Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1019198
PRAIRIE GROVE — A good mix of eighth- and ninth-graders give Prairie Grove balance with players from both classes expected to man key roles during the 2018 junior high football season. OFFENSE Quarterback Freshman Paytin Higgins assumes the starting role after working all last year as a backup and playing in eighth-grade games in 2017. "He's a good athlete and a smart kid, he's ready," said head coach John Elder. Three eighth-graders, Cade Carter, Tate Benoit and Gavin Butler, provide depth. Halfback Halfbacks are Cooper Singleton, who was a backup last year as an eighth- grader. Eighth-grader Ethan Miller played halfback as a seventh-grader and may be the fastest kid on the team. Cameron Gosnell moved in during the spring and is poised to get some work. Fullback Ninth-graders Jake Bone and Asher Sam play fullback and will split time. They were rated about even early in camp. Sam is smooth in the style of his older brother, Kyle Sam, who played for the senior Tigers a few years back. Wingback Landon Semrad played receiver, but switched to wingback and has done well over the summer during 7-on-7 compe- tition. Colin Faulk has played wingback and halfback, but may be better suited at wingback. Colin is the younger brother of former Tiger star Blake Faulk, who helped power the 2015 Tigers into the state finals. Tight End Eighth-grader Matthew Velasco is good skill-wise, blocking well and show- ing good hands. Nolan Morrell moved in during the spring and is the backup. Receivers Davis Stephens and Trevor May hustle and catch the ball as the top two receiv- ers. Evan Foster is anticipated will help at receiver. Offensive Line At center eighth-grader Ryder Orr, younger brother of another veteran of the 2015 playoff run, Reed Orr, is smart, big and tough. Ninth-grader Taevon Horton can also snap and in addition plays tackle if needed. John King knows his stuff and is an emerging team leader at right guard. Eighth-grader James Wade Smith is the backup. Dustin Tuck plays left tackle. At right tackle, ninth-grader Kevin Herrera, Horton and newcomer Micah Norton compete for playing time. Eighth-grader Linden Hall helps out at guard. DEFENSE Defensive Line Several eighth-graders such as Ryder Orr and Chayton Smith labor at defensive tackle. Ninth-graders are Herrera, Tuck, and Horton. Elder said Tuck has shown best in practice. King and Singleton play defensive end. Velasco looks good and Erick Bartholomew is expected to have an impact. Linden Hall is available. Tiger Proud! On the Road to Victory! Friendly Service • Satisfaction Guaranteed 479-846-2137 • 479-790-2708 114 E. Buchanan St. • Prairie Grove, AR We will be there to support you! 127 E. Buchanan St. • Prairie Grove, AR 479-846-2801 crescentstore@pgtc.com GO TIGERS! Yancey Realty wishes ALL area teams a winning season! Broker / Owner Bill Yancey 479-846-4884 209 W. Buchanan Prairie Grove, AR Wednesday, aug. 29, 2018 enterprise-Leader | 7 2018 Football Preview MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Prairie Grove Junior High reloads for another run at a conference title in 2018. Junior Tigers Welcome Back Experienced Squad By Mark Humphrey ENTERPRISE-LEADER SEE JUNIOR TIGERS PAGE 11