CLASS 3A PREVIEW

Charleston, Paris buoyed by strong skill players

Elkins, Greenland expected to battle newcomer Clinton for the 3A-1 crown

Charleston finished 7-5 a year ago, losing in the Class 3A state quarterfinals. A solid season by most standards, but Tigers coach Greg Kendrick understands Charleston’s standards are a little different.

“Seven and five doesn’t cut it,” Kendrick said. “That’s the worst in like 28 years. And don’t think we haven’t heard it from administrators to parents to everyone.”

The Tigers won three state titles in four years from 2011-14, averaging almost 13 wins per season during that span. Charleston has become one of the top 3A programs in the state, and expectations are high. Despite not meeting those incredible standards a year ago, the Tigers are again the favorite in the 3A-4 Conference, returning 16 starters.

Even Paris coach Marc Tucker agreed Charleston is the team to beat.

“To be the best, you’ve gotta beat the best,” Tucker said. “You’ve gotta knock off Charleston. They could be the top 3A program in the state the last 10 years.”

Kendrick said his team and coaching staff have returned to a blue-collar style mentality aided by a strong senior class.

“The seniors have done a great job with their work ethic,” Kendrick said. “It’s the reason why we’ve got less numbers. We’ve got 36 now. Last year we had 50-plus.”

The Tigers return a great nucleus at the skill positions led by quarterback Jackson Rowland (6-1, 195). The senior threw for 2,096 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

“His maturation process has been great,” Kendrick said. “We’re gonna go as far as he’ll take us. There’s no doubt our skill guys are our strength.”

All-conference tailback Brayden Ketter rushed for 771 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago, while Sean Michael Flanagan, Mason Wisdom and Phillip Hampton give Rowland a talented receiving corps.

“Ketter doesn’t have that burst of speed, but he has great vision and patience,” Kendrick said. “Sean is our most explosive receiver. Wisdom has high 4.5 to low 4.6 speed and Phillip is a 6-4 kid, who has blossomed into a really good football player.”

Paris is another team that will be powered by strong skill players, who could help the Eagles push Charleston in the 3A-4.

Even Kendrick called Paris senior tailback Nate Davidson (6-0, 175) one of the top players in the state in Class 3A. Davidson rushed for 1,452 yards and 18 touchdowns, despite missing a game last season. Junior quarterback Preston Drewry threw for just under 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore.

“Davidson’s our bell cow,” Tucker said. “He had three games of 200-plus yards rushing in our conference and rushed for 220 in a playoff game against Danville.”

Elkins and Greenland should battle newcomer Clinton for the 3A-1 crown. The Elks return 16 starters from last season, while the Pirates have only nine back, who have some varsity playing time.

Chad Harbison is in his first year as Chad Harbison is in his first year as coach at Elkins after serving as co- offensive coordinator at Russellville a year ago. He was hired in late May, but has been pleased with his team’s summer work. “The first day out here I think we had 28 I think,” Harbison said. “The next day we had 33. They started coming. We’ve got about 38 on the roster now.” Greenland will try to replace a group of 14 seniors, who won 10 games last season. Pirates coach Lee Larkan said his team has some solid skill players, but the offensive line doesn’t have a lot of size. “I think the line will come along once we get some continuity,” Larkan said. “I think once we get that, we’ll be OK. We’re going to be small. I personally would rather have 200-pound offensive linemen.”

“To be the best, you’ve gotta beat the best. You’ve gotta knock off Charleston. They could be the top 3A program in the state the last 10 years.”

— Paris coach Marc Tucker

3A-1 Conference 2015 Final Standings

Team Conf. Overall

West Fork ............................7-0 ..................8-4 Greenland ...........................6-1 ................ 10-2 Elkins ...................................5-2 ..................5-6 Mountain View ....................4-3 ..................6-5 Cedarville ............................2-5 ..................2-9 Green Forest .......................2-5 ..................4-7 Yellville-Summit ...................1-6 .................. 1-9 Marshall ...............................1-6 ..................2-8

3A-4 Conference 2015 Final Standings

Team Conf. Overall

Danville ................................6-1 ..................8-4 Paris ....................................5-2 .................. 7-5 Lamar ..................................5-2 ................ 10-3 Charleston ...........................5-2 .................. 7-5 Booneville............................3-4 ..................4-7 Mansfield .............................2-5 ..................3-7 Lavaca .................................1-6 ..................4-6 Two Rivers ..........................1-6 ..................2-8

Hooten’s Conference Poll 3A-1

  1. Clinton

  2. Elkins

  3. Greenland

  4. Mountain View

  5. Green Forest

  6. Yellville-Summit

  7. Melbourne

  8. Marshall

3A-4

  1. Charleston

  2. Paris

  3. Lamar

  4. Atkins

  5. Perryville

  6. Mansfield

  7. Cedarville

  8. Two Rivers

Paul Boyd can be reached at pboyd@nwadg.com or on Twitter @NWAPaulb.

Upcoming Events