Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1403915
PRAIRIE GROVE — The Tigers went 10-2 last season, as Danny Abshier (209-116- 2) now in his 29th season as head coach, went over 200 wins at Prairie Grove. The Tigers outscored opponents, 485-241, winning by an average of almost three touchdowns while scoring 40.4 points-per-game and allowing 20.1 points on defense. Prairie Grove will line up and contend for a conference title in its last season as a member of the 4A-1 before jumping to Class 5A next year. The Tigers will not go quietly. OFFENSE Quarterbacks Last year's backup junior Paytin Higgins (5-10, 145) injured his knee during spring soccer competition and had surgery. He was released in early August to return to action. Classmate Camden Patterson (5-10, 145) is slated as No. 1 with Higgins poised to battle for the starting job. Abshier lauds Luke Vance (5-9, 145), who doesn't look bad as a sophomore. "He's been working hard. He's got leadership skills also," Abshier said. Wingbacks Explosive junior Ethan Miller (5-9, 175) shifts to wingback providing dangerous speed. Senior Kobe Frazier (5-11, 185) spells him when he lines up at halfback or needs a breather. Halfbacks Senior Collin Faulk (6-0, 170) starts at halfback backed up by Miller. Soph- omore Conner Hubbs (5-10, 155), who is slated to start at split end, is the third halfback. Senior Cooper Singleton (5-8, 180) adds depth. Fullbacks Junior Coner Whetsell (5-8, 170) starts, and Rhett Marrell (5-8, 155), whom Abshier describes as "a very capable young man," is the No. 2 guy. Promising sophomore Joe Sims (6-1, 200) is No. 3 on the depth chart. Receivers Hubbs and senior Landon Semrad (6-4, 190) are the starters with senior L a n dy n Wa s h a u s e n ( 5 -1 1 , 145 ) i n reserve. Semrad caught 31 passes for 496 yards averaging 16 yards-per-catch as a junior. Tight ends Abshier says fans ought to hear the name of junior Matthew Velasco (6-0, 225) more this year. He made some big plays last year. "He's a very headsy kid, very eager, very smart about the play, how to flow the game and what's going on, smart, smart, bigger and stronger and has good hands," Abshier said. Senior Dalton Frazier (5-10, 180), who focuses mainly on defense, and sophomore David Stephens are the backups. The Boyle Team Serving All of NWA with Over 25 Years Experience 479-263-7727 • gboyle@lindsey.com www.gboyle.com We support all area football teams! – Gary & Carolyn Boyle Wednesday, August 25, 2021 Enterprise-Leader 11C 2 0 2 1 F o o t b a l l P r e v i e w Tigers Will Not Go Quietly From 4A MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Prairie Grove's 2021 varsity football team looks to continue a strong tradition while competing for their final go-round as a long time member of the 4A-1 Conference. The Tigers are getting bumped up to Class 5A next year. By Mark Humphrey ENTERPRISE-LEADER SEE TIGERS PAGE 12C