Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1403915
Junior Tyler Dickerson (5-7, 150), a cousin to Mason Tucker, last season's free safety, is also looking to play a bunch. "Tyler's got the same kind of heart that Mason had. Tyler doesn't say much, but he's always listening. He's always tuned in. He's the most respectful kid, asking questions and at that position, at outside linebacker we got to have that. We got to have somebody with some football IQ there and he's done that for us in 7-on-7. He'll be a big help," Laird said. Cornerbacks If Higgins is healthy, he starts at cornerback with Faulk on the other side, both with a lot of experience. Faulk played a bunch last year and made some really good plays including an intercep- tion he ran a ways against Blytheville when they were trying to come from behind. Faulk was on the 2020 kickoff team because he can run and hit quite a bit. He's physical and Laird is excited about the duo. Washausen serves as the main backup. He's worked really hard this year and missed spring practice because he was in another sport, but actually changed his schedule and one of his classes in that spring semester so he could take weight training classes and continue working out. Strong Safety Miller combines experience with being maybe the most athletic kid on the team. The other guy playing that position is Alex Helms, who's back. He moved away to Colorado, moved back to Prairie Grove, moved to Colorado, then moved back. After one day in shoulder pads coaches were still trying to assess how physical Helms can be. "He's got the things we need. He looked really good in 7-on-7 a few weeks back. He's doing some things, he's having to learn. He's new in the program again," Laird said. Free Safety Kobe Frazier moved back and forth last year after playing linebacker two years ago. In 2020 one of the secondary players quit two games into the season so coaches started trying to fill that hole. Sophomore Luke Vance brings intel- ligence while working that spot, but is more of a quarterback right now. Patterson has some experience at free safety and was looking to be a starter this year had he not slid into that more of a need at quarterback. Tailgating decisions made easy HARPS H O M E T O W N F R E S H www.harpsfood.com Wednesday, August 25, 2021 Enterprise-Leader 15C 2 0 2 1 F o o t b a l l P r e v i e w CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12C PRAIRIE GROVE: Higgins, Faulk Are Expected To Start At Cornerback The 2020 junior Cardinals suffered losses of six points to Prairie Grove, four points, three points, twice by two points and a one point setback while competing over their heads in the 7A West Junior High Conference. Farmington ranks as a Class 5A high school at the varsity level, but playing a 5A West schedule for junior high has never been feasible due to travel distances and the time it would take students out of the classroom. Lewis puts the blame on himself for the 1-9 showing in 2020, saying with just a little bit more on his part, maybe the junior Cardinals could have had a differ- ent ending. "This year we are going to go over the edge going into the season competing every single moment on every single play," Lewis said. "There's a lot of optimism, a lot of positivity going into this year." CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6C FARMINGTON: Coach Puts Blame On Himself For Team's Troubles Last Season MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Farmington freshman Kenyon Thomas, 6-0, 145 pounds, plays wide receiver for the junior high football team. MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Farmington freshman Zane Schmitt, 5-11, 175 pounds, plays linebacker and tight end for the junior high football team. It's Not that ImportaNt! Don't text anD Drive