THREE RIVERS AREA — Coming off its worst season in 12 years, Pocahontas will rely this season on its younger players. With only two returning starters, including quarterback Matt Sullivan, the task may seem difficult to bounce back, but head coach Dave Williams is remaining optimistic. "It will be interesting to see how it all turns out," the Redskins coach said.
"It's hard to be optimistic, but we feel pretty good about it." Williams, who has coached at Pocahontas for 29 years, pointed to his team's lack of depth for its unsuccessful run in 2008. The Redskins usually are able to utilize 50-60 players on Friday nights, and while last year the number may have been lower, this season is shaping up to see the return of the Redskins' signature depth.
"This group is young," Williams said, "but we've worked a lot harder than last year. The kids have tried hard, and they had a tremendous summer workout. We are hoping to do much better." The Redskins' offense will look to its one returning starter, Sullivan, to lead the way. The 5-11, 185-pound quarterback will have to step up and lead the young talent with whom he'll be working.
"He's a great athlete and good competitor," Williams said. "He can run and throw well. He's one of those kids that plays all sports, and he's an excellent leader." As for the rest of the offense, the entire offensive line graduated, and Pocahontas will have to start over with its running backs and wide receivers.
"We are just going to have to develop with only one returning starter," the coach said. "We'll be all right, though. Our speed will run pretty good, and when you can run, you've got a chance." The two players Williams pointed to to fulfill those running backs spots are Luke Smith, also a member of the track team, and Jonathan Adams.
The defensive side of the field resembles the Redskins' offense with only one returning starter, Cody Bennett.
"He's our nose man, and he can run and he's a good athlete," Williams said about the 5-11, 220-pound senior.
Before last season, the Redskins had gone eight years without losing a home game and made the playoffs 10 consecutive years. Williams certainly wants to bring "the best show in town" back to the Pocahontas community.
POCAHONTAS REDSKINS
Sept. 4 ..... Harding Academy
Sept. 11 ........... at Paragould
Sept. 18 at Green County Tech
Sept. 25 ............................... at Jonesboro Westside*
Oct. 2 .................... Gosnell*
Oct. 9 .............. at Newport*
Oct. 16 .................Trumann*
Oct. 23 ............ at Highland*
Oct. 30 ............ Valley View*
Nov. 5 .................. Osceola*
Special, Pages 178 on 08/23/2009