Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1049711
20 PREP RALLY PLAYOFF: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 CLASS 4A HENRY APPLE NWA Democrat-Gazette PEA RIDGE — When Samuel Beard found out he was moving from defense to offense during the offseason, he pictured himself at a wide receiver position because of his height. Pea Ridge football coach Stephen Neal had other ideas. Instead, he moved the 6-foot-2, 170-pound junior to tailback. "We wanted to put him a better position to be successful," Neal said. "With his work ethic and the things he's able to do, I think that has happened. He's in a position now where he's a lot more successful and he has a better way to use his athletic talents. "Because of graduation losses and depth issues, tailback was a natural fit for him. He had played the position in junior high and did a good job there." Beard, an outside linebacker last year, said he was caught off-guard with the move when it was announced during the summer. He played only sparingly last season and admitted he didn't expect to play much at all this season, barring an injury to one of his Blackhawk teammates. He quickly began preparing himself for the new role, which meant adjusting from the person making the tackles to the player who avoids being tackled. It was something he did throughout the offseason, including those times when Pea Ridge participated in team camps. "Mentally, it was tough," Beard said. "But they gave me an opportunity, and I just did my best. I worked as hard as I could. "I never really thought I would be playing tailback in high school. I wasn't used to being hit by a lot of guys. I took a lot of weightliing and trained a lot." Beard adjusts to bigger role in Pea Ridge's backfield NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE/ANDY SHUPE Pea Ridge running back Samuel Beard (left) carries the ball past Prairie Grove linebacker Jared Harger Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, during the first half at Tiger Stadium in Prairie Grove. The Blackhawks will host Helena- West Helena Central in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. Go Blackhawks!! From all of your friends at the Pea Ridge Walmart Neighborhood Market.