ELKINS — With just four seniors on the football roster, Elkins will turn to a strong junior class to help pave the way back toward more success this fall. Within that junior class, the Elks’ leadership best display of team-first attitude begins with Ben Hicks.
Schedule
Sept. 4 Pea Ridge 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 at Lavaca 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Huntsville 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Yellville-Summit* 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Mountain View* 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 at Marshall* 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Cedarville* 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 at West Fork* 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 Greenland* 7 p.m.
Nov. 6 at Green Forest* 7 p.m.
*3A-1 Conference game
Whether it be on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, Hicks is sure to hear his name called plenty this season. The heavy workload isn’t unexpected, though. Hicks showed as an all 3A-1 Conference sophomore he was willing to do whatever — wherever — the Elks needed.
“Ben is athletic and fast, and he’ll do what you ask,” Elkins coach Thurman Shaw said. “He’ll play some (offensive guard), some linebacker, some defensive end and some fullback. And he’s bright enough to know all of those positions.
“So we’re real pleased that he’s part of the football team.”
Hicks, like eight other Elkins’ sophomores, was forced into a starting role last season. The inexperience and youth showed up at times in the 4-7 season, but the bright talent and promise for the future did as well, particularly with the 5-foot-9, 220-pound Hicks.
“We played a whole lot of 10th-graders last year, and Ben was one them,” Shaw said. “Now, Ben has taken on that role where he’s the enforcer. Kelton Center was that for us last year where he would come up and hit you. And Ben, he’ll come up and hit you.”
Hicks, with his ability to run well, admits defensive end is a favorite among his four positions on the field. But he doesn’t hesitate to put forth a complete effort no matter where he’s lining up. This year, he believes his attitude of buying into the team will rub off well on others.
“This team means everything to me, and I just want to do everything I can to help,” Hicks said. “Everyone here is my family, and I want to do whatever I can to win.
“If that means pushing myself and pushing others, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
Elkins must replace all-conference tailback Travis England as the focal point of the offense. With Colton Vaught ready to take over for England — along with a well-tested, experienced offensive line — Shaw doesn’t expect any drop off.
With Hicks leading the way on offense and defense, the Elkins’ coach even sees plenty of room for big improvement.
“We’ve got a good group this year,” Shaw said. “We like to have fun, and we have good chemistry. But these guys will get after you.”