Getting back on track

Two 6A-South teams look to get back to .500

By Eric Moore

LITTLE ROCK — This was not the start that Lake Hamilton's Jerry Clay and Sheridan's Benji White had for their teams prior to this season.

But, as the two teams face each other in the 6A-South Conference opening game, they have identical 1-2 records.

Lake Hamilton set out this season to play one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, nonconference schedules in the state, going up against Texarkana (Texas), 7A Little Rock Central and 5A offensive powerhouse Pulaski Academy, with their lone win coming against the largest school of the three.

Sheridan also had a difficult nonconference schedule, playing Arkadelphia, Bryant and White Hall, but they are r id ing a t wo - g a me losing streak after squeaking by Arkadelphia in the first game.

Many of the troubles for both teams have stemmed from injuries, with Sheridan being without their biggest threat at running back against White Hall and Lake Hamilton without its biggest threat at receiver against Pulaski Academy.

The difference in the two teams so far this season has been the offensive outputs. Sheridan is averaging just 11 points per game while Lake Hamilton is scoring 28 points per game. Neither team has looked impressive on defense, with both giving up an inordinate amount of points. Sheridan is yielding 29 points per game, and Lake Hamilton is giving up 33.3 points per game.

The last two games between Sheridan and Lake Hamilton have played out similarly with regard to the final score. Last season Lake Hamilton won 31-14 at home and on their last trip to Sheridan they defeated the Yellowjackets 33-14.

QUARTERBACK

The Wolves are led by the Tri-Lakes Edition's preseason player to watch, Phillip Butterfield. He threw for 196 yards and four touchdowns in last week's loss.

For Sheridan, the responsibility of quarterback falls on the shoulders of Eric Eggburn who accounted for both of the Yellowjackets' scores last week - one through the air and one on the ground.

ADVANTAGE: Lake HamiltonBACKFIELD

If a team tries to defend Lake Hamilton's passing attack, look for David Church to have a big game. Church has rushed for four touchdowns this season, even though he was kept out of the end zone last week.

For the past few years, Sheridan has been synonymous with running game and this year is no different. White said senior running back Vince Aguilar could see limited time on the field this week after suffering a high-ankle sprain.

The injury-plagued Aguilar also suffered a concussion after rushing for 98 yards in the season opener.

Brady Bone, Landon Mc-Farland and Tyler Boatright will have to contribute more if Aguilar is unable to go.

ADVANTAGE: EvenRECEIVING

One of the best receiving tandems in the state could be back together this week after senior Josh Profitt missed last week's game with a separated shoulder.

Combined with senior Tauno Vannucci, the two can wreak havoc on their opponents' defensive game plans. With the spotlight solely on him, Vannucci caught three touchdown passes last week.

Colton Gilbert was the recipient of a touchdown pass last week, the only Yellowjacket to catch a touchdown pass this season. He also caught a pass in the first game of the year.

ADVANTAGE: Lake HamiltonOFFENSIVE LINE

The offensive line has been a key for the Wolves all season. Whether it is opening holes for Church or giving Butterfield the extra second he needs to complete a pass, the experienced line could prove to be the deciding factor in this game.

Sheridan is going through some growing pains on the offensive line, with just one starter returning from last year. Each game gives the juniors on the line more experience and more confidence.

ADVANTAGE: Lake Hamilton DEFENSIVE LINE

Lake Hamilton's inabilityto get proper pressure on the Pulaski Academy quarterback allowed him to pick apart the Wolves' secondary. While the running game was nearly nonexistent last week, it will have to be ratcheted up a notch this week as they face one of the better running backs in the 6A.

Getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been a problem this season for the Yellowjackets as well, but they have also had trouble with the ground game, giving up nearly 150 yards to Bryant and nearly 200 yards against White Hall.

ADVANTAGE: Lake HamiltonSECONDARY

The Wolves were roasted last week for 458 yards and seven touchdowns through the air, after being pretty solid against the pass in previous weeks.

The possible return of Profitt in the secondary could negate any threat Sheridan could be through the air, but the Lake Hamilton secondary will have to prepare to back up the linebackers against this strong running attack.

Sheridan has played teams that primarily stick to the run, and the secondary will be tested by Butterfield and his crop of receivers. If Sheridan's secondary doesn't play one of its better games Friday, it could be a long night for the Yellowjackets.

ADVANTAGE: Lake Hamilton - emoore@ arkansasonline.com

Tri-Lakes, Pages 68 on 09/25/2008