2011 River Valley Football

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Pg. 2 • River Valley Football 2011


FIRST & 10

It’s time! Can you feel it? It’s football season and the anticipation is already building into quite a frenzy. The temperatures are rising and so are the hopes and dreams of many River Valley players and coaches. As the season begins we are pleased to bring you the most comprehensive coverage and inside information. Let’s get the season started by putting you in the know….so here we go. From the largest high school in the River Valley, the spirited 1,166 student Russellville High School Cyclones, to the smallest, the proud 122 student Western Yell County Wolverines, football season brings hope, aspirations, and excitement to each campus. Join us as we take you through an in-depth look at 16 River Valley football teams of 2011. Our preseason analysis of the River Valley football season will put into your hands the most collective wisdom available. We have traveled to all the schools and have asked the important behind the scenes questions about who is the best, who will step up, and what you can expect from your home team. In the River Valley, sports has long been the lifeblood; the pulse of each community. It touches nearly every household in every town. River Valley football is enjoyed by many with the same zeal and emotion as college football is in other parts of the country. This is the reason we are very proud to bring you this publication. We have poured ourselves into the 2011 issue of River Valley Football Magazine. Our goal is simple... turning a gigantic, full color, comprehensive mirror on football in the River Valley. The articles, stats, recruiting information, photography, and analysis in these pages are reflections of the passion we see every Friday night on 100-yard fields all over the River Valley. In order to meet the expecations of fans, players, parents, and coaches we have put together a winning team of dedicated writers, editors, designers, interns, and sales staff to bring you the inaugural edition of the 2011 River Valley Football Magazine. It takes passion, pride, dedication, persistence, toughness, and fortitude to be a football player. Those traits are displayed by every player listed in this publication and in thousands more who lace up cleats and give it their all…for the team and the community. For you, and for them, we are very proud of the 2011 River Valley Football Magazine. We hope you will enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed publishing it. Now…let’s get down to football. The Staff of River Valley Football Magazine Published by WMP Marketing Russellville, AR

School Index Russellville Cyclones........ Pg 18

Danville Little Johns......... Pg 22

Clarksville Panthers.......... Pg 24

Morrilton Devil Dogs......... Pg 28

Pottsville Apaches............ Pg 30

Dardanelle Sand Lizards.. Pg 34

Dover Pirates.................... Pg 36

Lamar Warriors................. Pg 38

Westside Rebels............... Pg 40

Atkins Red Devils............. Pg 42

Hector Wildcts.................. Pg 46

WYC Wolverines.............. Pg 48

Two Rivers Gators............ Pg 50

RJHS Eastside................. Pg 54

RJHS Westside................ Pg 56

ATU Wonderboys............. Pg 58 River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 3


contents2011 features 5

Eddie Meador #21

45

Head’s Up

12

Heat Stress

61

Great American

41

Dehydration

3

First & 10

Russellville’s Own & Injury Risks

- Concussion Conference

Causes of...

columns

Welcome Letter

16

Predictions

17

Future Stars

of the River Valley

For River Valley Football

River Valley

sports

8

River Valley’s Top 5 High School Players See the complete Top 20 list

Publishers Jeff Terry - George Farris

Graphics/Layout Peg Bowen

Sales/Business Manager George Farris

Editor Jeff Terry

Distribution Manager April Farris

Special Events Coordinator Bill Little

Associate Editor George Farris

a division of

On the cover

Contributors

Atkins Chronicle Robert Garrett Petit Jean Headlight Greg Sykes Blaine Leeds Liz Chrisman

Danny Owens Danny Hipps Eric Hartzell Steve Glen Karen Kordsmeier Craig Frost

The River Valley Football Magazine is an independent publication previewing 2011 football in the River Valley. Every precaution has been taken to avoid errors and omissions. However, we do apologize for any that may have been made. In the event of an error or omission for paid service, the liability shall be limited to the prorated abatement of the charge paid to the company. But in no event shall such liability exceed the amount payable to the company. No credit will be given for immaterial or unsubstantial errors.

Please Visit These Businesses and Thank Them for Supporting River Valley Sports *Alarm USA.............................................Pg 32 Alexander’s Heating & Air.......................Pg 46 All Pro Wash Systems...............................Pg 34 *Al Pledger Motors...................................Pg 61 *Arkansas Valley Insurance......................Pg 22 *Ark West Communications.....................Pg 22 *The Beach Shack.....................................Pg 52 *Beacon Tire.............................................Pg 31 *Best Ride................................................. Pg 11 Blackstone Construction...........................Pg 54 *Brown’s Catfish.......................................Pg 18 Cadek Power Wash...................................Pg 28 Chambers Memorial Hospital...................Pg 23 *Clarksville Family Pharmacy..................Pg 41 *Cooper Tire.............................................Pg 27 *Country Carpets......................................Pg 16 Cove Creek Construction..........................Pg 40 *CSI Insurance..........................................Pg 43 *Cunningham Metals................................Pg 13 Danny Owens Photography......................Pg 50 *Dr Blaine Leeds, ...........................Pg 25 & 30 *Drs Johnston and Richardson..................Pg 57 *El Molcajete............................................Pg 25 *ENG........................................................Pg 16

*Farm Credit.............................................Pg 10 FCA...........................................................Pg 14 *Feltner’s Athletic Corner .......................Pg 21 *Galla Creek.............................................Pg 32 Haston Recycling.......................Pg 23, 48 & 51 *Hwy 7 Auto Parts......................................Pg 8 Hyla...........................................................Pg 63 *Italian Gardens........................................ Pg 11 *Kirkland Family Medical Center............Pg 35 *KIX 106.9 Radio.....................................Pg 24 *KWKK 100.9..........................................Pg 59 *La Huerta Restaurant..............................Pg 61 Lane McKinley Murals.............................Pg 39 *Liberty Bank...........................................Pg 14 *McDonalds................................................Pg 6 *Mountain Enterprises..............................Pg 37 *Mullen Team Sports................................Pg 19 *Parkway Dental.......................................Pg 58 *PDQ..........................................................Pg 7 *Peters Family Living...............................Pg 12 *Petit Jean Medical Supply.......................Pg 29 *Phil Wright..............................................Pg 20 *Plainview Superette................................Pg 50 Pottsville School.......................................Pg 33

*Priority Federal.......................................Pg 12 R&R Tree Service.....................................Pg 36 *Rackley Furniture....................................Pg 42 Red Dirt Equipment..................................Pg 38 *River Valley Orthopaedics......................Pg 63 *River Valley Radio..................................Pg 62 *Rose Drug...............................................Pg 36 Russellville Baptist Church.......................Pg 57 Russellville School District.........................Pg 2 RVSports.net Basketball Preview.............Pg 53 *S&S Trailer...............................................Pg 9 *Service Plus.....................Pg 33 & Back Cover *Simmons Bank........................................Pg 53 *Sisson’s Body Shop................................Pg 56 *Sportscene...............................................Pg 17 *The Store.................................................Pg 46 The Studio.................................................Pg 26 UACCM....................................................Pg 29 Upward Bound............................................Pg 7 *Uvanis Solutions.....................................Pg 56 *Valley Motors..........................................Pg 55 Vista Place Apartments.............................Pg 60 *The Welcome Mat Area Guide................Pg 47 *Wilkins Brothers Outdoors.....................Pg 15 *Woodard Carpet & Design......................Pg 26

*Pick up your copy of the 2011 River Valley Football Magazine at these locations. Pg. 4 • River Valley Football 2011


Eddie Doyle Meador was drafted in the seventh round of the 1959 draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He was the 80th player chosen that year. Meador went to college at Arkansas Tech University, mainly because one of his high school football coaches went to work there and championed Meador’s cause. He had been told by Bear Bryant of Texas A&M that he was too small to play college football. He ended up being co-captain and played running back, defensive back, and returned kicks for the Wonder Boys. He scored 272 career points and rushed for 3,358 yards, which is still second-best in school history. He was on the Associated Press Little All-American team in 1958, and was named the Outstanding Back in the AllStar College Football Game. He was named Arkansas Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1958. Meador is a member of the Arkansas Tech Hall Of Fame, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Helms Athletic Foundation Sports Hall of Fame, and NAIA Collegiate Hall of Fame. Earning a starting job right away as a cornerback, the rookie picked off three passes for a Rams team that struggled to win just two games under Hall-of-Fame coach Sid Gillman. The Associated Press placed him on their All-NFL Second Team for his efforts. The Rams then replaced Coach Gillman with Hallof-Famer Bob Waterfield. Meador made his first Pro-Bowl squad after getting four interceptions, one which was returned for a touchdown. He had one interception the next season, and was named First-Team All-NFL by the Sporting News. After a single interception the following season, he had six in 1963. It was his last season as a cornerback, and he was named Second-Team All-NFL by the New York Daily News and the National Enterprises Association. The Rams then moved him to the free safety position. Although he had already established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the league, Meador quickly became a superior safety.

He went to the Pro Bowl in 1964 after swiping three balls and returning six kickoffs for 148 yards. He returned to the Pro Bowl the next year after getting two interceptions. He also ran the ball twice for 35 yards, including scampering 24 yards for a touchdown. The Rams then hired George Allen in 1966, making it the third Hallof-Famer that coached Meador in his career. Allen soon named him cocaptain of the Rams defense. Meador responded with his third straight Pro-Bowl season, netting five interceptions. In the third game of the 1967 season versus the Dallas Cowboys, he intercepted two passes from Don Meredith. He took one ball 30 yards for a score and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Week. He finished the season with a career-best eight interceptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Meador also completed the only passing attempt of his career for an 18 yard touchdown, and returned a career-high 21 punts. He was named to the Pro Bowl for a fourth straight season. He went to his last Pro Bowl in 1968 after getting six interceptions, and he was named FirstTeam All-Pro. He also returned 17 punts for a career-high 136 yards, and returned a kickoff 20 yards. The 1969 season was another year that he was named First-Team All-Pro. He scored two touchdowns off of five interceptions that season. He also was named the NFL Players’ Association President that year. He was honored with the NFLPA Byron ‘Whizzer’ White Award and was named NFL Father of the Year. After getting two interceptions in 1970, he retired. River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 5


Ed Meador is a member of the 1960’s All-Decade Team, and the Rams All-Time Team. He was known by several of his teammates as “the Rams Little Assassin” because of his fierce play on the field. He was also a multi-dimensional athlete who was the holder of place kicks for the Rams. Often he would run or pass on fake field goal attempts. He still owns five records with the Rams. He has the most interceptions with 46, fumble recoveries with 18, and kicks blocked with 10. He blocked four kicks in one year, and recovered five fumbles in another. To say he had a nose for the football would be a huge understatement.

another example of his impact. Tackles were not a recorded statistic in his era, but he exceeded 100 tackles in several seasons. He once had 126 tackles in a 14-game season, which is an impressive rate for a free safety. He was fast, quick, tough, and smart.

“Eddie Meador was one of the finest defensive backs l have ever seen. Outstanding in coverage and a fierce tackler, he had a remarkable nose for the football that allowed him to come up with big plays again and again during his career with the Rams. He was also a fine leader and one of my favorite teammates.” Merlin Olsen

It is astonishing that Meador has yet to be inducted into Canton. He has gone to the same amount of Pro Bowls as 15 other defensive backs that are already inducted. He was named the Rams Defensive Back of the Year seven times in his career, which is just

He had the respect of everyone who encountered him both on and off the field during his playing days. He overcame huge obstacles such as being told he couldn’t play and coming from a small college to start in every game he played in his career. He was an iron man who missed just one game in 12 seasons.

It is time to give Eddie Meador his well deserved respect. You can do your part by visiting his website at www.edmeador21.com and nominate him for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Please Visit www.edmeador21.com

Pg. 6 • River Valley Football 2011

For all he did on the field, he did even more off the field. He was very active in charities, especially with the Special Olympics. His leadership abilities were seen from his days in college until the day he retired from the NFL.


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Youth Football: Heat Stress and Injury Risk

Recommendations and Guidelines

T

o safely and sufficiently acclimatize in the early season and improve the safety profile for each player, teams should use graduated repeated exposure to heat stress, training intensity and volume, and the football uniform, combined with appropriate alterations of practice intensity and duration, equipment cover, and between practice recovery time. This will allow players to adapt more safely and effectively.

Acclimatization During the Football Preseason

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

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 durPractice Modifications to Reduce Heat Exhausing the first 14 days: • Initial 6-day acclimatization period: tion or Exertional Heat Stroke Risk — Days 1 and 2 – Single practice session with helmets only, no live contact, and not to exceed three hours of warm-up, condiWith increasing levels of heat and humidity, the risk for heat extioning, instruction, breaks, and cool-down. haustion or exertional heat stroke can increase dramatically, es— Days 3, 4, and 5 – Single practice session with helmets and shoulder pads only, no live contact, and not to exceed three hours of warm-up, conditioning, instruction, breaks, and cooldown. Limited contact may be initiated with blocking sleds and tackling dummies on days four and five. — A second 60-min. walk-through may be scheduled each of the first five days for instruction in team formations and plays— however, there should be no running, conditioning, weightroom work, protective equipment (e.g., helmets, shoulder pads), or equipment related to football (e.g., footballs, blocking dummies, blocking sleds) during these sessions. — Day 6 – Single practice session with full pads allowed not to exceed three hours of warm-up, conditioning, instruction,

Pg. 12 • River Valley Football 2011


pecially 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.

• 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), which was developed from an official ACSM Roundtable held June 30–July 2, 2004 at Indianapolis, IN. Support for the Roundtable from the following is gratefully acknowledged: Gatorade Sports Science Institute and NFL Charities/NFL Youth Fund. Special thanks to educational supporters American Academy of Pediatrics, National Athletic Trainers’ Association and National Federation of State High School Associations. EXPERT PANEL: Michael F. Bergeron, Ph.D., FACSM (Co-Chair), Douglas B. McKeag, M.D., FACSM (Co-Chair), Douglas J. Casa, Ph.D., ATC, FACSM, Priscilla M. Clarkson, Ph.D., FACSM, Randall W. Dick, FACSM, E. Randy Eichner, M.D., FACSM, Craig A. Horswill, Ph.D., FACSM, Anthony C. Luke, M.D., MPH, Frederick Mueller, Ph.D., FACSM, Thayne A. Munce, Ph.D., William O. Roberts, M.D., FACSM, and Thomas W. Rowland, M.D., FACSM

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. • 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. River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 13


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Russellville

Cyclones

Head Coach Russellville Cyclones Jeff Holt High School Russellville Years as Head Coach at School: 12 Record at School: 73-64-1

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup QB – Lane Reves, Mitch Mullen, Jordan Barrett, Cody Jones RB – Kendall Bond, Nick Hendrix, Antonious Davis Tight End - Dakota Lasiter Z Rec – Mason Freemen Melik Miles, Kyle Roberson X Rec - Frank Chiolino Michael Sacrey , Drew Smith D Rec - John Marosco Jordan Barrett, Jalen Curtis

STRENGTH

Russellvillesports.com

LG - Davi Wise, Ty Hale C - Dillon Liechty, Blake Smith Lane Reves

LISTEN TO THE GAME ON

KCJC-102.3 or on the internet at

kcjclive.com Codey Jones

Pg. 18 • River Valley Football 2011

in Numbers

If there is any truth in the old adage “There is strength in numbers” then this will be a bounce back year for the Russellville Cyclones and Head Coach Jeff Holt, who is beginning his 13th season at the helm for the Cyclones. After a disappointing 1-9 season in 2010, the Cyclone Head Coach is expecting 120 players to begin fall drills, providing for a lot of competition for playing time with many positions still up for grabs as the summer workouts conclude.

LT - Zach Franklin

RG - Brandon Ruiz, Barton Massey

Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 73-64-1

Only six starters return from 2010. Offensively, quarterback Lane Reves (6-3, 190) is a physical, all-around talent who returns after finishing the season splitting time with Mitch Mullen and Jordan Barrett. It would be no surprise if Reves, Mullen, and sophomore quarterback Codey Jones all see action in 2011. Reves, Mullen, and Jones all bring different qualities to the quarterback position. Lining up behind the quarterback is what Coach Holt

Athletic Director Jim Dickerson Football Staff Matt Warrick Off Coordinator RB Tight Ends Joey Jones Passing Game Coordinator Receivers Charlie Goodman - Offensive Line Jeff Carter - Def Coordinator Ben Goodman - Secondary Harley Sisson - Def Line 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 1-9/0-7 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 120 Returning Lettermen: 28 Returning Offensive Starters: 2

Mitch Mullen

Returning Defensive Starters: 4 Offensive System: One Back Defensive System: 4-3

Jordan Barrett


Date 8/18 8/23 9/2

“Those two got almost all the carries last year accounting for over 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns as a tandem,” Holt said. Graduation may have been the worst enemy for the Cyclone offense, losing linemen Logan Purtle (Harding), Mitch Hall (Ole Miss), and Andrew Pollack. “We lost three of the best offensive linemen that we’ve had in a long time,” Antonius Davis Holt said. As on any team, you always have guys waiting to fill those spots. Zack Franklin makes the move from guard to left tackle and Kendall Bond returning starter Brandon Ruiz will be back at right guard after missing the last four games of 2010 with an injury. Dillion Litchty will handle the exchange duties at center and junior Daubi Wize will take over at left guard. The right tackle spot remained open as spring ball closed and summer workouts began. Coach Charlie Goodman knows that this Zack Franklin group will have to work very hard and be very coachable to produce the holes that the 2010 O-line did, but he also knows that they Dillion Litchty are very capable of doing it.

Time

Red-Black Scrimmage

Home

6:00 pm

Away

7:30

Benefit Dardanelle/Clarksville Home Morrilton

Fayettville

9/23

North Little Rock

Away

Alma

Home

9/30

Little Rock Central

Home

10/14

Van Buren

Home

10/28

Conway

10/7

believes to be the Cyclone strength for 2011, running backs Antonius Davis and Kendall Bond (two of the RV Top 20 Players for 2011).

Place

9/9

9/16

Action Photos Supplied by Danny Hipps

Opponent

10/21 11/3

Bryant

Catholic Cabot

6:00 pm 7:30

7:00

Away

7:00

Away

7:00

7:00

7:00

Home 7:00 Homecoming Away

Home

7:00

7:00 Sr. Night

Defensively the Cyclones look to improve in a few key areas in 2011. After giving up an average of 35 points a game in 2010 the success of the 2011 Russellville Cyclones will depend heavily on an improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Coach Jeff Carter looks for total defensive improvement in 2011 “Rush yardage, pass yardage, and total yardage are all areas that we need to improve upon if we’re going to begin to become a good defensive team.” Coach Carter is excited about returning starters and team tackle leaders Gabe Limon, Ricky Collins. Both recorded 80 plus tackles in 2010. Anchoring the defense will be Gabe Limon

Finding a quality receiver to target in 2011 shouldn’t be a problem for whoever is calling the shots at quarterback. Returning at receiver is the 2010 season leader Frank Chiolino (30 rec. for 395 yds.), accompanied by versatile athletes Jordan Barrett, Malik Mize, and Michael Sacrey, who all look to Frank Chiolino contribute in big ways with big plays. Mix in the very large and talented tight Michael Sacrrey end Dakota Laseter, whom Coach Holt thinks has a chance to be one of the best tight ends he has had in a Cyclone uniform, and you have the potential for a highly productive offense in 2011. River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 19


Russellville

Cyclones

senior linebackers Gabe Limon, Ricky Collins, and Levi Scott. Aaron Dale made the move from defensive back to linebacker in the the spring and, after adding around 25 pounds, looks to be counted on heavily in 2011 by Ricky Collins Coach Carter. The defense will also be counting on leadership out of the secondary. Returning safety, senior Bobby Aderson is a headhunter, and corners Oscar Reyes and Ben Jordan have the skill to slow the opposing passing games down. James Resener, Tyler Pierce, and Hunter Standridge could see some time in the secondary Bobby Aderson as Coach Carter looks to replace Cody Campbell, who was lost in spring ball due to a head injury and leading tackler and interception leader Hayden Hipps who was lost during the summer with a broken elbow. Coach Carter hopes to see Hipps return in October.

Action Photos Supplied by Danny Hipps

Ben Jordan

James Reasoner

Pg. 20 • River Valley Football 2011

Tyler Pierce

Sawyer Grace

Devone Hunter

Drew Smith

Hayden Hipps

Aaron Dale

Levi Scott

The game changers can probably be found on the defensive line. Their play will be the difference since the Cyclones are in desperate need of players to step up and play big. Senior Sawyer Grace and juniors Devone Hunter and Nick Williams are the core of the defensive line and are all expected to contribute.

Nick Williams

Hunter Standridge

Jalen Curtis

Kyle Roberson

Andrew Elam


River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 21


danville

Little Johns

Head Coach Danville Little Johns DJ Crane High School Danville Years as Head Coach at School: 8

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup

Record at School: 66-29

WR- Dadrian Ester

Pride – Tradition – Team Work...

WR- Blake Noakes RB- Sean Tyra RB- Jaylen Ester QB- Mike Jiles LT- Grant Laster LG- Montel Jiles C- Jaymie Tolbert RG- T.J. Hare RT- Gage Whitworth TE- MacKenzie Garner Projected Defensive Starting Lineup LC- Sean Tyra

... all words you will hear when people talk about the Danville Little Johns. Head Coach DJ Crane and the 2010 Little Johns lived by those words all season and paid a visit to War Memorial Stadium to play Conference for Magazine for the 2010 Class 2-A State Title. Although they came up one game short in 2010, there are a lot of reasons to believe a return trip in 2011 is a definite possibility. With 15 returning starters from a team that went 13-2 and includes 9 offensive starters, the Little Johns are not rebuilding...they are simply reloading. Coach Morris’ job as the offensive coordinator can be viewed as a dream job by many in the coaching world. Offensively the Little Johns are stacked, returning 9 starters from the 2010 team. They are led by QB/DB Mike Jiles,

RC- Ryan Gault RE- Armondo Jaymie LE- Jaymie Tolbert RS- Mike Jiles LS- Blake Noakes WB- Charlie Reyes MB- Montel Jiles SB- Jaylen Ester NG- Gage Whitworth DT- T.J. Hare/ Grant Laster

Pg. 22 • River Valley Football 2011

Mike Jiles

Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 66-29 Athletic Director DJ Crane Football Staff Daniel Morris Offensive Coordinator Zach Hettinga Special Teams Coordinator 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 13-2/7-1 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 45 Returning Lettermen: 28 Returning Offensive Starters: 9 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: I Defensive System: 4-3


Date 9/2 9/9

9/16

11/3

Time

Home

7:00

Home

7:00

Home

7:00

Magazine

Home

7:00

Union Christian Academy

Home

7:00

Poyen

Away

7:00

Mountainburg

10/28

Place

Hartford

10/7

10/14

Blake Noakes

Hackett

Western Yell

10/21

Sean Tyra

Dardanelle

9/23 9/30

who contributed over 1,600 yards of total offense and accounted for 7 touchdowns. He, along with senior running backs Sean Tyra and Jaylen Ester, who carried almost 200 times for 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns and all Jaylen Ester purpose athlete Blake Noakes, give the Little Johns the fire power needed to make a title run in 2011. Defensively... stingy doesn’t begin to describe the attitude with which the 2011 Little Johns prepare to step on the field. As you would expect, Jiles, S. Tyra, and Noakes will all be contributing on defense as well. This by itself could result in

Opponent

Decatur

JC Westside

Away

Home Away

Away

7:00 7:00

7:00 7:00

nightmares for the opposing teams. Include in that mix Jalen Ester, who racked up 80 solo tackles last year, and senior nose guard, Gage Whitworth, who was heavily relied on in 2010, and you have the ingredients for an immoveable force. Coach Crane, although loaded with a very talented Gage Whitworth senior class, is also looking for help from juniors Montel Jiles MB/LG, Grant Laster LT/DT, Jaymie Tolbert C/LE, Matt Mims (all-purpose player), and Ryan Gault RC. Sophomores looking to make an impact will be Brett Wilkins, Chance Hayden and Caleb Short.

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 23


clarksville

Panthers

Panthers Hope to Turn Things Around in 2011

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup

QB Andre Redman/Brandon Lovell RB Jeremy Larkin FB Skylr Grace WR Colton Smith WR Michael Thompson WR Ryan Rogers C Aaron Walton/ G Keeton Wood G Dustin McKinney T Josh Stepp T Adam Dunson

Projected Defensive Starting Lineup DT D’Aundra Cain DT Keeton Wood DE Rondey Green DE Walter Meek LB Skylr Grace LB Trenton Lax LB Duane Beirman/Brandon Lovell C Denver Young C Colton Smith S Brandon Lovell S Ryan Rogers

LISTEN TO THE GAME ON

KIX-106.9 or on the internet at

www.kxio.nu

Pg. 24 • River Valley Football 2011

Dr. Blaine Leeds Sports Director KXIO 106.9 FM Clarksville Co-Host, Arkansas Sportswatch Network Action Photos provided by Craig Frost.

The words underachieving and disappointing come to mind when thinking of the Clarksville Panthers 2010 football season. With a senior leader and like Trey Schucker, Top Gun Quarterback Challenge top three finisher, directing the spread offense and the electrifying speed and impressive combine numbers of Arkansas Razorback recruit Wesleigh Foster, the Panthers were supposed to be an offensive juggernaut that teams in the 4-4A would not be able to stop. Instead, a senior season plaqued by nagging injuries for Foster and struggles with inaccuracy for Schucker forced the Panthers to settle for a losing season. In spite of that, the Panthers still made the playoffs again for Head Coach Michael Banning, and had a 20-3 lead late in the 3rd quarter before losing their first round playoff game on the road at Valley View. With Foster and Schucker gone to the college game, gone also is 75% of the Panthers’ offensive production. However, a new group of senior leaders move up to try to help the Panthers contend for a conference championship and it’s a group that has had considerable success throughout their time at Clarksville. Ryan Rogers

No one player epitomizes the senior leadership of

Head Coach Clarksville Panthers Michael Banning High School Clarksville Years as Head Coach at School: 12 Record at School: 64-65 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 64-65 Athletic Director John Burke Football Staff Brad Pearson Def. Coord 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 4-7 / 3-4 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 54 Returning Lettermen: 38 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: Even


Date

Skylr Grace

Skylr Grace will try to lead a revamped defense that struggled to stop people last season. The Panther defense in 2010 was forced to play a lot of young players and the coaching staff hopes that wealth of experience will help in 2011. Also, Coach Brad Pearson will step up to the defensive coordinator position with long time Assistant Coach Cheyne Dougan taking a position in administration as an assistant principal. Coach Pearson has been with the CHS staff for a long time so hopefully this transition will be a smooth one. At the time of this writing, Coach Michael Banning and Athletic Director John Burke are still looking to fill assistant coaching positions that fit the accompanying academic profile that CHS needs in the classroom.

Opponent

Place

8/23

Monday Benefit Dardanelle/Clarksville

Away

9/9

Friday

Home

9/2

this year’s team better than Ryan Rogers. He hardly leaves the field for the Panthers as he starts both ways at wide receiver and defensive back, and handles kicking duties as well. He even knocked through a 50 yard field goal, tying a school record, last year in the playoff game. Rogers does not have blazing speed, but makes up for it with a motor that revs at max rpms for every snap of the game. He’s good for three to four game changing plays per Friday night on both ends of the field.

Day

7:00

Home

7:00 Homecoming

Mena*

Home

7:00

10/14 Friday

Booneville*

Home

10/28 Friday

Pottsville*

Home

9/23

9/30 10/7

Charleston

Friday

Farmington

6:00

Away

9/16

Friday

Time

Friday Friday Friday

10/21 Friday 11/4

Friday

Ozark

Dardanelle* Subiaco* Dover*

Waldren *

Away Away

Away

Home

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00 Sr. Night

and should be effective as a receiver in third down situations. Michael Thompson has played a great deal at receiver and should be a reliable option to go along with Ryan Rogers. Colton Smith is a solid two-way player for the Panthers as a junior. One of the fastest Panthers, Smith made several catches of more than 30 yards last year and is very tall and rangy and can cover hash mark to hash mark in the secondary.

The Panther staff is very excited about the sophomore class this year. Brandon Lovell will challenge for significant time at quarterback and is listed as a co-starter finishing spring practice. Jr. High Head Coach Doyle Watkins calls him one of the best Even though Andre Redman got limited snaps at football players he’s ever coached. Lovell is big for his age, very quarterback for the Panthers last season, he played strong, and runs the football as well as he throws it. very well when he got opportunities. He was 20 for 26 passing against Booneville on the road last season and has good mobiity Andre Redman and can make plays with his feet. He throws a very catchable ball and has two years of experience in the system. He also has good camraderie with the receivers he has played along side for six years now. Jeremy Larkin

Jeremy Larkin, a state championship sprinter, takes over at the tailback position for Clarksville and gives the Panthers a homerun touchdown threat who can score any time he touches it. He also catches the ball very well, having played receiver in the past, so he’ll be a threat catching the football out of the backfield

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 25


clarksville

Panthers Michael Thompson

The Panthers’ 2011 version will be a very balanced spread offense that will score. Also, the Panthers’ senior leadership and work ethic will be fantastic and the team will compete with a great attitude. The key for the Panthers will be how their front seven develops on defense. Can the defensive line and linebackers exhibit a tough, hard-nosed style, stop the run, and create negative plays for their opponent? If so, the Panthers should book their ticket to the post-season again in 2011.

Pg. 26 • River Valley Football 2011

Duane Bierman

Dustin McKinney

Chris Oberste


River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 27


Morrilton

Devil Dogs

Head Coach Morrilton Devil Dogs Cody McNabb High School Morrilton Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 3-7

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup

“Rome was not built in a day”,

T - Devonte Walls G - Anfernee Foster C - Gilberto Garcia G - Josh Bartlett T - Ryan Wright QB - David Ford RB - Jamar Criswell S-Back - Timmy Wilson WR - Warren Leapheart WR - Montrell Hood WR - Jake Wilson

and the Morrilton Devil Dog fans understand that neither is a championship tradition on the football field. The Devil Dog team has coined the phrase “work in progress.” They do work and they are making progress and the 2011 football season should be a stage to show both.

Projected Defensive Starting Lineup

Second year Head Coach Cody McNabb knows what it takes to win, and he has his 55 Morrilton Devil Dogs doing what it takes in year two. With six returners on offense and six on defense, McNabb expects the Devil Dogs to compete this year, building off their strong finish in 2010 with back to back wins over Huntsville and Siloam Springs.

End - Tom Wilson Nose - Matthew Bowles/ Dalton Burnett End - DJ Thompson OLB - Brandon Rogers/ Timmy Wilson ILB - Avery Hawkins ILB - Tyler Chenault OLB - Zach Hood C - Kameron Bailey SS - LaQuanta Canady FS - Warren Leapheart C - Preston Long

Offensively, the Devil Dogs return most of their skill players including the very talented Jamar Criswell. At 5’11” 175 lbs. Criswell is very explosive, running a 4.5 forty yard dash and wreaks havoc on opposing defenses. Criswell ran for over a thousand yards in 2010 and had 47 catches for 683 yards. His development really showed in weeks 9 and 10. But don’t think the Devil Dogs will be a one man

LISTEN TO THE GAME ON

KVOM-101.7 or on the internet at

kvomlive.com

Jamar Criswell

Pg. 28 • River Valley Football 2011

Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 3-7 Athletic Director Trent Tipton Football Staff Zack Watson - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Kent Chambers - Offensive Line, Special Teams Todd Sparks - Wide Receivers Brooks Muller - Defensive Line Scott Poteete - Defensive Backs 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 3-7/2-5 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 55 Returning Lettermen: 23 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 3-4


Date

Place

Time

8/19 Maroon & Grey Scrimmage

Home

7:00 pm

9/2

Russellville

Home

7:00

9/16

Searcy

Forest Been

8/23

show. They also return quarterback David Ford 6’0” 175 lbs. along with a strong group of receivers including very physical senior Warren Leapheart 6’3” 210 lbs., junior Montrell Hood 6’ 200 lbs. who had a very good spring catching the ball, senior Forest Been 5’9” 170 lbs., and senior Jake Wilson 6’1” 180 lbs. will also be in the mix come game time. Look for Leapheart and Hood to rake in the stats with Jake Wilson Been and Wilson being the workhorses with their down field blocking ability. Offensive linemen tackle Ryan Wright 5’ 11” 275 lbs., and center Gilberto Garcia 6’2” 240 lbs. played ever snap last year and look to be the leaders up front. Tackle Devonte Walls, guard Anfernee Foster, and guard Josh Bartlett complete Josh Bartlett the O-Line and fill the gaps left by graduation last year.

9/9

David Ford

Warren Leapheart

Montrell Hood

Defensively, Coach McNabb is counting on the leadership of senior defensive end Tom Wilson 6’ 1” 235 lbs. The nose position will be manned by

Tom Wilson

9/23

Opponent Ozark

Dardanelle Alma*

Home Home Away Away

6:30 pm 7:00 7:00 7:00

9/30

Greenwood*

Home

7:00

10/14

Vilonia* Homecoming

Home

7:00

10/28

Huntsville* Sr Night

Home

10/7

10/21 11/4

Greenbrier* Harrison*

Siloam Springs*

Away

Away Away

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00

teammates Matthew Bowles 6’ 285 lbs. and Dalton Burnett 6’ 230 lbs. Defensive end DJ Thompson 5’ 11” is very quick and solidifies the defensive line. Linebackers include Brandon Rogers, Timmy Wilson, Avery Hawkins, and DJ Thompson Tyler Chenault. Senior Leaphart will look to lead a young secondary including corners Kameron Bailey, Preston Long, and strong safety Laquanta Canady.

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 29


Pottsville

Apaches Projected Offensive Starting Lineup QB-Michael Perry RB-Quwillen Porter RB-Tyler Weaver FB-Hunter Daniel TE-Cory Mckown LT-Jeremy Ward LG-Parker Thompson Seth Dronet C-JD Dugger RG-Dallas Loveless RT-Charles Mcdermott TE-Ray Hart Projected Defensive Starting Lineup C-Luke Mcanulty S-Tyler Weaver S-Dalton Ragland C-Matt Simms Laramie Shipley LB-Justin Keene LB-Corey Campbell DE-Sean Ellison T-Jordan Hepp NG-Andy Winchell T-Chris Freeman

LISTEN TO THE GAME ON

KVLD-99.3

High School Pottsville Years as Head Coach at School: 4 Record at School: 22-21-1 Story by: Steve Glen Action Photos provided by Jimmy Cole

In late November, 2010, on a Friday night in Star City, the final horn sounded completing the Pottsville Apaches’ most successful football season. The 41-12 defeat at the hands of Star City was not the end that Pottsville had envisioned, but after some time to reflect upon the season, they realized that it was a season to be remembered. The upstart Apaches finished 9-3, the most wins ever by Pottsville, and they won their first two games in the State Playoffs. It was the disappointment at the end of the final game that fueled the Apaches’ off-season work, and should ignite a fire in the pre-season practices for Pottsville. This year’s Apache team is filled with potential. However, to quote fellow Arkansan, Dizzy Dean, “All potential means is ya ain’t dun it yet.” Apache Football 2011 may be the season for a payoff. An intense off-season strength training program, initiated upon the arrival of Brian Rust as head coach four seasons ago, may provide a big reward. Strength, power, and experience on the offensive line and learning how to win are the key attributes of this season’s Apaches. This team will return thirteen starters from last year’s playoff team.

or on the internet at

oldies993live.com Jeremy Ward

Pg. 30 • River Valley Football 2011

Head Coach Pottsville Apaches Bryan Rust

Seven of the starters returning are on the offensive side of the ball and are anchored by senior Jeremy Ward at

Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 61-38-1 Athletic Director Bryan Rust & Chance Johnson Football Staff Ryan Staggs-D Coor. De Greg Coffman-Sec. Ben Stang- Ol/Dl Greg Jones- Rec. Sec. Shaun Bailey- Asst Ol/Dl 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 9-3/5-2 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 50 Returning Lettermen: 13 Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Multiple T Defensive System: 50


Date

Opponent

9/2

Atkins

9/9

9/16 9/23 9/30

7:00

*Waldron

Home

7:00

Home

7:00

Home

7:00

Clinton

*Booneville

10/21

*Mena

10/28

Atkins

Lamar

**Dardanelle

11/4

Time

Lamar

10/7

10/14

Place

*Dover

*Clarksville

***Subiaco

Home

Booneville Dover

Clarksville Pottsville

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00 7:00

7:00

*Denotes Conference ** Denotes Homecoming *** Denotes Sr Night

offensive tackle. Jeremy is on the recruiting radar However, with speed in both directions of the of several major colleges and is equally comfortable option, Perry, Q. Porter, and Weaver are all just opening holes for the running game or providing a one step away from taking it to the house. blocking wall against a pass rush as he picks up blitzers on the quarterback’s blind side. Adding Linebacker Justin Keene, safety Tyler Weaver, and power, depth, and experience on the left side of the defensive tackle Jordan Hepp are the cornerstones offensive line will be Parker Thompson and Seth JD Dugger Jordan Hepp of a defense that returns six starters from last Dronet as they share time at the left guard position. season. Keene will be called on from Senior guard Dallas Loveless anchors the right side his linebacker spot to get the defense in the correct of the offensive line along with Charles McDermott. Making sure scheme and to shed the offense’s second layer all of the blocking calls are made correctly will be first year starter blocking. Weaver is an amazing ball hawk in the J.D. Dugger. secondary with good closing speed while the ball is in the air. If a receiver does make a catch, Weaver The Apaches run a multiple T-offense. In the base-T the Apaches Justin Keene like to control the ball and wear down an opponent’s defense. It was on a power running play last season in Mena where this group of Apaches may have learned how to win and impose their offensive will on a defense. At the start of the third quarter Pottsville had moved the ball down to Mena’s 2-yard line and faced a fourth and goal situation. Everyone on the hometown side in Mena knew Pottsville was going to run the football as well as the Mena coaches and defense. Even those of us in the broadcast booth knew Pottsville was going to run the ball on fourth down. The Apaches were, in fact, able to open a major hole in the Mena line to run a scoring touchdown that put Pottsville ahead for good against the preseason conference favorite on their home field. At the skill positions, Pottsville returns experience in all four backfield spots.

Quwillien Porter

Tyler Weaver

Last season’s freshman starting quarterback, Michael Perry, is back with a year of varsity experience running the T and with a year of growth to strengthen his throwing arm. The running backs are a good mixture of Hunter Daniel power and speed with Quwillen Porter and Tyler Weaver at the halfback spots and Hunter Daniel at fullback. Most fans think of the T as a pure power formation moving the ball three yards with a cloud of dust. With Daniel at the fullback position, Pottsville is capable of going straight ahead behind the blocking of the offensive line. Michael Perry River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 31


improve. Speed and depth for special teams play will be added by this season’s incoming sophomore class. A first time challenge for this year’s team is how they will react to being a favorite in games. Will the seniors provide the leadership needed to keep

Matt Sims

is also quite good at separating the receiver from the ball. Hepp is good at attacking the running game but is also quick in the pass rush with a unique ability to shed pass blockers and pursue a quarterback. The 50-defense system, run by the Apaches, yielded an average of less than two touchdowns per game last year, including a total of four shutouts. The points per game average would have also been smaller had it not been for the 41 points given up in the final playoff loss to Star City.

Andy Winchell

Chris Freeman

The Apache coaching staff knows that this team is a contender for an outright conference championship and a deep playoff run, but there are always places where improvement must be made. Coach Rust would like to see a better passing game this year. Quarterback Michael Perry’s year of experience and year of additional physical maturity should go a long way towards addressing passing concerns. Coach Rust also adds that special teams play needs to

Pg. 32 • River Valley Football 2011

Corey McKown


the entire team working hard enough to win the games they are favored to win on paper? This season’s schedule will provide its own challenges. The first two games of the year for Pottsville will be road games against Atkins and Lamar before the hometown fans will get a chance to watch the Apaches at John Needham Stadium in game three against Clinton. The Apaches are on the road against perennial conference favorites Booneville and Clarksville. Conference foe Mena also made a long playoff run last season and will be in Pottsville on October 21 for a game where the Bearcats will feel like they owe one to the Apaches. High expectations for this year’s Apaches are not unreasonable. However, nothing is ever given to a team and the games are not played on paper. Folks Gustavo Torres like me who broadcast and cover games have no idea how the action will really unfold. The final score is determined by who is the strongest, the quickest, by the group who has given their all in preparation, and which team wants to win the most. If, this season, the Apaches have that will to win, they will have the physical gifts to compliment that desire and make this football season another one to remember for the Pottsville Apaches. Luke McAnulty

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 33


dardanelle

Sand Lizards

Head Coach Dardanelle Sandlizards Josh Price High School Dardanelle Years as Head Coach at School: 4 Record at School: 23-21

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup

Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 23-21

QB-Evan Carter WR-Matt Brewer

Athletic Director Larry Walker

WR- Will Lawrence WR-Garrett Robinson TE-Ethan Sigle RB_ Canyon Dulli OT-Kole Gray OG-Richie Lee C-Jordan Hull Hunter Tomlin OG- Fernando Ayala OT-Dalton Lorenz Projected Defensive Starting Lineup FS-Nikki Mangmordeth SC- Dalton Craig WC- Evan Carter OLB- Jake Biggelston OLB- Landon Whorton ILB- Levi Rhoden ILB- Canyon Dulli DE-Ethan Sigle DE- Juan Guittierez DT- Kole Gray DT-Richie Lee Fernando Ayayla

Pg. 34 • River Valley Football 2011

Summertime for Sand Lizard football players means hours spent practicing, conditioning, studying plays, watching film, lifting in the weight room, running, and enduring two-a-days. Many of them have been working since January preparing for the season beginning this fall. As always, the start of each new season brings back memories of last year as well as opportunities for new players to step up to the plate and carry the team. The Sand Lizards, led by 5th year Head Coach Josh Price, are looking to bounce back from a 4-6 season that saw a couple of games slip away but also included quality wins over the Pottsville

Football Staff Phil Vega-Def. Coordinator Kole Carpenter_Off Coordinator Bryan Hardaway-Oline/Dline Shawn Walter-Head Jr High Coach Jeff Seay-Jr High Asst Corey Sturdivant-Jr High Asst 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 4-6 / 3-4 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 50 Returning Lettermen: 18 Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 4-2-5


Date 9/2

Danville

Home

Atkins

Home

Morrilton

9/23

Clarksville

10/7

Pottsville

10/21

Subiaco Academy

11/3

Dover

9/30 10/14 10/28

Coach Price is expecting 50 players on his varsity team in 2011 including 18 returning lettermen. The Lizards should be strong on defense this year as they return 6 starters off a team that gave up under 20 points a game. Ethan Sigle

Place

9/9

9/16

Apaches and the Atkins Red Devils.

Opponent

Waldron

Time 7:00

Away

7:00

Home

7:00

Away

7:00 7:00

Away

7:00

Away

7:00

Away

7:00

Mena

Home

Booneville

Home

Sand Lizards’ most valuable asset may very well be highly touted kicker Randy Velasquez, who was a perfect 27 for 27 on PAT’s last season. He nailed 8 field goals which ranged from 21 to a career long 53 yards. Matt Brewer The Sand Lizards are hoping their extensive preparation will carry them to a deep run in the playoffs.

7:00

7:00

Randy Valesquez

Returners include junior defensive end Ethan Sigle 6’ 190 lbs., who recorded 90 tackles in 2010. Iron men OL/DL Kole Gray and Richie Lee 5’8’’ 200 lbs. will anchor the line on both sides of the ball. Gray at 6’ 235 lbs. is a force Richie Lee to be reckoned with and considered Kole Gray a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen, recording 34 tackles last year, including 6 behind the line of scrimmage. Offensively, Coach Price sees this year’s team as having greater depth at the skill positions and a tremendous work ethic. Quarterback Landon Whorton, who contributed over 1000 yards of total offense along with six touchdowns, comes back to lead the offense that scored over 21 points a game last season, including 45 points in the season finale against the Dover Pirates. Wide receiver Matt Brewer had a strong showing in the spring and will be counted on heavily to help Landon Whorton keep the offense kicking on all cylinders. The River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 35


DOVER

Pirates

Head Coach Dover Pirates Chris Taylor High School Dover Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 18-32

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup

Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 18-32

QB - Jody Brown/Levi Dale RB - Blake Kriesel RB - Victor Whicher

Danny Owens Photography

www.hartzellphotography.com

RB - James Watson RT - Austin Miranda RG - Corey Scheide C - Preston Smith LG - Justin Haynes LT - JT Southerland TE - John Arivett SE - Andy Vanderlinde Projected Defensive Starting Lineup FS- Levi Dale SS - Jody Brown CB - Victor Whicher CB - BJ Service/Andy Clark OLB - John Arivett WLB - Luis Mahuitzl MLB - Corey Scheide DT - Eric Barkley DT - Brent New DE - James Watson DE - Justin Haynes

Pg. 36 • River Valley Football 2011

If experience is any indication of success, the 2011 Dover Pirates should have a shot at a winning season. The Pirates, led by sixth year coach, Chris Taylor, have able experience coming back in their eight returning starters on offense and six on defense. Dover finished 2010 with a 4-6 mark and just missed the playoffs. The Pirates lost two pivotal conference road games against Clarksville and Subiaco by a combined eight points. The highlight of the season was a second straight Rivals Cup victory over arch rival Atkins. Though the Pirates have a plethora of starters returning, the key will be replacing Colton Williams, a two-year starter at quarterback who accounted for more than 1,000 total yards of offense a year ago. While the Pirates might not have a game-breaker of Williams’ ability, they do have experience and size up front to build on and that has offensive coordinator Mark Taylor smiling. Junior Jody Brown (6-0, 185 lbs.) is the leading candidate for starting quarterback. Brown saw action at that spot last season when Williams went down with an injury. He completed 50 percent of his passes during the season, including Jody Brown

Athletic Director Robby Chenowith Football Staff Mark Taylor Offensive Coordinator Ed Kelley Defensive Coordinator Jason McGhee - Head Jr. High 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 4-6 / 1-6 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 35 Returning Lettermen: 15 Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 4-4


Date

Opponent

Place

Time

9/2

Two Rivers

Home

7:00

9/16

Lamar

Away

7:00

9/9

a 5 for 7 outing at Clarksville and a 7 of 14 effort in the 22-0 win at Waldron. Senior Levi Dale will also compete at quarterback. Dale was a backup as a sophomore in 2009. The Pirates should be fine at running back. Junior Blake Kriesel (5-9, 190 lbs.) piled up 450 yards rushing in 2010 as the top returning runner. Two seniors will Levi Dale be in the mix as well. James Watson (6-2, 220 lbs.) and Victor Whicher (6-0, 175 lbs.) give DHS experience and depth at the position. No offensive unit can be effective without a good, experienced offensive line. Dover has that this season withfour James Watson seniors expected to start. Leading the way in the trenches for the Pirates are seniors Austin Miranda (6-2, 260 lbs.) and JT Southerland (6-0, 200 lbs.) at tackle, Corey Scheide Victor Whicher (6-0, 235 lbs.) at guard, and Preston Smith (6-2, 320 lbs.) at center. Junior Justin Haynes is expected to start at the other guard spot. Senior John Arivett (6-0, 200 lbs.) provides an athletic, experienced tight end for the Pirate attack.

Austin Miranda JT Southerland Corey Scheide

Andrew Vanderlinde

Preston Smith

9/23

Atkins Mena

Away Away

9/30

Subiaco Academy

Home

10/14

Pottsville

Home

Waldron

Away

10/7

Booneville

10/21

Clarksville

11/4

Dardanelle

10/28

Away

Home Home

7:00 7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00 7:00

7:00

BJ Service

Andy Clark

Photo provided by www.hartzellphotography.com

John Arivett

Junior Andrew Vanderlinde saw time at wide receiver last year and is an expected starter this season. On the defensive side, the Pirates return more than half of their starters from 2010. That should please Defensive Coordinator Ed Kelley since the old saying indicates that football games are won “in the trenches.”

The defensive tackles include two seniors vying for starting spots, Eric Barkley and Brent New. Watson, who led the team a year ago with four quarterback sacks, will man one end position while Haynes is slotted for the other. The linebackers are senior-oriented as well. Leading returning tackler Luis Mahuitzl (57 stops) is back at weak linebacker, while Scheide will start in the middle and Arivett on the strong side. Senior Levi Dale will play free safety with Brown returning at strong safety, where he started most of his sophomore year. Whicher should be a starter at one cornerback position, while seniors BJ Service and Andy Clark vie for the other corner job. Luis Mahuitzl River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 37


lamar

Warriors

Head Coach Lamar Warriors Jay Holland High School Lamar Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 5-5

LISTEN TO THE GAME ON

KIX-106.9

Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 1

or on the internet at

www.kxio.nu In Memory of Tyler Davenport

#60

The Warriors look forward to bouncing back this year. The Warriors spent a big part of last year dealing with loss. It was not just the loss of the the seven games on the field that hurt. Most difficult to deal with was the loss of a very special friend, player and teammate,Tyler Davenport, or TD, as he was known. Tyler suffered a heat stroke during pre-season practice, and for two months TD fought the good fight, but eventually went to be with the Lord. This is something the Warriors will never fully overcome because there is a never-ending connection between the players on a team. It is a unique bond that is different than any other. Anyone who has ever strapped on the pads and stepped onto the field knows exactly what this means. Offensively, Lamar looks to replace a very large senior class, including offensive stand out Daniel

Pg. 38 • River Valley Football 2011

Athletic Director Coach Spence Football Staff Coach Spence Coach Jones Coach Lambert Coach Sandlin Total Number of Players Expected for 2011 35 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 40


Date

Opponent

Place

Time

8/2

Subiaco Academy

Away

7:00

8/16

Dover

Home

7:00

Mansfield

Away

7:00

7:00

8/9

Shaw. Junior Shane Sinor looks to step in at quarterback while being pushed by sophomore Ryan Jones. Lining up behind Sinor will be senior fullback and River Valley Top 20 Player, Zach Dossett, who earned All-Conference honors last year. Running back Justice Williams looks to replace Chris Holland as the main ball carrier. The Warriors will be anchored defensively by tackle Nick Williams and Carlton Keylon. Look for a lot of action from the very aggresive linebacking core. Senior Justin Piaz will lead this group. Several sophomores could see playing time here. Dossett, Green, and Justice Williams all have the speed needed to shut down passing games. All three also love contact, which makes them great run support.

8/23

8/30

9/7

Pottsville Lavaca

Cedarville

Home Home Away

9/14

Charleston

Home

9/28

Atkins

Home

9/21

11/4

Perryville

Paris High School

Away

Away

7:00 7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00 7:00

The senior class of Warriors will have TD with them every time they step on the field. He will be there in their hearts and minds, pushing them to do the best they can with every snap they get to play.

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 39


J.C. Westside

Rebels

David vs. Goliath Match-up Times Two:

J.C. Westside along with six other teams have this to look forward to as they enter the 2011 season. They will be taking on the 2010 State Runners-up Danville Little Johns and the 2010 State Champion Magazine Rattlers all within a three week time period. The Rebels will be counting on a strong but small group of seniors. Quarterback Austin Quellette, running back Corey Holt, and slot-back Trent Collins all look to contribute heavily to moving the ball for the Rebel offense. Juniors Taylor Houston and Bryan Cowell also look to contribute in the backfield. Receivers J.D. Gifford, Chris McCormick, and Jordan Stricklin all look to be big targets for Ouellette in 2011. The offensive line will be anchored by senior Nick Perry at left tackle and senior Bailey Huntstable at left guard. Junior Jonathan Holland and senior Shane Freeman will protect the right side. Junior Garrett Nagel will hold down the center position.

Head Coach J.C. Westside Jeff Stewart High School J.C. Westide Years as Head Coach at School: 1 Record at School: 5-5 Total Number of Players Expected for 2011 22 Offensive System: Wing Slot Defensive System: 4-3

Defensively, the Rebels will use their 4-3 defensive scheme to keep them in the games this year. Houston, Cowell, and Hunstable will lead the defense from the linebacker positions. The defensive backs return with some experience in 2011. Holt, Frantzen, Gifford, and Estes are still competing for starting spots. Ouellette and Collins will be the lock-down corners.

Date 9/2

9/9

9/16

9/23 9/30

10/7

10/14 10/21 10/28 11/3 Pg. 40 • River Valley Football 2011

Opponent

Place

Time

Mountain View

7:00

Union Christian Academy

7:00

Decatur

7:00

Western Yell Co Mountainburg

Hartford Hector

J.D. Leftwich Hackett

Danville

7:00

7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00


Causes of

caffeine in coffee, sodas, and tea can also help you avoid dehydration. Caffeine is a diuretic (it makes you urinate more frequently than you usually need to).

When to See a Doctor One common cause of dehydration in teens is gastrointestinal illness. When you’re flattened by a stomach bug, you lose fluid through vomiting and diarrhea. You might also hear that you can get dehydrated from playing sports. In reality, it’s rare to reach a level of even moderate dehydration during sports or other normal outdoor activity. But if you don’t replace fluid you lose through sweat as you go, you can become dehydrated from lots of physical activity, especially on a hot day. Some athletes, such as wrestlers who need to reach a certain weight to compete, dehydrate themselves on purpose to drop weight quickly before a big game or event by sweating in saunas or using laxatives or diuretics, which make a person go to the bathroom more. This practice usually hurts more than it helps, though. Athletes who do this, feel weaker, which affects performance. They can also have more serious problems, like abnormalities in the salt and potassium levels in the body. Such changes can also lead to problems with the heart’s rhythm. Dieting can sap a person’s water reserves as well. Beware of diets or supplements, including laxatives and diuretics that emphasize shedding “water weight” as a quick way to lose weight. Losing water weight is not the same thing as losing actual fat.

Signs of Dehydration

The easiest way to avoid dehydration is to drink lots of fluids, especially on hot, dry, windy days. Water is usually the best choice. Drinking water does not add calories to your diet and can be great for your health. The amount that people need to drink will depend on factors like how much water they’re getting from foods and other liquids and how much they’re sweating from physical exertion. When you’re going to be outside on a warm day, dress appropriately for your activity. Wear loose-fitting clothes and a hat if you can. That will keep you cooler and cut down on sweating. If you do find yourself feeling parched or dizzy, take a break for a few minutes. Sit in the shade or someplace cool and drink water. If you’re participating in sports or strenuous activities, drink some fluids before the activity begins. You should also drink at regular intervals (every 20 minutes or so) during the course of the activity and after the activity ends. The best time to train or play sports is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Dehydration can usually be treated by drinking fluids. But if you faint or feel weak or dizzy every time you stand up (even after a couple of hours) or if you have very little urine output, you should tell an adult and visit your doctor. The doctor will probably look for a cause for the dehydration and encourage you to drink more fluids. If you’re more dehydrated than you realized, especially if you can’t hold fluids down because of vomiting, you may need to receive fluids through an IV to speed up the rehydration process. An IV is an intravenous tube that goes directly into a vein. Occasionally, dehydration might be a sign of something more serious, such as diabetes, so your doctor may run tests to rule out any other potential problems. In general, dehydration is preventable. So just keep drinking that H2O for healthy hydration.

To counter dehydration, you need to restore the proper balance of water in your body. First, If you have a stomach though, you have to recognize the problem. bug and you’re spending too much Thirst is one indicator of dehydration, but it is time getting acquainted not an early warning sign. By the time you feel with the toilet, you thirsty, you might already be dehydrated. Other probably don’t feel symptoms of dehydration include: feeling dizzy like eating or drinking and lightheaded having a dry or sticky mouth anything. But you still producing less urine and darker urine. As the need fluids. Take lots condition progresses, a person will start to feel of tiny sips of fluids. much sicker as more body systems (or organs) For some people, ice are affected by the dehydration. pops may be easier to tolerate.

Preventing Dehydration

Staying

away

from River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 41


ATkins

Red Devils October 2, 2009: The date that derailed the Red Devil train.

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup QB - Ty Ennis RB - Trey Bennett FB - Heith Keene WB - Hayden Shockley LT - Pete Lile LG - Brandon Heflin C - Braden Langford RG - Hunter Anderson RT - Blaine Holloway TE - Garrett Mize WR - Payton Hernandez Projected Defensive Starting Lineup

DE - Garrett Mize DE - Judd Moore DT - Blaine Holloway DT - Brandon Heflin NG - Hunter Anderson LB - Heith Keene LB - Spencer Taylor CB - Hayden Shockley CB - Payton Hernandez SS - Trey Bennett FS - Luke Duvall

The Atkins Red Devils have not won a football game since defeating Mountain View by a score of 36-19 on that Friday night. Over the course of the next few days, several players and 3 of the 4 coaches came down with H1N1 (Swine Flu). The only coach to not come down with an illness was then Head Coach Charlie Sorrels. The team practiced the majority of the week with 11 players and 1 coach. One particular athlete, then sophomore and current senior Luke Duvall spent months fighting for his life as his body was ravaged by the virus. Thankfully, Duvall survived, but he Red Devils have yet to recover from that roadblock as they are entering the upcoming football season in the midst of a 0-15 losing streak. Coach Charlie Sorrels stepped down at the end of last season and is transissioning into his full time roll as Athletic Director.

LISTEN TO THE GAME ON

Kwkk-100.9 or on the internet at

kwkklive.com

Pg. 42 • River Valley Football 2011

Luke Duvall

Tommy Cody was hired to lead the Devils on the comeback trail. Cody has had coaching stints at Dewitt, West Fork, Sheridan, Fordyce, Woodlawn and now Atkins. Cody brings enthusiasm to the Red Devil family, along with the 3 remaining assistants that have endured the last couple of disappointing years. Gary Childress (27th year with Atkins) will man the Red Devils 50 defense. Charles Rector (7th year with Atkins) and Darrell Webb (14th

Head Coach Atikins Red Devils Tommy Cody High School Atkins Years as Head Coach at School: 0 Record at School: 0 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 47-51-1 Athletic Director Charlie Sorrels Football Staff Tommy Cody Head Coach/QB’s/DE’s Gary Childress - DC - OL/DL Charles Rector - RB/DB Darrell Webb - WR/LB 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 0-10 / 0-7 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 35 Returning Lettermen: 26 Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 8 Offensive System: Wing T - Multiple Defensive System: 50


Date

Opponent

Place

Time

9/2

Pottsville

Home

7:00

9/16

Dardanelle

Away

7:00

9/30

Lavaca

Away

7:00

9/9

9/23 10/7

10/14

year with Atkins) will round out the Red Devil staff. The Red Devils will depend on returning leading tackler Heith Keene to be a force at his linebacker position. Keene tallied over 120 Heith Keene tackles last year and has started since his sophomore year. Atkins welcomes back Senior Trey Bennett who will man strong safety. Bennett, who sat out last season to focus on basketball, returns for his senior year. Bennett was on the Arkansas All-Sophomore Team as a 10th grader, while compiling 90+ tackles. The Red Devils will be loaded with experience when they hit the field in the fall. As many as 15 current Devils saw significant playing time defensively last season.

10/21 10/28 11/4

Coty Hegeman

Payton Hernandez

Dover

Cedarville

Charleston

Home Home

7:00

Away

7:00

Home

Lamar

Away

Perryville

7:00

Away

Mansfield Paris

7:00

Home

7:00 7:00 7:00

900 yards as a sophomore. Junior Coty Hegeman will also get plenty of touches in the backfield. The skill players have speed and senior leadership. The 3A-4 conference that the Red Devils are housed in is considered one of the strongest in Blaine Holloway the state. Charleston is a traditional powerhouse, as are Mansfield and Lavaca. Lamar, Perryville, and Paris have all had great recent success as well as Cedarville. Experience should be a huge foundation for the Red Devils as they begin their fall Pete Lile campaign.

Trey Bennett

On the offensive side of the ball, the song sounds the same. Experience should be a huge factor just as it will be on the defensive side. Keene returns, along with four starting offensive linemen. Braden Langford returns to his center position after missing the majority of his junior year with a knee injury. He will be surrounded by familiar faces such as Brandon Heflin and Hunter Anderson, who have started alongside Langford as guards since Ty Ennis they were in the 7th grade. Garrett Mize returns at tight end and Payton Hernandez at the receiver Brandon Heflin position. Calling the signals will be junior Ty Ennis and sophomore Kyle Chronister. Ty Ennis started the last three ballgames last season at quarterback for the Red Devils, while Chronister started all but one game for the Junior Red Devils. Keene and Spencer Taylor will man the fullback position, while shifty Hayden Shockley will be one running back and Bennett will man Spencer Taylor the other. Bennett rushed for over

Kyle Chronister

Hayden Shockley River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 43


ATkins Jr High

Red Devils

Head Coach Atikins Red Devils Charles Rector Junior High School Atkins

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup QB- Alex Spradlin

RB-Colby Johnston FB-Grady Duvall

WB-Danny Duvall LT-Jacob Duvall

LG-Jake Alexander C-Jordan Duvall

RG-Jacob Nelson RT-Weston Jones

TE-Tyler Halford SE-Trent Patrick

Projected Defensive Starting Lineup

DE-Anthony Hamilton DE-Jacob Nelson

DT-Jake Alexander

NG-Tristan Rowley DT-Jordan Duvall LB-Grady Duvall

LB-Danny Duvall

SS-Colby Johnston FS-Trent Patrick

CB-Alex Spradlin CB-Tyler Halford

The Atkins Junior Red Devils, who are two years removed from a 10-0 season, are looking to chalk-up more “W’s” this fall than the previous two seasons, finishing 5-4 and 4-5. Junior Red Devil Head Coach Charles Rector is excited about the future with this year’s squad. “We have several returning starters on both sides of the ball and several who got action last year.” This years team will be starting from the ground up with an entirely new offensive scheme. “We have been a power-I team in Atkins forever, but with Coach Sorrels stepping down, our new senior high coach, Tommy Cody, has brought in the Wing-T,” Rector added. “We are going to line up and run right at folks if we can.” This year’s squad will be anchored by returning center, 9th grader Jordan Duvall. “Jordan is a hoss. He gave up basketball last spring to focus on his quickness and strength, and it should really pay off on Thursdays,” said Rector. The feature running back will be another returning starter, 9th grader Colby Johnston. According to Rector, “Colby ran for about 700 yards last fall and worked really hard in the weight room putting on about 30 pounds over the year. He has speed and size and should be a load this year.” What will help Colby is returning fullback 9th grader Grady Duvall. “Grady is a bull,” the coach added. “He is a ‘tough as nails’ kid that works on the farm, rides bulls on weekends, and shows up and plays football Monday-Friday.” Under center for the Devils will be 9th grade QB Alex Spradlin. Spradlin started the last game of the year for the Devils last year and threw for 215 yards. “He’s a smart kid, who understands the game,” Rector said. “He is a 4.0 student who is a great field leader and works to be perfect.” Defensively the Red Devils will not be different. The “50” scheme that the Red Devils are known for is what you will see on Thursday nights. The defense will be anchored by returning LB, Grady Duvall. Others that saw significant playing time last season who are returning are Spradlin, Jordan Duvall, Tyler Halford and Jacob Nelson. Coach Rector said he believes that the conference will be extremely difficult this season. “Charleston is going to be typical Charleston, and they dominated the league last season,” the coach said. “Mansfield and Lavaca will be in the mix, just like Lamar, Perryville, Paris, and Cedarville. “We hope to be right there with those guys”, Rector added.

Pg. 44 • River Valley Football 2011

Years as Head Coach at School: 4 Record at School: 24-13 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 31-15 Athletic Director Charlie Sorrels Football Staff Charles Rector Head coach/RB’s/DB’s Gary Childress - D-Cord/OL/DL Tommy Cody - QB’s/DE’s Darrell Webb - WR’s/LB’s 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 4-5/2-3 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 40 Returning Lettermen: 20 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 5 Offensive System: Wing T - Multiple Defensive System: 50


River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 45


Hector

Wildcats

Head Coach Hector Wildcats Andy Cheney High School Hector Years as Head Coach at School: 3 Record at School: 2-18

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup

QB - Bryant Haralson RB - Cody Ross

RB - Austin Humphrey RB - Charles Smith TE - Logan Riley C - Chris Poole

OG - Colton Chambers OG - Joey Anderson

OT - Garrett Hamilton OT - Nick McKinstry

WR - Michael Martinez Projected Defensive Starting Lineup NG - Joey Anderson

DT - Garrett Hamilton DT - Nick McKinstry DE - Logan Riley DE - Jordon Hern

LB - Colton Chambers LB - Cody Ross

C - Charles Smith

C - Jeremiah Humphrey SS - Bryant Haralson FS - Kyle Fillion

The Hector Wildcats will enter the 2011 season poised to make their first playoff run since 2006. Third year Head Coach Andy Cheney returns 7 starters on offense and 6 starters on defense. That, combined with team chemistry, has improved team speed, and a tough work ethic has the coaching staff at Hector believing in the 2011 Hector Wildcats Junior quarterback Bryant Haralson 5’11” 175 lbs., looks to pick up where he left off in 2010, throwing for over 800 yards, leading the team through his actions and work ethic. Cody Ross, Austin Humphrey, and Charles Smith all look to carry the load for Coach Cheney’s Multiple T-Offense. Seniors Michael Martinez and Jeremiah Humphrey look to be Haralson’s go to guys at receiver, along with tight end Logan Riley. The offensive line will be anchored by senior Colton Chambers, Nick McKinstry, and Garrett Hamilton. Junior Joey Anderson and sophomore Chris Poole will look to Action Photos provided by Danny Owens Photography

Pg. 46 • River Valley Football 2011

Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 2-18 Athletic Director Walt Davis Football Staff Jeff Haralson, OC Backs/ DB Shawn Lawrence, WR, DL 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 1-9 / 0-7 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 21 Returning Lettermen: 11 Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Offensive System: Multiple T Defensive System: 50 under


Date 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/22 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4

Action Photos provided by Danny Owens Photography

complete the offensive line. Between experienced players at several key positions and the familiarity of the third season under Coach Cheney’s offense, the Wildcats look to surprise some opponents in 2011. Defensively, Chambers and Haralson return as the leading tacklers from 2011. Joey Anderson will be a tough kid to block

Opponent Hartford Poyen Two Rivers Melbourne Magnet Cove Quitman JC Westside Conway Christian Bigelow Mtn Pine

Place Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Away Home

Time 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 Homecoming 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 Sr. Night

at the nose guard position with his quickness and strength. Hamilton, McKinstry, Logan Riley, and Jordon Hern will complete the much improved defensive line. Linebackers Chambers and Ross have the quickness and strength to shed blocks and make plays. A solid group of skill players in the secondary, including Haralson, Humphrey, Smith, and sophomore Kyle Fillion will look to keep Hector in several close games this year and allow the offense a chance to win the games.

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 47


Western Yell county

Wolverines

“I’ve never known anybody to achieve anything without overcoming adversity.” ---Lou Holtz

The adversity in Western Yell County can be summed up in a numerical figure Three in One. That’s three coaches in the past year. When seasoned coach Phil Collins had to step down in mid september due to health issues after 45 years in the coaching business, the logical replacement as interim coach was assistant Tim McKelvy. McKelvy led the Wolverines to two wins in the last seven games the most by any Coach since the program began and had the wolverines heading in the right direction. Enter former Lonoke Jackrabbits Defensive Coordinator Coach Daniel Phipps. Coach Phipps brings a 4-3/Cover 2 scheme that plays fast and aggressive. Pastor Navarro Offensively, Coach Phipps said he had plans to spread it out and try and create mismatches on offense. Coach Phipps returns several quality players with eight coming back on both sides of the ball. Offensively the front five will all return. Junior Pastor Navarro 6’4’’ 265 and junior Ruben Paz 5’9’’ 270 anchor the right side and can be dominant with the right mind set. Mikey Mitchell also a junior, will return at center. He is undersized at 5’11’’ 185 but understands blocking schemes and is very physical. He played part of the fourth quarter against Union Christian with a dislocated shoulder. Senior left guard

Action Photos provided by Danny Owens Photography

Pg. 48 • River Valley Football 2011

Head Coach Western Yell County Daniel Phipps High School Western Yell County Years as Head Coach at School: 0 Record at School: 0 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 0-0 Athletic Director Carla Catlett Football Staff Bryan Shelton Blane Bartlett 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 2-9 / 2-7 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 23 Returning Lettermen: 18 Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 8 Offensive System: Spread Option Defensive System: 4-3


Date

Opponent

Place

Time

9/2

Cutter Morning Star

Away

7:00

9/16

Norphlet

Home

7:00

Hackett

Away

7:00

9/9

9/23 9/30 ens Photography

vided by Danny Ow

Action Photos pro

Tras Pfeifer 6’ 200 and junior tackle Ryan Brand 6’1” 290 give the offense the size they need to open holes for the very talented senior Jeffery Rasavong. He is 5’11” 195 and runs a 4.6 in the 40. He will be starting tailback as well as returning kick-offs and punts. Brooklyn Sines, a 5’10” junior, returns to battle at QB. He worked hard in the weight room in the off-season and got bigger and stronger. With his leadership they will have a chance to win several games. Clay Cannon should be the other playmaker on offense. He can play tailback but is battling for quarterback right now. Other skilled positions will be filled by senior full back Zack Smith, 5’ 10” 160, and receivers, junior Austin Corley and sophomore Daniel Apple. The Wolverines will match up well with Cutter Morning Star in week one.

Jeffery Rasavong

JC Westside Danville

Away

Home

7:00

10/7

J.D. Leftwich

10/21

Mountainburg

Home

7:00

11/4

Union Christian Academy

Home

7:00

10/14

10/28

Decatur

Hartford

Away

7:00

Home Away

7:00

7:00

7:00

the 2010 leading tackler. He recorded 70 plus tackles last year. Rasavong also blocked a punt and returned it for a TD against the State Champions, Magazine. Returning in the secondary is Brooklyn Sines and Clay Cannon at safety, and Zach Smith at cornerback. Defensive linemen Pastor Navarro, and Ruben Paz, and Mikey Mitchell are solid on the defensive line.

Defensively, Coach Phipps will count on a solid group of experienced players, such as Jeff Rasavong,

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 49


two rivers

Gators

Head Coach Two Rivers Gators Josh Harrison High School Two Rivers Years as Head Coach at School: 2 Record at School: 9-11 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 9-11

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup

Athletic Director Barry Fisher

Qb-Tyler Green Rb-Fabian Fabledo WR-Layne Frost RB-Matt Burnett WR-Gary Morrison WR-Kyle Frost C-Drew Owens LG-Dusty Darr RG Quinten Pettit RT - Aaron Hughes LT-Elijah Jones Projected Defensive Starting Lineup S- Tyler Green S- Gary Morrison C- Kyle Frost C- Layne Frost LB- Matt Burnett LB- Fabian Robledo DE Toby Green LT- Quinten Pettit NG- Wyatt Robinson RT - Aaron Hughes

Pg. 50 • River Valley Football 2011

Action Photos provided by Danny Owens Photography

Taking the Good With the Bad

Playing young, inexperienced players on a football team always means two things: One - You’re likely to lose. Two - You will be better next year. Two Rivers learned lesson one last year, finishing the season with a 1-9 record. They hope improvement will be evident this year as they are returning nine starters on offense and 8 starters on defense. Offensively, multisport athlete Sophomore Tyler Green looks to take over as the signal caller. Green led the junior high football team to a 7-2 record in 2010. Lining up in the backfield will be Senior Fabian Robledo and sophomore Matt Burnett. RIver Valley Top 20 player Layne Frost lines up at wideout but can be used at any spot on the field, including quarterback, if needed. The offensive line will have to step up

Football Staff Mark Smith Defensive Coordinator Mike Perez Linebackers/Special Teams 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 1-9 / 1-8 Varsity Players expected for 2011: 45 Returning Lettermen: 16 Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Offensive System: Multiple Defensive System: 5-2


Date

Opponent

8/23 JR & SR HIGH SCRIMMAGE

9/2

Dover

Sept 16

Hector

Sept 9

Sept 23

Sept 30 Oct 7

CMS

Conway Christian Bigelow Poyen

Place

Time

ATKINS

TBA

CMS

7:00

Home

7:00

Dover Home

Home

Poyen

Oct 14

Quitman

Quitman

Oct 28

Mt. Pine

Ht. Pine

Oct 21

Nov 3

Hackett

Magnet Cove

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00

Home

7:00

Home

7:00

7:00

Action Photos provided by Danny Owens Photography

and play hard to make the Gators competitive in the very talented 5-2A. Dusty Darr and Elijah Jones look to man the left side of the line. Quinten Pettit and Aaron Hughes take on the right side with junior Drew Owens leading the line from the center position. Defensively, the secondary will be a very talented bunch with Layne Frost and Kyle Frost locking down receivers from the corner positions. Tyler Green and Gary Morrison look to provide run support from the safety positions. Burnett and Robledo are expected to be run stoppers at the linebacker position. Green, Pettit, Robinson and Hughes will man the front line. The Gators are poised to get back on the winning track.

Action Photos provided by Danny Owens Photography

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 51


The Beach Shack Supports High School Cheerleading

www.russellvillesports.com

Pg. 52 • River Valley Football 2011

www.russellvillesports.com


River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 53


RJHS

Eastside

Head Coach RJHS Eastside Rick Correia JR High School Russellville Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Athletic Director Jim Dickerson

Projected Lineup QB- Drake Adams Corban Gotcher RB- Jenner Robertson Trent Clark TE- Jack Massey Brett Bolin WR- Chase Bicanovsky Peyton Duffield, Austin Talley Cole Penry, Logan Roys Chace Kelly O.Line- Colt Short Jacob Loyd, Carlos Stiger Zach Pineda, JacobChernivec Wyatt Chernivec D.Line- Joe Williams Colt Short, Zach Pineda LorenzoCartman, Brett Bolin LB’s- Jack Massey Trent Clark, Wyatt Chernivec JacobChernivec C’s- Cole Penry DeMarcus Crowder Peyton Duffield Jenner Robertson

As it is every year in Junior high football the Coaching staff looks to replace every kid at every position. No returning starters, no back-ups groomed for the next year just a clean slate to work with. 5th year head Coach Rick Correia and the 2011 East Side Whirlwinds are looking to build this years team through hard work and discipline. After dedicating much of the summer to working out and participating in 7 on 7 drills the Coach and the team are ready to hit the field. Offensively The QB job is up for grabs with several athletes working hard for the spot, but the front runners are Drake Adams and Corban Gotcher both who showed bright spots as 8th graders and during 7 on 7 this summer. Jenner Robertson was very productive as a running back last year. He is a hard nosed runner that hits the hole very quick. Chase Bicanovsky might be the overall best athlete on the team and spent time at WR/QB last year. Peyton Duffield was the top wide receiver last year and has a very strong leg. Coach Correia compares it to the leg strength of Arkansas Razorback Kicker Zach Hocker as a 9th grader. The offensive line will be solidified by Colt Short, Zach

SS/FS- Chase Bicanovsky Drake Adams, Austin Talley Logan Roys, Chace Kelly Drake Adams Corbin Gotcher

Pg. 54 • River Valley Football 2011

Chase Bicanovsky

Peyton Duffield

Jenner Robertson

Football Staff Barry Whittington Def Coordinator Tye Roberts - Dbacks, Rec Matt Long - OL/DL Total Number of Players Expected for 2011 42 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 4-3


Date

Day

8/18 Thursday

Defensively Chase Bicanovsky and Drake Adams Jack Massey are both big hitting safety’s. Logan Roys and Jacob Panther showed improvement toward the end of last season and could be counted on to contribute on defense and special teams. Cole Penry and Peyton Duffield held down the C position most of last year and through the summer, DeMarcus Crowder came in at times and did a great job in the defensive back field. Trent Clark and Chace Kelly are two great athletes that should find some time at LB with hard hitting brothers Jacob and Wyatt Chernivec. We had several DL on the field last year but one that I am expecting to have a big year will be Joe Williams, who has good size, speed, and strength coming off the edge.

Joseph Williams

Place

Time

Home

6:00 pm

Van Buren Butterfield

Home

5:30/7:00

Bryant

Home

4:00/5:30

9/29 Thursday

Morrilton

Home

10/13 Thursday

Bebee

Away

8/22

Pineda, and Will Thomas. Jack Massey and Brett Bolin did a great job last year and during 7 on 7 at the Tight End position, “I expect big things from these two young men,” says Coach Correia. A couple question marks this year will be; play from Trent Clark, who broke his arm last year and missed most of the season, and one of our fastest athletes Chase Kelly.

Opponent

Red-Black Scrimmage

9/1

9/8

Monday

Benefit Conway/Springdale

Thursday

Conway White

Thursday

9/15 Thursday

9/22 Thursday

LRCA

10/6 Thursday

Searcy

Home Away Away Away

10/20 Thursday

Greenbrier

Home

11/1 Thursday

West

Home

10/27 Thursday

Vilonia

Away

6:00 pm

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

Overall this hard working group of 9th graders have shown tremendous improve- ment since the 7th grade and Coach Holt is looking for them to make an impact on the Cyclone Program in the next few years.

Vaughn Baker

Brett Bolin

Hunter Mayo Jacob Chernivic Wyatt Chernivic

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 55


RJHS

Westside HIGH OCTANE!!! high-oc·tane– adj. 2. Slang High-powered; dynamic: a highoctane running back; a high-octane team Projected Offensive Starting Lineup

Qb Mark Moyer, Andy Campbell RB: Tony Jones, Rhett Odle C: Dustin Barthelme G: Shelby Sisco

G: Christian Valadez T: Justin Donoho T: Kervin Flores

TE: David Sisson

WR: Kentrel Scott, Grant Gebhardt, Co-Cheese Temple Laws Jacob Byrum Projected Defensive Starting Lineup E: Nick Crow

E: Shelby Sisco

T: Kervin Flores

N: Justin Donoho/Christain Valadez WB: Kentrel Scott

MB: John Hickey, Grant Gebhardt SB: Rhett Odle

C: Jacob Byrum/Allen Daiber Drew Coker

Safety:Tony Jones/Andy Campbell Co-Cheese Temple Laws

Pg. 56 • River Valley Football 2011

High octane might be the best description of what the Russellville Junior High Westside football team has displayed since coming together in 7th grade. Scoring at will has been the result when these players hit the field, and as for opponents stopping them, well let’s just say it is fun to see them try!

This group is quite possibly the most talented group of athletes to come through Russellville Junior High since the doors were first opened in 2001. Couple that with the tradition the Westside football team is building after winning back-to-back River Valley Football Conference Championships and you have all the ingredients needed to hang another banner in the Whirlwind gym. As mentioned above, the high octane offense will be almost as enjoyable to watch as they will be to coach this year. Athletes such as Andy Campbell, Tony Jones, Co-Cheese Temple Laws, and Kentrel Scott all possess game changing abilities. Tight end David Sisson is very quick for his size and looks to use that quickness for blocking as well as being a target for quarterbacks Tony Jones Andy Campbell

Head Coach RJHS Westside Joshua Edgin JR High School Russellville Years as Head Coach at School: 5 Record at School: 28-22 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 29-23 Athletic Director Jim Dickerson Football Staff Eston Jones DC Casey Spradlin OL/DL Jeff Crumpton OL/DL Mitchel WIlson WR/DB 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 8-2 River Valley Champs Offensive System: One Back Defensive System: 4-3


Date

Day

8/18 Thursday 8/22 9/1

Monday

Thursday

Opponent

Place

Time

Red-Black Scrimmage

Home

6:00 pm

Van Buren Coleman

Away

5:30/7:00

Benefit Conway/Springdale

Home

6:00 pm

Mark Moyer and Andy 9/8 Thursday Conway Blue Home 5:30/7:00 Campbell. Up front, 9/15 Thursday Catholic Home 7:00 Westside Whirlwinds look 9/22 Thursday Morrilton Home 5:30/7:00 dominant defensively. 9/29 Thursday Greenbrier Away 5:30/7:00 Tackle Kervin Flores, 10/6 Thursday Bebee Home 5:30/7:00 ends Nick Crow and Shelby Sisco, along with nose guards Justin Donoho and Christian 10/13 Thursday Searcy Home 5:30/7:00 Valadez, will make a very big difference for the Whirlwinds in 10/20 Thursday Vilonia Away 5:30/7:00 2011. They will need to get push up front 10/27 Thursday LRCA Home 5:30/7:00 and slow down the opponents’ running 11/1 Thursday East Away 5:30/7:00 game, but with their size and strength that shouldn’t be a problem. Mix in a very quick linebacking crew including Kentrel Scott, John Hickey, Grant should make running the ball against the Westside Gebhardt, and Rhett Odle, who plays defense a tough task. The Whirlwind secondary Co-Cheese Kentrel Scott with a bulldozer mentality, and that should be just as tough to throw against as the front Temple Laws seven will be to run on this season. Cornerbacks Jacob Byrum, Allen Daiber and Drew Coker, along with safeties Tony Jones, Andy Campbell, Mark Moyer and Co-Cheese Temple Laws should see time on both sides of the ball. Coach Josh Edgin’s biggest obstacle this year may be finding a David Sisson Drew Coker Grant Gebhardt Allen Daiber Kervin Flores Justin Donoho way to share the ball with all these play makers.

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 57


Arkansas tech

Wonderboys

Projected Offensive Starting Lineup QB 16 - Cody Jones

17 - Jesse Stone

RB 25 - Tavin Davis

5 - Trayshun King

TE 44 - Jake Denzer

46 - Deonte Bradley

WR 4 - Roger Jackson

12 - Tavadrick Lee

WR 27 - Sean Carraway

87 - Ethan Gammill

WR 2 - A.J. Whitmore

10 - Darrell Freeman

LT 72 - Daryl Ward

68 - Tim VanOrsdol

LG 70 - Justin Moss

55 - Marcus Turner

65 - Matt Chester

C 66 - Rickey Nelson)

Tyler Edwards

RG 67 - Sam Shelby

78 - Ronald Weeks

RT 74 - Demetric Montgomery

75 - Brandon Thomas

79 - Tyler Kell

Pg. 58 • River Valley Football 2011

Offensively, the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys return six starters from a disappointing 2010. This experience showed on and off the field as they wrapped spring ball with a very impressive set of scrimmages. The 2011 Wonder Boys welcome a new offensive coordinator, Dean Norsworthy, who comes to Tech after spending the past three years as the offensive coordinator at Midwestern State University. Coach Norsworthy’s offensive scheme is very similar to the Tech offense of the past using a tight end, one back, and three wide receivers set. Coach Mullins expects to see more of a balanced run pass attack. Tech’s offense returns all five offensive linemen including left tackle Daryl Ward 6’ 3” 312, left guard Justin Moss 6’ 2” 300, center Rickey Nelson 6’1” 305, right guard Sam Shelby 6’ 2” 306, and right tackle Demetric Montgomery 6’ 3” 341. If games truly are won in the trenches then the Wonder Boys should see a remarkable turn around from the 4-7 record they finished with last season. Cody Jones looks poised to take over at the Quarterback position finishing the spring with a strong showing. Other key offensive players returning are junior receiver Roger Jackson 6’3” 180, junior running back Tavin Davis 5’8” 182, and senior receiver Sean Carraway 6’ 175.

Head Coach for Arkansas Tech Wonderboys Steve Mullins University Arkansas Tech University Years as Head Coach at School: 14 Record at School: 89-61-0 Overall Record w/ Years as HC: 89-61-0 Athletic Director Steve Mullins Football Staff Assistant Coach .Jeff Byrd Defensive Coordinator Dean Norworthy Offensive Coordinator Les Boyum Clint Reed, Garren Rockwell, Joe Nixon Football Trainer, Chang Choi 2010 Overall Record / 2010 Conf. Record 4-7 / 2-6 Returning Lettermen: 41 Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 2 Offensive System: Spread Defensive System: 3-3-5


Date

DE 58 - Hayward Howard

42 - Marvin Wilcots

NG 92 - A.J. Smith)

93 - Jacob Tiger

DT 90 - Kelby Parks

81 - Garret Ratcliff

SAM 6 - C.J. Foster

36 - Jabob Midyett

MIKE 40 - Brandon Keaton

49 - Josh Wilson

WILL 48 - Codey Zickefoose

41 - Reggie Dunigan

CB 23 - Joe Means

15 - Andreveus Brandon

ROVER - Randy Lee

4 - Elijah Tanksley

TIGER 24 - Wesley McKinney

9 - Nikko Hamer

FS 28 - Courtney Rockwell

19 - Donnell Jones

CB 3 - Myron Johnson

1 - Bryon Gadsden

Defense Using the term re-building may be an understatement when discussing the Arkansas Tech defense for 2011. Tech returns only two starters from the 2010 season. Senior and former Russellville Cyclone Brandon Keaton is the only returnee at linebacker and senior Joe Means is the only returner in the secondary. This leaves the Tech defensive staff searching to replace the entire defensive front along with a majority of the secondary. Look for Hayward Howard, A.J. Smith, and Kelby Parks to make a push at the defensive l i n e starting spots. Their size and ability should make an immediate impact on the defensive line. Filling in with Keaton at linebacker should be the very quick senior C.J. foster and sophomore Codye Zickefoose. Helping Means in the

Place

Time

* At Arkansas-Monticello

Monticello, Ark.

9/17

Delta State

Thone Stadium

6 P.M.

At Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Mo.

1:30 P.M.

* At Southern Arkansas

Magnolia, Ark.

2:30 P.M.

Thone Stadium

2 P.M.

9/10

Projected Defensive Starting Lineup

Opponent

9/3

9/24 10/1

10/8

10/15

At Southwest Baptist

West Alabama (Family Day) North Alabama

Bolivar, Mo

Thone Stadium

Thone Stadium

6 P.M.

6 P.M.

6 P.M.

6 P.M.

10/22

* Se Oklahoma (Homecoming)

Thone Stadium

11/5

* At Southwestern Oklahoma

Weatherford, Okla.

Division II Playoffs - 1st Round

Campus Sites

TBA

Campus Sites

TBA

Florence, Ala

TBA

10/29 11/12 11/19

11/26 12/3

12/10

* East Central (Senior Day) Open

Division II Playoffs - 2nd Round

Division II Playoffs - Quarterfinals Division II Playoffs - Semifinals

12/17 D-II National Championship (Espn)

Campus Sites Campus Sites

6 P.M. 2 P.M.

TBA

TBA

* - Great American Conference Game Home Games Are In Bold All Home Games Will Be Played In Thone Stadium At Buerkle Field On Tech’s Campus All Times Are Central (CST And Subject To Change Schedule Current As Of April 26, 2011

secondary will be Randy Lee, Wesley McKinney, Courtney Rockwell, and Myron Johnson. Any way you slice it the Wonder Boy defense will need some players to step up and play big if they want to compete with teams such as Delta State and North Alabama in 2011.

River Valley Football 2011 • Pg. 59


Pg. 60 • River Valley Football 2011


Great American becomes 23rd Division II conference By David Pickle NCAA.org

Prewitt said the Dec.1 application deadline actually fell on his first day as commissioner. He praised the work of the conference’s presidents and athletics directors in framing the application, along with the efforts of consultants Bob Oliver and Chuck Lindemann. Prewitt added that the process itself was not only reasonable but helpful to the conference as it started operations.

The number of Division II conferences increased to 23 recently “It was really very beneficial for us,” he said. “The process has with the addition of the new Great American Conference in helped us hone in on Division II’s identity, our principles and to Arkansas and Oklahoma. really incorporate those into our working documents and how we structure things within the conference. It really was a great exerThe new conference, led cise for us because it helped us work through those things. by Commissioner Will Prewitt, is composed of “Obviously, as proud members of Division II, we want to embody nine institutions that preall of the attributes in the Division II platform. It’s exciting being viously were members of a league that’s being formed after we’ve gone through all those the Lone Star and Gulf things to differentiate ourselves, to be a league that came into South Conferences. existence following that, to be able, for lack of a better term, to work those things into our DNA as a conference.” Members are Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, East Central, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Southeastern Oklahoma, Southern Arkansas and Southwest Oklahoma State. The Great American Conference applied for membership last December and was not affected by a moratorium on new conference membership that was established at the January 2011 Convention. The Division II Championships Committee, anticipating the approval of the conference, recommended a regional assignment for 2011-12 and beyond at its February meeting. The Division II Management Council will consider that recommendation in April; the decision will be announced at the conclusion of that meeting.

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