Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1017242
"I'm really pleased we got Kelby Bohannon from Bixby (Oklahoma)," said Greenwood. "We played Bixby every year and I knew that he was a coach, coming in, that I would like to bring in over here to take over for the pillar of this program. He comes from a championship program (Bixby won three straight Oklahoma 6A-II state titles from 2014-2016) and he under- stands the expectations for that type of program." Standing out early along the defensive line has been senior Dakota Lemonds (5-11, 203). Greenwood likes what he sees out of the speedy senior and hopes Lemonds can be a disruptive force along the defensive front. "You talk about a young man that is a fast-twitch guy," said Greenwood. "He's going to be a guy who can force the football out of the quarterback's hand very quickly." Greenwood has also been happy to see the development of senior Colton Grimes (5-10, 216) at middle linebacker. "Grimes is a big kid, a thick kid, who is a leader on the team," said Greenwood. "He's very physical and very smart. He's just a great young man." While the secondary will be looking to replace several multi-year starters the head coach believes multiple play- ers have demonstrated the ability to be productive. "Cy Hilger (5-10, 146), a young sopho- more, is a kid that is smart and is going to be able to play the ball but also have the ability to come up and be physical," said Greenwood. Mason Dagley (5-9, 160) is another secondary player Greenwood believes c a n p rov i d e t h e a t h l e t i c , t o u g h mindset the coach looks for in his defen- sive backfield. "There are a few kids who are really catching my eye," said Greenwood. "I know Coach Bohannon is excited to see where he can take this." Greenwood is well aware the 4A-1 has been a rugged football conference the last few years. In 2016, the league placed three teams in the semifinals and in 2017, two teams made the quarterfinals with Pea Ridge advancing to the semifinals. The coach has a plan for improving overall in 2018. "I've heard, basically, we are playing for fourth," said Greenwood. "We are going to have to get out there and do our work. How we hopefully take care of these things in the process along the way is just focus on us. We can't worry about what is going on else- where. We just need to get better every day." Gravette will play Week Zero hosting Oklahoma 3A member Cascia Hall out of Tulsa. The Commanders were 6-5 last year. Kickoff for the Aug. 24 game will be 7 p.m. at Lion Stadium. 506 1st Ave SE, Gravette (479) 787-5258 arvest.com Member FDIC Arvest Bank is proud to support the Gravette Lions and the spirit of the team. We care about our community and are here to fill the needs of our customers in Gravette. Stop by and open an account today. WE LIONS FOOTBALL Our goal is to provide Quality Service at a Fair Price 479-787-6757 OPEN MON-FRI 7:30-5 SAT 8-NOON Have a Great Year! Marion L. Harris, D.V.M. Jim Benson, D.V.M. Stacey Rodine, D.V.M. Monday-Friday 8-5 • Saturday 8-10 Large & Small Animal Work • Check Us Out On Facebook 17624 Hwy 72 W (East of Gravette) • CVACCPETS.NET 479-787-6284 2018 Football Preview The Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Wednesday, August 22, 2018 n 11 GRAVETTE Continued from Page 10 Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer Gravette quarterback Tajae White carries the ball against Jay, Okla., during a game last season at Gravette. I 've heard, basically, we are playing for fourth. We are going to have to get out there and do our work. How we hopefully take care of these things in the process along the way is just focus on us. We can't worry about what is going on elsewhere. We just need to get better every day. Doug Greenwood Gravette head coach