THREE RIVERS AREA — The great experiment known as the Rose Bud football program is in its fourth year, and things could be looking up. Second-year head coach Steve Rose has implemented his Spread offense, and the experiment could get very interesting.
Rose Bud is starting to get players in their program that have been involved for the past three years, and although they still have a pretty steep hill to climb, Rose sees progress being made.
"We know we have a way to go," Rose said. "But these kids are working hard, andthey won't give up. I think the things we put in place last year could pay off in the future." It started off pretty rosy for Rose Bud last season as they dominated Quitman, but it would be their only win.
Victories don't look to be piling up this season either, buta high-octaine offense could keep some opponents on their toes. A 55-point outburst against England and close losses to Episcopal and Brinkley have players and coaches at Rose Bud thinking this could be the year they emerge.
The Ramblers will have experience back with five starters on each side of the ball, but the unknown could be at quarterback. Sophomore Nick Cartwright could be the answer after excelling in Rose's offense in junior high, throwing for more than 1,500 yards. He will get competition from junior Aaron Parker, who did see time under center in 2008.
Experience will come from running back Jimmy Smith, who is Rose Bud's workhorse and leader.
"He is extremely hard to bring down," Rose said. "He will fight for every yard."
Smith will see more action than in 2008, where he was a rising star for the Ramblers.
He will be joined in the backfield by Joe Dalrymple, who missed part of last season to injuries.
But the Spread will be about passing the ball, and Dalrymple could also be used as a slot receiver. The other skill players looking for the ball will include juniors Tyler Williams, Cameron Wilson and Braden Irwin.
The line will be anchored by third-year starter Derrick Ring, who will man the tackle position. "He is probably our most athletic player on the line," Rose said. "We will rely on him to keep our line strong."
Although Ring is the most experienced - and the biggest at 260 pounds - he will get a lot of help with bulky guards ShawnWilliamson and Ricky Ross, both of whom tip the scales at more than 250 pounds each.
Senior Ben Pepper will be another leader on the line, but there will be help in the form of eager sophomores such as Chad Hackett, making the Rose Bud line strong in size and experience.
Where the Ramblers had their problems last year was defense. Rose Bud gave up an average of 41.8 points per game, and in order to compete, Rose said the Ramblers have got to get tougher on defense.
Where that starts is the defensive line, and it is anchored by senior Brandon Baker as the noseguard. Baker will also spend much time on the offensive line, as will Ring, who will join Baker and senior Tyler Hennigan.
Rose said the quarterback of the defense will very well be Ben Pepper, who returns at middle linebacker, where he led the Ramblersin tackles in 2008. Pepper will "excel against the run, which is what we need this year," Rose said. The Ramblers get a gift in senior transfer Chad Boykin, who comes to Rose Bud from Heber Springs. Boykin will play safety, and he will be joined in the defensive backfield by juniors Jacob Peterson and Tyler Waters.
It sets up well for the Ramblers to keep improving on their continuously emerging football program. Although looking for a huge leap in the 3A-2 will be difficult, Rose Bud should be able to be more competitive and improve on the win totals from 2008. In that sense the ongoing experiment could be considered a success.
ROSE BUD RAMBLERS
Sept. 4 ................at Quitman
Sept. 11 ......... Heber Springs
Sept. 18 ...................Des Arc
Sept. 25 ............. at Brinkley*
Oct. 2 ............. at Riverview*
Oct. 9 ............... Mayfl ower*
Oct. 16 ................at Barton*
Oct. 23 ............. at England*
Oct. 30 ............... Episcopal*
Nov. 5 ... Harding Academy*
Special, Pages 168, 169 on 08/23/2009