TRI-LAKES AREA — The Hot Springs Trojans had a very tough season in 2009. Off the field, staying out of trouble in school hurt the eligibility of some players and grades played a big part in some of the players’ field time as well, new head coach Chris Vereen said. “Overall lack of dedication and the fact that they missed practices hurt the team last season,” Vereen said.
The Trojans lost tough games on the road, but 2010 is a new year and brings a new football season for the team. Vereen and his coaching staff are very optimistic about the upcoming season.
“We are all very excited right now,” Vereen said. “Day in and day out, they are outstanding.” The Trojans are faced with a whole new look on the field. Learning a new Vereen-style offense is one of the big changes.
The Trojans also have something else working in their favor head
ing into 2010 - senior leadership. As for key players, three are topnotch seniors with experience. Senior running back and safety Chris Hughes returns with his explosive speed and running ability.
“This kid is super talented and runs a nice 4.5-second 40-yard dash,” Vereen said. “Out of my 14 years of coaching, he is by far the best player I have ever coached.” Senior quarterback Deondre Hood returns to the offensive threat for the Trojans as well.
“He is a very talented young man and has a great 3.5 grade-point average,” Vereen said. “To have a quarterback that is talented and smart makes him that much more valuable.” Senior Eric Mitchell and sophomore Christian May round out the defense as the top Trojan linebackers in 2010.
When a team battles in a tough conference, it is hard to win but can sometimes squeak out a few here and there. If the Trojans want to compete in the tough 5A South in 2010, they will have to go through the likes of Camden Fairview, Magnolia and Central Arkansas Christian.
“These three are the ones we feel we have to beat this year,” Vereen said.
HOT SPRINGS TROJANS
Sept. 3 .......... Pulaski Robinson Oct. 8 .. @ Little Rock Christian*
Sept. 10 ..............@ Glen Rose Oct. 15 ................. Magnolia*
Sept. 17 ............... Jacksonville Oct. 22 .................... @ CAC*
Sept. 24 ............ Arkadelphia* Oct. 29 ......Camden Fairview*
Oct. 1 ......................@ Hope* Nov. 5 @ Hot Springs Lakeside*
Tri-Lakes Football, Pages 66 on 08/29/2010