CLINTON | This year could be the year

Returning starters will play big role for Yellow Jackets

Chase Roberson lays a hit on a tackling dummy.
Chase Roberson lays a hit on a tackling dummy.

— A move from the 4-4A to the 2-4 last year left the Clinton Yellow Jackets with the same results, disappointing 4-6 overall record and only two conference wins, not a strong enough resume for a playoff berth.

But head coach Chris Dufrene said there's lesson to be learned there. "Two games really kept us out of the playoffs," he said.

A score by Marianna with 14 seconds left in the game cost Clinton one vic tory, and 14 points scored by Bald Knob in the fourth quarter cost them another. This year, the focus is on closing out games and improving red zone play with one simple goal: "Just get back into the playoff picture."

To do that, they'll look to Robin Henley quarterback, a senior and three-year starter. A pure passer, his experience gives him a strong command of the offense. However, he may occasionally sit for sophomore Park Parish, an athlete who can make plays with his feet and would benefit from some playing time.

With them in the backfield will be a strong stable of six running backs, led by returning junior Jake Hink, who was hurt much of last year. He'll be joined by fullbacks Leif Davidson, a 500-yard rusher from last year, and junior Jonathan Tyson.

Though the Yellow Jackets' Wing-T offense will be rush-oriented, with misdirection to spread the ball around, the passing game will involve senior Spencer Gunn, who recorded five touchdowns and more than 400 yards last year and figures to be a prime target once again. With him will be juniors Levi Baugh and Hunter Treece, whose speed makes him an effective weapon in the open field.

"But the biggest question mark right now would be our offensive line," said Dufrene, who pointed to only one returning starter, junior Garrett Smith. He will be counted on to lead the line.

On the other side of the ball, a defense that "kept us in most of the big games we were in last year" is expected to benefit from experience. Davidson, the team's leading tackler and at times the leading tackler in the state last year, will be the "quarterback on defense" as the middle linebacker. He'll be joined at linebacker by two returning starters, seniors Nick Bane and Dean Rushton, and Treece will lead the secondary. Like the O-line, the defensive line has only one returning starter, Jordan Richardson at defensive end.

As a whole unit, the team should improve after a year in the 2-4A, Dufrene said. They're now more familiar with new conference opponents and hopefully more comfortable with them.

But that doesn't mean the road will be easy, as overall it's a very fast, very athletic conference and among the more competitive, particularly at the top.

"It's going to be a battle each week," Dufrene said. "We're going to have to compete to go as far as we can."

CLINTON YELLOW JACKETS

Sept. 4 ................at Marshall

Sept. 11 ................. Perryville

Sept. 18 .... at Mountain View

Sept. 25 .......... at Marianna*

Oct. 2 ... Southside Batesville*

Oct. 9 ..................... DeWitt*

Oct. 16 ..............at Stuttgart*

Oct. 23 ..............Bald Knob*

Oct. 29 .....at Heber Springs*

Nov. 6 .................... Lonoke*

Special, Pages 242, 243 on 08/23/2009

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