Nettleton

The 2021 Nettleton High School Raiders.

Kevin Turbeville | The Sun

Raiders build around all-state QB

By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff writer kturbeville@jonesborosun.com

JONESBORO — Defenses had a tough time getting a handle on Cameron Scarlett last year as he accounted for nearly 1,700 total yards in his first season as Nettleton’s quarterback. Now that Scarlett has a year of experience and, head coach Steven Hampton says, a stronger grasp of the Raiders’ offense, slowing him figures to be even more difficult. Scarlett ran for 888 yards and threw for 796 in an all-state junior season, accounting for 20 total touchdowns. Hampton said Scarlett is much more advanced going into his senior year thanks to time spent with offensive coordinator Clint Wilson. “He is light years beyond where he was last year as far as just understanding the offense,” Hampton said. “I think spending as much time as he has with Coach Wilson, he understands what Coach Wilson wants and expects. Really he’s just kind of an extension of him on the field.” The Raiders’ hopes of contending for their first 5A-East title since 2018 begin with their quarterback, a hard-nosed runner who averaged 8.7 yards per carry in 2020. Scarlett (6-2, 195) scored 13 rushing touchdowns and has a knack for falling forward for extra yards in short-yardage situations, Hampton said. Hampton said Scarlett has a strong arm and has improved his accuracy after completing 48 percent of his passes as a junior. “He’s really progressed being able to throw the football, and really with touch,” Hampton said. “He’s always had the really strong arm, but his ability to place the ball where he wants is something he’s improved on over the summer.” Scarlett is one of six returning offensive starters. Nettleton also brings back six starters on defense from last year’s team that finished 3-5 with a 19-7 loss to Maumelle in the play-in round of the state playoffs. Nettleton was battling for position in the 5A-East seven games into the season when the Raiders were forced to cancel the final three games of their regular season because of COVID-19. They returned just in time for a tough playoff game at Maumelle, giving the Hornets a battle before eventually falling short. “We played really well and there were a couple of plays that if they go a different way, it could have been a different ballgame at the end,” Hampton said. “It was a tough stretch being off that long, but I was proud of how we came out and performed in the playoff game.” While Scarlett is the No. 1 option when the Raiders want to run, they have several running backs who also figure to contrib-

ute. Senior running back Koby Bradley (5-11, 175) is listed as the starter after running for 365 yards last season and averaging more than six yards per carry. Senior Orion Pugh (6-0, 210) has moved to linebacker, Hampton said, but is still in the mix at running back after gaining 517 yards last season. Senior Markellin Barber (5-8, 165) and junior Ke’Andre Pope could also contribute. “We feel like we have four really good running backs who have shown flashes, and they all kind of bring something different to the table,” Hampton said. “Pugh is kind of your thunder guy, Pope has some acceleration and Markellin has great hands out of the backfield.” Hampton said senior Jaden Brown (6-0, 175), who moved in from Osceola, is a big-play threat at wide receiver. Seniors Savion Floyd (5-7, 150) and Kenwarren McShan (5-8, 155) are also expected to start along with sophomore Kaleb Tedder. All-state senior Moses Williams (5-8, 315) returns at right tackle. “He’s kind of the bellcow. He’s one of the most physical kids we have, just strong with a low center of gravity,” Hampton said. “He has natural leverage in blocking and he’s a guy we’re going to run behind a lot.” Senior center Ryan Crawford (6-1, 290) also earned all-conference honors last season. Senior Allen Campbell (6-2, 290) is the left tackle, junior Khilen Gates (6-1, 255) is the left guard and junior Hayden Partee (5-9, 200) plays right guard. Hampton considers the line and the secondary to be Nettleton’s strengths defensively. Senior end Javontae Wallace (5-11, 240) earned all-conference honors last season after making 52 tackles. Junior Kam Phillips is the nose guard and senior Jorge Salas (6-1, 220) made 34 tackles last season at end. Pugh has taken over at middle linebacker, while juniors Blake Brown (5-10, 160) and Jamie Morris line up at the strong side and weak side positions, respectively. McShan and senior Halon Willie (6-1, 180) play outside linebacker. Senior free safety Dorian Tucker (6-1, 170) earned allconference honors after leading the Raiders with 55 tackles. Barber and senior Juan Badillo (5-10, 145) are the cornerbacks. Hampton is excited about what former Arkansas State assistant coach Allen Johnson will bring to the Nettleton coaching staff as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. “We feel like we’re going to be able to score some points,” Hampton said. “Really I’m excited about what Coach Johnson is doing with our defense, just a different energy, and those guys are getting better and better each day. I’m excited to see those guys grow week in and week out.” Senior kicker Joseph Nuhung made 14 of 18 extra points last season. Hampton starts with defending champion Wynne and Batesville when looking at the 5A-East. He believes the Raiders can remain in the race if they improve defensively and stay healthy. “We feel like we’ve got a really strong senior group, a lot of leadership, which is always key. We feel like we have a chance to be a good ballclub,” Hampton said. “We’re thin at certain spots, so being healthy and staying healthy is going to be crucial, but a lot of teams can say that. We feel like we have a chance to be pretty good.”

2021 Schedule

Aug. 27 at Blytheville

7 p.m. Sept. 3 POCAHONTAS 7 p.m. Sept. 10 MTN. HOME 7 p.m. Sept. 24 BATESVILLE* 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Brookland* 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Paragould* 7 p.m. Oct. 15 GCT* 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Forrest City* 7 p.m. Oct. 29 VALLEY VIEW* 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at Wynne* 7 p.m. * — Conference games.