LITTLE ROCK — The Searcy Lions and North Pulaski Falcons have not experienced much success in the last three years.
In fact, the two teams have combined for a record of 3-57 in that time. When North Pulaski travels to Searcy Friday night, one of the two will have an opportunity to start the season undefeated for the first time in recent memory.
Both programs have made adjustments over the past few seasons, changing philosophies or mixing up the coaching staff, but until this year, neither had the privilege, if even for a week, of being able to call themselves undefeated.
The game will match the spread attack of Searcy against the experience of North Pulaski.
QUARTERBACK
The Lions will look to either senior Jason Jennings or junior Matt Ingle. Jennings saw some time last season in a backup capacity and is the only one with some experience at the position.
North Pulaski returns senior A.J. Allen after he spent part of the 2007 season as a wide receiver before switching to quarterback.
ADVANTAGE: North Pulaski
BACKFIELD
Searcy's youth is apparent at most positions on the field and the backfield is no exception. The Lions will depend on junior Nathan Leonard, a converted defensive player.
For North Pulaski, the decision is much easier, because their starter from last year returns. Adolphe Stephens led the Falcons' running game as a sophomore last year and looksfor even more yards with a year of experience.
ADVANTAGE: North Pulaski
RECEIVERS
The Lions don't lack targets when they take to the air. Look for senior Zach Durham and junior Jared Harriman to play a big role in the game.
A plethora of players return at the receiver position for North Pulaski, including game breakerJerald Blair. The senior was key in the Falcons' lone win last year, one which broke a two-year losing streak for his team.
ADVANTAGE: North Pulaski
OFFENSIVE LINE
Searcy must replace its entire offensive line from a year ago. A host of juniors will line up for the first time in this game.
The strength of the North Pulaski team could well be the offensive line. With Cliff Copeland (6-9, 320) and Carlos Donnely (6-7, 350), the Falcons should be able to impose their will up front.
ADVANTAGE: North Pulaski
DEFENSIVE LINE
Some experienced players may be moved to the offensive line from other defensive positions, and some may come from the offensive line. The line will have its hands full with the front five of North Pulaski, however.
The Falcons will use Jared Pflasterer and Jon Wlock, who both saw a lot of time last year.
ADVANTAGE: Searcy
LINEBACKERS
The linebacking corps could be the strength of the Searcy team. With senior John Moore leading the charge, it will help that the Lions have a few players at the position who saw considerable action last year.
North Pulaski returns experience at linebacker, including Huston Reagan, Cameron Stoneking and Vinnie Osmun.
ADVANTAGE: Searcy
SECONDARY
Nathan Holloway returns to the field after sitting out the 2007 season with an injury. His return will help out an already experienced secondary with Leonard and Harriman.
Returning in the secondary for the Falcons will be Blair, who picked off four passes a year ago. His decision-making ability and eye for the ball will be key to defend Searcy's spread attack.
ADVANTAGE: Even
SPORTS SCHEDULETODAY Football◊Heber Springs vs. Hoxie* *at Harding University Golf◊Cabot at Cabot Tournament*◊Searcy at Cabot Tournament* * at Greystone Country Club Volleyball◊Russellville at Cabot◊North Pulaski at Little Rock Fair◊Jacksonville at Jonesboro◊Batesville at Paragould◊Beebe at Southside Batesville◊Newport at Cave City◊McCrory at Perryville◊Conway St. Joseph at Rose Bud◊ Hoxie at Crowley's Ridge FRIDAY Football◊Hazen at Augusta◊Bauxite at Bald Knob◊Batesville at Newport◊Beebe at Greenbrier◊Walnut Ridge at Cave City◊Pocahontas at Harding Academy◊Highland at Mountain Home◊Mountain View at Southside Batesville◊North Pulaski at Searcy◊Quitman at Rose Bud◊Marked Tree at Riverview◊Salem at Jonesboro Westside MONDAY Golf◊Beebe at Searcy Tournament** at Searcy Country Club Volleyball◊Fort Smith Southside at Cave City◊Nemo Vista at Cedar Ridge◊Walnut Ridge at Crowley's Ridge TUESDAY Golf * Cabot at Little Rock Tournament* * at Rebsamen Golf Course Volleyball◊Cabot at Conway◊Jacksonville at Marion◊Mayflower at Beebe◊North Pulaski at Pulaski Robinson◊Cedar Ridge at Southside Batesville◊Cave City at Hoxie◊Rose Bud at Perryville◊McCrory at Conway St. Joseph
Three Rivers, Pages 55 on 09/04/2008