TRI-LAKES AREA — Last season the Bauxite Miners had a rare off year, finishing with a 4-6 record and out of the playoffs. Even with the mediocre results of last season, head coach Jon Watson is confident his team can turn things around and return to the playoffs this season. Part of the reason for his optimism is that he has 16 re
turning starters, but not all 16 are returning to their same positions. Even with some changes,
Watson's young team from a year ago returns with experience and the effort put forth in the offseason has Watson looking forward to the fall.
One of the changes made was at the quarter back position. Blake Childress has been moved to halfback, and sophomore Tim Dunlap will be taking over the duties under center."He's in the vernacular of the other Dunlaps," Watson said. "He has a love for the game and great speed. We just need to get him to mature." One of the biggest threats the Miners will have this season is senior Blake Wood at halfback. As a junior, Wood rushed for 965 yards.
He will be joined in the backfield by Childress, and when the team goes to more of a Spread look, expect senior Steven Brooks to see a lot of carries. Sophomore Jaye Spradlin and Kyler Hickey will add support from the fullback position.
In addition to adding some depth to the running game, Brooks is also considered by Watson to have the "best hands" on the team.
Another big target for Dunlap this season will be returning starting tight end, senior Austin Hicks. Junior Ty Hughes will also see time at wide receiver as well as quarterback. Dylan Greer will add depth to the receiving corps as well.
Many of the great Bauxite teams of the past all had one thing in common: a strong offensive line. This year looks to be shaping up the same way for Watson's crew.
With Chad Bono returning at center in a competition with senior Ruston Kidd and the return of senior Lucas Nalley, who was lost to injury the past two years, Watson is confident in his line. Seniors Zac Moore and Taylor Appling also return to give the line the experience it needs.
As confident as Watson is with his offensive line, defensive coordinator John Taylor is equally proud of his defensive line. Taylor expects the strength of his defense to be the run-stopping ability of his five-man front.
Senior Mark Dodson returns to one of the defensive end spots and brings back his "great technique," Taylor said. The other defensive end position is still up for grabs.
On the inside of the line, Taylor expects to reposition Kidd and Moore. Appling started some games last year and will return to the nose tackle position.
Three-year starter Hicks returns to linebacker where he has been effective, and he will be joined by Spradlin, who "did a good job in the spring," Taylor said.
"We're sitting pretty good at linebacker," Taylor said.
The secondary is full of experience with Blacke Wood and Steven Brooks returning for their second straight year at cornerback. Safety Blake Childress led his team in interceptions as a sophomore but wasn't able to match that performance last season. Taylor expects Childress to step back up this season. The other safety spot is an ongoing competition with Ty Hughes and senior Chase Dunlap.
Looking around the conference, Watson knows getting back to the top will not be an easy task as he expects Fountain Lake and Glen Rose to field great teams again as well as expecting improvements from Jessieville and Magnet Cove. But from what he has seen from his team in spring and summer, he is confident in their abilities.
"I'm looking forward to the season," Watson said. "They put forth great effort and work ethic in the weight room this summer."
Tri-Lakes, Pages 7 on 08/30/2009