ATKINS: Anybody's guess

Red Devils' 2009 outlook a mystery

The Red Devils listen intently to head coach Charlie Sorrells at the end of practice.
The Red Devils listen intently to head coach Charlie Sorrells at the end of practice.

— After losing nine offensive starters from last year's state playoff team, the Atkins Red Devils are picked in preseason polls to finish anywhere from second to sixth in the 4-3A Conference.

Coach Charlie Sorrels understands that wide variety in opinions.

A tradition-rich football school with a history of success, Atkins has the players capable of returning to the playoffs in 2009, although they don't have much senior high experience.

"I guess everyone else is wondering just about as much as we are," Sorrels said. "But we're undefeated right now, and we're going to try and win every game we can. We feel like we have some talented kids on this team, but the question mark is they don't have a lot of Friday-night experience."

Entering his 23rd season at Atkins, Sorrels has been in this rebuilding situation before. With so many positions open during the preseason, Sorrels said competition has been fierce to earn playing time and has made summer drills and early practices exciting to watch.

"We love the way they're working right now - they're kind of hungry," Sorrels said of his young team. "That's one thing about having so many openpositions - we're having some great battles for the positions because everyone knows we lost so many starters. This has been one of the sharpest starts I've ever seen, as far as focus and work habits. They've come in to the season really ready to go. They're hungry. They're hungry to get a starting place, so they're working extremely hard - and I like that." Senior Grant Riley has emerged to become No. 1 on the quarterback depth chart following summer 7-on-7 and team camp competition. Sorrels credits Riley for his good speed and his ability to manage Atkins' Multiple-I offense well.

"He's been waiting his turn after playing quarterback in junior high," Sorrels said. "We liked the way he played in [junior varsity] games last year, so we have a lot of confidence that he's going to play well during his senior year." Gus Shields is currently the backup quarterback.

Atkins' offensive success always relies on having a strong tailback, and 2009 is no different, Sorrels said. Junior Cody Ennis received significant carries last year in a backup role and had improved in the offseason, and sophomore Trey Bennett rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year to lead the junior high team to an undefeated season. The duo will split time carrying the ball for Atkins this season, along with fullbacks Heath Keene and Hunter Jones and senior wingback D.J.

Glover.

At split end, Atkins boasts a quick receiver with sophomore Luke Duvall and a sizable target with 6-3 senior Matt Chism.

Atkins' two returning starters on offense anchor the front line. Senior Brae Bednar is "one of the better tight ends we've put on the field in a long time," Sorrels said, and senior tackle Charlie Ghent - at 280 pounds - will be an important part of Atkins' offensive success. "Charlie is a dandy - if he gets you blocked, you're blocked," Sorrels said.

Sophomore Braden Langford is the leading candidate to start at center, while senior Brandon Harris is a leading contender atguard. Others competing for offensive line positions are Cole Davis, Dalton Ennis, Hunter Anderson and Madison Brannon.

With 35 players in camp, many of those same names dot the defensive roster as well.

Up front, Brannon and Bedner are joined by Garrett Mise, Brandon Heflin and Jake Watson. Harris returns as linebacker after leading Atkins in tackles last season, joined by Hunter Jones, Cody Ennis and Spencer Taylor.

Ghent, Cody Ennis, Langford and Cole Davis will also receive playing time in the middle of the Red Devil defense. In the secondary, Bennett and Riley will anchor the safety position, with Glover, Matt Chism and Luke Duvall seeking playing time at cornerback.

Atkins opens the season with three 4A schools that are considered nearby rivals - Dover, Pottsville and Dardanelle - before opening conference play. Sorrels said playing the larger schools will be a good test for the Red Devils and prepare them for the second half of the season.

With tradition as a benchmark, Atkins has significant confidence entering the 2009 season.

"We've been fortunate to win enough ballgames around here, and our kids expect to win," Sorrels said. "You can tell that in the confidence of our young players. They come out to play - they're not timid, and they know they can compete against the other teams.

They're going to have their moments where they'll be welcomed to senior high football just like all young players are, but we're fortunate that we're in a situation where we expect to win. Our young players have that mentality and expect to be successful this year."

ATKINS RED DEVILS

Sept. 4 .................... Pottsville

Sept. 11 ..................... Dover

Sept. 18 .......... at Dardanelle

Sept. 25 ............... Marshall*

Oct. 2 ..... at Mountain View*

Oct. 9 .........at Green Forest*

Oct. 16 ........Yellville-Summit*

Oct. 23 .................. at Paris*

Oct. 30 .................at Lamar*

Nov. 6 ................. Perryville*

Special, Pages 232, 233 on 08/23/2009

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