Blytheville Brookland east Poinsett County Gosnell Greene County teCh harrisBurG hoxie JonesBoro Manila Marked tree nettleton newPort osCeola ParaGould PoCahontas riverCrest truMann valley view walnut ridGe westside NORTHEAST ARKANSAS FOOTBALL PREVIEW August 24, 2022
Blytheville .................................................. Page 4 Brookland ................................................... Page 6 East Poinsett County................................. Page 10 Gosnell ...................................................... Page 12 Greene County Tech ................................. Page 16 Harrisburg ................................................. Page 18 Hoxie ........................................................ Page 20 Jonesboro .................................................. Page 24 Manila ....................................................... Page 26 Marked Tree.............................................. Page 28 Nettleton ................................................... Page 32 Newport .................................................... Page 38 Osceola ..................................................... Page 42 Paragould .................................................. Page 44 Pocahontas ................................................ Page 48 Rivercrest .................................................. Page 50 Trumann .................................................... Page 54 Valley View............................................... Page 56 Walnut Ridge ............................................ Page 60 Westside .................................................... Page 62 2 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 Table of Contents A special supplement to:
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 3 CENTRAL CENTRAL NISSAN CENTRAL FORD GOODLUCKTHISSEASONFROM CENTRALDEALERSHIPS Abilityiswhat you'recapableofdoing. Motivation determineswhatyoudo. Attitude determineshowwell youdoit. ~LouHoltz NotreDamefootballcoach
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
sophomores competed at the high school level last year, when Blytheville finished sixth in the conference with its only victo ries over Highland and Gosnell.
Sophomore quarterback Jontavious Johnson (6-0, 164) was among the freshmen who saw action last fall. Fisher said Johnson has received more practice repetitions this year, improving his timing with the receivers.“Onething I love is he’s just a sophomore, so I’m going to get three years out of him. I feel like we can build and he’s done a good job,” Fisher said. “He had a little growing up to do, but I can tell from this point last year to now, he’s a completely different ballplayer.”
The Chickasaws have a couple of possibilities at running back, juniors Ingram Battles (5-8, 145) and Tim Brown (5-10, 200). Senior Levin Reed (6-3, 180) returns at receiver, as does sophomore Travion Anderson (5-10, 130). Others expected to contribute at receiver include junior Tyrin Walker (5-8, 160) and sophomores Nadarrius Wilson, Michael Terry and ElijahSeniorRogers.Jontavion Bruin (6-0, 210) would replace one of the receivers when the Chickasaws use an SeniorH-back.lefttackle Wills Gullic (6-6, 300) is being recruited by Southeast Missouri State and four Ivy League schools, among others, Fisher said. The Chickasaws have a couple more seniors on the offensive line, left guard Travis Luster (6-1, 260) and right guard Marcus Prude (6-2,Fisher263). said junior center
“We’re going to be real young. I feel like we’re going to be athletic,” Fisher said. “These (sophomore) guys, I haven’t seen a class like this around here in Blytheville since 2015. As far as their work ethic, they want to be here all the time, you have to run them out, which as a coach I’d rather run them out than beg them to “Hopefullycome.by midseason we’re rolling pretty good, but I think we’re going to take our lumps early.”Fisher, who is starting his 24th school year in the Blytheville district, took the Chickasaws to the state playoffs four times in five seasons as head coach from 2014-18. He stepped down as head coach when he was named dean of students in 2019. Blytheville won only 10 games in the last three seasons com bined, including last year’s 2-8 finish. Fisher returned as head coach in the spring. “We had success,” Fisher said of his first stint as head coach. “I feel like we can get back to that and I feel like this is a good group to do that with.” Fisher said six of the team’s
Kevin Turbeville
BLYTHEVILLE — Ben Fisher begins his second stint as Bly theville’s head football coach with a young Blytheville’steam.roster includes 20 sophomores among 35 total players. Fisher expects to start six or seven sophomores on each side of the football when the Chickasaws open the season Sept. 2 against Osceola.
Young Blytheville team shows promise
The 2022 Blytheville High School Chickasaws.
4 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
| The Sun
coaches is kind of what put us in a bind the past three years. Now they have some consistency,” he said. “Even though I wasn’t the head coach the past three years, they’ve gotten to see me every day and they talk to me every day. It’s not like somebody new and they have to get used to somebody new, learning some body new. I think that’s going to help us a Blythevillelot.”played at the Class 5A level during Fisher’s first stint as head coach. The Chickasaws are beginning their second two-year cycle in Class 4A this fall, competing in the 4A-3Fisherconference.expects defending co-champions Rivercrest and Pocahontas to be good again this year, along with 2021 thirdplace finisher Trumann, but he said every team in 4A-3 is coached well. “It could be wide open or it could be one team just runs away with it,” Fisher said of the league race. “I’ll be honest, I wish I could say that I knew exactly, but I really don’t.”
2022BlythevilleSchedule
Sept. 2 OSCEOLA 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Nettleton 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Riverview 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Harrisburg* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 WESTSIDE* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Highland* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 GOSNELL* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Trumann* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Pocahontas* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 RIVERCREST* 7 p.m. *Conference games. Danny Rogers (6-1, 235) returned from a broken leg to play in the final game of the 2021 season. Sophomores Tyler Whittle (5-11, 220) and Jarius Stewart have worked at right tackle. Blytheville’s base defense is a Bruin,3-4. who shined at line backer as a sophomore, moved to end after growing last season. “He wasn’t quite as fast, so we moved him to end and he flour ished,” Fisher said. “By the end of the season I’m pretty sure he was our leading tackler and then this year, he’s just continued on. He’s gotten some pretty decent looks from Ouachita Baptist, Arkansas Tech, (Arkansas) Monticello.”Lusterreturns at nose guard and sophomore Vanterrues Lucas (6-1, 230) returns at end after playing that position last year as a freshman. Senior Ladarrius Reed (6-0, 170) and sophomore Chris Hatcher (6-0, 185), who started last season, are the inside linebackers. Brown and senior Dee Wells (6-0, 220) play outside linebacker, with Battles and senior Royal McChristian (5-8, 165) also in the picture. Walker (5-8, 160) will play cornerback and will also return kicks, Fisher said. Sophomore Derick King (5-7, 130) also plays cornerback, while sophomores Fabeous Dowd (5-6, 135) and Jamarrion Johnson are pro jected starters at safety. “I know they’re young, but I like that secondary. Sometimes they go brain dead, but they’re fast and physical,” Fisher said. “Even the guys up front, we’re going to be undersized, but they’re so strong and they’re quick. We’re just going to have to take advantage of that.”
Fisher said the team culture has changed since last season. He anticipates having consis tency on the coaching staff, saying that all but one of his assistants graduated from Bly theville.“Ithink the turnover in
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NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 5
“I think our staff has just been tremendous in the tran sition, because I’m trying to blend what they did last year and what I want to do. ... I really appreciate how the kids have responded, their participation, their eagerness to be hungry and take it all in.”
Brookland will line up in multiple formations offen sively, likely using a tight end or H-back in most. Hindsley leans toward the line, which features three seniors and two juniors, as the Bearcats’
Brookland aiming for playoff appearance
BROOKLAND — Mark Hind sley sees tremendous potential at Brookland, which started playing football at the Class 5A level only eight years after its first varsity game. He hopes the Bearcats can start realizing some of their promise in his first season as their head coach. Hindsley, who was 54-28 in seven seasons as head coach at Newport, took over at Brook land in May after former head coach Eric Munoz was hired in the same capacity by Class 7A Rogers Heritage. The Bearcats played one postseason game in their first 10 varsity seasons, participating in the 2020 state playoffs when every team was eligible.Thisfall, Hindsley hopes to put Brookland on the bracket again.“Some people would look at it and say it’s not a very high goal, but I want to be in the playoffs. I think that could be a turning point for the program,” Hindsley said. “If you’re going to be one of those top four (in the 5A-East), I think that could springboard us to where we want to be as well. That way, it will give us that first tier (of goals) we want to meet, and then the next tier will be, can we go “That’sdeeper?goal for this team. Let’s try to make the playoffs. That’s the first goal I’ve got for us.”Brookland had an 8-12 over all record in two years under Munoz, whose teams posted six victories over teams the Bearcats hadn’t previously beaten or played in previous seasons. Last year’s team went 5-5 to match the program’s best record, winning the last two games to finish 3-4 in the 5A-East and tie for fourth place.Hindsley, whose teams made the playoffs in each of his last six seasons at Newport, started learning about his new team and a rapidly growing school district in the spring. “I put tape on helmets because I didn’t know any body,” Hindsley said. “I came in having to learn the coaches, learn the players, learn admin istration, learning what they were talking about, everything about it. Spring was really challenging just for those things. The bright spot is when we came around in June to lift weights, which was not mandatory, and had all the numbers that we had and the coaches that we had.
6 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 Jaci Hart photo
The 2022 Brookland High School Bearcats. By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
The Bearcats return six starters offensively, four defensively and several others who saw playing time last season.
Senior nose guard Reggie Barnes (6-1, 300) and senior defensive tackle Ethan Basham (6-0, 230) were spot starters last season. Grimes also proj ects as a starting tackle, but Hindsley said the Bearcats can go two deep on the line with Patterson, Holland and senior Kruz Cunningham (6-0, 190). Wright and Rapert are the inside linebackers, with Rose and junior Caden Webbe (5-10, 175) at outside linebacker. Hindsley said McClain could back up either inside line backer or rotate on the defen sive line at nose guard. “We have to have him on the field, he’s so disruptive,” Hindsley said.While junior cornerback Connor Marshall (6-0, 175) returns in the secondary, the Bearcats have less experi ence on the back end of their defense. Wyatt and Spratt have been competing at the other corner, while Spears and junior Ty Hillis (5-9, 160) are theHindsleysafeties.said he wants to show opponents as many defen sive looks as possible.
“I think that helps in causing disruption. It helps us defen sively when you can really move the front and be just as multiple as you can, just to be disruptive,” he added. “Every thing we’re doing, I don’t care if it’s blitzing or stunting or whatever, we want to be dis ruptive. We want to give people multiple things to get ready for.”Senior Jackson Sweet (6-3, 165) returns as the punter and takes over as placekicker. Sweet had punts of 47 and 48 yards last season, and Hinds ley has been impressed with his work on placements as well.
Hindsley, who is one of five new head coaches in the 5A-East, lists Wynne, Valley View and Nettleton first when talking about the conference race. He hopes the Bearcats are battling for a place in the top four in the stretch run.
“I can’t stress enough getting to the playoffs,” Hindsley said. “I think it’s really what this program needs.”
Aug. WESTSIDE 7 p.m. Sept. 2 GOSNELL 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Pocahontas 7 p.m. Sept. 23 WYNNE* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Nettleton* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Southside* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 VALLEY VIEW* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Batesville* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 PARAGOULD* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Forrest City* 7 p.m. games. Shops@Hilltop
26
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 7 2022BrooklandSchedule
*Conference
• 3410EastJohnsonAve.SteE • Jonesboro
Don’tworry, wehaveenoughfor thewholeteam. Goodluck thisseason Bearcats! Junior Barrett Cunningham (5-10, 160) saw action in seven games last season, complet ing 47.4 percent of his passes for 527 yards and four touch downs. Hindsley hopes to give Cunningham opportunities to make plays with rollout or play-action passes. Senior Joseph Wright (5-10, 220) and junior Malachi Stinnett (5-8, 165) are the running backs. Wright rushed for 327 yards and three touch downs in six games last season before undergoing seasonending leg surgery “I think our running backs are pretty game ready, I’d have to say,” Hindsley said. “I was calling them thunder and lightning. Joseph is a good downhill runner, not a lot of cutting ability, but he will try to run through you. Malachi is the perfect zone guy. He’s going to be good in our zone scheme and he’s still good in the gap schemes.”Juniorwide receiver Sinquan Spratt (6-0, 175) caught 19 passes for 236 yards last year. Hindsley is also counting on sophomore Walker Spears (6-1, 160) as a deep threat. Senior Spencer Wyatt (6-0, 170) and sophomores Hayden Elder (5-9, 135) and Caden Chambers (5-5, 115) will also have roles at“Ireceiver.thinkwe have receivers in Walker Spears and Sinquan Spratt who can really uncap space and they can take the top off any defense we play, I hope,” Hindsley said. “You’ve got Hayden Elder and Caden Chambers who aren’t big bodies, but they’re real good possession receivers.”
strength offensively.
Senior tight end Conner McClain (6-2, 255) and junior H-back Jude Rapert (6-0, 215) could be on the field together at times, Hindsley said. Senior Josh Rose (5-10, 180) is work ing at both positions.
Brookland’s line features senior Clay Holland (5-11, 260) at center, juniors Peyton Grimes (6-2, 250) and Austin Patterson (5-9, 215) at guard, and seniors Austin White (6-5, 300) and Hayden McMellon (6-1, 225) at tackle.
Hindsley expects the Bearcats to be strong up front on defense as“Iwell.think our box really makes me feel good,” he said, referring to the line and linebackers. “We can play a five-man box and be OK. I think that’s really our strongest suit.”
8 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 BROOKLANDPUBLICSCHOOLS APlacetoGrow
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“Our goal every year is to play on Thanksgiving weekend,” Powell said. “Even though we had a losing record at the end, it felt pretty good.”
10 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
Kevin Turbeville | The Sun
“We played McCrory and McCrory went and won the state championship, so they feel like they have a group that can go and make it to Little Rock,” EPC head coach Brandon Powell said. “They saw what McCrory did last year and that’s been their mindset in the offseason moving forward. Why notTheus?”Warriors return 17 starters from a team that weathered adversity before hitting its stride late in the season.
“He has a high motor. He plays as hard as he can every snap and his vision is getting better every year,” Powell said. “He’s an explosive back with good vision and a good motor. He’s just got a different motor than other guys. He has a good com bination of speed and power.”
Warriors shooting for state finals trip
EPC lost its first six games, including the narrow setback at McCrory that ultimately cost the Warriors the 2A-3 champi onship. Then the Warriors won five in a row, including playoff victories over Mountainburg and Quitman, before losing 35-22 to Clarendon in the state quarterfinals to finish the seasonWhile5-7.the Warriors lost their final game, even that contest illustrated their turnaround since they suffered a 48-0 loss to Clarendon earlier in the season.
“I think it’s going to give us an advantage going into this season,” Powell said. “If something doesn’t go well, those guys have been through the fire and they know they can come out of it. I think we can go back and make corrections, trust the process.”EPC’soffense features junior running back Dennis Gaines, a two-year starter whose career statistics include 1,874 rushing yards and 20 rushing touch downs.Gaines (5-10, 165) averaged 7.6 yards per carry over his first two seasons. Last year he rushed for 1,254 yards and 13 touchdowns, also catching two touchdown passes.
The 2022 East Poinsett County High School Warriors.
Most of EPC’s losses early last season were close games where Powell said the Warriors could see that a few corrections would make a difference. He credits the team’s seniors for strong leadership and the entire team for staying the course at 0-6. Having seen the Warriors deal with tough times last year, Powell believes the experience will be beneficial for an expe rienced team.
Senior quarterback Carter Smith (6-1, 205) provides a runpass threat. Smith completed 50.3 percent of his passes for 1,061 yards and nine touch downs last season; he also rushed for 613 yards and six touchdowns.
EPC’s objective is to play on Friday, Dec. 2. That’s the date of the Class 2A state champion ship game at Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium, a venue the Warriors believe they can reach after watching conference rival McCrory win the state title last year.McCrory edged EPC 22-18 last season, a loss that stuck with the Warriors as they prepared for the 2022 season.
LEPANTO — East Poinsett County’s ultimate goal normally involves a state playoff game on Thanksgiving weekend. The Warriors are aiming higher this fall.
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
East PoinsEtt
Sept. 2 at Manila 7 p.m. Sept. 9 WALNUT RIDGE 7 p.m. Sept. 16 CORNING 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Clarendon* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 McCRORY* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 CROSS COUNTY* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Earle* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 MARIANNA LEE* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Des Arc* 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Marked Tree* 7 p.m. *Conference games. Powell said Smith matured as the 2021 season progressed. “We’re looking for him to really shine his senior season and run our offense for us, be a good decision maker,” Powell said. “Last year, being a firstyear starter, it was tough on him and we had young skill guys around him. He understands the offense better an d the guys around him understand it better. He should have a strong season.”Powell anticipates a break out season from junior wide receiver Omar McCuiston (6-2, 170). Junior wingback Cooper Argo (5-10, 187) caught three touchdown passes last season, while junior tight end Tyler Moore (5-10, 188) had two touchdown receptions. Junior Kavan Jennings (5-8, 140) and sophomore Tyrus Reel (6-1, 155) are expected to share time at slotback.Theoffensive line features a couple of three-year starters in senior guard Ethan Tucker (6-2, 220) and senior tackle Emery Constant (6-6, 300). Senior tackle Hayden Holiman (6-4, 205) is a two-year starter. Senior Jamarkius Garrett (6-1, 310) returns at center and junior guard Michael Collins (5-10, 220) also has experience.
Powell considers Class 2A to be wide open at the state level. He feels the same way about the new 2A-2 conference that includes EPC, McCrory, Marked Tree, Earle and Cross County from the old 2A-3 along with Des Arc, Clarendon and Marianna.
“You’re talking about Des Arc, who’s always a contender, and McCrory is the defending state champion. You’ve got Earle, which is always in the mix and Marked Tree might be the most talented team in the whole conference,” Powell said. “We’re sitting there and we were in the elite eight last year, and return a lot of guys from that, and we feel pretty good about that.”
“With that veteran group up front, I feel like we’re going to be able to run the football. I feel like we’re going to be a very good running football team,” Powell said. “I think people are going to load the box for us and that’s going to set up play action. That’s what we’re looking to do this year, be run heavy and take our shots with play action. We’ve got a veteran line and one of the best backs in Northeast Arkansas.”EPC’sstrength in the trenches is reflected on defense, where Garrett lines up at nose and Constant and Tucker are the tackles. Tucker had three sacks lastPowellseason.iscounting on Holiman, senior Omar Penaloza (5-7, 210) and junior Moises Penaloza (5-10, 205) for defensive line depth.Moore and Collins are the inside linebackers, while Gaines and senior Jamarious Williams (5-11, 180) are expected to line up at outside linebacker. Argo plays a hybrid position that involves time in the sec ondary. McCuiston and Reel are the safeties, while Jennings lines up at cornerback. Junior Hunter Kimbrell (5-7, 145) and sophomores Ladainian Hillis (5-9, 155) and Tristan Lard (5-8, 145) are also working in the“Justsecondary.likeon offense, I think w e’re going to be good up front and I think we can stop the run. We’ve got pretty good speed on the edge to contain more athletic teams,” Powell said. “I think we’re going to do a great job as far as stopping the run inside the tackles, especially when we get Tucker, Garrett and Constant playing well. If Moore and Collins live up to what I think they can be, I think we can be a very good defensive team.”
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NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 11
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
12 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
The 2022 Gosnell High School Pirates.
Sun
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GOSNELL — Lewis Earnest senses a different vibe around the Gosnell Pirates going into his fourth season as head coach. Preseason transfers and inseason injuries left the Pirates with barely enough players to finish a dismal 2021 season.
Earnest said Gosnell had only 18 players in uniform at the end of a year that finished with a 1-8“Werecord.had to bring freshmen up. We didn’t have the depth last year,” Earnest said. “This year we feel really good with a two deep. We have two deep at everyThere’sposition.”hope for a quick turnaround on YoHo Alley with around 40 players on this year’s roster, including 13 seniors and the majority of last year’s starters.ThePirates are returning to the spread offense, hoping to feature a wide receiver corps Earnest describes as dynamic. They saw positive results in 7-on-7 competition this summer. “We went to A-State and we beat West Memphis and Jones boro in 7-on-7. At Hoxie, we beat a lot of really good teams in 7-on-7, and 7-on-7 is not real football, but it did show us that we can compete with these guys athletically,” Earnest said. “We do have 13 seniors, which is huge for us, and 12 of them have been in the program since I’ve been here, four years, so they’ve developed each year. “You can really tell, compared to last year, how much bigger and faster we are. We feel really good about this season.”
Senior Reid Shelton (5-10, 185) is the Pirates’ quarterback, backed by junior Trent Middle ton (5-11, 165). Senior Floyd Williams (6-0, 175), a Division I secondary prospect who played quarter back last year before suffering a collarbone injury, moves over to running back. “He’s a threat at any time in the game,” Ear nestSeniorsaid.Devan Spicer (5-11, 175) is the H-back and class mate Taderian Partee (6-3, 250) lines up at tight end. The wide receiver rotation features junior Cam Williams (6-1, 175), senior Bryce White (6-2, 170), senior Mekhi King (5-8, 155) and sophomore Chad Stewart (5-11,“With160).the weapons we have on the outside, we’re going to Deeper Pirates hoping for better results
Kevin Turbeville The
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 13 2022Gosnellschedule Aug. 26 PIGGOT T 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Brookland 7 p.m. Sept. 9 OSCEOLA 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Highland* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 POCAHONTAS* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 TRUMANN* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Blytheville* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 RIVERCREST* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Harrisburg* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 WESTSIDE* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
Offensive line concerns were behind Gosnell’s switch to the flexbone last season. Earnest said the Pirates wouldn’t have been able to make the blocks necessary in the spread last season, but that has changed this“Weseason.feelreally good about our offensive line this year. We’ve worked and developed those guys,” Earnest said. “We have two starters coming back and we have two freshmen moving to sophomores who started on the junior high team, and they’ve really grown and developed.”
Seniors Mason Moore (6-2, 190), the defensive captain, and Jason Shepard (6-0, 220) are the inside linebackers, while senior Sid Lara (5-11, 200) and junior Carson Talley (6-1, 185) play outside.Senior Xavier Lewis (5-10, 150) is the cornerback opposite Floyd Williams.
Ten starters return in Gosnell’s 3-4 defensive scheme. Six of the 10 starters are three-year starters, Earnest said. “Every level has seniors. I don’t think there’s a weakness on the defense,” Earnest said. “We might struggle moving the ball at times, but our defense is elite in my opinion.”
Cam Williams lines up at strong safety, while King and White are working at free“Oursafety.defense last year was not bad. They just had to be on the field too long because our offense could not maintain drives,” Earnest said. “We feel good about our offense this year. We’ve spent a lot of time on it. We like going back to the spread, it fits us better with all the speed that we Earnesthave.”considers defending 4A-3 co-champions Pocahontas and Rivercrest to be league favorites again. The league lineup has one change as Har risburg moves up from 3A to replace Cave City, which shifts to“I’d4A-2.expect Pocahontas and Rivercrest to be really good this year. I know Pocahontas brings back a lot,” he said. “Rivercrest lost a few, but they’re always good. Westside brings the most back, I believe, and they were a playoff team last year and beat us pretty good. Trumann lost a lot of linemen, but their offen sive scheme is so unique and it’s tough to see who has the ball.
“Blytheville was young last year and I don’t know a whole lot about them. I know they’re starting a lot of sophomores, but I think they’re really good sophomores. Highland had a loaded freshman class last year; they were one of the better junior highs in the conference. They’re probably going to be young, but they’re going to be formidable.”
throw a lot more than we did my first three seasons. My first two years, we had Cooper (Pieri) at quarterback, and he could throw it really good,” Earnest said. “We threw it probably 40 percent of time. This year I ‘d say 50-50 maybe, maybe 60-40. We’re going to throw it more than we run it, I think.”
Seniors Ahmad Turner (5-10, 275) and Don Willing (6-2, 230) are the tackles. Sophomore Riley Grisham (6-1, 255) plays center, flanked by junior Javonte Wil liams (6-0, 270) and sophomore Connor Wilson (6-2, 265).
Floyd Williams has seven college scholarship offers from schools recruiting him as a cornerback, Earnest said. Wil liams has made official visits at Central Arkansas and Austin Peay, and he’s also drawing interest from Georgia Southern and Middle Tennessee State, amongJuniorothers.TreGuy (6-0, 195) lines up at nose guard, with senior Charles Kennemore (6-5, 225) and Partee the ends.
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Farmer said the team has been cohesive, with most of the players either playing since seventh grade or since their sophomore year. Brown, who was an all-state selection last year, had eight
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By Michael Wilkey Daily Press Staff mwilkey@paragoulddailypress.comWriter
The 2022 Greene County Tech High School Eagles.
GCT lost four seniors from last year’s roster and will be returning a lot of starters, according to Farmer, who will be attending UA Rich Moun tain after graduation with plans to play baseball there.
Michael Wilkey Daily Press
GCT Eagles prepare for new challenges
PARAGOULD — With a new co nference and tougher sched ule, the Greene County Tech Eagles are preparing for the 2022 campaign with players ready to lead. Last year, the team reached the state playoffs with a 5-6 record in the 5A East. The team had a balanced attack in 2021, getting 1,531 yards in the air and 1,396 yards on the ground. In total, the team had over 3,800 all-purpose yards lastThisyear.year, the team jumps up in classification to a competi tive 6A East facing teams like defending state champion El Dorado, Benton, Searcy and West Memphis on a weekly basis.Head Coach Nathan Morgan said going to the new confer ence is part of changes in the Arkansas Activities Association on the issue of competitive equity. Morgan said while a couple of private schools statewide have moved up in classifi cation due to the issue, GCT’s move is based on increased enrollment.Asforthe 6A East, Morgan said he expects it to be tough this year, especially with El Dorado.Benton is expected to be good this year, according to Morgan, while Searcy returns a running back, Dede Johnson, with nearly 2,000 yards on the ground last year. But Morgan said his players are used to having to play tough football, moving up from the 5A East where they faced teams like Nettleton and Wynne. The new 10-team confer ence, which stretches from El Dorado in the south to GCT in the north, means a lot of travel for teams, Morgan said. He said they plan to help players with the timing, espe cially on away game days, and also will address “bus lag” and travel.Asfor the team, Morgan said the players have bought into the program and are willing to work on the fundamentals, especially preparations before the“Wegame.take pride in the prepa rations for the game,” Morgan said.With 10 starters returning, the team will be led by senior quarterback Camden Farmer on offense and defensive line man Zion Brown on defense. Farmer, who played in five games last year, said he anticipates a good season even with a more challenging competition. Farmer had nine touchdowns, with six coming on the ground lastWhileyear.the team is moving up in classification, Farmer said he believes they can handle it.
After a season opener Aug. 26 at Paragould, GCT hosts LR Catholic on Sept. 9. The team travels to El Dorado Sept. 16 and has back-to-back home games against Marion on Sept. 23 and Jacksonville on Sept. 30. From there, three of the next five are on the road. GCT travels to Benton Oct. 7, hosts Searcy Oct. 14 and trav els to West Memphis Oct. 21. Sheridan visits GCT on Oct. 28, and GCT ends the regular season Nov. 4 at Sylvan Hills. As for the Paragould game, Morgan said the two formerconference foes in the 5A East will now face each other in a non-conference game. Morgan said the game is a big-ticket game for people in the Paragould area, with fans from both schools attending the game. He said it is a crosstown rivalry, with kids on both teams knowing each other.
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Greene County teCh 2022 SChedule
“And the game usually means really good football,” Morgan said.
Aug. 26 at Paragould 7 p.m. Sept. 9 LR CATHOLIC* 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at El Dorado* 7 p.m. Sept. 23 MARION* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 JACKSONVILLE* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Benton* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 SEARCY* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at West Memphis* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 SHERIDAN* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Sylvan Hills* 7 p.m. *Conference games. sacks and caused three fumbles during the 2021 campaign. He said having 22 seniors on the team has provided leadership and given the upperclass men opportunities to talk to younger players about their role on the team. Brown also said having an indoor practice facility has also benefitted the team by being able to practice whenever they have to, whether it is cold, rainy or hot Otheroutside.improvements are slated for the GCT football facilities, including a new centered press box and addi tional bleachers at the football stadium.Theteam has a 10-game schedule, with five home and five away games this year.
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 17
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
“When I was in Texas, we played against Highland Park. Highland Park is really good at knowing your signals and figur ing out what you’re doing over there, and their kids are really smart. You always felt like they were inside your playbook,” Ware said. “I sat down and read this book on cryptography. We developed a system with the numbers to where even if you knew our plays and knew how the system worked, you still wouldn’t be able to (get the play).”TheHornets have two sopho
18 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
Ware’s first season as Har risburg’s head coach will be his 16th overall in coaching. He spent all but one of the first 15 in Texas, working for schools large and small. “I’ve coached smaller schools like Farmersville or McKinney Christian Academy, schools in the 200-400 student range, and I’ve coached at the highest level in Texas, 6A, schools with 3,600 kids,” Ware said. “McKinney High is a 6A school and I coached there for six years, taught there, and Lake Highlands is a 6A school inside the Dallas loop there. I taught there, coached there, was the passing game coordinator there.”
| The Sun
The 2022 Harrisburg High School Hornets.
“Just super blessed to get to coach these kids. They are hardworking kids, they are respect ful, kind to each other,” Ware said. “I feel like we’re watching the culture grow and giving the kids a lot of ownership — hey, this is your team and so you have to make it what you want it to be. If you want to have a great team, you have to be great and you have to hold your teammates accountable to greatness as well. The kids have really stepped up and taken that role.
Kevin Turbeville
HARRISBURG — Darrick Ware brings a wide range of coaching experience to his new program in Poinsett County.
Ware spent the last three sea sons as assistant head football coach and offensive coordinator at McKinney Christian Acad emy. His connection to Arkansas began with his playing career as a wide receiver at Harding Uni versity, where he met his wife. Hired in May, Ware said he has felt welcomed by the community and praises his team’s efforts through the summer months.
Harrisburg is going up in classification as Ware takes the reins, moving into Class 4A after making the 3A state playoffs in each of the last three seasons. The Hornets finished 5-6 last fall after a 35-29 loss at Camden Harmony Grove in the first round.
Ware said Harrisburg will use a no-huddle offense with plays sent in through a numbered system, developed in response to an opponent that was good at deciphering signals.
New Harrisburg
coach sees team’s potential
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 19 2022HarrisburgscHedule Aug. 26 at Cross County 7 p.m. Sept. 9 PAL.-WHEATLEY 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Manila 7 p.m. Sept. 23 BLYTHEVILLE* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Rivercrest* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 POCAHONTAS* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 WESTSIDE* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Highland* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 GOSNELL* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Trumann* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
Ware is confident in his team’s receivers, a group that includes seniors Trey Davis and Noah Brooks, juniors Grant Henry, Untarious Tate and Ethan Chambers, and sophomore Evan Henley. Juniors Marcus Barlow and Gavin Kimble and sophomore Braden Brock have worked at running back. Junior Aidan Mullins plays center. Ware said juniors Colton Harris, Trey Blackwood and Anthony Miranti have worked at tackle, with seniors Khalil Todd and Jimmy Johnson and junior Jordan Turner at guard. Harrisburg will operate out of a 3-4 defensive scheme. Ware said the Hornets have six defensive linemen to rotate, including Mullins and Todd at nose tackle. Johnson, Harris, Davis and Turner will also see playingBarlowtime.and Kimble play out side linebacker, where Davis is also in the mix. Brock and sophomore Conner Henderson play inside
more quarterbacks, Eastin Gray and Max Tracy. Ware said both quarterbacks are capable and have worked hard. “They’re very coachable and they listen. They have all the skills,” Ware said. “Eastin has the arm to make all the throws. He can run the ball as well. He knows the reads.”
kidsskysaid,areheCrossland,playedHornets’aeastdutiestheytoarethingsfoot.canthereOffensivelysamefocusatpositionWehaveHenry.safety,AndrewChamberslinebacker.andsophomoreEnglandareplayingWaresaid,alongwithBrooks,TateandHenleyworkedatcornerback.“Thesuccessdependsonus.havekidswhocanplayeachanddoitwell,doitahighlevel,andreallytheisonus,”Waresaid.“Thethingistrueonoffense.youlineupandisnowaythedefensecovereverysinglesquareThere’salwaysgoingtobethattheygiveyou.Now,weskilledenoughtobeabletakeadvantageofthethingsgiveus?”TracywillhandlekickingfortheHornets.WhileWareisnewtoNorthArkansas,he’salreadyhadlookathalftheteamsontheschedule.HarrisburgagainstWestside,HighGosnell,TrumannandCountyinteamcamps,said.“We’veseenfiveteamsthatonourscheduleandlikeIit’sonus,”Waresaid.“Theisthelimit.It’sonus.Theseareworkingsuperhard.” Drinkyourmilkandplayhard! Wishingyouagreatseasonfromyourfriendsat
Nathan Hoxie High School
Mustangs.
“I feel like this group has stepped right in with what the other groups have done, espe cially in the offseason, hitting the weight room, and developing that attitude that they’re the next crew up,” Sears said. “I’m extremely proud of how they’ve done, how they’ve improved themselves individually and as a team in the weight room and theHoxieoffseason.”returns six offensive starters and four defensive regulars from last year’s team that finished 11-1. After receiving a first-round bye in the Class 3A state playoffs, the Mustangs defeated Cedarville 42-0 before losing 38-21 to McGehee in the stateSearsquarterfinals.saidhisteam’s offensive strengths begin with an offen sive line that averages better than 257 pounds per player from tackle to tackle.
Senior Sage Treadwell (6-0, 155) takes over at quarterback. He saw action in varsity games as the backup last season and was also the quarterback for the Mustang junior varsity. Sears said the Mustangs haven’t had to adjust their game plan for Treadwell. “I think Sage is going to step right in and be able to do what our quarterbacks have previ ously done,” Sears said. “He’s done a great job of learning the offense and makes really good decisions in our passing game. He’s a dual-threat quarterback. He’s done an excellent job of preparing for his opportunity to be a Juniorstarter.”Camden Brooks (5-10, 184) is the starting running back after running for 355 yards and three touchdowns last season as a reserve behind his brother Seth. “Camden just has natural running back instincts. He has great lateral hip movement and is a strong, physical runner,” SearsSophomoresaid.
Mustangs maintain high expectations
Hibbard | The TD The 2022
HOXIE — The Hoxie Mus tangs enjoyed another banner season in 2021, including a second consecutive undefeated regular season and 3A-3 confer enceWhiletitle.the Mustangs will have several new faces in starting roles, head coach Tom Sears is expecting big things again this season with a roster that includes 19 seniors.
“I think it starts in the offensive line,” Sears said. “We’re big and physical up front, and prob ably 75 percent of our receiving corps is back. We basically have all those guys back. We’re just bringing in a new quarterback and a new running back, really.”
By Nathan Hibbard TD staff nhibbard@thetd.comwriter
Prechton Wilk erson (5-10, 145) and senior Carson Cooper (5-8, 155) will also see action at running back. Junior Landen Gibson (6-1, 172) playsKaydenfullback.Glenn (5-10, 167) returns at wide receiver after an all-conference sophomore season. Glenn caught 29 passes for 832 yards and 13 touch downs, averaging 28.7 yards perJuniorcatch.Jake Jones (6-2, 192) is moving to tight end after start ing 12 games at wide receiver last year. Also returning as slot receivers are seniors Sawyer Anglin (6-0, 164) and Cooper. Senior Ty Gramling (6-3, 166) will start at the other wide receiver spot, with junior Nolan Blackshear (5-9, 150) rotating in.“Kayden
Senior Jason Duncan (6-0, 250) has moved from tight end to center. Seniors Cooper Spradlin (6-5, 315) and Kenny
20 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
Glenn had a heck of a year as a sophomore,” Sears said. “We also have other guys where people won’t just be able to key on Kayden. We’ve got guys who can make plays, that’s the exciting thing. We’re probably as deep at receiver as we’ve been.”
Aug. 26 TRUMANN 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Westside 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Paragould 7 p.m. Sept. 16 MELBOURNE 7 p.m. Sept. 30 PAL-WHEATLEY* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 CORNING* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Piggott* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 MANILA* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Osceola* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Walnut Ridge* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
Defensively, Hoxie returns three players from one of the best units in school history.
“Our two defensive ends could be a couple of the best I’ve ever had, Mario Armstrong and Montrell Varner,” Sears said. “Caden Dougan, he’s unbelievable at nose guard, 380 pounds and a state power lifting champion. It’s hard to do anything with him in there.”
“There are many old rivalries that could go either way on any Friday night. This conference has many good coaches who always have their teams prepared.”
While Sears likes his team‚Äôs prospects, he knows repeating as the 3A-3 champion will not be“Ieasy.think the conference will be very competitive,” he said.
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 21 2022HOXIESCHEDULE
Langston (6-1, 269) return at left and right guard, respectively. Junior Justin Slusser (5-9, 240) moves in at right tackle, while left tackle will be manned by senior Tyge Spradlin (6-0, 213).
Armstrong was Hoxie’s secondleading tackler last year with 55 total stops, including nine behind the line of scrimmage and three sacks.
ookkeeping •Payroll •ContractorLicenseRenewal •Tax Preparation 413SouthwestThirdStreet •P.O.Box13|WalnutRidge,Arkansas72476 870.886.2772 |Visitusonlineatwww.smithmayfield.com Bestofluckthisfootballseason! • Bookkeeping • Payroll • ContractorLicenseRenewal • TaxPreparation
Senior end Mario Armstrong (5-11, 200), senior tackle Caden Dougan (6-3, 380) and junior free safety Kayden Glenn earned allconference honors last season. Sears expects big things from Armstrong, Dougan and senior end Montrell Varner (5-9, 225).
In addition to that trio, juniors Ethan Dulaney (5-10, 165) and Mattheis Dobbs (5-10, 172) will be relied on heavily at linebacker. Dulaney made 35 tackles in seven games last season. Sears was pleased with Dobbs and Dulaney in the Mustangs’ benefi t game against McCrory. “They’re playing really, really well,” Sears said. “They’re guys who were sitting in the wings behind Jace Benesch and Noah Morse, and they have stepped right in.” The tandem of Simkins and Slusser will fi ll the other tackle position.Glenn picked off six passes last season and scored three defensive touchdowns. Others who will play in the secondary include strong safety Camden Brooks and senior cornerbacks Landon Foster (6-0, 172) and CarsonDuncanCooper.willhandle placekicking duties and senior Devon Rogers (5-9, 155) is the punter.
22 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 HOXIESCHOOL DISTRICT KEEPINGTHELEGACYALIVE DISTT.O.U.G.H. GoodLuck toallofourFootballTeams
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 23 100EHuntingtonAve.,SteD Jonesboro,AR72401 870-932-0571 Bestoflucktoallourlocal teamsthisseason! Jonesboro Paragould WalnutRidge AMBITIOUS GOALS MAKEFOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS Goodluck,teams!
“We’re going to have to run the ball, one, just to sustain time of possession. I think that’s going to be big as far as moving into 7A just because of the depth of the rosters,” Coleman said.
24 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
“Junkyard dogs are probably underfed, a little irritable, have a bad attitude. Even though they’re not in an ideal situation, you know you’re going to get a fight out of them and that’s what we’ve got to be. We lack experi ence, we lack depth, but we need to be a team that is going to fight, scratch, claw, scrap for fourJonesboroquarters.”lost 34 seniors off last year’s team that earned a share of the 6A-East crown while defeating eventual 6A state champion El Dorado.
intentional about it and instead of being underdogs, we want to be junkyard dogs.
“We’re not up to equal with the other teams in 7A yet, so we’re going to have to do a really good job of controlling the line of scrimmage and controlling the ball so we can keep our defense on the sideline where they can catch their breath and we can stay physically in it.”
The Hurricane moved up to Class 7A in the it’ssaid.shouldme,we’veisdog.hisdoesn’tsiderablymostforusedRockofschool’sNorthstatesuchence,schoolstiestworeclassificationenrollment-basedconductedeveryyearsbytheArkansasActiviAssociation.Jonesboroisoneofthesmallerinthe7A-Centralconferwhichfeaturesbehemothsasfour-timedefendingchampionBryant,Conway,LittleRockandCabot.Theenrollmentwas15thout16in7A,largerthanonlyLittleSouthwest,inthefigurestodetermineclassifications2022-24.Colemanacknowledgesthat7Aschoolswillhavecon-largerrosters,butheparticularlycaretohaveteamdescribedasanunderAnothercaninedescriptionmoretohisliking.“It’sbeenalongtimesincebeenunderdogs,buttounderdogalmostmeansyouexpecttolose,”Coleman“Wetalkedaboutit,andkindofsilly,butreallywe’re
Kevin Turbeville | The Sun
And as Jonesboro joins Arkan sas’ largest schools in the state’s top football classification, the Hurricane is embracing a new offensive approach with a youth ful“Football-wise,team. you’re playing young guys, you’re switching offense, you’re moving up to 7A,” said Randy Coleman, Jones boro’s 15th-year head coach. “Now you’ve got all the facility upgrades and changes to go along with the move to 7A. It’s just a perfect transition year.”
The 2022 Jonesboro High School Golden Hurricane.
There are only five returning starters, three on offense and two on defense.
Hurricane transitions to 7A competition
Jonesboro coaches studied Coastal Carolina University in planning their offensive over haul. Using a versatile scheme, the Chanticleers were fifth nationally in the Football Bowl Subdivision in total offense and 24th in time of possession last year.Junior Terrance Brown (5-8, 195) is the No. 1 quarterback. Senior Will Thyer (6-4, 180) will also play quarterback in some situations.Brown’s basketball back ground is an asset, Coleman said.
JONESBORO — Changes at Cooksey-Johns Field became noticeable earlier this summer. The landscape around Jones boro High School’s football stadium began to evolve with the early stages of work on a new activity gym, expected to be completed in the fall of 2023. The visiting stands are being extended and a visiting press box installed for guests from the Class 7A schools that are the Hurricane’s new league rivals.
After passing for more than 3,000 yards last season, the Hurricane will likely run the ball 65-70 percent of the time, Coleman said. The new two-back approach better suits the team’s personnel, he added, and the challenges of 7A football.
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
Defensively, Thyer shifts to free safety after earning allconference honors last year at linebacker, where he was third on the team with 73 tackles. Coleman said Thyer’s position change serves a couple of pur poses.“He’s probably going to play some offensively and that will take some of the beating off of him from the physical nature that he plays with, number one, and the linebacker position entails,” Coleman said. “Too, we’ve discovered over the last three years having somebody back there at the free safety position like John Paul Pickens is very, very beneficial. Thyer, we think he can hopefully come close to playing that same level of play that JP did.”
Junior Jamerion Brownlee (5-8, 145) and senior Tony McKay (5-10, 170) are the top corner backs, while junior Taz Clark (5-10, 161) lines up at strong safety.Junior Will Barnett (5-8, 172) takes over as the placekicker and punter, while senior Harrison Herget (5-10, 185) returns as the snapper. Possibilities in the return game include Tillman, Stacy, McCoy, Pickett and Kevion Williams.Fillingout the nonconference schedule was difficult, Coleman said. Jonesboro opens Friday night at West Memphis, preserving a rivalry that dates to the 1950s, but the Hurricane travels to Lake Hamilton the next week and, in week 3, hosts Center Hill, Miss., in its home opener. Among its new conference foes, Jonesboro has faced Cabot and Conway on a regular basis the past few seasons. The Hurricane has also played North Little Rock and Little Rock Central within the past Bryant,decade.Fort Smith North side and Little Rock Southwest are also on Jonesboro’s league schedule. The top six teams from the 7A-Central make the state playoffs, facing the top six from the 7A-West.
“Last year he played with a high ankle sprain for half the season, so hopefully we can keep him healthy,” Coleman said. “He’s our home run threat. We need to keep him healthy so he can be that explosive player for us.”Pickett was Jonesboro’s sec ond-leading rusher in 2021 with 392Seniorsyards.Phillip Tillman (6-0, 175), who helped the basketball Hurricane win a state championship in March, an d Grant Bartels (6-3, 130) are the top wide receivers. Senior Maddox Morrison (5-10, 180) and junior Chris Stacy (5-11, 172) will also see playing time at receiver. Sophomore Myreion Taylor (6-2, 203) is the top tight end.
Left tackle Cole Abernathy (6-2, 238) and left guard Rashead Staton (6-3, 282) are returning starters on the line, which also features junior right guard Alex Hyneman (6-1, 275) and junior right tackle Trevon Jones (6-3, 230). Senior Kathon Green (6-0, 337) was projected to start at center, but will probably move to guard when he returns from a broken hand, Coleman said.
“He’s a point guard on the basketball team and everything we discussed with being an option-based offense, whether it’s a run-pass option or a triple option, that point guard mental ity really helps,” Coleman said. “You have to have somebody who distributes the ball and he’s got all the Seniorintangibles.”BrockMcCoy (5-9, 170) and junior Markevious Pickett (5-10, 185) are the top two run ning backs. Junior Kevion Wil liams (5-6, 126) and sophomore Sam King (5-11, 171) are also in line for playing time in the backfield.Coleman said McCoy, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, has a scholarship offer from Air Force. He led the Hurri cane in rushing last season with 462 yards and five touchdowns despite battling an ankle injury.
Jonesboro also returns a key defensive lineman in senior end Fred Giles (6-4, 210). Giles had 33 tackles last season, including four behind the line of scrim mage.Giles is being recruited by Incarnate Word, is receiving interest from Stephen F. Austin and has a preferred walk-on offer from Arkansas State, Coleman said. The Jonesboro coach compared Giles to former Jonesboro star Jashaud Stewart, who plays for Arkansas. “He’s playing near the quality that Jashaud Stewart played with, and we don’t say that lightly,” Coleman said. “We know how good Jashaud Stewart played his senior year, but Fred has a similar motor.”
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 25 2022Jonesboroschedule Aug. 26 at West Memphis 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Lake Hamilton 7 p.m. Sept. 16 CENTER HILL (MS) 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Cabot* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 BRYANT* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at FS Northside* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 N. LITTLE ROCK* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 LR SOUTHWEST* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Conway* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at LR Central* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
Junior Jonathan Milton (6-0, 235) takes over at the opposite end, while Coleman lists senior Travis Neal (5-11, 232) and junior Marlon Adams (5-7, 260) as the top tackles. Senior Darius Dinwiddie (5-11, 168), sophomore Markeice Staf ford (5-10, 193) and junior Caleb Smith (5-10, 193) are the lead ers at linebacker. Senior Scott Williams (5-9, 180) and junior Trayshon Crawford (5-10, 190), a move-in from Blytheville, are also in the Hurricane’s plans. Coleman has high expectations for“WeStafford.actually dabbled with moving him up (from junior high) last year. He’s very physically mature,” Coleman said. “He’s emotionally mature and I say that because there’s a competi tive nature those guys have to have, because you know every thing is not going to go perfect. A lot of sophomores struggle with making a mistake and overcom ing it, but ‘Keice has the ability to do that and athletically, he’s really strong and gifted.”
Kevin Turbeville
26 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
return 11 start ers for their quest to reach the postseason again. Junior Felipe Lozano (5-10, 160) takes over at quarterback after backing up Tanner Miller last year. White said Lozano brings a different skill set to the“Tannerposition.was more of a pocket passer and Tanner was a really good game manager. Felipe is going to be more of an athlete and reads the option well,” White said. “I feel like we’re going to be do a little more of that with him. He throws the ball extremely well on the run, has 4.7 speed in the 40, so we’re excited about him at quarter back.”Manila has solid depth for the slotback and fullback positions in its flexbone offense.
What can Manila do for an encore this fall?
White said junior slotback Jacob Baugher (5-11, 155) is Manila’s fastest player, running the 40 in 4.65 seconds. “It’s his
Manila working hard after milestone season
The Lions roared to a 9-3 record, winning more games than they did in the previous four seasons combined. They fin ished second in the 3A-3 confer ence, earned the first home state playoff game in school history and celebrated their first-ever state playoff victory.
MANILA — Cain White’s first season as Manila’s head coach was one to remember.
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
“That’s a great question,” White said. “I think how you define success changes year to year. You want to build a pro gram, you want to build stability, you want to build an identity, but I think the definition for success does change year to year. “That being said, there is an expectation now in Manila. Friday nights in the fall in Manila are exciting now. The atmosphere and aura of games last year was exceptional. It kind of took me back to my Trumann roots, it kind of had that feeling on Friday nights.” After dropping their opener against Earle, the Lions reeled off six consecutive wins, includ ing conference victories over Piggott, Corning, Harrisburg and Palestine-Wheatley. The winning streak ended with a loss to 3A-3 champion Hoxie, but Manila finished the regu lar season with victories over Walnut Ridge and Osceola to earn the conference’s No. 2 playoffManilaseed.dispatched Danville 49-25 in the first round of the playoffs before falling 42-0 at traditional power Booneville in the second round.
“The definition for success this year, I think square one is getting back to the state playoffs. I feel like that’s every team’s No. 1 goal,” White said. “Scratch, claw, fight, do whatever it takes to get back to Week 11. That being said, if we can clinch our playoff spot, that’s our No. 1 goal, and then we move on to the next goal, and that’s getting a home playoff“Thengame.move on to the next goal — when we get to the playoffs, winning that home game and going from there. An encore for last year would be just to do it again.”TheLions
| The Sun
The 2022 Manila High School Lions.
first year playing football since the fourth grade, but he’s really impressed on picking up on the terminology and stuff like that,” WhiteSophomoresaid.
Sophomore Byron Kisner (5-11, 255) is the left tackle, sophomore Dalton Short (6-1, 280) lines up at left guard, junior Wade Evans (6-4, 335) plays right guard and junior Nathan Parrish (6-3, 290) is the right tackle.
Senior Koltan Kisner (6-0, 165), a threeyear starter and team captain, and sophomore Trey Platz (5-10, 160) will be the receivers.
“They’re going to have a race to 100 tackles. That’s their little friendly competition,” White said.Byron Kisner and Parrish line up at end. The tackles are sopho more Landon Harris (6-4, 295), who moved in from Brookland, and junior Heath Pearson (6-2, 285).
“I think it could be one of the best in the state,” White said. “The strength of our team, the heartbeat of our team, is our linebacking corps.” Neal lines up at middle line backer. Lackey and Mullen are the outside linebackers, with Horton and Morris in reserve.
White said the Lions’ defen sive strength is their lineback ers as they transition to more of a 4-3 front this season.
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 27 2022ManilaSchedule Aug. 26 RIVERCREST 7 p.m. Sept. 2 EPC 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Trumann 7 p.m. Sept. 16 HARRISBURG 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Piggott* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Corning* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 PAL-WHEATLEY* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Hoxie* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Walnut Ridge* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 OSCEOLA* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
Matthew Walker (5-11, 175) is also in line for a starting role.
“I think now teams will know what to expect when they come into Manila,” White said. “They’re going to know we’re going to attempt to stop the run and establish the run on the offensive side, play smashmouth football.“Istill think we can play with a little bit of a chip on our shoulder. I still feel like we can do some things that we might not be expected to do with this group.”
Baugher and seniors Connor Wroten (5-11, 165) and Hayden Watson (5-9, 150) will also help atWhitecorner.said Lozano is the punter and Mullen will handle extraHoxiepoints.has won the last two 3A-3 titles and White considers the Mustangs to be the clearcut favorite. After Hoxie, White expects a wide-open race for the second through fourth seeds in theWhiteplayoffs.acknowledged that the Lions aren’t going to sneak up on opponents after winning nine games last fall.
Evans, a defensive starter last year, will also see playing time at Whitetackle.said Bennett, who was an outside linebacker last season, is the likely starter at strong safety, while Platz plays free safety. Walker and junior Brent Williams (5-9, 180) will also play safety. Koltan Kisner is a returning starter at cornerback and junior Donovon Brooks (5-8, 135) is also a likely starter at corner.
Junior Kayden Horton (5-11, 185) will play tight end.
“Our strength in our back field, I think that’s going to be a big-time deal for us,” White said. “We’re not going to be a 70, 80-yard, one-play drive type of team. We’ll have to sustain long drives and be conditioned for those long drives.”
Sophomore Luke Roberts (5-7, 150), a transfer from Gosnell, will also contrib ute at Seniorsslotback.Gabe Bennett (5-11, 175) and Eli Lackey (6-2, 220), a team captain, have key roles on defense, but will also be part of the slotback rotation.
Senior Brian Neal II (6-1, 230) leads the charge at fullback. A team captain who also starts at middle linebacker, Neal runs the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds and could be a college prospect with a good season, White said. “He runs the ball downhill well, is an exceptional blocker and has sneaky athleticism,” White said. “We can get him out in the flat, we can even really put him out wide and get him one on one with a smaller-bodied cornerback and let him go get a jumpSeniorball.”Mason Mullen (6-2, 215), a team captain, and junior Drake Morris (5-7, 165) will also playSeniorfullback.center Hunter Miles (6-0, 305), a team captain, anchors the offensive line.
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
The 2022 Marked Tree High School Indians.
Sophomore Kenyon Carter (5-8, 165) is likely to take over at quarterback after leading last year’s junior high squad. Dunn said Carter’s junior high experience at the position should help his transition to high school quarterback.
Marked Tree has two return ing offensive line starters in senior right guard Cainan Hawkins (5-10, 205) and senior left tackle Bryce Dunn (6-1, 245). The line also features senior center Caden Kimery (5-10, 170), sophomore left Marked Tree preps for tough conference
MARKED TREE — Head coach Waylon Dunn believes Marked Tree may be in the toughest conference of the four in Class 2A football this fall, a league deep enough that a good team could finish in the lower half of the standings and miss the state playoffs. But if things go well, Dunn thinks the Indians have an opportunity to finish atop the 2A-2 conference.
28 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
“I don’t want to jinx myself, but I think we have a chance to win it. Now, we have to go out there and play the game,” Dunn said. “We have to be healthy, can’t afford a bunch of injuries or whatever. I think if they stay together, we’ve got a shot.”The Indians combine return ees from last year’s team that finished 5-6 overall, reaching the second round of the 2A state playoffs, with sophomores from an undefeated junior high team. Marked Tree has enough depth that Dunn hopes to avoid starting the same linemen on both sides of the ball.
Kevin Turbeville
| The Sun
“I think you have talented guys around him that you don’t have to ask him to be the hero and force anything. Hopefully with the running backs and those receivers, we can find ways to get them the ball and take a little pressure off of him.”Seniors LaRay Brown (5-10, 195) and Jaylen Bradley (5-7, 180) will share time at running back.Brown had impressive per formances late in his freshman year and as a sophomore before missing last season with a knee injury. Bradley gave the Indi ans a lift last year, scoring a touchdown in their 36-6 state playoff victory over Murfreesboro. Junior Jayvion Tribble (5-8, 180) is also expected to contribute in the backfield.
“He had a good year last year in junior high and that helps, and it’s the second year in the same offense, understanding what it is that you’re asking him to do,” Dunn said. “And I think the other thing that helps him is you don’t have to put everything on his shoulders.
Senior receiver Willie Mar shall (6-0, 180) scored three rushing touchdowns and also returned a kickoff for a touch down against Piggott. Dunn said Marshall will still see some playing time at quarter back.Junior Cameron Marshall (5-11, 170) also plays receiver, while sophomore Tate Swink (5-11, 185) is the wingback and sophomore Jonah Walker (6-5, 215) plays tight end.
Junior Timothy Risper (6-0, 175) will also play inside line backer, while Brown and Willie Marshall are the outside line backers. Dunn said Swink and sophomore J.J. Risper (5-8, 150) will have their opportuni ties somewhere on defense as well.The secondary features Cam eron Marshall and sophomore JaKaymion Williams (5-7, 125) at cornerback, with senior Eli Crockett (5-6, 120) at safety. Walker will kick extra points, Dunn said, and Swink will be theMarkedpunter.Tree is one of only 29 teams playing Class 2A football this fall. In addition to familiar league foes such as East Poinsett County, McCrory, Earle and Cross County, the Indians are in the same league as Des Arc, Clarendon and Marianna.
You’ve got Clarendon, who’s going to be pretty good, and Earle, Cross County, Marianna Lee.“Ithink it’s a pretty talented conference. There’s only four conferences now (in 2A) and top to bottom, this may be the toughest. I’m not trying to slight anybody else, I know there are good teams in other conferences, but I’m talking about from top to bottom.”
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 29 Marked Tree 2022 Schedule Aug. 26 at Hector 7 p.m. Sept. 9 JACKSON (TN) CENTRAL 7 p.m. Sept. 16 PIGGOT T 7 p.m. Sept. 23 MARIANNA LEE* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Earle* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Des Arc* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 McCRORY* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 CLARENDON* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Cross County* 7 p.m. Nov. 3 EPC* 7 p.m. *Conference games. MorganMichael’sSalon isaproudsupporterof theMarkedTreeIndians Morgan Michael’sSalon 97NathanSt,Marked TreeAR,72365 870-358-2202 Goodluckthisyearboys andGOBIGBLUE! guard Ryan Wages (6-1, 200) and junior right tackle Jakyron Reel (6-0, 210). Dunn is count ing on juniors Jayce Ruthven (5-10, 210) and Wesley Pitts (5-10, 210), among others, for depth.“Like most people, I want to run the ball. That’s the first thing I want to be able to do,” Waylon Dunn said. “I’ve got three new faces on the offensive line, but I’ve got confidence in them. We’ve got a little depth there. ... That’s the first thing. I feel when it comes to receivers, I feel like I’m pretty deep there and I want to be able to get those guys the ball, too.” Ruthven and senior Brady Hicks (6-2, 295) are the tackles in Marked Tree’s 4-4 defense, with seniors Braylon Kennedy (6-1, 200) and Jaden Hollingsworth (6-2, 215) serving as theWalker,ends. who starred on the junior high team after moving to Marked Tree last year, lines up at inside linebacker. He won the high jump in the spring at the Class 1A state track and field“Hemeet.has tremendous character. He’s well disciplined, that’s a nod to his parents, and he’s a talented football player,” Dunn said. “The thing we notice about him is the ground he covers. He’s so long. We noticed it last year in junior high, but this spring and this summer, just doing drills, watching him move, he covers a lot of ground.”
“You could be pretty good and not make the playoffs in this conference. You’ve got McCrory, the defending state champion, and I know they lost some kids, but they’ve still got some too,” Dunn said. “You’ve got Des Arc, who is the coaches’ pick to win it and I know they’ve got a lot of their skill kids back. You’ve got EPC, who’s got most everybody back. They’re extremely talented.
30 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 ONE TRIBE. ONE PURPOSE . MarkedTreeSchoolDistrict CONQUERANDPREVAIL. GoIndians! ProvidersAcceptingNewPatients GetBetter.870-936-8000 •NEABaptistClinic.com MaryJoanneUmeora,MD •Camille Chan, DO TomorrowPotter,APRN •PriscillaFortner,APRN Pediatrics Meghan Lyerly,MD •NatalieMartin,APRN BrooklandClinic AmyBailey,MD Pediatrics-BrooklandClinic Stephanie Wiggins,APRN StevenVanderbilt,APRN WoodspringsClinic Travis,Ewing,DO •TiffanyWoodard,APRN JessicaWomble,APRN •ClaraJones,APRN WindoverClinic GarrettWray,APRN •LyndonRamirez,APRN ParagouldClinic AliHaydar,MD•CrystalAdams,APRN HilltopClinic MatthewHarvisonMD TrumannClinic
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 31 GoodLuckthisseasonRaiders! NettletonPublicSchools WHATEVERITTAKESFOREVERYCHILD
“We like our wide receiver group,” Steven Hampton said. “We’re always going to be a run-first team, we want to be physical up front, but we feel like the yards Cameron Scarlett got running the ball, we feel like those yards and that production will be replaced with our wide receiver group with the hitch screens, the RPOs.
The 2022 Nettleton High School Raiders.
“Those are things Maddox does well, getting the ball out quick, accurate, and letting those guys make plays out in space. Curtez, Q, Braylon, they can all do things really well with the ball in their hands. That’s what we’re thinking to try to keep people out of the box, to spread them out that way.”
Raiders aim to defend league title
King (5-8, 150) is a senior, while Smith (5-10, 165), Thomp son (5-10, 160) and Tedder (5-11, 175) are juniors. Smith ran for 174 yards and scored three rush ing touchdowns as a reserve last season.Senior Ke’Andre Pope (5-9, 151) is the No. 1 running back, followed by junior Kylan Shel ton (5-6, 167) and senior Kene Davis (5-8, 168). Pope rushed for the Raiders’ lone touchdown against Little Rock Christian, one of four he scored last season while rushing for 280 yards in a reserve role.
Kevin Turbeville
| The Sun
32 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
Nettleton ran through its 2021 schedule without a loss until Little Rock Christian stopped the Raiders, 35-7, in the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs. It was a mile stone season for the Raiders, who won their first outright conference title since 1997, went undefeated in the regular season for the first time since 1994 and won their first 11 games for the first time.
“We’ve got a lot of key pieces coming back, a lot of good players. Our expectation is to compete for a conference cham pionship and make a run in the playoffs again,” Hampton said. “Obviously depth is the biggest thing for us this year. Last year we had more big guys up front and this year, we just don’t have as many of those guys. We’ve got some good ones. “It’s about staying healthy throughout the course of the year and if we can do that, I feel like we can make a run.”
JONESBORO — The defend ing 5A-East conference cham pions hope to stay in the race a long time this fall, too. And if the Nettleton Raiders can avoid injuries, head coach Steven Hampton thinks they have a chance to win it again.
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
While 20-plus seniors gradu ated from an 11-1 team, the Raiders return two all-state selections on defense and expect new playmakers to step forward onSophomoreoffense.
Maddox Hampton (5-10, 165) takes over at quarter back. While former quarterback Cameron Scarlett often kept the ball himself on the run-pass options in the Raider offense, Steven Hampton said his son Maddox, who was a starting pitcher on the Raider baseball team in the spring, is more likely to distribute the ball to receivers such as Quordarius Thompson, Braylon King, Kaleb Tedder and Curtez Smith.
Like Pigram, senior line backer Blake Brown (6-0, 187) was an all-state and Best Under The Sun selection last season. Brown led the Raiders with 122 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and four sacks. Hampton said Brown will wear No. 9, a jersey the Raid ers hand down each season to a player who is a good student and role model as well as a football“Blakestandout.Brown,he’s a great student, a good football player, a good kid,” Hampton said. “He just falls into that mold.”
Brown will start alongside sophomore linebackers Tyler Craig and Kohen Ligons (5-11, 170). David Nwissi (5-11, 175) is another sophomore who will push for playing time at linebacker, Hampton said. Senior Jamie Morris (6-0, 165) lines up as the boundary safety after starting last season at linebacker, where he made 45 tackles. “Really the spot he’s playing, it’s a linebacker spot. He’s just playing from depth,” Hampton said. “If he continues to improve, he’ll have a chance to make a lot of tackles this year.”The Raiders have a return ing starter at cornerback in junior Kylan Goodlow (5-9, 136). Hampton said Goodlow, who intercepted two passes last season, is playing with more confidence than he did last year.
Seniors Khilen Gates (6-3, 275) and Colby Miller (6-3, 240) are returning starters on the line, while junior Garrett Camp bell (6-3, 260) also has starting experience. Gates will line up at left tackle, Miller returns at right guard and Campbell will play right tackle.
Juniors Zach Davis (5-9, 233) and Ian Landrum (6-2, 194) take over at center and left guard, respectively.Afterholding seven oppo nents to single-digit points last season, the Raiders will field another imposing defensive front this season.
Last season’s championship was Nettleton’s third 5A-East title in five seasons. Hampton has led the Raiders to six state playoff berths along with a 61-35 overall record in nine seasons. Last season Nettleton built momentum with comeback victories over Mountain Home and Pocahontas during nonconference play. The Raiders’ 5A-East schedule ended with their toughest conference games against Valley View and Wynne. Valley View and Wynne are once again the last two games on the “Whatschedule.wetell our kids is the more you win, the bigger the ballgames get, especially toward the end. That’s what we want to do,” Hampton said. “We want to play meaningful games at the end of the season. Last year those games didn’t get any bigger, and that’s what we want.”
Senior nose tackle Kam Phil lips (6-0, 250) is another dis ruptive defensive lineman who had 14 tackles for loss and four sacks last season. Hampton also has high hopes for sophomore defensive tackle Keon Stallings (6-2, 240). “I can’t say enough about Keon Stallings and the way he’s played. He was pretty good in the spring, but since we started fall camp, he’s playing at a dif ferent level,” Hampton said. “He’s lost some weight. He was probably at about 255, 260 in the spring. He’s down to about 235, 240 now and his quickness has been noticeable.”
Senior Jordan Pigram (6-3, 260) is back at defensive tackle after an all-state junior season where he made 73 tackles, including 30 tackles for loss and four quarterback sacks. Hamp ton said Pigram, who forced five fumbles and recovered four in 2021, has a scholarship offer from Ouachita Baptist. “He’s worked on his speed and agility this summer and offseason. He’s hard to block,” Hampton said. “He’s extremely quick. He uses his hands really well and he’s learning how to play the position. He’s learning how to read blocking schemes. He makes it extremely difficult on our offense on a daily basis. Hopefully he’s going to do the same for other teams.”
Junior Brandon Alexander (5-5, 120) moves into the lineup at cornerback, while Shelton starts at nickel safety and senior Myles Williams (6-2, 170) at free safety. Shelton started against Little Rock Christian in last year’s playoffs. Junior Nate Ellis is making strides at safety, Hampton said, and senior Derrick Island (5-5, 132) will be part of the rotation at cornerback.SeniorJoseph Nuhung (5-2, 103), the Raiders’ extra point and field goal kicker, was 21-of27 last season. Senior Antonio Almaraz (5-8, 145) will handle kickoffs while Maddox Hamp ton will likely handle punting duties. Pigram is the deep snapper.Hampton is one of only three head coaches returning from last year’s 5A-East. He expects Wynne and Valley View to contend again after finishing second and third, respectively, last season. Batesville, a long time 5A-East contender, is entering a new era after long time coach Dave King decided to step down. Southside is new to the league, replacing Greene County Tech. “I think there’s a lot of unknowns going into it. I think those teams — us, Valley View, Wynne, Batesville — are going to be up there competing for those top spots, and then after that, who’s going to be that dark horse out of the other teams? We’ll see how that plays out during the season.”
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 33 2022NettletoNSchedule Aug. 26 at Mtn. Home 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Pocahontas 7 p.m. Sept. 9 BLYTHEVILLE 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Batesville* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 BROOKLAND* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 PARAGOULD* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Southside* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 FORREST CITY* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Valley View* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 WYNNE* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
34 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 WE WANT YOU TO ARKANSASSTATEUNIVERSITY Visit:
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The 2022 Greyhound roster consists of 22 seniors. All-state playmakers Jadarius Reed and Antwan Hardaway and allconference receiver Eli Alcorn graduated in May leaving the legacy to the new group of seniors. Offensively, Dejai Marshall (5-11, 190) will start at quarterback with sophomore Demetric Denton (6-3, 170) as backup. “Dejai is the most talented quarterback I have ever coached,” Reardon said. “It is his side-to-side quickness that sets him apart.” “Dillon Braxton is the reserve,” states Reardon. “Dillon is ver satile and is good at a lot of dif ferent spots which makes him a real Runningthreat.”backs include senior C.J. Young (5-9, 175; 4.8 speed) and senior Jalen Pollard (5-8, 185; 4.9 speed). Young, who is expected to have a breakout year, will carry the running game. Senior Andrei Rodri guez (5-9, 185) and Marshall are kickers for the season with Jake Keedy as snapper and Josh Drennin as holder. Senior Jeremiah Godair (5-11, 185) competes for fullback. Junior B.J. Elston (5-9, 190) is at H-back
NEWPORT — There have been many changes in Grey hound Nation. Newport High School hired Newport native Brian Reardon in April as Grey hound senior high head football coach and athletic director. After a 6-5 record in 2021, the Hounds look to restore their powerhouse tradition under new leadership. Reardon hired Newport-native Josh Austin (OL, DL and special teams) and past Newport head coach Tim Branum (offensive coordinator). Lavar Neal and Rashad Billingsley return as veteran Greyhound staff mem bers.Offensive Coordinator Tim Branum returns after leaving Newport in 2000. “I am glad to be back,” he said. “This is a special place to coach football. Great tradition. Great support.” Branum explains there is a lot of talent within the senior class of Greyhounds, with the team having depth at most positions and great attitudes. “I haven’t had this much fun coaching in a long time.”
Reardon plans to use the Hounds’ enormous community involvement and support to energize the program and con tinue the legacy his staff helped build, either as players or past coaches. Reardon possesses a 1991 State Championship ring as a constant reminder of what Newport can achieve.
38 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
The first game of the season for the Hounds is against the Osceola Seminoles, a decades long rival. “We may sputter in the beginning,“ states Reardon, “it is expected. I believe if you peak at week one, the odds of being that good at week 12 are rare.” He noted that the one advantage the Seminoles have is the continuity of the staff.
“This is our first year together as a staff and with this team,” he explained. “That isn’t some thing I can control but it will take care of itself.”
The 2022 Newport High School Greyhounds.
Greyhounds see many changes for 2022 Amanda Reynolds | Independent
By Amanda Reynolds Newport Independent staff
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 39 2022NewportSchedule Aug. 26 at Osceola 7 p.m. Sept. 2 BEEBE 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Stuttgart 7 p.m. Sept. 16 TRUMANN 7 p.m. Sept. 23 QUITMAN* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Salem* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Atkins* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Melbourne* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 YELLVILLE-SUMMIT* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 PERRYVILLE* 7 p.m. *Conference games. and tight end. Senior Ka’ruon Spearman (5-9, 215) could also see snaps at the H-back and tight end Receiverspositions.include seniors Isiah Kendall, Kylan Crite, Drennin, Brendon Curry, Noah Curtis, and sophomore Anto nio Phillips. Kendall (6-5, 180; 4.6 speed), an All-2-3A outside receiver, competed in various scouting combines where he gen erated interest from multiple D1 schools. Crite (6-1, 175), an all-conference receiver, tallied 727 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 41 receptions last“Kylanseason.Crite is another player getting D1 attention,” states Reardon. “The interest is there so I look for that to pan out this season.”Drennin (5-10, 155; 4.7 speed) is that most unspoken player, according to the staff. Daelen Carter, Jacobie Row land, Jacob Ozier, Mattew Riley (guard) and Tyler Ridley will make up the line. Ozier (5-11, 210) will shift to center for his senior season after two seasons at guard. Senior Aabel Robinson (6-3, 325), who is the team’s strongest player with a 540pound squat, will likely start atReardontackle. expects the Grey hounds to continue their tradi tion of being a defensive team. “I think we have the best defensive backs in the state,” he said. This year’s top defensive players include Jaden Godair, Robinson and Young. Fans can also expect to see Kendall and Curry at safety this season. Ken dall has not played safety since junior high, while all-conference defender Curry (28 tackles, 6 interceptions, 2 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery) will likely return at safety but could see snaps at linebacker, as well. Reardon will call the defense with Neal coaching the defen sive backs, while Billingsley will focus on the interior. Coach Austin will manage the offensive line, defensive line and special teams.Jeremiah Godair, an All-2-3A linebacker, logged 46 tackles and 4 sacks last season. “He goes 100 miles per hour and never complains. He is a very unselfish player,” states Reardon. Jalen Pollard can play linebacker and is number two behind Young. Sophomores Demetric Denton, Jack Sampson, and Ka’Ron Spearman contribute as inside linebackers. Jaden Godair (33 tackles, 4 sacks) starts at end. Riley will likely return at the other end. Rodriguez could also find snaps at the end. Young and Robinson are focal points for the defense. Robinson, an all-conference tackle, logged 36 tackles and 7 sacks. Young (405-pound squat, 280-pound bench press, 245-pound incline bench press) earned all-confer ence honors after recording 65 tackles and 2 sacks last fall.
Elston (310-pound squat), who is a potential starter at middle linebacker, logged 19 stops as a sophomore. Crite (350-pound squat, 220-pound bench press) starts at cornerback with 41 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 deflected passes in 2021. Dren nin may start at the other corner. Reardon said that defensively the Hounds are going strong.
“The defense is familiar to the team because Coach Reynolds ran it two years ago,” explains Reardon. “It was just getting the guys to refamiliarize with it.” The offense, coached by Tim Branum, will set the Hounds apart.“Offensively, we need this talented offensive line to prove themselves,” admits Reardon. “I remind the team constantly that the difference between a good team and a great team is the offensive line.”
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The Seminoles expect produc tion from senior running back Skyler Young (5-10, 215), who was an all-conference selec tion last season. Young scored touchdowns against Hoxie and Piggott in 2021.
The 2022 Osceola High School Seminoles.
Osceola has key returnees on both sides of the ball from last year’s team that finished 6-4.
Senior Torian Bell Jr. (6-2, 170) takes over as Osceola’s quar terback. A safety last season as well as the backup quarterback, Bell is a strong student who has worked hard through the summer, Carter said. “He understands his role. He’s a very smart kid,” said Carter, who is coaching quarterbacks. “He understands what he needs to do and that’s just manage the game. If he can manage the game, do things of that nature, we’ll be fine.”
“We’re looking for big things out of Skyler this year,” Carter said. “He’s worked his butt off this summer, has gotten stron ger and is running the ball with a vengeance in practice.”
“This is starting my third year here and the expectations around here are high. The standards are to compete for a state championship, compete for a conference championship, so those are our expectations,” Carter said. “We’re going to try to take it one game at a time, compete for a conference cham pionship, and get a good spot in the playoffs and try to compete for a state championship.”
Osceola has high expectations for 2022
Steve Knox | Osceola Times
42 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
The Seminoles were 6-1 over all and undefeated in the 3A-3 when quarterback Don Littleton was injured during a conference showdown with Hoxie, a game the Mustangs won 21-14. Manila shut out Osceola 13-0 in the regular-season finale the following week and the Seminoles’ season ended with a 29-14 loss to Centerpoint in the first round of the state playoffs. “We came out and we got hot. Then in the Hoxie game, Don got hurt. That kind of hurt us, but we still had to go play,” Carter said. “We felt like we had a chance, played some decent defense, but you know when your leader goes down, you don’t know how it will affect your team in that moment. It hurt us, I’m not going to sugar-coat it.”
OSCEOLA — Osceola head coach Jamie Carter says his team’s expectations match the program’s standards. The Seminoles played in the Class 3A state championship game in 2018 and 2019. While they didn’t advance that deep into the bracket the past two seasons, Osceola’s objectives haven’t changed.
Bell’s targets in the passing game include a junior who is already drawing Football Bowl Subdivision interest. Carter said Arkansas State has made a scholarship offer to junior wide receiver Keenan Jackson (6-3, 160), who earned all-conference honors in 2021.
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
“Football is like this — how good are you playing October and November? If you’re playing good ball in October and November, you’ve got a good chance going down the road. That’s what I’m banking on.”
Senior Tony McNeal (6-2, 205) is back at tight end. Key offensive linemen include senior tackle Taylun Hooks (6-1, 205), sophomore center Donavan Littleton and sopho more guard Kevis Love. Carter said the Seminoles will have plenty of experience in the secondary. Senior Jerry Long (5-10, 160), an all-confer ence football player who was the MVP of the Class 3A state basketball final, returns at cornerback. Senior Lewis Hig gins (6-2, 162), who also starts at cornerback, moved in from Columbus, Ga., Carter said.
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Jackson was a big-play threat as a sophomore with 540 yards receiving, an average of 27 yards per catch and eight touchdown receptions.“He’savery explosive kid. He went to the Arkansas State camp and had a great camp. They gave him an offer,” Carter said. “He’s ready to go. We just have to put him in the right situations and get him the ball. The kid brings a lot to the table, very athletic and explosive. We think he’s going to have a great breakout year for us.”
Senior Draylan Haymon is also projected to start at safety. Torian Bell, his younger brother Tyler or junior Michael Cassidy will fill the other safetyYoungslot.isprojected to start at linebacker along with sopho mores Zion Simpson and Jer emiah Jacobs. Senior all-con ference nose guard Terrance Marshall (6-1, 230) returns, with Hooks, junior Peyuantae Scott and sophomore Harris Manning also expected to play snaps along the defensive line.
“I think Walnut Ridge is going to be pretty competi tive. Hoxie is always going to be competitive,” Carter said. “Manila, I think they’ll build on what they did last year. I think it will be pretty competitive.
Carter forecasts a competi tive race in 3A-3.
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 43 2022OsceOlaschedule Aug. 26 NEWPORT 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Blytheville 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Gosnell 7 p.m. Sept. 23 CORNING* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 PIGGOT T* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Pal.-Wheatley* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 WALNUT RIDGE* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 HOXIE* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Manila* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
PARAGOULD — The goal for the 2022 Paragould Rams is to play smart football, play hard football and win games in a competitive 5A East Conference, their coach said thisDavidmonth.Gunn, who is in his first year coaching the Rams, said the team has been work ing out this summer and began practice on Aug. 1. Since then, Gunn said the focus has been to teach the players the basics and build the foundation for a strong program.
By Michael Wilkey Daily Press staff mwilkey@paragoulddailypress.comwriter
44 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
Gunn, who was an assistant at Arkansas State University for 11 years and played foot ball at Arkansas, said there has been some interest from longtime fans visiting train ing camp this year. Gunn said the team will be running a 4-3 on defense and multiple schemes on offense this year. He said he is still working on put ting together his starting lineup but said the team will be ready in time for the first game against crosstown rival Greene County Tech on Friday.“Thekids are learning how to work,” Gunn said, noting the effort given on the field is an important step to creating a successful program.
Amy Glenn | Paragould School District
The team has won only six games since the 2016 campaign, but Gunn is opti mistic for the future.
“The players are being taught how to work and give a great effort on the field,” heParagouldsaid. had 522 yards passing last year and picked up 868 yards rushing, as well. The Rams had a total of 2,114 all-purpose yards during the 2021 season.
The 2022 Paragould High School Rams.
The team finished 0-9 last year, but Gunn said that record is not what they are reflecting on.
The effort has been to build from the bottom up and create a program that people can be proud of, Gunn said.
The team has nearly 50 play ers on the roster this year, with several key returning players.Winn (5-10, 186) led the Rams last year with 517 allpurpose yards, with most on Rams, new coach ready for new season
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 45
Aug. 26 GCT 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Piggott 7 p.m. Sept. 9 HOXIE 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Valley View* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 BATESVILLE* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Nettleton* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Forrest City* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 WYNNE* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Brookland* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 SOUTHSIDE* 7 p.m. *Conference games. special teams, while juniors Corbin Bailey (5-6, 144) and Kaden Calhoun (6-2, 193) return with 114 and 62 yards rushing, respectively. Junior Carter Beliew (6-1, 245) also had 77 yards receiv ing last year. The team plays in the eightteam 5A East. Gunn said the district has always been one of the best in the state, with a football rich tradition with teams like Batesville, Wynne and Nettleton, noting that Wynne and Batesville have won state titles in the past. However, Gunn said teams have to show up in order to win.“It is a district where anyone can beat anyone on a Friday evening,” he said. Gunn said the Rams are looking forward to kicking off the season with a home game against Greene County Tech, noting the game is one of the state’s biggest rivalries. After the GCT game, Para gould travels to Piggott Sept. 2 and then hosts Hoxie Sept. 9. After a week off, Paragould visits Valley View Sept. 23 and then has a home game against Batesville on Sept. 30 and a road game against Nettleton on Oct. 7.
“We have practiced long enough,” Gunn said.
2022ParagouldSchedule
The final four games of the year have Paragould traveling to Forrest City Oct. 14, host ing Wynne Oct. 21, traveling down Highway 49 to face Brookland on Oct. 28 and hosting Southside, who moves up from the 2-4A, on Nov. 4. After a few weeks of prac tice and workouts during the summer, Gunn said his team is ready for the fall campaign.
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NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 47
“He makes us go offensively with the things that he does blocking. He’s probably one of the best fullbacks I’ve ever Redskins work toward continued success
| The Sun
Kevin Turbeville
Baker (6-1, 195) was an all-purpose selection to the Arkansas Sports Media Super Team last season as well as a Best Under The Sun selection for the second year in a row. He rushed for 2,211 yards and 40 touchdowns, averag ing 7.8 yards per carry, and passed for 615 yards and six touchdowns.Batysaid Arkansas Tech has offered Baker a scholar ship as a running back and Ouachita Baptist has made an offer to play linebacker. Other schools, including Memphis, have shown interest in him.
48 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
The 2022 Pocahontas High School Redskins.
POCAHONTAS — Sopho mores were still waiting their turn before the camera near the end of Pocahontas’ photo day when senior quarter back Connor Baker and the Redskins’ receivers started making their way to the prac tice field beside Schoonover Stadium.TheRedskins weren’t pre paring for practice. Baker and his teammates were working on their own, honing their timing in the passing game a little more ahead of a highly anticipated football season in Randolph County. “They do that quite often,” Pocahontas coach Charles Baty said. “They spend hours doing it.”
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
The extra work is typical of an experienced team that is expected to make a run at a second consecutive 4A-3 conference championship. Baker, a two-way dynamo, leads the returning starters from last year’s team that tied Rivercrest atop the 4A-3 on the way to a 9-3 record. Poca hontas routed Fountain Lake 47-28 in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs before falling 49-7 to eventual state champion Pulaski Robinson in the second round. Eight starters return on offense and nine are back on defense entering Baty’s ninth season as the Redskins’ head coach.“Obviously the expectations are high. We’re just excited, very excited, not just about having a lot of returning starters but getting to coach them,” Baty said. “They’re a great group of kids. They come out and work extremely hard every day. They’re great team mates and good role models for young people.”
The Redskins have to replace four of their five offensive linemen, but the skill-position starters all return from last year’s offense that averaged 34.5 points per game.
“He led the state in rushing and rushing touchdowns last year, and he finished the year throwing the ball extremely well,” Baty said. “That’s some thing we’ve really tried to capitalize on. “We’ve got a mature group of receivers and if we can become more balanced, that’s something we’d like to do, something we can build on most definitely and still have the ability to run the football. At the same time, we’re replacing four offensive linemen and three of them are sophomores, but they’re very talented sophomores.”
Junior running back Reagan Womack (6-3, 226) joins Baker in the backfield, as does senior Reed Bigger (6-3, 238) when the Redskins use a fullback. Baty said Bigger is vital to Pocahontas’ offensive success.
Pocahontas expects to start three sophomores in right tackle Ryan Mathes (6-7, 320), right guard Landen Gettings (6-1, 305) and left tackle Zane Baltz (6-3, 245).
“I think he’s just as good if not better on the defensive side. He’s extremely tough to block. He’s just got great vision offensively and defen sively,” Baty said. “He sees things, he sees the big picture and then he has the athleti cism and the ability to react. In high school football, it’s vital that you set the edge and he’s very good at that, and in passing situations we can rush him off the edge or drop him back into coverage.”
2022Pocahontasschedule
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 49 coached,” Baty said. “Reagan Womack has put on 15 pounds in the offseason and gotten faster. We expect to help take some of the pressure off Connor there with him carry ing the ball as well.”
9
Aug. 26 at Southside 7 p.m. Sept. NETTLETON 7 p.m. Sept. BROOKLAND 7 p.m. Sept. 23 RIVERCREST* 7 p.m. Sept. at Gosnell* 7 p.m. Oct. at Harrisburg* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 TRUMANN* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Westside* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 BLYTHEVILLE* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Highland* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
Baker, who made 101 tack les last season, also sets the pace defensively at outside linebacker.
2
A Best Under The Sun selec tion last year, Bigger had 63 tackles (eight for loss), eight pass deflections, five blocked punts, a blocked field goal, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown.JuniorJack Privett (6-0, 225) will start at the end opposite Bigger and senior Braden Vancil (6-3, 320) is back at noseguard. Baker and Womack are the outside line backers, while sophomore Ty Menard (6-0, 185) and junior Zane Hibbard (5-10, 180) line up“It’sinside.probably the best defen sive front we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Baty said. Baty also expressed confi dence in the secondary. Carter and junior Cooper Sorg (5-10, 165) are the cornerbacks, while Maupin and Risley line up at Seniorsafety.Marcus Streeper (6-0, 210) handles kicking duties, while Baker and Carter will return kicks. Baty said the 4A-3 is prob ably as tough as it’s been. The Redskins open conference play with Rivercrest, which handed them their only league loss last year.
Pocahontas followed that loss with seven consecutive victories before running into Robinson, which won its five state playoff games by an average of 32.4 points.
The receiving corps features seniors Tripp Risley (5-10, 170), Harrison Carter (6-3, 175), Will Mason (5-10, 165) and Grayson Maupin (5-10, 175).Junior left guard Caleb Bettis (6-3, 255) is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. Senior Lawson James (6-0, 195) is the center.
“Last year’s team, I’ve never seen a team improve so much week to week as what that group did,” Baty said. “We have the same mindset this year of just getting better every day. If we do that, every thing else will take care of itself.”
7
Bigger moves to end, which Baty considers a more natu ral position for him, after playing linebacker in 2021.
30
tions are among 11 returning starters (five on offense, six on defense). Fleming is counting on several players to contrib ute at the skill positions.
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
|
“We always want to finish up close to the top of the confer ence because that gives you a better chance when the play offs roll around,” head coach Johnny Fleming said. “Our kids think they’re as good as anybody. That’s the first step. You have to believe you’re as good as anybody. We’ve had some good runs and we try to keep that in their minds that that’s what is expected ofFleming,them.” who is starting his 35th season on staff at his alma mater, has added to the tradition with his teams win ning three conference titles in four seasons. The Colts are 39-10 on Fleming’s watch, including a Class 4A state runner-up finish in 2020. Five all-conference selec
50 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
“We feel like we have a lot of team speed,” Fleming said. “We think we’re going to pla toon them where one group plays offense and one group playsSophomoredefense.”Cavonta Wash ington (6-0, 165) and junior Mike Rainer (5-10, 156) have been worki ng at quarterback. Fleming said Washington throws the ball well and is a capable runner as well. Rainer is an all-purpose threat who earned all-confer ence and Best Under The Sun honors as a sophomore, when he led the team with 1,172 all-purpose yards. “He can play any position we want him at,” Fleming said. “He’ll be at quarterback some because he can take it to the house any time he touches it.”
Rainer was Rivercrest’s No. 1 receiver last year with 62 receptions for 844 yards and 11 touchdowns, includ ing games of 100-plus yards against Valley View, Pocahon tas, Westside and Highland. He also scored four rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner against Malvern in the Juniorplayoffs.running back Koby Turner (5-8, 160) was River crest’s second-leading rusher last season with 283 yards. The younger brother of former Rivercrest star Kam Turner, Koby Turner stood out in the Colts’ final three games with 226 yards rushing. “He’s got really good vision,” Fleming said. “He’ll stay behind his blockers and then
Kevin Turbeville The Sun
WILSON — Expectations around Rivercrest football are at a typical level for late August.TheColts are aiming for another conference champion ship after earning an outright crown or a title share in six of the past seven seasons. Their history includes 39 playoff appearances in 52 seasons and 30-plus conference ti tles, including last year’s 4A-3 title share with RivercrestPocahontas.earned the league’s No. 1 playoff seed and a first-round bye in 2021 because of its victory over Pocahontas. After a 28-21 second-round victory over Malvern, the Colts bowed out with a 41-7 quarterfinal loss to Shiloh Christian to conclude an 8-3 season.
The 2022 Rivercrest High School Colts.
Rivercrest looks to claim another title
Slayton, who earned allconference honors last season, returns at inside linebacker after making 85 tackles, including 16 for loss, and thr ee interceptions as a sophomore.
“We’ve got guys who can run,” Fleming said. If we can just clog it up and make sure everything is funneled to the right place, we think we have a chance to run guys down.”
“Sometimes you catch people off guard, so now they’re going to try to double-team him and Jakavian or Jaden Stovall or even Kevin Morris on the outside, somebody will have to step All-conferenceup.”
Scott, an all-conference selection, returns at cornerback. Senior Jay Robertson (6-0, 145) is also set to start at cornerback. Turner, an allconference choice in 2021, and Elrod are the safeties. Wash ington, senior Brayden Cham pion (6-0, 145) and sophomore Keiran Morris (6-0, 145) could also have opportunities in the secondary.Johnsonand Slayton are bat tling for the placekicking role, while Lancaster will punt.
“We’ve got Blytheville, Gosnell, Trumann, Westside. Highland’s getting better and Harrisburg’s coming in. Everybody in the conference, I think they’re going to be better.”
“He’s just a natural football player. He’s going to play line backer, he’s going to be the fullback, he’s going to play H-back when he’s not at full back and we’re even going to put him on the line,” Fleming said. “Instead of him standing over there on the sideline in different packages, he may be our best Seniorslineman.”T.J.Scott (5-7, 145) and Austin Elrod (6-0, 160), juniors Kevin Morris (6-1, 190) and Wyatt Lancaster (5-9, 143), and sophomores Jakavian Williams (5-8, 145) and Mike Facson (5-5, 135) are also likely to contribute at the skill“Michaelpositions.(Rainer) was one of the leading receivers in the state last year,” Fleming said.
Trenton Kimbrough (6-0, 260), the Colts’ strongest player with a 340-pound bench press, leads the offensive line. Fleming expects senior Colton Ball (6-0, 220) to take over at left tackle. Junior Jered Robertson (6-1, 230) is the center, junior Jeb Brigance (6-0, 180) the right tackle and Amarion Lofton (5-11, 200) is the leader at right Rivercrestguard.has depth up front with juniors Triston Turner (6-1, 357), Josh Johnson (6-2, 259) and Quinshunn Perry (5-10, 265), plus sophomore Andrew Lomack (5-10, 220). Turner and Kimbrough are working at nose tackle in the Colts’ 3-5 defense. Kimbrough was a force on the line last season with 57 tackles, including 12 for Briganceloss.and Perry are top candidates at tackle, where Ball, Johnson and senior Tyshawn Love (6-1, 185) are also in the mix.
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 51 2022RiveRcRestschedule Aug. 26 at Manila 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at LR Mills 7 p.m. Sept. 9 VALLEY VIEW 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Pocahontas* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 HARRISBURG* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Westside* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 HIGHLAND* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Gosnell* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 TRUMANN* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Blytheville* 7 p.m. *Conference games. he’ll just shoot out of there. He can make you miss in a tight spot. He’s not real tall, but he’s compact and strong. He’s going to give us good punch back there with Mike or Cavonta, on the SeniorRPOs.”running back Jaden Stovall (5-9, 150), described as the Colts’ fastest player by Fleming, is back after miss ing most of last season with a knee injury. Stovall scored three touchdowns in a state semifinal victory over Warren two years ago. Junior running back Marcus Slayton (6-0, 230) could play multiple positions. The Colts will have a duplicate jersey for Slayton, Fleming said, in case they want to put him on the line in some situations.
Lancaster is back at outside linebacker after making 66 tackles last season, including 20 against Highland. Morris is the other outside linebacker after starting in the second ary last season, and senior Joey Towery (5-8, 150) is also expected to contribute.
Rivercrest’s non-conference schedule includes Manila, Little Rock Mills and Valley View. The Colts jump into conference play in September with a trip to Pocahontas “You hate to start off with that conference game right off just like that. Sometimes it’s going to decide who’s going to win it,” Fleming said. “Who ever wins that has an upper hand because if you don’t win it, you’re fighting from there on out, knowing that you defi nitely can’t lose another one.
senior guard
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NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 53 TrumannSchoolDistrict “EducatingStudentsforSuccessinaChangingWorld” 221N.PineAve,Trumann,AR72472 870-483-6444 •www.trumannwildcat.com ChEERiNgoN ouRWilDCAT FooTbAllTEAm! ChEERiNgoN ouRWilDCAT FooTbAllTEAm! WEARE PROUD OFYOU! SouthernHome Healthcare Heretohelpyouget backinthegame 2925SCarawayRd, Jonesboro,AR 870-932-0990
“We feel like our skill guys on both sides of the ball are going to be some of the best, top to bottom, that we’ve had in a long time,” Phillips said. “But we still have that ques tion mark on the offensive and defensive lines. Defensively that’s where I think it will be a bigger issue for us. A lot of teams are going to want to run atTrumannus.” returns key skillposition players from a team that narrowly missed earning a share of the 4A-3 conference championship.Avictoryover Rivercrest pulled the Wildcats into a three-way tie with the Colts and Pocahontas entering the final week of the regular season. Trumann finished third after losing 20-13 at Cave City in the regularseason finale, then bounced back to beat Mena 27-14 in the playoffs before ending the season with a 35-7 loss at Warren.TheWildcats figure to be in the hunt for a postseason berth again this fall. “We definitely feel like we’re going to compete for a play off spot,” Phillips said. “We can’t have a lot of mistakes with this group. We can’t get behind the chains on offense, which hurt us a lot last year, especially against Warren. We rushed for over 300 yards against Warren, which is not easy to do, but we had a lot of penalties that kept us behind the chains.
“I feel like we can compete for the top four, possibly top three, if things go really well.”
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
Williams accounted for 206 total yards against Mena and 135 against Rivercrest. Kevin Turbeville | The Sun
54 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
Wildcats answering line questions
TRU MANN — Trumann’s hopes for a big season may rest with the big guys. The Wildcats have starters to replace along the lines of scrimmage entering Randy Phillips’ third season as head coach. Trumann won a state playoff game in each of Phil lips’ first two seasons, reach ing the second round last season to finish 8-4.
The 2022 Trumann High School Wildcats.
The Wildcats feature a couple of all-conference back field players in senior tailback Murphy Williams (6-0, 150) and senior fullback Eli Evett (5-10,Williams,185). who earned Best Under The Sun honors, han dled the duties of a quarter back in Trumann’s single wing offense. He finished with 2,201 total yards, including 1,106 passing and 1,095 rushing, while accounting for 12 total touchdowns.“Hehadn’t been asked to throw the ball a lot prior to last year, so him getting more comfortable with that was a big key for us having success last year,” Phillips said of Williams. “He’s continued to progress over this year. He does a lot of things for us. He’s smart, gets us in the right for mations. He’s not a real loud leader, but he does a great job of leading by example.”
2022TrumannSchedule Aug. 26 at Hoxie 7 p.m. Sept. 9 MANILA 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Newport 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Westside* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 HIGHLAND* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Gosnell* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Pocahontas* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 BLYTHEVILLE* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Rivercrest* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 HARRISBURG* 7 p.m. *Conference games. 870-930-0517 • ServingNortheastArkansas • 870-215-0077 www.crownlimo1.com 5444Highway49S. • Paragould crownlimousine@ymail.com
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 55
Junior Coda Cameron (5-7, 140) has been recovering from a foot injury this month, Phillips said.Junior Efrain Garcia (6-1, 155) lines up at tight end and also handles kicking duties.
The Wildcats are set at quick guard with senior Thomas Chavarria (5-8, 165), at strong guard with junior Justin Price (5-10, 220) and outside tackle with junior Evan Shrout (5-10, 215).Trumann has had position battles at center and inside tackle, Phillips said. Senior Brody McDaniel (5-7, 243) and sophomore Zane Price (5-10, 245) have worked at center, while senior Ayden McCaa (6-3, 250) and freshman Gavin Cubit (6-0, 236) have been competing at tackle.
Phillips said the Wildcats hope to gain an advantage with their single wing, a for mation that dates to the early 1900s.“Itgives us an advantage with misdirection, but also being able to try to simulate us in practice with one week of preparation,” he said. “Some of our plays may look vastly different, but we run trap and we block it five different ways. Depending on what they do, if they’re trying to take away something by alignment, we probably have an answer for it. Most of our plays are like that.”Phillips said the defensive front will be new. Senior Gavin Morgan (6-0, 185), who missed last season with an injury, and Callahan are the ends. Junior Justin Price (5-10, 220), Shrout and Cubit are among the interior line candidates.
He produced 290 total yards against Gosnell and four total touchdowns, two rushing and two passing, against High land.Evett scored 10 touchdowns, including four in a victory over Blytheville where he rushed for 137 yards. Senior Parks McNair (6-0, 150) was also all-conference last season.
Junior Cade Hatton (5-6, 145) is projected as the wing back, while Phillips said senior Payton Callahan (6-2, 190) will play H-back.
“That’s a good group of guys,” Phillips said. “We’re hoping our defensive ends become a strength. Those are two really capable guys. Both of them are big and strong. We’re hoping they can help us set the edge and that leaves our two inte rior guys. We just need those guys to get in there and fight eachPhillipsdown.”considers Pocahon tas to be the favorite in 4A-3, with Rivercrest, Westside and Trumann battling for places in the top three. He also expects Gosnell and Blytheville to improve.“Ithink it’s going to be a battle every week,” he said.
Evett and senior Jamison Barnhill (6-0, 175) are the linebackers, while sophomore Rico Hunt (5-10, 160) is the Sam linebacker in the Wild cats’ 4-2-5 scheme. Junior Jake Osment (5-9, 150), who returned an inter ception 97 yards for a touch down against Rivercrest, and Hatton are the cornerbacks. McNair and junior Gavin Greenwell (5-10, 135) are the safeties.Phillips said the linebackers and secondary are the strength of Trumann’s defense.
“I think it all starts with Carson at quarterback. He’s a little more developed, he’s a little more mature,” Cockrell said. “He won seven games as a sophomore and had a really good season, but we feel like he’s going to be more prepared, make better decisions in the passing game.”
“The expectations are high just because of the kind of program we have now,” Cockrell said. “I do think there’s some other coaches and other teams that maybe think we’re supposed to be better than what we are, but people don’t realize we lost 26 seniors from a really good class of kids, and have only five and five starters coming back. “But, in saying that, we have had some success with junior high teams and those kids are moving up and developing. Our expectations as a staff and a team are really high.”
JONESBORO — Valley View football has developed to the point where coach Sean Cockrell says the expectations are essen tially the same every season.
Valley View finished third in the 5A-East last fall after losing hard-fought games against Nettleton and Wynne, the conference’s top two teams in 2021.
The 2022 Valley View High School Blazers.
Cockrell said the Blazers will look much the same, operating mainly out of the shotgun with four wide receivers, but they want to run the football more and feature Turley on rollout passes that will give him a chance to use hisJuniorspeed.running back Slade Caldwell (5-8, 165) gives Valley View another breakaway threat to go with Turley. “You put those two guys in the backfield together and a lot can happen,” Cockrell said. “I feel like we have a lot of depth at running back. I’m coaching running backs this year, so I feel
The Blazers have altered their offensive approach in hopes of better utilizing junior quarter back Carson Turley (5-11, 160).
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
The Blazers finished 7-4 after a 42-14 loss at Magnolia in the first round of the state playoffs. Cockrell said winning in the state playoffs is his team’s big gest goal this fall. Valley View has made the playoffs the last five seasons, but has yet to advance at the 5A level.
“We’ve had undefeated seasons, we’ve had conference champion ship seasons, but we just haven’t gotten over that hump,” Cockrell said. “That’s something we’re really looking forward to because at the end of the day, those are great, but your eventual goal is to win a state championship and if you can’t win a playoff game, you’re never going to get there.”
Five starters return on each side of the ball and the Blazers add a strong sophomore class from another stout junior high team. Valley View’s last two junior high squads, featuring the juniors and sophomores on this year’s high school roster, had a combined 19-1 record.
56 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
The Blazers anticipate being among the contenders for the 5A-East conference crown. They not only want to make the state playoffs this fall, they want to win at least one game in the postseason for the first time at the 5A level.
Turley was Valley View’s leading rusher last year with 591 yards and 10 touchdowns, also complet ing 56.7 percent of his passes for 941 yards and four touchdowns.
Valley View ready for 5A playoff victory Kevin Turbeville | The Sun
Valley View’s running back depth includes seniors Matt McMullen (5-11, 170) and Kaden Perkins (6-0, 190), juniors Zane Guthrie (5-9, 155) and Lejavian Ervin (5-7, 255), and sophomore Anthony Feliz (5-8, 150).
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 57 really good about it. I feel like we have six or seven guys who can carry the ball at any time. A lot of them will be playing defense as well, so we’re going to have to limit their carries.”
Shops@Hilltop • 3410EastJohnsonAve.SteE Jonesboro Wishingthebestofluck
Senior Jackson Harmon (6-5, 185) returns at wide receiver after catching 14 passes for 166 yards last season. The Blazers have another tall target at outside receiver in senior Cal Richardson (6-5, 202).
“I think you start with the secondary where you have three returners coming back, and with Jay Morman (at linebacker) and Carson Winters at safety, we feel really good. De’Kwon is unbelievable at corner, locks down everybody, a really physical player.”Perkins and senior Ian Garner (5-11, 205) are the inside line backers, with Morman joining Huff at outside linebacker. Seniors Joe Orey (5-9, 215) and Atlas Wilbanks (6-1, 210) are the ends. Junior Zaelon Ervin (5-6,
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totheValleyViewBlazers
Valley View 2022 Schedule
145) is the cornerback opposite Gallaway and McMullen takes over at strong safety. Sophomore Brody Dix and junior Wyatt Oldham have been competing for the placekicking role. Turley will serve as the punter.Cockrell sees Wynne as the pre season favorite in the 5A-East and expects Nettleton to be near the top of the league as well. “The conference has changed a little bit with Tech going out and Southside moving in. The biggest thing, I think, is there are five new head coaches in our conference,” Cockrell said. “That gives you a little bit of a question mark as far as what you’re going to see, but I think we expect to be in the top (half) and we expect to go to the “Anythingplayoffs.shortofthat will be tough to swallow. We’re going to try to get them there, try to develop them and try to get them prepared, and hopefully we’ll be in the top four and get a playoff shot.”
“All these guys can go get a ball and make plays,” Cockrell said. “It’s the most depth we’ve ever had at Valleyreceiver.”View
Celebrateeverywinthisseasonwith
returns three starting linemen in junior center Avery Wood (5-9, 230), senior right tackle Jackson Hogard (6-1, 220) and senior left guard Hayden Ross (5-11, 220). Cock rell said senior left tackle Nate Kincannon (6-2, 225) and senior right guard Mason Roberts (5-11, 240) also played significant snaps last Defensivelyseason.the Blazers lost three all-state players in end Mario Crawford, an Air Force signee, along with linebackers Jaden Hamilton-Wells and CooperJuniorLutz.linebacker Brian Huff (6-3, 225) was Valley View’s third-leading tackler with 72 and interception leader with three. Cockrell said Huff, the Best Under The Sun Newcomer of the Year last fall, has offers from Arkansas, Arkansas State and Memphis as well as interest from Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Ole“He’sMiss.a presence. He takes away half the field,” Cockrell said. “That’s why we want to keep him at outside linebacker. He can also come down and play on the tight end. He’s just dynamic, just does a lot for us. He’s the most physical guy we have, hands down.”
Senior Beau Smith (6-0, 185) will help in the slot, Cockrell said, along with senior De’Kwon Gallaway (5-9, 160) and junior Zahki Ervin (5-7, 150). Senior Jay Morman (6-4, 185), juniors Gavin Tice (5-5, 150) and TJ Starks (6-1, 170), and sophomore Andrew Jones (5-11, 135) are also in the picture.
Winters, who will also play a role offensively at quarter back, was Valley View’s fourthleading tackler last season with 65. Morman has already verbally committed to Harding and Gallaway knocked down seven passes at his position last season.“Defense has been our main stay for the last five, six, seven years now,” Cockrell s aid. “We don’t expect to drop off, but there is less experience there.
Aug. 26 HARDING ACADEMY 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Poplar Bluff (Mo.) 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Rivercrest 7 p.m. Sept. 23 PARAGOULD* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Forrest City* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 WYNNE* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Brookland* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 SOUTHSIDE* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 NETTLETON* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Batesville* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
Lejavian Ervin returns at nose guard after a strong sophomore season. The Blazers also have plenty of experience in the secondary with Gallaway at cornerback and senior Carson Winters (6-2, 180) at free safety. Morman, a starting defensive back the last two years, moved from safety to outside linebacker during preseason drills.
58 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 Good luck to all our local teams as we kick off the footballhigh2022schoolseason!
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 59 Flavor& QualityThat MaketheCut Knownforourdelicious fried fi shandsteakdinners Don’s Steakhouse 1604WestMain •WalnutRidge|886-9808 OpenDaily11a.m.to9p.m. TuesdaythruSaturday11a.m.-9p.m. 886-7506 •8 86-9821 •2 73-8455 RoadsideAssistance •TireChanges •JumpStarts •DoorUnlocks •Fuel Delivery • •Heavy andLight DutyTowing •FlatBed Hauling•SemiLoadShifts • •UnderwaterRecoveries •StorageandPortableBuilding Transports • BestOfLuckToAllTeamsThisSeason! 24-HOURWRECKERSERVICE LOCAL&LONGDISTANCE SERVINGSINCE1977 3239US67B|WalnutRidge870.886.3571www.gogreenway.com GoodLuck LAWRENCECOUNTYTEAMS! 3239 US 67B | Walnut Ridge Theremaybepeoplewhohave moretalentthanyou, but thereisnoexcuseforanyone toworkharderthanyoudo. L AWRENCE C OUNTY S EED C OMPANY 1291HWY.63 • WALNUT RIDGE |870-886-3362 IT’SNOTTHENUMBERONTHEJERSEY IT’SNOTTHECOLOROFTHEJERSEY IT’STHEDRIVEINTHEWILL ANDIT’STHELOVEFORTHEGAME. 870934-4633 STATEREPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT30 “Workingforabetterfuture.” ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ GoodLuck Northeast ArkansasTeams!
60 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 Ashley George | The Times Dispatch
Bobcats enter season with experience
Watson passed for four touch downs during his junior season and added 11 more rushing, while Ward had seven touchdowns during the 2021 season, one passing, four rushing and twoBothreceiving.havethe potential to play at the next level, accord ing to their coach.
The 2022 Walnut Ridge High School Bobcats.
Senior running backs Walker Ward (6-0, 155), Kai Watson (5-9, 137) and Logan Sain (5-10, 170) will lead the Bob cats’ offense as they switch to a single wing offense, with Ward expected to take most of the“Kaisnaps.and Walker accounted for most of the offense last year,” Blake said. “Logan hurt his shoulder so we missed him a lot last year, but expect him to run a lot this year.”
“Walker has an offer from Lyon. Kai has had interest, as well. They are also very smart,” he said, noting their good ACT scores will help them, as well. Watson lined up at quar terback for the Bobcats as a junior. Blake said the new offensive scheme allows him to use the varied talents of the three offensive standouts, with all able to take snaps from returning center Wyatt Davis (6-2,“Logan235).is good too. He throws the ball well too,” he said. “Kai will be playing wingback. We’re going to try to throw him the ball some. He’s a really good receiver.”Joining Watson to head the receiving corps will be senior Jaydon Blaylock (6-2, 160) who recorded 105 yards last season, including one of the Bobcats’ seven touchdown receptions. Junior tight end Mark Hat field (6-3, 190) is expected to contribute as well. Walnut Ridge will also go without a huddle at times this season.“We’re still going to huddle up some, but we are going to go hurry up some also,” Blake said. “Just kind of give us a change of pace.” The fourth-year coach said his offensive line will also be a strength for the upcoming season.“Upfront this is the biggest group we’ve had for sure,” he said. “They will allow us to take chances in our passing game whenever we get the opportunity.”Anchoring the offensive line will be returning start ers senior Payton Ditto (6-1, 300) and juniors Dawson Ward (5-10, 200) and Sebastian Hoff man (6-1, 250). Senior Hunter Colvey (5-7, 201) is also return ing at Despitefullback.thereturning experi ence, Blake said the Bobcats needed to develop depth. Help in that area could come from a talented group of sophomores who are moving up from junior high. Last season, the junior Bobcats finished 8-2 and were
WALNUT RIDGE — Walnut Ridge head coach Jeff Blake expects experience all over the field to be a strength for his team.The Bobcats are coming off a 4-7 campaign and a fifth-place finish in the 3A-3 conference. Those totals were good enough to earn Walnut Ridge a spot in the state playoffs, where the Bobcats fell in the first round toInMcGehee.2022, Blake’s squad returns nine starters on both sides of the ball, and his roster includes 11 seniors. “These seniors have been around, so it’s pretty easy for them to pick up on stuff and learn it quickly,” he said.
By Nathan Hibbard
The TD Staff nhibbard@thetd.comWriter
Walnut Ridge 2022 Schedule p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. Oct. p.m. Oct. 7 p.m. Oct. at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 7 p.m. Nov. 4 7 p.m. games.
14 CORNING*
“Championsbelieveinthemselves, evenwhennooneelsedoes.” WEBELIEVEINYOU.
MANILA*
Sept. 23 PAL-WHEATLEY* 7
Osceola*
*Conference
GoodluckWalnutRidgeBobcats!
“I look for Osceola, Hoxie, Manila and us to battle it out for the top four spots,” said Blake. “You got Osceola and Hoxie ‚Äî still the teams to beat. Manila is on the rise. Those three games could be deciding your playoff seeds. We have those games at end of the season. Hopefully we can be playing good at the right time.”
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 61
Lawrence County School District
Sept. 9 at East Poinsett Co. 7
21
7 at Piggott* 7
Dawson Ward also returns on the line after racking up 23 tackles as a sophomore. Sain will return at linebacker as will fellow senior Jack Cain (5-10, 216), who had 78 tackles as a Walkerjunior.Ward returns at safety, and Watson and Blay lock return at corner. Blake said with strong sea sons from his veterans, and some help from the newcomers, he expects his team to be in the conference race this season.
Aug. 26 HIGHLAND 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Cave City 7
conference runners-up. “They lost in overtime to Osceola, so that shows you how good they are,” Blake said. “They are a very talented group. I look for good things out of Threethem.”ofthe sophomores have already earned starting roles, including Collin Andrews (6-4, 280).“Collin is our biggest offen sive lineman right now,” Blake said.Andrews is joined in the starting lineup by fellow sopho mores River Davis (5-7, 150) at outside linebacker and River Hancock (6-0, 165) at defensive end.Walnut Ridge’s defensive line will feature returning seniors Cam Buys (5-10, 185), who had 60 tackles and three sacks in 2021, and Colvey, who recorded 31 tackles and one sack last season.
HOXIE*
Sept. 16 SALEM 7
“Darvin has a high football IQ as far as where he needs to be, what he needs to do. He can really bring it from that linebacker spot,”
“Our objective is we need to jell as a team,” Engle said. “I think we’ve had inconsistency the last few years as far as teamwork and just camaraderie has been down a little bit. I told these guys (after practice recently), we’re a very good football team when you guys want to be. “If you can flip that page and everybody get on the same page, we could be pretty dangerous, in contention for where we want to be. ... I see it day by day, it’s get ting better, and that’s a positive.”
| The Sun
JONESBORO — Westside head coach Bobby Engle has seen glimpses of his team’s potential.
Hedger finished with 878 yards and nine touchdowns rushing last fall in spite of injuries that cut his season short. He also scored on two kickoffs and one interception.
Engle describes senior half back Connor Crain (5-10, 190) as the Warriors’ most accountable player. Senior quarterback Gus Yearta (5-9, 150) has earned Engle’s trust with his ability to run the offense.
Fowler, an all-state and Best Under the Sun selection last season, is also a defensive presence at inside linebacker.
With a strong senior class, one that includes Westside’s skillposition starters, the Warriors are aiming for better results this fall.
62 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
Kevin Turbeville
The 2022 Westside High School Warriors.
By Kevin Turbeville Sun staff kturbeville@jonesborosun.comwriter
“Cameron is a good back. He’s got enough speed that if he finds a crease, he’s liable to take it to the house,” Engle said. Fowler ran for 600 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. “He runs well at 235 pounds. That’s a load,” Engle said. “To try to tackle that play after play or get blocked by him play after play, it takes a toll on you pretty quick. I definitely wouldn’t want to hit him every time if I was a linebacker.”
“We try to let our quarterbacks at some point try to take over that,” Engle said. “He’s gotten to the point now where he’s a senior and I trust him to run the offense. He’s just gritty. He’s a tough kid.”
The Warriors were a couple of plays away from a winning record and a home game in the state playoffs last season. Westside still qualified for the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, finishing 4-7 after a 28-10 loss at Prairie Grove that was a close game into the third quarter.
Camaraderie key as Warriors prepare for season want guys hurt or anything like that. That’s the reason we do what we“Ido.see a lot of people running the spread, and there’s a lot of teams out there that are very good at running the spread. It’s just not us. We just have to bring a mentality, a different look to the table.”
Engle is also confident in Westside’s running back depth with senior Cole Stonecipher and sophomores Weston Watlington and Clay McMellon, planning to use all three to give the starters a break.Seniors Ashton (5-10, 140) and Gavin Rasdon (5-10, 150) play wide receiver along with class mate Brady Smith (6-0, 165). Senior Montana Neely (6-0, 155) and junior Jordan Hall (5-11, 175) could rotate at tight end. The Warriors are less experienced on the offensive line, an area Engle hopes to sort out during non-conference play. Senior Justin McFall (5-10, 180) is the Warriors’ most experienced lineman, likely to play on the left side of the line. Junior center Tyler Watlington (5-10, 190) has experi ence and could also play different roles, Engle Sophomoresaid.Cash Golden, junior Ricky Hopkins, senior Ethan King, junior Tyler Felts, sophomore Connor Davidson and senior Zach Nickell are also candidates for playing time on the line.
The Warriors return 16 starters from last year’s team that tied for fourth in the 4A-3 conference.
Seniors fill the backfield posi tions in Westside’s bruising powerI offense. While the Warriors are trying to sort out some positions on the offensive line, Engle said their approach won’t change. “We’re coming downhill. We’re going to try to get after you and play physical and try to do stuff that a lot of teams don’t see each week,” Engle said. “It’s hard to replicate that type of physicality in practice. A lot of people don’t want to do it because they don’t
Westside has speed and power with senior tailback Cameron Hedger (6-0, 175) and senior fullback Darvin Fowler (5-9, 235).
Yearta, who boomed a 50-yard punt last year against Highland, is the Englepunter.points to defending cochampions Pocahontas and Riv ercrest first when asked about the 4A-3 race, but he expects a heated race with several other teams improving from 2021.
NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 — 63
2022Westsideschedule
Aug. 26 at Brookland 7 p.m. Sept. 2 HOXIE 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Heber Springs 7 p.m. Sept. 23 TRUMANN* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Blytheville* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 RIVERCREST* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Harrisburg* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 POCAHONTAS* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 HIGHLAND* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Gosnell* 7 p.m. *Conference games.
WestsideConsolidatedSchoolDistrict CommittedtoLearn…CommittedtoLead HaveagreatseasonWarriors!
“There’s a lot of people who say the 4A-3 isn’t a very good confer ence just because maybe we don’t make a deep run in the playoffs, but we’ve got some pretty salty football teams over here,” Engle said.Westside has been in the playoff mix on a yearly basis over the past decade. The Warriors earned a home playoff game in 2017 and won the 4A-3 conference in 2019 on their way to the 4A state quar terfinals.“Ithink every year we walk in here the expectation is we’re going to the playoffs,” Engle said. “We don’t ever really talk about going to the playoffs, or we don’t like to look that far ahead, but they know that’s the expectation.”
Engle said. “He’s not afraid to fill a gap.”Senior Eli Willey, who is switch ing from a defensive line position to outside linebacker, is also one of Westside’s better defensive play ers, Engle said. Willey came up with a sack that led to a fumble and a safety late in the Warriors’ victory over Highland last year. Crain starts alongside Fowler at inside linebacker, while Yearta starts at the outside linebacker position opposite Willey. The sec ondary returns from last season with Ashton Rasdon and Gavin Rasdon at cornerback, Hedger at safety and Stonecipher at safety. Engle said Neely will also see playing time at safety. Weston Watlington, Felts, McFall, Hopkins and Davidson are expected to fill roles on the defensiveMcMellonline.and Dakota Neely are working as kickers, Engle said.
64 — NEA Football Preview, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
