CLASS 6A SUPER SIX: NO. 1 PINE BLUFF

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2014 champion deep in talent, know-how

Pine Bluff wide receiver David Beasley (right) is one of a handful of key returnees for the Zebras this season, along with quarterback Ladarius Skelton, defensive end John Tate and linebacker Keshawn Whaley.
Pine Bluff wide receiver David Beasley (right) is one of a handful of key returnees for the Zebras this season, along with quarterback Ladarius Skelton, defensive end John Tate and linebacker Keshawn Whaley.

Pine Bluff finally broke through last season after going 19 years without a state championship.

photo

Special to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Pine Bluff quarterback Ladarius Skelton (center) accounted for 2,963 all-purpose yards in helping Pine Bluff win the Class 6A state championship. He threw for 1,383 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 1,125 yards and 19 touchdowns.

The Zebras routed Benton 50-10 in the title game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock to win their first state championship since 1995, but there wasn't much time for celebrating.

CLASS 6A SUPER SIX

TEAM;2014;CONFERENCE

1. Pine Bluff;10-3;6A-South

2. El Dorado;8-5;6A-South

3. Greenwood;7-4;7A/6A-Central

4. Benton;12-1-1;6A-South

5. LR Parkview;6-6;6A-South

6. Jonesboro;9-3;7A/6A-East

At a glance

PINE BLUFF

COACH Bobby Bolding

CONFERENCE 6A-South

2013 RECORD 10-3 (won Class 6A state championship)

KEY RETURNERS QB Ladarius Skelton, 6-2, 210, Sr.; WR/DB David Beasley, 6-3, 190, Sr.; DE John Tate, 6-4, 260, Sr.; LB Keshawn Whaley, 6-1, 215, Jr.

2015 SCHEDULE

DATE;OPPONENT

Sept. 4;FS Northside

Sept. 11;at Watson Chapel

Sept. 18;North Little Rock

Sept. 25;Texarkana*

Oct. 2;at LR Parkview*

Oct. 9;at Lake Hamilton*

Oct. 16;LR Hall*

Oct. 23;at El Dorado*

Oct. 30;Sheridan*

Nov. 5;at Benton*

*6A-South game

"So many of our kids are multi-sports," Pine Bluff Coach Bobby Bolding said. "They roll from one sport to the next. Their minds were on competing."

Pine Bluff might get another chance, thanks to a deep and talented senior class that has the Zebras ranked No. 1 in Class 6A by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette going into the 2015 season.

The Zebras will be led by seniors Ladarius Skelton, David Beasley and John Tate, all of whom have started since their sophomore seasons.

Beasley, a wide receiver and safety, is orally committed to Louisiana Tech while Tate has narrowed his choices to Boise State, Mississippi, California, Louisville and Louisiana Tech.

Skelton accounted for 2,963 all-purpose yards last season, passing for 1,838 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushing for 1,125 yards and 19 scores.

"They've never been hard to coach," Bolding said. "They're like sponges. You don't have to rant and rave and scream at them. They do their job.

"That makes it really easy. You're not red-faced with your blood pressure up and screaming. You're at a point where it's almost like you're teaching coaches."

Bolding said he expects a big season out of Skelton.

"His arm strength is better," Bolding said. "He's always been able to run."

Senior Romar Reades returns at running back. Reades has started on defense the past two years, but Bolding said he will likely focus only on offense this season after rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2014.

The Zebras' biggest question mark is at wide receiver. Pine Bluff lost twin brothers Kyran and Tyran Simmons to graduation, but Beasley is back.

Tate has started at tight end the past two seasons, but Bolding said he will focus more at defensive end in hopes that it will keep Tate fresh. Bolding said Cory Jackson is the front-runner to start at tight end.

Pine Bluff's offensive line brings back four starters, including senior Jordan O'Guinn. Junior Taron Moses will start at left tackle.

Tate had 39 tackles, including 14 for a loss, and 7 sacks last season and will be back to anchor the defensive line. O'Guinn and senior Tiran Compton also will start alongside Tate.

Junior Keshawn Whaley returns at linebacker after posting 123 tackles a year ago. He will be joined in the linebacker corps by seniors Malik Isaiah and Keith Murry, who will be a starter for the first time.

Beasley leads the Zebras' secondary after recording 52 tackles, including 2 1/2 for a loss, and 1 fumble recovery last season.

"He's really fun to coach between the lines," Bolding said. "He's a student of the game. He really wants to work hard at it."

Pine Bluff has played in the Class 6A state championship game the past three seasons, losing in 2012 to Greenwood and in 2013 to El Dorado.

"We've had some good football teams here, but you have to have the right team to win it," Bolding said. "You throw in the right chemistry, then you're over the hump."

Sports on 08/29/2015

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