THREE RIVERS AREA — Experience, speed and size are the key ingredients Salem High School is relying on in 2009 to improve on its 1-9 finish a year ago.
The class 2A Greyhounds were outgunned in a strong district that last year took advantage of the fact that Salem
fielded only five seniors and relied on a small corps of linemen.
"We didn't have the speed to keep up with [the teams in our dis
trict]," head coach Sam Weir said. "We got pushed around everywhere,
but this year we'll have some beef
up front." The beef starts with sopho
more interior lineman Colby
Harber, who at 6-2, 240 will be the biggest athlete on the field. Joining
him on the improved line will be sophomore Corey Arnold (6-2, 230)
and seniors Cody Harlow (5-9, 220) and Justin Brooks (6-3, 190).
Weir has slotted last year's tailback, Ty Berry, in at quarterback for
his senior year. Berry's speed and preparation for the season have left
Weir with high hopes for under center.
"He has good speed, but he's been doing a lot of great things in the
weight room, too," Weir said. "He's really worked on his passing, which
is something we were unable to do well last year."An improved air attack is key for the Greyhounds' offense. Weir
and his coaches plan for a balanced offense and increased play-action
passing, while last year's squad relied on a ground game that left little
for which opposing teams had to adjust.
Weir also said added depth should help starters on both sides of
the field stay fresh. Weir estimated that only 75 percent of his starters
will play both offense and defense compared to last year's 90 percent.
Though they were overworked, the Greyhounds' lone victory against
winless Cedar Ridge was the team's first win in two years.
Weir, in only his second season as coach, is hoping to build on
the milestone.
"We should be improved in several categories that should allow us
to hang in and be competitive," Weir said. "This is a different group
of kids who are very young and enthused about getting our program
back on track.
"Their positive attitudes make things a lot easier." Talent also makes things easier, and the Greyhounds hope they've
found it in several crucial positions. Senior Jason Huff is a kicker who
has attracted the attention of several college scouts. Junior Nick Gas
kins will take over for Berry at tailback, and sophomore Jesse James
SALEM GREYHOUNDS
Sept. 4 ... Jonesboro Westside
Sept. 11 .....at Yellville-Summit
Sept. 18 ................. at Rector
Sept. 25 ..........Cedar Ridge*
Oct. 2 ........at Walnut Ridge*
Oct. 9 at East Poinsett County*
Oct. 16 ...........Marked Tree*
Oct. 23 ...... at Cross County*
Oct. 30 ................. Augusta*
Nov. 5 ............. at McCrory*
Special, Pages 187 on 08/23/2009