RUSSELLVILLE — After losing in the semifinals of the state playoffs during the past two seasons, Russellville Cyclone coach Jeff Holt is ready to reach the elusive championship game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. A state title is an attainable goal for the Cyclones this year, with a senior-dominated roster and an offense potentially more potent than last year's squad, Holt said.
Saying the Cyclones have experience at the offensive skill positions is an
understatement. Quarterback Barrett Hughes returns for his senior season loaded with
confidence following a successful junior year starting in Holt's Spread offense. He will line
up in the backfield with senior running back Jacob Sparks, labeled by Holt as a multitoolback with the ability to both run and catch the ball successfully from the backfield.
"Barrett returns with a full year under his belt, and we expect him to have a good year," Holt said. "Quarterback is always a leadership role, but it's a lot easier being a senior
in that role. He has some guys around him who can make some plays for us, and we expect
to be more explosive on offense this year." Barrett will have multiple targets at wide receiver capable of making big plays, including
receivers who excel in different ways - from speed to strength to clutch to size.
Senior Averian Collins, returning to the Cyclones after sitting out his junior season,
has performed exceptionally well in summer 7-on-7 workouts, Holt said, crediting him for
having good hands, breakaway speed and a positive work ethic.
"He's kind of a home-run threat for us," Holt said of Collins. "He decided he missed
football after sitting out last year and he wants to be a part of it again. He's had a really good
offseason, and he's ready to go." Receiver Jeff Van Olen has waited in the background the past two seasons for his op
portunity to play and has taken advantage of his increased role in preparation for his senior
year. Holt called him a good possession receiver - "He's that tough, physical receiver you
need on your football team," he said.
Senior receiver Cole Smith is a "big, tall, athletic-type receiver" who can out-compete
defenders to the football Holt said. A receiver with size is new to the Cyclones a teamthat typically has smaller, speedier receivers in its lineup.
"We need him to play well," Holt said. "He has the chance to have some mismatches with his height, which will be a big advantage for us.
We hope he has a good senior year." Returning starter Demarius Neil returns at tight end for his senior year, while senior Matt Lutz will likely get the start at the slot receiver position.
Despite all the senior leadership, Holt said perhaps the biggest strength of the offense is its offensive line, where three juniors are expected to start. Both Mitch Hall at right tackle and Logan Purtle at left tackle started as sophomores, an impressive accomplishment at the 7A level. Junior Andrew Pollock is expected to start at center and has also excelled during the offseason.
Three seniors - Luke Posey, Andrew Coker and Jordan West - are competing for the two offensive guard positions.
Although only three starters return on defense, Holt brushed off any rebuilding concerns.
"In high school, every year is a rebuilding year," he said. "You don't want to call it a rebuilding year - it's more like trying to reloadand get your kids to where they can compete at the highest level. We did lose a lot of defensive players that we have to replace, but we have some kids who can definitely get the job done."
Senior Bradford Webb, who started last year at safety, is expected to help solidify the defensive backfield, while senior Addison Walker returns at a middle linebacker position. Junior Blade Estes returns to anchor the defensive line.
Anxiety about the inexperienced defense was also helped when senior Andrew Tryon moved to Russellville from Morrilton. Tryon, who has already been offered a scholarship from Arkansas State University, has bonded well with teammates and is expected to play a major role at defensive back this season. Holt said he also expects Tryon to receive playing time at running back this year.
"When a new player moves in, you never know how good they are or how they'll fit in," Holt said. "But Andrew has fit in from day one, and he's an excellent football player. He's really going to help us. His talent alone - he just brings our talent up on the defense."
Ru Massey and Brad Barnes both had good springs and summers and are expected to compete for playing time on defense. Blake Robinson and Logan Pruitt both also have a chance to play significant roles for Russellvilledefensively.
Russellville's most talented player may be senior kicker Zach Hocker, who has shown the ability to consistently kick field goals from long distances. Holt said Hocker is the most talented high school kicker in Arkansas - perhaps in the nation - based on his confidence and his consistency.
"We've seen him kick it 60 yards through the uprights in practice, and I would put it on his leg from 50 yards out and would have no problem doing it in a game situation this year," Holt said. "He's that good."
Morrilton
Sept. 11 .............. Dardanelle
Sept. 18 ...........at Fayetteville
Sept. 25 . at North Little Rock*
Oct. 2 ......Little Rock Central*
Oct. 9 .................. at Bryant*
Oct. 16 .............. Van Buren*
Oct. 23 .. Little Rock Catholic*
Oct. 30 ............. at Conway*
Nov. 5 ..................... Cabot*
Special, Pages 234, 235, 236, 237 on 08/23/2009