TRI-LAKES AREA — Billy Elmore's first season as head coach of the Arkadelphia Badgers was a far cry from his last season at Glen Rose.
Last season, the Badgers managed just two wins and were outscored by an average of 16 points per game. But Elmore is confident that his team can improve on last season's results now that they have been in the system for a full year.
"I feel like we'll be improved defensively," Elmore said. "We'll be better in all aspects with one more year in the system." The battle for the quarterback position is ongoing, but emerging from the pack is sophomore Garrett Rucker and junior Michael Forthman.
"They've pushed each other, but the job is still open," Elmore said.
One of the players Elmore will be expecting a lot from this season is senior Xavior Todd.
"He's got good speed and all-out ability," Elmore said. "He's a game breaker." Sophomore Javaun Williams has "shown a lot of promise," and junior Josh Newborn is "solid at running back," Elmore said.
At the fullback position, the Badgers will look to senior Demarco Belamar and junior Dustin Cooper, who are "good blockers," Elmore said.
The main threat for the Badgers in the air attack will be junior Greg Clayborne, who "has a good jump and speed and ability to make adjustments to the ball," Elmore said.
O t hers w ho are exp ec ted to con
tribute to the passing game include T.J.
Means, Cody Rogers, Spencer Knight, Todd
and Rahett Rogers.
"I expect the offensive line will be im
proved with two- and three-year starters
coming back," Elmore said. "They have been
showing up well in the weight room." The senior-laden line includes Ashton
Bailey at right tackle, Carthel Jones at right
guard, Miles French at center, Justin Hasley
at left guard and Justin Bateman at left tackle.
Junior Nick Thibadeaux will also see time in
a backup role.
Jones and Thibadeaux will see time on
both the offensive and defensive lines.
On defense they will be contributing at
defensive end along with Clayton Saunders
and Cole Weems. Rounding out the defensive
line will be Stacy Ward, Bud Jackson and
Dreavonne Adams at the defensive tackle
positions.
Bailey and Knight return to their starting
positions at linebacker this season.
"I expect big things out of them," Elmore said.
Will Wallace, Cody Rogers, Chris Mauldin and Josh Newborne will also see time at linebacker.
Charged with protecting against the pass
this season will be free safety Todd and cornerbacks Deric Conway and Clayborne.
When looking at his team's chances in theconference, Elmore knows it will be a battle to get the Badgers back to the playoffs.
"This is one of the best conferences in the state," Elmore said. "I see it as a great challenge. We are going in the direction we want to go, and we're going to see improvement if we keep working hard."
Tri-Lakes, Pages 19 on 08/30/2009