CLASS 7A TEAM CAPSULES
7A-WEST CONFERENCE
BENTONVILLE HIGH TIGERS
2018 RECORD 7-4, 7-0 7A-West Conference
COACH Jody Grant, fifth year
RETURNING PLAYERS 4 offense, 5 defense
KEY PLAYERS RB Preston Crawford (Sr., 5-11, 180), OL Jack Burgess (Sr., 6-0, 240), WR Zach Lee (Sr., 6-5, 190), TE Sam Golden (Sr., 6-1, 220), DL Chris Crawford (Sr., 5-11, 215), LB Cole Joyce (Jr., 6-0, 215), LB Keegan Stinespring (Jr., 5-11, 195), CB Levi Bennett (Sr., 5-10, 170), QB/FS Ben Pankau (Sr., 6-1, 180).
THE SKINNY Ben Pankau is in a battle for the starting quarterback spot with Andrew Edwards, and Jody Grant hopes to have a starter named by the season opener. ... Preston Crawford, who earned college attention in the offseason, seeks to improve on last year's performance, where he ran for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns. ... Zach Lee is the Tigers' leading returner at receiver, where he caught 24 passes for 261 yards and three scores, and he will get help from senior Trenton Kolb and sophomore Chas Nimrod. ... Jack Burgess returns as the starting center and will be surrounded by four new starters on the offensive line. ... All-conference selection Chris Crawford is the leader of the Tigers' defensive line from one of the end positions. ... The linebacker corps is led by Cole Joyce, an all-state performer who recorded 80 tackles last fall, and Keegan Stinespring, who was named the conference's defensive newcomer of the year. ... If Pankau emerges as the starting quarterback, then the secondary will be led by Levi Bennett, an all-state cornerback.
COACH SPEAK "We're excited about this group and what they achieve," Grant said. "This is a group that is a very unselfish, hard-working group who do what they can to make the tempo of our practices where we want them to be. The effort is great, and these players are very coachable.
"Last year was the first time in nine years we didn't make the semifinals or beyond, and that was new territory for us. It definitely motivated our coaches and our players because we know the tradition of this program and the value and importance of going the distance and doing things when you get there."
-- Henry Apple • @nwahenry
SCHEDULE
Aug. 31^Midwest City, Okla.^Oct. 11^Rogers Heritage*
Sept. 6^Conway^Oct. 18^at Fayetteville*
Sept. 13^at Tulsa B.T. Washington^Oct. 25^at Rogers High*
Sept. 27^at Springdale Har-Ber^Nov. 1^Springdale High
Oct. 4^Van Buren^Nov. 8^at Bentonville West
*-- 7A-West Conference game
All kickoffs 7 p.m.
.......
BENTONVILLE WEST WOLVERINES
2018 RECORD 7-5, 6-1 7A-West Conference
COACH Bryan Pratt, fourth year
RETURNING PLAYERS 6 offense, 4 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Dalton McDonald (Jr., 6-0, 165), RB/LB Jonas Higson (Sr., 6-3, 220), WR Stephen Dyson (Sr., 5-10, 160), OL Ben Gann (Sr., 6-0, 255), OL Trenton Davis (Jr., 5-11, 240), LB Nick Whitlatch (Sr., 6-0, 185), SS Maddux Thornton (Sr., 6-1, 185), CB Brandon Humes (Sr., 5-9, 150), K Trey Travis (Sr., 5-8, 150).
THE SKINNY The Wolverines' strength lies in the offensive line as all five starters return, led by an all-state performer in Ben Gann at one tackle and an all-conference selection in Trenton Davis at the other tackle. That group is bolstered by senior Jadon Muskrat (6-4, 270), who moved in from Choctaw, Okla., and has already verbally committed to Tulsa. ... Dalton McDonald now assumes the quarterback position after playing in seven games (five starts) and throwing for more than 1,200 yards and 13 TDs. ... Stephen Dyson was the team's second-leading receiver before suffering a leg injury against Bentonville. ... Bryan Pratt expects to see more offensive production from players such as Jonas Higson, Nick Whitlatch and Brandon Humes, all of whom played on defense last season. ... West adds two transfers from Bentonville -- Luke Miller and A.J. Moss -- who will provide immediate help in the skill positions. ... The defense is led by Whitlatch and Thornton in the secondary as they finished with 125 and 94 tackles, respectively, and by Higson, who had 117 tackles, including 22 in the playoff game against Conway.
COACH SPEAK "We have some skill guys we have to replace, and some young kids have to step up," Pratt said. "This has been different. It's more like an established program, and we're trying to get to the next level. Every year we're trying to get better and better, from the first year of hosting a playoff game to the second year having a bye and third year of playing in the semifinals. The next step is playing for a state championship, and that one's not an easy task. We have an uphill row to hoe, but we'll be fine."
-- Henry Apple • @nwahenry
SCHEDULE
Aug. 30^Owasso, Okla.^Oct. 11^at Rogers High*
Sept. 6^at Fort Smith Southside^Oct. 18^Springdale Har-Ber*
Sept. 13^at Bryant^Oct. 25^Rogers Heritage*
Sept. 27^Fayetteville^Nov. 1^at Van Buren
Oct. 4^at Springdale High^Nov. 8^Bentonville High
*-- 7A-West Conference game
All kickoffs 7 p.m.
.......
FAYETTEVILLE BULLDOGS
2018 RECORD 9-3, 5-2 7A-West Conference
COACH Casey Dick
RETURNING STARTERS 6 offense, 6 defense
KEY PLAYERS WR Connor Flannigan (Sr., 5-11, 170), WR Beau Stuckey (Sr., -0, 180), LB Quade Mosier (Sr., 6-2, 220), LB Tyler Barnes (Sr., 6-1, 215), QB Hank Gibbs (Sr., 6-4, 215), QB Quinn McClain (Sr., 6-1, 215), DB Brooks Flannigan (Sr., 5-11, 190), OL Melvin Kumwenda (Sr., 6-2, 260).
THE SKINNY Casey Dick is the fourth coach in five years for the Bulldogs, who finished 9-3 last season under Billy Dawson. ... Dick was 4-7 in his only season at Van Buren. .... Connor Flannigan led the state in receiving last season with 102 catches for 1,695 yards and 20 touchdowns. ... Linebacker Quade Mosier is an all-state linebacker who has received a handful of scholarship offers from Division I schools. ... Brooks Flannigan, who starts in the defensive secondary for Fayetteville, is Connor's twin brother. Their dad, Shawn, is a wide receiver coach for the Bulldogs. .... Quarterback Quinn McClain is a transfer from Elkins, where he passed for over 2,500 yards as a junior.
COACH SPEAK "There's a lot more kids, which means a lot more depth," Dick said of making the move from Van Buren to Fayetteville. "We've got 150 kids playing football right now. We've got a lot of decisions to make, but that's a good problem to have with that many."
-- Rick Fires • @nwarick
SCHEDULE
Aug. 30^St. Louis (Mo.) Vianney^Oct. 11^at Van Buren*
Sept. 6^at Owosso, Okla.^Oct. 18^Bentonville*
Sept. 20^Bryant^Oct. 25^at Springdale
Sept. 27^at Bentonville West^Nov. 1^at Rogers Heritage
Oct. 4^Rogers^Nov. 8^Springdale Har-Ber
*-- Denotes 7A-West Conference games
All kickoffs 7 p.m.
......
ROGERS HIGH MOUNTIES
2018 RECORD 3-7, 2-5 7A-West Conference
COACH Mike Loyd
RETURNING PLAYERS 9 offense, 4 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Hunter Loyd (Sr., 6-4, 200), OL R.J. Long (Sr., 6-3, 290), RB Sammy Zamarron (Sr., 5-7, 172), WR Mason Ross (Sr., 5-9, 174), OL Carter Cox (Jr., 6-3, 290), OL Aaron Salinas (Sr., 6-3 280), WR/DB Chris Francisco (Jr., 5-7, 140), OL Jack Gilbreath (Sr., 6-3 285), DL Brian Wade (Jr., 6-0 220).
THE SKINNY The Mounties have several offensive weapons returning to try to compete in the top half of the 7A-West Conference, beginning with quarterback Hunter Loyd, who already has multiple D-1 scholarship offers, . ... The senior suffered an illness of unknown origin over the summer, losing more than 20 pounds. He's well now, but gaining weigh slowly. ...Receiver Mason Ross and offensive linemen R.J. Long and Jack Gilbreath also have scholarship offers in hand. ... Lineman Aaron Salinas and running back Sammy Zamarron are also drawing college attention. ... Ross caught 58 passes for 858 yards and 7 touchdowns and will again be a top target for Loyd. Zamarron rushed for 700 yards a year ago, but the position is a bit thin on depth as one moved away and another was an academic casualty. ... Senior Cedric Brown (5-10, 175) is a solid linebacker, but could also factor in the backfield and Long, who has committed to the U.S. Air Force Academy, could also get the ball in his hands some at tight end or fullback. ... Gavin Pitts and Chris Francisco should play in the secondary but could also see time at receiver.
COACH SPEAK "For us, this is probably the fastest crew we've had," Loyd said. "First time since I've been here we've got some size who can match up with anybody in our league. This is a group, they expect to win. They aren't intimidated by anyone on our schedule. There are three parts of this. They gotta believe in the staff. They gotta believe in what you're installing. The final part is they have to believe they can win. There's been doubt and skepticism before. These kids think they can play with anybody and they can."
-- Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB
SCHEDULE
Sept. 6^Pulaski Robinson^Oct. 11^Bentonville West*
Sept. 13^Little Rock Central^Oct. 18^at Springdale High*
Sept. 20^at Little Rock Parkview^Oct. 25^Bentonville*
Sept. 27^at Van Buren^Nov. 1^at Springdale Har-Ber
Oct. 4^at Fayetteville^Nov. 8^Rogers Heritage
*-- denotes 7A-West Conference game
All kickoffs at 7 p.m.
.....
ROGERS HERITAGE WAR EAGLES
2018 RECORD 0-10, 0-7 7A-West Conference
COACH Steve Hookfin
RETURNING PLAYERS 3 offense, 6 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Jeb Brown (Jr., 5-10, 165), QB/S Dreagon Blackwell (Jr., 5-8, 160), RB/DB Isaiah Tibbs (Sr., 6-1, 195), RB J.J. Webb (Sr., 5-6, 175), WR Eli Craig (Soph., 5-10, 170), OL Tristan Ketter (Jr., 6-4, 275), LB Griffin Brown (Sr., 5-11, 185),TE Noah Fricke (Jr., 6-3 230), DL Nicholas Martin (Sr., 6-2 230), WR Ricky Perez (Sr., 6-3 175).
THE SKINNY Hookfin returns the state where he grew up to try to get the War Eagles going back in the right direction. ... Heritage has lost 38 of its last 40 games, but Hookfin has had success at two different schools in Tennessee. ... Dreagon Blackwell and Jeb Brown are battling for the starting quarterback spot. Brown took some snaps last season, but Blackwell moved from the secondary to the backfield in the spring and showed off some athleticism and leadership skills. ... J.J. Webb, Isaiah Tibbs and Eli Craig are just a few who should see time at running back, while Ricky Perez and Nick Winter have stood out at receiver. ... Noah Fricke is another who player who will play on the defensive line, but also see time at tight end. ... Griffin Brown returns at linebacker, while Tibbs and Perez could get a look at safety, too.
COACH SPEAK "Everything's starting to settle down a little bit," Hookfin said. "Things are slowing down for them now, which slowing down for them mentally allows them to play faster physically. We're at that stage now. The kids are doing an amazing job. We've got a new group of guys, new group of coaches, new schemes. I think it's just a fresh start for what we're doing. I can see us heading in the right direction. The thing that impresses me is how they're working."
-- Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB
SCHEDULE
Aug. 30^Fort Smith Northside^Oct. 11^at Bentonville*
Sept. 6^at Little Rock Central^Oct. 18^at Springdale High*
Sept. 20^at Fort Smith Southside^Oct. 25^Van Buren*
Sept. 27^Springdale High^Nov. 1^Fayetteville
Oct. 4^Springdale Har-Ber^Nov. 8^at Rogers High
*-- denotes 7A-West Conference game
All kickoffs at 7 p.m.
......
SPRINGDALE HIGH BULLDOGS
2018 RECORD 7-4, 4-3 7A-West Conference
COACH Zak Clark
RETURNING STARTERS 4 offense, 5 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Conner Hutchins (Sr., 5-11, 150), RB Darrell Parchman (Sr., 5-9, 180), WR Ladarius Wonsley (Jr., 6-0, 155), Jesus Almaraz (Sr., 6-4, 315), DL Luis Herrera (Jr., 5-11, 270), DB Bryndell Cook (Sr., 5-10, 180), LB Andre Sparks (Jr., 5-11, 190).
THE SKINNY The Red'Dogs enter the season coming off their best record in 14 years, going 7-4 a year ago. A leg injury to quarterback Grant Allen in week eight likely cost the Bulldogs a couple more wins. The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the 43-42 home win against crosstown rival Har-Ber. ... Springdale graduated a number of players from last year's team, so this season would be best described as a rebuild. ... Running back Darrell Parchman saw significant playing time last season and plays with a lot of enthusiasm. He will be the focal point of the offense. ... The Bulldogs will be solid on the offensive line with Jesus Almaraz and Rafiee Gonzalez returning. ... Defensively, Bryndell Cook is a lock-down corner who doesn't mind coming up to make a tackle. ... Brandon Henry is a player that could have an impact after not playing last season. Henry is a key player on the Springdale basketball team. ... Andre Sparks will line up in a variety of spots on defense to give the Bulldogs a pass-rushing specialist.
COACH SPEAK "We are so inexperienced," Clark said. "We have juniors and seniors, but early on I expect them to play like sophomores. They just haven't had a lot of varsity experience. So we will need a guy like Darrell Parchman to carry the load early. We feel comfortable with Conner Hutchins. He has a good handle on the offense, but we need to get him some confidence early. He can make any throw, runs well enough. He's just always been savvy and gotten the job done."
-- Chip Souza • @nwachip
SCHEDULE
Aug. 30^at Joe T. Robinson^Oct. 11^at Har-Ber*
Sept. 6^at LR Parkview^Oct. 18^Rogers*
Sept. 13^at Alma^Oct. 25^Fayetteville*
Sept. 27^at Heritage^Nov. 1^at Bentonville
Oct. 4^at West^Nov. 8^Van Buren
*-- Denotes 7A-West Conference game
All kickoffs 7 p.m.
.......
SPRINGDALE HAR-BER WILDCATS
2018 RECORD 2-8, 1-6 7A-West Conference
COACH Chris Wood
RETURNING STARTERS 8 offense, 8 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Blaise Wittschen (Sr., 6-0, 170), WR/DB Hunter Wood (Sr., 6-1, 180), WR Micah Seawood (Sr., 6-1, 165), TE Errington McRae (Jr., 6-3, 245), OL Jackson Struebing (So., 6-1, 260), LB Jadarrius Brown (Sr., 6-3, 225), DB Jujuan Boyd (Sr., 6-0, 155), RB Max Pena (Sr., 6-0, 185), RB Jay Burns (Sr., 5-10, 180).
THE SKINNY There is no other way to describe last season than chaotic for the Wildcats. It started with the January transfer of a number of players to crosstown rival Springdale, and concluded with Har-Ber forfeiting three games and missing the playoffs. In between was a stunning 43-42 loss to Springdale, and five times the Wildcats gave up 42 or more points in a game -- all losses. ... The Wildcats to a man are itching to get the season started and put last season in the rearview mirror. With eight returning starters each way and a number of new faces, the Wildcats should be in the mix for the 7A-West title. ... Two-year starter Blaise Wittschen returns after passing for 1,195 yards and 13 touchdowns. Wittschen missed time last season with a concussion and is raring to go. ... Seniors Hunter Wood and Micah Seawood are among the best receiving tandems in the state, and tight end Errington McRae gives Wittschen a big target over the middle. ... Senior back Jay Burns was electric last season, averaging more than 10 yards per carry. Burns rushed for 867 yards and did not play the position until week six. Twice he rushed for more than 300 yards in a single game. ... Senior Max Pena will play a variety of roles for Har-Ber. He will be the Wildcats' tailback in short-yardage situations, and will be a big target in the passing game as an H-back. ... Transfer Jujuan Boyd is one of the best defensive backs in Class 7A, capable of locking down his man. ... Ty Cofer is a hammer at safety and linebacker Jadarrius Brown has the physical tools to be dominant.
COACH SPEAK "We return a lot of veteran players and I think this team will get better as the season goes on," Wood said. "I really like our skill position guys. We've got a lot of top-end guys who can really go get the ball. Our offensive line is a physical group, so I think this group has a chance to be really dynamic on offense. Defensively, I like the speed and aggressiveness there. The PA game is sort of an anomaly because of what you're trying to deal with there, but I think this is a team that can compete for a conference championship. This team reminds me a lot of our 2009 team. They have an edge about them and they are ready to get out there and play some football."
-- Chip Souza • @nwachip
SCHEDULE
Aug. 29^at Pulaski Academy^Oct. 11^Springdale*
Sept. 13^Russellville^Oct. 18^at West*
Sept. 20^Pine Bluff^Oct. 25^at Van Buren
Sept. 27^Bentonville^Nov. 1^Rogers
Oct. 4^at Heritage^Nov. 8^at Fayetteville
*-- Denotes 7A-West Conference game
All kickoffs 7 p.m.
......
VAN BUREN POINTERS
2018 RECORD 4-7, 2-5 7A-West Conference
COACH Crosby Tuck
RETURNING STARTERS 7 offense, 6 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Gary Phillips (Sr., 6-0, 180), WR Jude Bartholomew (Sr., 6-2, 200), ATH Jaiden Henry (Jr., 5-10, 155), LB Devin Swearingen (Sr., 5-11, 180), DB David Evans (Sr., 5-9, 165), NG Cha'Raun Page (Sr., 5-11, 250). DR Giovany Alas (Sr., 5-9, 200), RB Brayden Rivas (Sr., 5-6, 170).
THE SKINNY Crosby Tuck takes over as head coach after former coach Casey Dick took the Fayetteville position in the spring. ... The Pointers are coming off their first playoff appearance since 2011 and have a lot of returning players. ... Gary Phillips returns at quarterback after splitting snaps there last season. Phillips is a dual-threat and can make plays with his arm or his legs. ... Jude Bartholomew was an all-conference selection at wide receiver last season. ... Jaiden Henry could have a nice impact in a variety of roles. The junior is the son of new defensive coordinator Moe Henry. As a sophomore at Shiloh Christian last season, Jaiden Henry passed for 1,000 yards, ran for almost 500 and caught 28 passes for 402 yards. He also scored on special teams and as a defensive back. ... Linebacker Devin Swearingen is poised to have a breakout season. The senior had almost 100 tackles last season and led the team in tackles-for-loss with 9.5.
COACH SPEAK "I think the transition was fairly smooth, knowing all the kids already," Tuck said. "Not changing the offense and things like that, not changing our workout plan. Those kinds of things, keeping those intact I think are big. Big for the players. We've made just a couple of subtle practice changes and changed the defense, but everything else is pretty much the same as it was last year, and that's what these kids need. They need consistency and stability."
-- Chip Souza • @nwachip
SCHEDULE
Aug. 30^at Siloam Springs^Oct. 11^Fayetteville*
Sept. 6^Alma^Oct. 18^at Heritage*
Sept. 13^at FS Northside^Oct. 25^Har-Ber*
Sept. 27^Rogers^Nov. 1^West
Oct. 4^at Bentonville^Nov. 8^at Springdale
*-- Denotes 7A-West Conference game
All kickoffs 7 p.m.
.......
7A-CENTRAL CONFERENCE
FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE GRIZZLIES
2018 RECORD 8-5, 3-4 7A Central Conference
COACH Mike Falleur
RETURNING STARTERS 6 offense, 7 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Dreyden Norwood (Jr., 6-1, 180), ATH Jackson King (Sr., 5-9, 180), WR/DB J.T. Thorne (Sr., 5-9, 170), TE James Clayton (Sr., 6-2, 230), LB Stetson Van Metre (Sr., 6-1, 200), LB J.J. Mills (Sr., 6-0, 180), DB Montay Parks (Sr., 6-1, 185), OL Jacob Arnold (Sr., 6-1, 215).
THE SKINNY The Grizzlies enter the season coming off their first deep playoff run in more than a decade after advancing to the state semifinals last season. ... Northside graduated a number of outstanding players from last year's team, but coach Mike Falleur believes there is plenty of talent returning to make another deep run. ... Junior Dreyden Norwood takes over at quarterback. Norwood is more of a runner, but his passing has improved, Falleur said. ... Northside has plenty of playmakers in Jackson King, J.T. Thorne and Demarion Shepard, and Falleur said they are itching at the chance to show what they can do. ... Northside handed Greenwood its only loss last season, and they meet again in the season opener. The Grizzlies open 7A-Central Conference play at home on Sept. 27 against defending state champion Bryant in Mayo-Thompson Stadium.
COACH SPEAK "We lost some really good players last year. Six of them are playing college football," Falleur said. "So we've got young guys ready to step in. You never know until you tee it up and play, but we had a good summer and now we've just got to get them in shape and were where we are. We feel good about our quarterback. His skill set is similar to Deuce Wise, but I think Drayden has a little stronger arm. The thing about Deuce is he did everything the right way, and Drayden is still learning that."
-- Chip Souza • @nwachip
SCHEDULE
Aug. 30^at Heritage^Oct. 11^at LR Catholic*
Sept. 6^at Greenwood^Oct. 18^Conway*
Sept. 13^Van Buren^Oct. 25^at NLR*
Sept. 27^Bryant^Nov. 1^Cabot
Oct. 4^LR Central^Nov. 8^at Southside
*-- Denotes 7A-Central Conference game
All kickoffs 7 p.m.
.......
FORT SMITH SOUTHSIDE MAVERICKS
2018 RECORD 6-6, 3-4 7A-Central Conference
COACH Jeff Williams
RETURNING STARTERS 4 offense, 8 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Parker Wehunt (Jr., 5-11, 190), RB Johntarrius Washington (Jr., 5-11, 190), OL Marlon Briggs (Jr., 5-11, 320), DE Jeremiah Van Hook (Sr., 6-2, 230), DT Shawn Rogers (Jr., 6-2, 265), FS Elijah Lyles (Jr., 5-7, 140), DB Dakota Wareham (Jr., 5-9, 155), LB Landon Chaffey (Jr., 6-1, 210).
THE SKINNY The Mavericks will have a different look in 2019 as they shift from a pass-oriented spread to a hammering ground game. Southside's experience upfront and talented backs, plus eight starters back on defense will be huge pluses, coach Jeff Williams said. ... Junior Parker Wehunt will take over at quarterback after Taye Gatewood's graduation. Wehunt was a linebacker last season and brings that physical mentality to quarterback. ... Defense is where the Mavericks will shine, and none shine brighter than junior linebacker Landon Chaffey, who had more than 100 tackles in 2018. ... The defensive line is rock-solid, anchored by tackle Shawn Rogers, who led the team in tackles-for-loss last season. ... Free safety Elijah Lyles leads the back end of the defense after moving from linebacker in the spring. ... The Mavericks have the best punter in the 7A-Central in Adam Puckett, who could be a huge weapon in the all-important field position battle.
COACH SPEAK "The last two years we were really explosive offensively," Williams said. "We were able to throw the football around. This year we are very young, so we are going back to the the old days a little bit. We're going to run the football and use play-action and do some things. We're going to have to be good on third down, so we're going to need to throw it some, too. We have nine starters back on defense, so we feel really good there."
-- Chip Souza • @nwachip
SCHEDULE
Sept. 6^at at West^Oct. 11^NLR*
Sept. 13^at Greenwood^Oct. 18^at Bryant*
Sept. 20^Heritage^Oct. 25^LR Catholic*
Sept. 27^at Conway*^Nov. 1^at LR Central
Oct. 4^at Cabot^Nov. 8^FS Northside
*-- Denotes 7A-Central Conference game
All kickoffs 7 p.m.
Sports on 08/22/2019