RIVER VALLEY and OZARK AREA — Between untested kids and players moving positions, there are a lot of question marks for the Dardanelle Sand Lizards going into the 2009 campaign.
"If we compete and take care of the ball, we can easily win. But we could easily lose as well," head coach Josh Price said.
It's n o t that he doesn't believe in the talent. With a 10-game season, Price figures to be the decided underdog in only two contests, against conference powers Russellville and Booneville.
But it's just that "we've only got five, maybe six kids that we know what they can do on a Friday night," he said.
It's not as enviable as the Sand Lizards' position last year, being stacked with returning starters and a favorite to win the 4-4A confer
ence. But then again, the '08 season ended up
with a 6-5 overall record and a first-round exit
from the playoffs.
So the goal this year will be to work harder
than the opponents.
"What we're hoping for is that we stick to
gether. We have to win games by out-executing
and out-hustling people," Price said.
Leading the offense at quarterback will be
either Quayd Standridge or Stevie Thomas, both
juniors. With all the physical abilities and tools,
Standridge is a standout passer - but needs
work on the mental game and getting over mis
takes, Price said. Thomas, on the other hand, is
more of a runner and "may not be as physically
gifted" as Standridge, but is a on-field leader and
"a quarterback through and through." Rounding out the backfield will be senior
Rowdy Bartlet at fullback, who has the distinc
tion of being the sole returning player to have
recorded a rushing touchdown last year. Also
seeing time at fullback will be senior Dylan Mc-
Guire and junior Kyle Oden, who will both join
senior Daniel Castilla in lining up at tight end.
The bulk of tailback duties will most likely go to
speedy junior Dillon Young, though he may split
time in that role with senior Aaron Welch and
Thomas, if he isn't in the quarterback role.
Leading the receiving corps will be senior
Alston Brown, who recorded more than 600
yards and eight touchdowns in 42 receptions last
year. He'll be joined by seniors Chad Race and
Jacob Robinson and by junior Nick Lovin.
Protecting the backfield will be a line with
three returning starters: seniors Ryan Scantling,
Derrick James and junior Micah Florez. Joining
them will be junior Thomas Shelton and senior
Rashad Woods. Junior Ethan Smith and sopho
more Cole Gray will also see time on the line.
DARDANELLE SAND LIZARDSSept. 4 .................... Danville Sept. 11 ........... at Russellville Sept. 18 ..................... Atkins Sept. 25 ............... at Ozark* Oct. 2 ..................... PottsvilleOct. 9 .at Subiaco Academy* Oct. 16 ...............West Fork* Oct. 23 .................at Dover* Oct. 30 .............. Booneville* Nov. 6 ............... Clarksville*
Special, Pages 230 on 08/23/2009