ROGERS — A photo hanging on Perry Escalante's refrigerator is a constant reminder for where Rogers Heritage's football program started and how much it's grown.
That's growing in a literal sense. Escalante, the head coach of the second-year program, still knows it has ground to make up in the 7A-West Conference. The War Eagles' next league victory will be their first after going winless following a 3-0 nonconference record in 2008.
The picture indeed provides physical evidence about how difficult last season was and how much hope the future holds.
"My wife told me, 'Look at that picture,' " Escalante said. "There were about four or five boys at media day last year. They were sophomores from last year, and there's no comparison with how they look now.
"You look back and say, 'We took the field with those guys.' "
Bigger and more seasoned with a spring practice worth of fine-tuning behind them, the War Eagles figure to be better with the entire team essentially back. There is also a 34-player seniorclass, the program's first, in place.
The War Eagles might take some lumps as they build for the future, but the seniors want more than just to lay the foundation.
"This is our last year here, and when we walk off the field, some of us may never put on pads again," senior center Allen Whitlow said. "Last year, without any seniors, we didn't really have any leadership. Now that should be a lot better.
"It was hard on us last year, but we needed it. It made us a lot tougher."
Rogers Heritage showed signs of being a competitive football team. The War Eagles played good first halves as heavy underdogs to Fort Smith Northside, Bentonville and Fort Smith Southside before being worn down in the third and fourth quarters.
Heritage also must improve defensively after allowing at least 38 points in all seven conference games last season.
"We're building," Escalante said. "People today are so impatient, and just like anything else, you want instant gratification. Just because you have shiny new helmets and nice uniforms, you've still got to play. We have to go to work."
Whitlow noticed a different vibe for the better in spring practice. While the 2008 War Eagles learned on the fly, returning to practice in spring and fall two-a-days was more about reviewing the system and improving. That's a vital part of Heritage making a move in the 7A-West.
One of the priorities a mostly veteran coaching staff has emphasized is keeping the players grounded and aware of how difficult the process can be against established opponents.
A year of growing up physically as well as mentally could make a difference if Heritage finds itself in similar spots in year two. Turning a few of those into victories would signify a still fledgling program on the upswing.
"We want to able to reload, not rebuild," Escalante said. "We're working that way, trying to get a nucleus of kids, plug them in and keep going."
Rogers Heritage War Eagles
COACH Perry Escalante
LAST SEASON 3-7
OFFENSE Spread no huddle
DEFENSE 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS Offense 11 , defense 11
POINTS SCORED PER GAME 25
POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME 42.6
OFFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH Reed Brown (5-9, 160, QB, Jr.), Allen Whitlow (6-2, 235, OL, Sr.), Jordan Snoderly (5-9, 175, WR, Sr.), Travis Entwisle (5-9, 170, WR. Sr.),
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH Jimmy Britton (6-0, 180, DB, Jr.), Reed Schatzman (6-3, 265, DL, Jr.), Connor Bolton (6-0, 180, DL, Sr.), Casey Wilber (6-2, 200, DL, Sr.).
KEEP AN EYE ON Casey Wilber. Shifted from linebacker to the defensive line because of his athleticism, the hope is Casey Wilber will put some added pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK Brown showed he can rack up yardage last season as the starting quarterback and figures to get even more efficient over the next two seasons. The offensive line, led by Whitlow, Brian Nelson and Evan Zupan, should be a strength.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK After starting as many six sophomores on the defense last season, it wasn't a surprise that the War Eagles endured some tough times in a conference known for scoring a lot of points. Improvement is expected this season, and a deep defensive end corps looks solid.
SEASON OUTLOOK Experience certainly isn't lacking in terms of returning players, buteven the luxury of returning every single starter won't guarantee Heritage of improving in terms of the 7A-West standings.
KEY GAME Oct. 7 vs. Rogers. Winning the city championship is probably not as significant as the War Eagles winning their first 7A-West Conference game. After going winless in conference last season, Heritage can make a statement if can score a victory in October.
Sports, Pages 42 on 08/30/2009