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Several different running backs will carry the ball for the Hornets, led by junior Blake Gonzalez (5-6, 155). "He's got pure speed," Martin said. "He's a 10.8 (seconds) 100-meter guy. He's real good at catching the ball out of the backfield also." The Hornets feel good about junior Jaden Chandler (5-7, 180) at any skill spot, but he'll start as a wingback/slot back position. Sophomore Aidan Parker (5-8, 175) will play the other wing/slot, while senior Dustin Foreman (5-9, 175) could play all three running back positions. The wing backs could split out wide as receivers, and the Hornets will also use a split end receiver. Sophomore Hayden Duncan (5-11, 185) and Foreman could be options at split end, as could Chandler. Colcord will enjoy the services of 6-6, 245-pound senior tight end Chad Kend- rick. "He's a big guy," Martin said of Kend- rick. "He stands out for sure. He's good at both blocking and catching. He's a very strong blocker and he's going to be a good defensive end for us. Once he gets his hands on you, he's pretty stout. He moves and catches the ball real well." Junior Tyler Duncan (6-1, 220) also sees some time at tight end and has made progress this summer, his coach said. Senior Colten Dale (6-1, 225) anchors the Hornets' offensive line at right tackle. "He's been a good leader," Martin said. "He works hard and practices real hard. That's one of the first things I noticed. He takes practice serious. I think that's going to help him when the season starts." Senior Malcolm Potter (5-10, 185) lines up at right guard. Potter is a smart player and moves well, which allows the Hornets to use him as a pulling guard. "He's also a guy you can put anywhere from guard to tackle on either side," Martin said. Sophomore A.J. Nichols (5-9, 250) will start at center, and Martin said, "the first thing I think of is he's a sophomore but he plays older." Nichols can also play anywhere else on the line if needed, his coach said. Benton Denny (5-10, 190) is a great senior leader, Martin said, who works hard and plays left guard. "He's got a big heart," Martin said. "He's all about Colcord football." Sophomore Trenton Lynch (6-1, 170) is another sophomore starter who carries a big frame and is a tough, hard worker, Martin said. "He's a 'yes sir' kid all the way," Martin said of Lynch. "He's going to do anything you ask of him. He's a good one." Sophomores Kyle King (5-9, 215) and Zach Duncan (5-11, 185) will be asked to help on the offensive line at some point, Martin said. Defensively, Martin will be his own defensive coordinator and the Hornets will run a 3-4 defense. Martin said his philosophy on defense is to "play fast, be tough and don't give up big plays." "One thing is, obviously, you've got to tackle well," Martin said. "We have to have desire and be tough and sacrifice ourselves to make plays." Nichols will line up at the nose guard position on the three-man defensive line. "He's good at firing off (at the snap)," Martin said of Nichols. "He plays older than he is. He's a kid that we're going to ask a lot from this year. He's going to have to play like a senior." The Hornets' biggest player, Kendrick, will line up at the Hornets' strong defen- sive end spot. "A lot of his characteristics that help him on offense will help him on defense," Martin said. "He's strong. He's got a good drive to him off the ball. He's probably going to be pretty hard to throw over." Dale will man the quick end spot and is similar to Nichols and Kendrick with his firing off the ball. Freshman Eric Meyer (5-9, 230) will help on the defensive line. Foreman will man the Mike linebacker spot in the middle. Denny and Malcolm will both play some Will linebacker (weakside). Lynch can fill in at either an inside or outside linebacker position. Chandler and Duncan will man the outside linebacker spots, while Chan- dler can also play safety or cornerback. DeFrancisco can play safety or corner- back but will start out at corner. Gonzales mans the other corner. Odle, the freshman, doesn't play like a ninth-grader and will man a safety posi- tion. Parker mans the other safety spot. Freshman Bryce Marratta (5-9, 155) and sophomore Dylan Davis (5-11, 140) also could help in the secondary. Colcord drops in classification from 2A to A, but several of their opponents will be familiar teams. The Hornets will battle Kansas in the Battle of Delaware County on Aug. 30 to open the season and then play rival Westville on Sept. 7 in their first home game. www.cpgclinics.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. It's football season, and Community Physicians Group wants to keep our area youth safe and healthy. Make sure to make an appointment for an annual wellness exam, immunizations and sports physicals. ARKANSAS GENTRY Gentry Medical Center, Gentry AR • 479-736-2213 SILOAM SPRINGS Broadhurst Street Medical Clinic • 479-373-1591 Ext. 3001 Sager Creek Pediatrics & Family Care • 479-549-4228 Siloam Springs Medical Center • 479-524-3141 OKLAHOMA KANSAS Kansas Medical Clinic • 918-868-2175 2018 Football Preview The Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Wednesday, August 22, 2018 n 23 COLCORD Continued from Page 22