Dog Days: Gravette Lions

Senior Soule does it all

Jackson Soule plays four key positions for the Gravette Lions football team.
Jackson Soule plays four key positions for the Gravette Lions football team.

GRAVETTE — Jackson Soule is used to a heavy workload, so playing four key positions for the Gravette Lions is really no big deal.

Schedule

Sept. 4 at Pottsville 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 Mayflower 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 Jay, Okla. 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 Lincoln* 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Prairie Grove* 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Pea Ridge* 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 Berryville* 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Huntsville* 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 Shiloh Christian 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 *Gentry 7 p.m.

*4A-1 Conference game

Soule (6-foot, 205 pounds) starts at H-back and inside linebacker for the Lions. He stays on the field to handle the punting chores, and he also handles the place-kicking duties. The only time he’ll come off the field will be punt or kickoff returns.

When football season ends and it’s time to hang up his cleats, Soule switches into his basketball shoes for a couple of months. In the early spring, when the basketballs go into storage, he starts at catcher for the Lions’ baseball team for the spring, and then the Midwest Nationals in the summer.

“I play a lot of sports and that keeps me in good shape,” he said. “I do a lot of summer workouts and run at lot, which also helps me prepare for everything.”

Soule said he enjoys football and basketball, but baseball is where his future is.

“I love that I can play all three sports and help our school,” he said, “but baseball has always been my favorite sport. It’s probably the one I’m best at. I’m hoping to play baseball in college.”

Before he trades his cleats for spikes, Soule will play a key role for the Lions’ football team. Although he’s been a starter at inside linebacker for the past two seasons, he said he enjoys offense more. He’s had plenty of success there, with more than 500 combined rushing and receiving yards last season.

Gravette defensive coordinator Duke Mobley said Soule puts in the necessary work it takes to excel at a number of positions.

“He comes out here every day and works hard,” Mobley said. “He sets the standard for others to work hard. He just does an outstanding job for us. He’s been in the system now for three years and he knows what to expect, he knows how to get the job done and it’s nice to be able to watch.”

The Lions were 6-5 last season and return most of their offensive starters, including four offensive linemen on a unit that averages more than 300 pounds. Gravette should again be a contender in the 4A-1 Conference, and Soule will likely be a factor all over the field.

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