Little Rock Central has been one of the most surprising teams of the 2016 season, going 3-0 in nonconference play with victories over Rogers Heritage, Bentonville West and West Memphis.
After the past two seasons when the Tigers have started 1-2 and 0-3, respectively, this year’s start is a refreshing change, Coach Ellis “Scooter” Register said.
“The attitude is a lot better,” Register said. “The kids are working harder. We’re in better condition. We pushed them hard in the offseason. We think that’s paid dividends in all three ballgames.
“It’s better sitting at 3-0 than the other way around.”
Central has been led defensively by senior linebacker Tyrell Humphrey and junior defensive lineman Tanner Barrett. Humphrey has a team-high 35 tackles, including three for a loss. He also has three sacks and one interception.
“We expected Tyrell to have a great year,” Register said of Humphrey, who had 11 tackles and two sacks in the Tigers’ 17-12 victory at West Memphis last Friday.
Barrett, a fullback last year, moved to defense, and it has paid off. He has 22 tackles, including 6 for a loss, and 3½ sacks.
“Tanner is a pleasant surprise for us,” Register said. “He’s just found a place where he can play. He worked hard in the weight room. He’s strong and real quick.
“He’s got a mindset to play where he’s at.”
The Tigers face their biggest test of the season as they head to North Little Rock today for their 7A-Central Conference opener. The Charging Wildcats (3-0) feature two of the top running backs in Class 7A in senior Alex Day and junior Wynton Ruth. Day returned from a knee injury last Friday and scored a touchdown in North Little Rock’s 59-6 rout of Little Rock Parkview.
“I don’t see much drop-off in North Little Rock,” Register said. “I picked them to be a contender. It’s going to be a tough challenge for us in their home conference opener.”
Register said Central has to tackle well against North Little Rock and not let the Charging Wildcats get out to a fast start like they have the first three weeks against Maumelle, Little Rock McClellan and Parkview.
“Those backs are outstanding,” Register said of Day and Ruth. “You try to prepare your kids the best you can. We know what they’re going to do. You have to slow them down a little bit.”
LITTLE ROCK CATHOLIC
Young back
Samy Johnson has been one of the few bright spots for Little Rock Catholic.
The sophomore running back has rushed for more than 400 yards the past two games, including a 304-yard performance against Jonesboro last Friday at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. He had 130 yards and 1 touchdown on 12 carries in Catholic’s 31-6 victory over Jacksonville on Sept. 9.
In Catholic’s 69-34 loss to Jonesboro, Johnson had two 80-yard runs and caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Taylor Price.
“Every game, he’s getting better,” Rockets Coach John Fogleman said about the 5-11, 170-pounder. “He’s making very tough runs. The line is giving him some holes. It doesn’t take much. He’s been doing the rest on his own.”
The Rockets (1-2) open 7A-Central play at Cabot (3-0) tonight. During the first three games, Catholic has given up at least 600 yards twice in losses to Sylvan Hills and Jonesboro.
Against Cabot, the Rockets face one of the best athletes in the state in senior quarterback Jarrod Barnes, an Arkansas oral commitment. Fogleman’s Rockets have seen Sylvan Hills senior quarterback Jordan Washington and Jonesboro senior wide receiver Jonathan Adams in the first three weeks, so Barnes is just the latest test.
“We shouldn’t be shocked by his speed,” Fogleman said of Barnes. “We’re going to have to keep him from getting into space or it’s going to be a long night.”
NASHVILLE
Play it all night long
Nashville Coach Mike Volarvich didn’t mind too much that his team gave up 63 points against Idabel, Okla., last Friday.
After all, the Scrappers scored 91 points in a 91-63 victory to improve to 3-0.
Nashville dealt with a competitive a game for the first time this season, Volarvich said, after two routs against Hope and De Queen.
“Our starters had not played in the second half this year,” he said. “But they [Idabel] were blitzing and onside kicking. So, we continued to play.”
Senior running back Darius Hopkins and junior running back Trent Harris combined for 10 rushing touchdowns. Hopkins (19 carries, 269 yards) had 8 touchdowns while Harris (12 carries, 191 yards) scored twice.
Nashville opens 7-4A Conference play today against Arkadelphia. The Scrappers hold the state’s longest winning streak with 18 victories, which is not an accident, Volarvich said.
“I really like the character that our team has,” Volarvich said. “We have a bunch of guys who know what it takes to win.”
EXTRA POINTS
Bentonville and Fayetteville meet in the opening week of 7A-West Conference play tonight. The Tigers and Bulldogs have won every 7A state title this decade. Bentonville won in 2010, 2013 and 2014 while Fayetteville earned titles in 2011, 2012 and 2015. … Marion senior running back Tom Young has rushed for 297 yards and 5 touchdowns on 66 carries through three games. Young had 111 yards and 2 touchdowns on 28 carries in Marion’s 34-31 loss at Blytheville last Friday. … White Hall is 3-0 after finishing 0-10 in 2015. The Bulldogs have been boosted by senior running back Lance Smith. Smith has rushed for 435 yards and 9 touchdowns on 57 carries. … Stuttgart won its first game of the season under new Coach Josh Price with a 51-14 victory over DeWitt. Sophomore running back Derrick Amos led the Ricebirds with 94 yards and 3 touchdowns on 7 carries. Junior running back Kirk Hughes had 91 yards and 2 touchdowns on 11 carries. Senior quarterback Michael Smith completed 13 of 14 passes for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns while junior wide receiver Davion Graham caught 6 passes for 160 yards and 1 touchdown.