LITTLE ROCK — Former Arkansas offensive lineman Benji Mahan flashes a big smile when asked about his guys at Bentonville.
Mahan coaches the Tigers' offensive line, which has five starters returning from last season's Class 7A state championship team. Their size and experience up front are a primary reason many view Bentonville as a serious candidate to repeat as state champions.
"Our guys are smart, and that goes a long ways in what we're trying to do," Mahan said. "The defense will try to trick you and play different fronts, with a blitz here or there, but we're usually able to recognize it and make adjustments.
"It's a good group with a lot of size, intelligence and quick feet."
Bentonville's starting offensive line consists of center Jonathan Mortenson, flanked by Marcus Danenhauer and Jon Mark Holden at guard and Matt Hoffman and Chase Petersen at tackle. Danenhauer, 6-5, 305, is the only junior in the group and the largest of the returning starters, while Hoffman, 6-1, 240, is the smallest. Petersen, 6-4, 280, starts at left tackle and is considered one of the top college prospects in the state.
"Bentonville's offensive line is huge, and they're exactly what you need when you're trying to run the football," said Springdale Coach Kevin Johnson, a former offensive lineman at Arkansas Tech. "People talk aboaut how important it is have your starting quarterback back, but having everyone back on the offensive line is a huge advantage.
"It's easy to see why they're picked so high again this year."
Bentonville has been the dominant rushing team in the conference the past few years, and the Tigers rushed for an average of more than 210 yards a game while averaging 30 points a game last season. Returning halfback Shane Boedeker rushed for 1,200 yards last season after Anthony Blackmon set a 7AWest record with 2,561 yards rushing and 32 touchdowns in 2007.
"When we get in the end zone, that's when we know we've done our job," said Petersen, a three-year starter. "That's all the recognition we need."
Bentonville relied heavily on its defense last season while its offense developed behind three returning starters. The Tigers won nine consecutive games before losing 20-6 to Springdale Har-Ber to end the regular season.
Bentonville got on another roll in the playoffs and defeated Fort Smith Southside 32-20 to finish 12-1 and earn its first state championship since 2001. The Tigers rushed for more than 230 yards in a 27-0 victory over Russelleville in the semifinals and in the championship game against Southside.
"It was a great feeling winning the state championship, and we know we have a big target on our backs this year," Petersen said. "We've got to keep doing what we're doing and get ready to take everybody's best shot."
Bentonville's offensive line is versatile, and there is plenty of depth, including top backupPierce Skersick, who can help at center or guard. Hoffman started eight games at center last season, and Holden and Petersen could play at center if needed.
"Pierce is a senior who could be a starter at most schools," Coach Barry Lunney said. "It's a long year and people get injured, and I know he can step in and do the job if needed. We've got guys who play different positions, and that's a big plus. They're very good, but they can get better, and our coaches are pushing them to help make thathappen."
Bentonville's linemen said there is competition within the group, but they know they are most successful when working together.
"We trust each other and sometimes think each other's thoughts on the football field," said Holden, who became a starter halfway through his sophomore season. "We're good friends, and we hang out together and push each other.
"It's a good situation. We know that if we do our job, we're going to come out on top."Bentonville TigersCOACH Barry Lunney LAST SEASON 12-1 OFFENSE One-back DEFENSE 3-4 RETURNING STARTERS Offense 10, defense 1 POINTS SCORED PER GAME 29.9 POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME 11.5 OFFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH Pearson Gean (6-2, 190, QB, Jr.), Sheldon Vanderpool (6-2, 180, WR, Sr.), Shane Boedeker (5-10, 200, RB, Sr.), Chase Petersen (6-4, 280, OL, Sr.), Jon Mark Holden (6-2, 270, OL, Sr.) DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH Arthur Flowers (6-0, 220, LB, Sr.), Ben Nichols (6-0, 195, LB, Sr.), Chase Gogel (5-11, 250, DL, Jr.), Chris Smith (6-3, 195, DL, Sr.) KEEP AN EYE ON Arthur Flowers. Flowers will be in the spotlight as the lone returning starter from a dominating defense last season. He's a tough inside linebacker who had interceptions in the playoffs against Russellville and Fort Smith Southside. Bentonville will need his leadership to help rebuild its defense.
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK Bentonville will again be a top rushing team with five returning linemen leading the way for Shane Boedeker, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards last season. The Tigers have worked hard in the preseason to upgrade their passing game, and it's sure to be improved with quarterback Pearson Gean throwing to a number of quality receivers.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK Bentonville has work to do for sure after losing 10 starters, but Lunney is optimistic the Tigers will turn into a reliable unit. Going against Bentonville's strong offensive line every day in practice will help the down linemen in their development.
SEASON OUTLOOK Don't expect Bentonville to slack off after winning its second state title in school history last season. This program has arrived, but an off night could send any team tumbling in the state's toughest conference.Bentonville's chances could be determined early with consecutive league games at Fayetteville and Fort Smith Southside.
KEY GAME Sept. 25 at Fayetteville. This 7A-West Conference opener matches the league's biggest team against a Fayetteville team that probably has the conference's best skilled position players. Fayetteville is capable of winning this game at home, and a Bentonville loss to Southside the following weekend would put the Tigers in an early hole in the league race. Bentonville's coaching staff will work extra hard to make sure this doesn't happen.
QUOTING COACH LUNNEY "There aren't any bad teams in this league. You better have it strapped on every game or you'll get beat." SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Sept. 4 Conway Sept. 11 Fort Zumwalt West, Mo.
Sept. 18 Nettleton Sept. 25 at Fayetteville* Oct. 2 at Fort Smith Southside* Oct. 9 Rogers Heritage* Oct. 16 Rogers* Oct. 23 at Fort Smith Northside* Oct. 30 Springdale* Nov. 6 Springdale Har-Ber* *Conference game
Sports, Pages 32, 33 on 08/30/2009