Eagles' defense needs to soar like offense

Offense wasn't a problem for Arkansas Baptist in 2013.

The Eagles averaged 28.8 points a game last season, scoring at least 32 points four times. Quarterback Riley Perkins missed the final two games of the season but still managed to throw for 1,882 yards. The Eagles scored 39 touchdowns, with 30 of them coming through the passing game.

Arkansas Baptist Coach Brad Helm would like to see his team continue that offensive output in 2014 while finding a way to improve upon a defense that gave up 470 points.

"We have simplified the defense," said Helm, whose team finished 2-8 a year ago. "We expect our guys to fly to the ball, focus on getting there and making good tackles. I think we were young last year, and that's a big part of gaining the confidence we need and taking care of what we need to do."

Riley, 6-1, 185 pounds, returns for his fourth season as the starting quarterback. He has completed 480 of 847 passes for 7,032 yards and 72 touchdowns in his career. He spent four months rehabbing a broken leg, but Helm said Riley is 100 percent now.

Riley has plenty of targets returning, including senior Robert Paul Upshaw, 5-10, 185, who hauled in a team-high 62 passes last season for 753 yards and 11 touchdowns. Also back are junior Chad McGonigal, 5-11, 170, who caught 30 passes for 441 yards and 7 touchdowns, and junior Ryan Fielder, 5-10, 165, who caught 19 passes for 306 yards and 1 touchdown.

"This receiving group is probably the best we've ever had considering their abilities and how smart they are," Helm said. "They understand what we're trying to do and trying to accomplish. They're more athletic than what we've had in the past. Our three receivers are going to be our best weapons we have on offense."

Junior Andre Malloy, 5-10, 180, was the team's leading rusher last season, running 49 times for 342 yards and 3 touchdowns. Helm is hopeful that the Eagles' running game will improve this season.

"Every year I want to go into the year wanting to run the ball," Helm said. "I want to have a running game. I think that will make our passing game better. The focus of spring and our fall camp has been the running game."

Sophomores will dominate the Eagles' offensive line, which Helm said he believes will eventually be a great group.

"They are growing up as we're going along, but they have a lot of growing up to do," Helm said. "It's a work in progress, but I believe they will turn into one of the best offensive lines we've ever had."

Bauxite was the only Class 4A team that allowed more points (502) during the regular season than Arkansas Baptist.

The Eagles have four returning starters in the secondary, including senior Josiah Johnson, 5-11, 180, at strong safety, senior Garrett Mayes, 5-9, 150, and junior Kaleb Kauffman, 5-10, 175, at the corners, and Fielder as the free safety.

"In most years, we've had a bunch of two-way players," Helm said. "This year it looks we've got one guy going both ways. That should help us tremendously. I think we should be able to play into the fourth quarter with a chance to win."

Sports on 08/16/2014