wide receiver position, as they lose three returning starters from last season. Juniors Ethan Gammill (6’3, 192 lbs), Jonathan Keener (5’9, 165 lbs), and Cassius Washington (5’10, 170 lbs) help fill the gaps alongside senior Dwight Brooks (5’11, 195 lbs). Senior

Date Opponent 9-01 Bacone College 9-06 Missouri S&T 9-15 Henderson State 9-22 Ouachita Baptist 9-29 Northwestern Oklahoma 10-06 SE Oklahoma 10-13 SW Oklahoma 10-20 Arkansas-Monticello 10-27 Harding 11-03 East Central 11-10 Southern Arkansas

Place Home Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

Time 6:00 7:00 6:00 7:00 6:00 6:00 2:00 2:00 2:00 2:00 2:00

Darrell Freeman (5’10, 182 lbs) is the only returning starter. Freeman caught 13 receptions for 188 yards and one touchdown last season, while Washington caught 13 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown. Junior James Jackson (6’1, 235 lbs) will start at tight end. The Wonder Boys have good size on the offensive line, with four starters over 300 pounds and the other at 290. Junior left tackle Tim VanOrsdol (6’5, 334 lbs), senior left guard Justin Moss (6’2, 290 lbs), junior center Ricky Nelson (6’1, 305 lbs), junior right guard Sam Shelby (6’2, 320 lbs), and senior right tackle Tyler Kell (6’3, 310 lbs) comprise the offensive line. Tech returns five starters to defense, including senior end

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 83

Solomona Aigamaua (6’3, 255 lbs). Aigamaua will play the stud position, a hybrid of the linebacker and defensive end position, so he will bring versatility to the defense. Freshman Alex Smith (5’11, 300 lbs) will be a first-time starter at nose tackle, while senior Roland Dampeer (6’1, 245 lbs) will start on the defensive line as well.

Jacob Midyett (6’2, 245 lbs) saw playing time last year at middle linebacker. Senior Codey Zickefoose (6’0, 206 lbs) racked up 44 total tackles last year at weak side linebacker.

Sophomore Wesley McKinney (6’0, 200 lbs) is a versatile bandit, a linebacker/safety hybrid position. He broke up four passes last year and recorded 55 total tackles. Senior Will Farley (5’11, 180 Freshman Logan Genz (6’2, lbs) will play at rover. Sophomore Andreveus Brandon (5’9, 160 220 lbs) will play at strong-side lbs) will be a first-time starter at corner, while senior Courtney linebacker, while sophomore Rockwell (5’11, 195 lbs) brings crucial experience to the free safety position. Junior Mike Waldon (5’9, 170 lbs) will start opposite Brandon at corner. Arkansas Tech returns no starters to the specialists positions. Jonathan Keener and Cassius Washington will return punts and kicks. Arkansas Tech’s first home game will be on September 1st, when they play host to Bacone College at Thone Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

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University of Arkansas

RAZORBACKS In the midst of one of Arkansas’ most successful runs as

a football team, the Hog Nation was plagued by one of the most troubled offseasons in recent memory. Their head coach, Bobby Petrino, was fired by athletic director Jeff Long after engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a female worker he hired.

Senior Kiero Small (5’10, 255 lbs) blocks at fullback. He is a fearless blocker, but the Razorbacks also hope to get him some time running and catching the ball this fall.

After graduating their top-tier wide receiving corps last year, Arkansas looks for senior Cobi Hamilton (6’3, 210 lbs) to lead the wide receivers. Hamilton, who has the best hands This came after an 11-2 season that the Razorbacks capped on the team, caught 34 receptions for 542 yards and four off with a Cotton Bowl win over Kansas State University, touchdowns last year. Julian Horton, Javontee Herndon, and before a 2012-13 season that sees the Hogs poised to and Maudrecus Humphrey see playing time. make a national title run. But besides Petrino and offensive coordinator Garrick McGee (who accepted a head coaching Senior tight end Chris Gragg (6’3, 235 lbs) job at UAB), Arkansas retains the core of their coaching had a breakout 2011 season, when he staff, and features the same high-powered offense it has in caught 41 receptions for 518 yards and two touchdowns. His size and hands recent years. make him a formidable receiver, and Senior Tyler Wilson (6’3, 220 lbs) returns to lead the he’s worked on his blocking in the Razorback offense afterr a prolific 2011 season. He passed offseason as well. for over 3,600 yards last year, with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions and a 63 percent completion percentage. The The Hogs’ offensive line Hogs will swap athletic quarterback Brandon Mitchell (6’4, is anchored by senior 230 lbs) into sets for option runs, but he complements his tackle Jason Peacock (6’4, 305 lbs) and senior speed with a strong arm. guard Tyler Deacon (6’4, Wilson should see more success in the passing game 300 lbs). Junior Travis this year, however, as the Razorbacks have a formidable Swanson (6’5, 305 lbs) rushing attack led by senior Knile Davis (6’0, 225 lbs). snaps the ball at center. Davis, who enjoyed Heisman talk last offseason before a Junior Alvin Bailey (6’5, season-ending injury, rushed for 1,322 yards on 204 carries 315 lbs) starts at the and 13 touchdowns in the 2010 season. Runningbacks opposite guard spot, sophomore Dennis Johnson (5’9, 210 lbs) and Ronnie Wingo (6’3, while 230 lbs), both seniors, round out Arkansas’ three-pronged tackle Brey Cook (6’7, rushing attack. Johnson carried the load last season for 310 lbs) brings size Arkansas in Davis’s stead, rushing for 670 yards and three but also inexperience touchdowns last season. Wingo is used as a receiving back to the line. in several sets, enjoying nearly 200 yards receiving last On defense, new defensive year in addition to a 450-yard season on the ground. coordinator Paul Haynes hopes

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River Valley Football 2012 • Pg. 87

Tyler Wilson

Kniles Davis

Kiero Small

Cobi Hamilton

Julian Horton

Marquel Wade

Jason Peacock

Brey Cook

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS Head Coach: John L. Smith Years As Head Coach at Current School: 0 Record at Current School: 0-0-0 Overall Record as Head Coach: 132-86

Braylon Mitchell

Tevin Mitchel

Darius Winston

Ross Rasner

Athletic Director: Jeff Long Football Staff & Positions: Paul Petrino – Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Paul Haynes – Def. Coord./Secondary

last year. Sophomore Tevin Mitchel (6’0, 192 lbs) starts at cornerback after seeing substantial playing time last season, while senior Darius Winston (6’0, 190 lbs) is the lone starting senior for the Hogs.

2011 Overall Record / 2011 Conference Record: 11-2 / 6-2

Russellville’s own Zach Hocker (6’0, 180 lbs) returns to handle the kicking duties for Arkansas. He consistently put points on the board for the Razorbacks in 2011, making 21 of 27 attempted field goals, including a 42-yarder he made against Vanderbilt. Dylan Breeding (6’1, 211 lbs) returns as punter after a successful 2011 year in which he averaged 45 yards per punt.

Returning Lettermen: 49 Returning Offensive Starters: 9 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 4-3

In The Huddle to tighten up a Hogs defense that has been perennially mediocre. At defensive end, junior Chris Smith (6’3, 250 lbs) attempts to fill the big hole left by Jake Bequette. After Tenarius Wright was moved to linebacker, expect sophomore Trey Flowers (6’4, 245 lbs), senior Colton MilesNash (6’6, 260 lbs), and junior Austin Flynn (6’5, 260 lbs) to see playing time at defensive end. Junior duo Byran Jones (6’2, 315 lbs) and Robert Thomas (6’3, 310 lbs) plug the middle at defensive tackle. They return after combining for 70 tackles last season. Alred Davis and DeQuinta Jones rotate in as well. Senior Alonzo Highsmith (6’1, 235 lbs) leads the linebacking corps at weak side linebacker, although senior Tenarius Wright (6’2, 255 lbs) has shined at the middle linebacker position. Highsmith recorded 82 tackles and 4.5 sacks in the 2011 season. Senior Ross Rasner (6’0, 215 lbs) lines up at safety and linebacker, depending on the formation. Braylon Mitchell, Matt Marshall, Jarrett Lake, Robert Atiga, and Tyler Gilbert should also see playing time. In the secondary, junior safety Jerry Mitchell (6’1, 220 lbs) will fill the hole left by Rasner when he plays linebacker, alongside junior safety Eric Bennett (6’0, 210 lbs). Bennett caught three interceptions and racked up 74 tackles Pg. 88 88 •• River River Valley Valley Football Football 2012 2012 Pg.

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Tyler Deacon

Alvin Bailey

Travis Swanson

Colton Miles-Nash

Chris Smith

Robert Thomas

Tenarius Wright

Alonzo Highsmith

2012 Schedule Date Jerry Mitchell

Eric Bennett

Zach Hocker

Arkansas faces its two SEC West rivals Alabama and LSU both on its home turf this year in weeks three and twelve, respectively. The week ten game at South Carolina could be a trap game for the Hogs. They’ve had the Gamecocks’ number in recent years, but for South Carolina, revenge could come in the form of spoiling a potential Arkansas’ championship run. Arkansas’ first home game is in week one on September 1st, when they play host to Jacksonville State at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

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Opponent

Place

Time

9/1 Jacksonville State Home TBA 9/8 Louisiana-Monroe Home TBA 9/15 Alabama Home TBA 9/22 Rutgers Home TBA 9/29 Texas A&M Away TBA 10/6 Auburn Away TBA 10/13 Kentucky Home TBA 10/27 Ole Miss Home TBA 11/3 Tulsa (HC) Home TBA 11/10 South Carolina Away TBA 11/17 Mississippi State Away TBA 11/23 LSU Home TBA

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After winning two of their first four games in the 2011 season,

“We were small last year, we didn’t have a lot of size,” Jones says. “And we had a disappointing year. We lost in the first round, and that was probably one of the most disappointing losses that I’ve had in a long time, so hopefully we’re going to bounce back from that.”

the Lady Cyclones went on a four-game losing skid and won only four of their remaining ten games to finish the season with a disappointing 6-12 record. Their 3-2 loss in the first round of the playoffs marked the first time a Lady Cyclones team failed to make it to the second round of the state tournament under head The Lady Cyclones graduated three key players from last coach Cindy Jones. season, but three senior girls return that have started on the team since they were sophomores. Meredith Smith will be an outside hitter for the Lady Cyclones, while left-handed Shannon Hocker will be a right-side hitter. “She’s improved every year,” Jones says of Hocker. “So we hope that’s going to continue.” Nicole Frazee will fill in what is probably the most crucial position for Russellville in 2012 the libero position. The libero is the crutch of any volleyball team, as they are responsible for both the passes to set up the offense and digging to keep the ball alive on defense. Frazee has started at this position since her sophomore year, and Jones will look for her experience to lead the team in 2012. “She’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever coached - which the libero has to be,” Jones says. “She’s quick, she’s smart, and she’s always in the right places to do the right things. She’s just a perfect libero.” Russellville returns two starters from the middle position in juniors Ashton Kindrick and Dianna Hale. Both Kindrick and Hale made an impact last year with their size. “They’re big girls, they’re tall, and they added some height to our lineup last year,”

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Nicole Frazee

Dianna Hale

Shannon Hocker

Meredith Smith

Ashton Kendrick

Jones says. “I think with the sophomores we’ve got coming up, “We’ve got kids in middle school and junior high that are playing having those big middles in there blocking will be key.” J.O., and I think we’ve got a lot of excitement, but I just want to Those sophomores are a talented class that Jones expects to step bring it to our program and let it trickle down.”

up and make an impact in 2012. The sophomores have played together since sixth grade, and they will enter the season following The Cyclones will have to navigate through a tough conference a summer tournament in New Orleans in which they placed third that will feature key matchups against Greenwood, Southside, and Conway. “Every game will be a fight,” Jones says. But she sees in the gold bracket. the first games - a trimatch - as crucial to setting the tone for the “We’ve got some great impact players that are sophomores,” season. Jones says.

“Those first few games kind of establish where you’re going to Jones noted Hunter Eshnaur as a standout from that class, a well- go,” she says. “And I think those games will be pivotal in deciding rounded player that she sees as a potential Division 1 caliber how we’re going to be for the year.” player. “She’s a phenomenal hitter,” Jones says. “She’s strong, she’s smart, she can play any position. She is going to make a definite impact this year, there’s no doubt.”

2012 cyclone volleyball schedule

Hitting will be a strength for the Lady Cyclones in 2012. “We’ve got some great hitters, that if we can get the ball to, we’re gonna be excellent,” Jones says. But getting the ball to those hitters will rely on the Cyclones passing game, which Jones sees as a weakness. “Passing is always a weakness with my teams,” she says. “But that’s because I’m never satisfied. Passing has got to be perfect to me, so passing is a weakness, but hopefully it’s going to turn into a strength.” “In a two an a half hour practice, we probably spend an hour and a half on passing,” she continues. “If you cannot get a pass, you cannot do anything else. It’s the key to the entire game. And I think this year, it’s going to be even more important because we’ve got such great hitters. I think it’s going to be so key to what we’re doing.” Beside the obvious goals of conference and state championships in 2012, Coach Jones also wants her team to play to their potential against teams they expect to beat. “I want to beat teams we should beat,” she says. “Sometimes we get in the mentality that we don’t know if we can beat a team or not, but I don’t want to mess around and let teams that we should beat defeat us.” Additionally, Jones also wants to rekindle interest in the volleyball program at the high school. “I want to bring a little more excitement back to volleyball,” she says. “We won a state championship in 2005, and we had a lot of excitement for the next two or three years, and it’s kind of died down now. I want to bring that excitement back.”

AUGUST: 21ST CABOT/HEB. SPRINGS(CABOT) V 23RD MORRILTON A JV,V 5:00 25TH SPIKEFEST (L.R.) A V TBA 30TH *CONWAY H ALL 4:30 SEPTEMBER: 6TH *FSNS A ALL 4:30 11TH *PARKVIEW H 13TH *ST. MARYS A JV,V 5:00 15TH VOLLEY IN THE VALLEYRSVL. V TBA 18TH *HALL H JV,V 5:00 20TH *FSSS A ALL 4:30 25TH *GREENWOOD H JV,V 5:00 27TH *CONWAY A ALL 4:30 OCTOBER: 2ND *FSNS H ALL 4:30 4TH *PARKVIEW A 13TH CONWAY TOURNAMENT V TBA

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Both the boys and girls Russellville Cyclones golf teams enjoyed out and shoot good rounds.” enormous success in 2011. The girls won their conference, and Junior Ethan Grace “has tremendous length,” the coach says. both teams placed third in their respective state tournaments. “Once his wedge game gets more consistent, he should go out and This fall, only one girl will be hitting the links for the Cyclones, shoot extremely low.” after they graduated three senior girls in May. Sophomore Regan Stringer is a newcomer to golf, but head coach Roy McSpadden Two sophomore players look to make an impact on a seasoned sees plenty of potential in the young player. “She’s a tenth grader Cyclone squad. Tripp Croom has won several ASGA tournaments that hasn’t played a lot of golf,” he says. “But she’s real athletic, over the summer and enters this fall with plenty of confidence. and she has a real nice golf swing. She has the chance to be a real “He’s had a really good summer,” McSpadden says. “He’s improving in all aspects of the game. He can get a hot putter, and good player.” he’s capable of shooting really low numbers.” The boys are led by all-state senior Austin Smith. Smith currently leads the Arkansas State Golf Association Player of the Year Sophomore Seth Grace has gained experience this summer Award in points. “He’s looking to have a good year. He’s just had playing in golf tournaments and has blossomed into an impact a superb summer,” McSpadden says of Smith. “He’s very good at player on the squad. “He’s developing more length,” McSpadden all aspects of the game. He’s plenty long enough off the tee, and says. “He’s got a pretty good short game, and he hits the ball real solid.” he’s got a really good short game.” Alex Smith and Seth Bubbus also return as seniors to build on the success from last season. McSpadden says Smith is a mentally tough player that excels at putting. “His strength is perseverance,” he says. “He doesn’t let a bad hole bother him. He’s got a great short game.” Bubbus lacks experience in tournament play, but McSpadden says that “He’s real solid. He’s got a good short game, and he hits the ball a long way. He’s proven that he can go

Scott Douthit and Dylan Caldwell contribute to the squad also. “I look for Scott to make some really big strides this year,” McSpadden says. “He should have much more consistency, and that should help us out a lot.” Dylan has improved rapidly over his two years playing golf. “He started two years ago, and he was a beginning golfer,” McSpadden says. “And he’s night and day from where he was then.”

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