SPRINGDALE — Chris Clinard will play many roles for Springdale this season, but he has one major responsibility.
It's to make the Bulldogs better on defense.
Springdale averaged 36.4 points last season but still finished 5-6 with quarterback Ashton Glaser and record-setting receiver LaDarius Eckwood. Both are in college now, and there will likely be a drop-off in offensive production this season.
That's why Springdale must improve on defense, and it's counting on Clinard, a threeyear starter at safety, to lead the turnaround.
"Our offense is always going to be pretty good, and we will make the plays on defense this year," Clinard said. "Our mindset has changed with our new coaches, and they've put it in our heads that we can be as good defensively as anyone we play this season.
"We're going to play defense like Springdale used to play."
Springdale hired former Lonoke coach Jeff Jones as defensive coordinator to lead the rebuilding project. The Bulldogs will switch to a 4-3 defenseafter allowing an average of 32.5 points a game the past two seasons.
Clinard, 6-1, 195 pounds, is the leading tackler on a defense that returns seven starters, including three in the secondary. He is a hard hitter who had 91 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception last year for the Bulldogs, who made the playoffs for the first time in three years.
"Chris is a safety who is also like a linebacker," secondary coach David McGinnis said. "He's a great run-supporter, and he's gotten better defending the pass.
"We've tweaked our defense a bit, but Chris' responsibilities haven't changed much and we expect him to be one of our leaders out there."
Clinard should also get some opportunities carrying the football on special teams and as a backup quarterback to junior Joseph Calcagni. Clinard is a strong runner who could relieve Calcagni, the better passer, onoccasion.
"Chris is the guy we're going to try and get the ball to on punt returns and kickoff returns," Springdale Coach Kevin Johnson said. "If we need him on offense, he could come in at quarterbackin running situations and pick up some yards for us. He's gotten bigger, stronger and faster, and we're going to utilize him as much as we can."
Clinard showed enough skills on offense to qualify for the annual Top Gun Challenge during the summer. The annual event attracts some of the top quarterbacks in the state, and although Clinard didn't finish among theleaders, he was pleased to show off his skills.
"I attended the qualifying rounds and made it," Clinard said. "They treated us well and made it a blast for everybody. It was probably the most fun I had all summer."
Springdale faces another challenging schedule, beginning with a road game Sept. 4 at powerful Jefferson City, Mo. The Bulldogstied for fifth in the 7A-West last season and lost 22-13 in a firstround game.
"Last year was the start of seeing Springdale back in the playoffs, but we're not satisfied," Clinard said. "It's been a tough transition after splitting with [Springdale] Har-Ber, but people will know the Springdale Bulldogs are back for good after this year."
Springdale Bulldogs
COACH Kevin Johnson
LAST SEASON 5-6
OFFENSE Spread
DEFENSE 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS Offense 3, defense 7
POINTS SCORED PER GAME 36.4
POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME 33.1
OFFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH Justin Bocchino (6-2, 155, WR, Sr.), Joseph Calcagni (6-2, 190, QB, Jr.), Dylan Marrs (6-2, 240, FB, Sr.), Mitchell Smothers (6-4, 270, OL, Jr.)
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH Cole Sizemore (6-2, 220, LB, Sr.), Colton Clark (5-9, 185, LB, Sr.), Chris Clinard (6-1, 195, DB, Sr.), James Shorter (5-8, 155, DB, Sr.), Antonio Caldera (5-10, 160, DB, Sr.)
KEEP AN EYE ON Mitchell Smothers. The offensive lineman is back after starting every game as a sophomore last season. He'll take over at left tackle and be responsible for protecting Calcagni.
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK Springdale lost top performers in quarterback Ashton Glaser and wide receiver LaDarius Eckwood, but new playmakers always seem to emerge. Bocchino should see plenty of passes thrown his way this season.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK The arrival of Jeff Jones as defensive coordinator should help a unit that allowed more than 33 points per game last season. Jones has tweaked the defense by installing a 4-3 alignment, and the Bulldogs have strength and experience at linebacker and in the secondary.
SEASON OUTLOOK Springdale averaged more than 36 points per game last season and still finished below .500. The Bulldogs will have a winning season only if their defense is vastly improved.
KEY GAME Sept. 25 vs. Springdale Har-Ber. Springdale will be the home team against its rivals at Jarrell Williams Bulldogs Stadium. The Bulldogs fought hard last year before losing 20-14 to Har-Ber, and another good showing could do a lot for the their confidence in conference play.
QUOTING COACH JOHNSON "Our defense has been down the last two years, and pretty much at the bottom of the conference. That's got to change, and hopefully we can get our defense back up to where our offense has been."
Sports, Pages 45 on 08/30/2009