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GRAVETTE — The Gravette Lions finished the 2021 season with a record of 1-9 (1-6 in 4A-1 Conference), but the Lions' record doesn't indicate how close the Lions were to winning several of those games. "We went 1-9 a year ago, but (three) of those losses were by less than a touchdown," said coach Kelby Bohan - non. "We feel like we're right there in a lot of situations and the experience we got last year should help propel us past that. When you're playing with that many sophomores, they're going to make mistakes. We knew that going in." Indeed, Gravette lost 17-16 at Inola, Okla., in a nonconference game, and 42-38 at home to Elkins and 33-29 at Green Forest — both conference games. The Lions are hoping they can turn those near misses into victories in 2022. "That's really been a point of empha - sis coming out of last year," Bohannon said. "We talked about what we're capable of." The Lions return senior quarterback Rhett Hilger to the controls of the Gravette offense. Hilger (6-1, 170) was new to the posi - tion as a junior last year after being the Lions' leading receiver as a sophomore in 2020. Hilger wound up completing 83 of 154 passes for 1,166 yards, 13 touch- downs and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 379 yards on 73 carries with six touchdowns. "(Hilger) was our leading receiver as a sophomore and just got thrust into the position last year because he was the guy," Bohannon said. "He just continued to get better each and every game. He's a tough resilient kid and has made huge strides. We're really looking forward to watching him make plays." Sophomore Gabe Holmes (6-0, 195) backs up at quarterback and will have a role at wide receiver. Holmes was the junior high quarterback last season. "He's a kid with a big arm and a big body," Bohannon said. "He's 185 to 190 pounds and runs really well. He can be electric at times. We're looking forward to getting him touches as well." The Lions return seniors Ethan Ellis (5-10, 170) and Will Betz (5-10, 185) at wideout. Ellis had 13 catches for 238 yards, while Betz had five catches for 50 yards. "Will is a kid we recruited out of the gym," Bohannon said. "He hadn't played football since he was in the seventh grade. He got a lot of snaps last year as a junior. He's one that contin - ued to get better each and every week. … Ellis has been with us since I've been here. He's trustworthy, a really smart kid and just continues to develop his body and become a better football player every day." Senior Mason Meeker (5-9, 165) is Gravette's leading returning receiver with 17 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Meeker will play some at wideout, but his main responsibilities will be on the defensive side of the ball, Bohannon said. Junior Kyler Austin (5-11, 195) re - turns at running back after leading the team in rushing with 111 carries for 646 yards and seven touchdowns. Aus- tin also caught 11 passes for 134 yards. "We will really lean on him in the run game," Bohannon said of Austin. "Now with Rhett's development and a couple of key pieces at receiver, it ought to really make things a little bit easier for (Austin) at times with us being able to stretch the field." The Lions do use an H-Back/tight end type position with junior Josiah McGee (5-9, 170) and sophomore James Marta (5-10, 155) the leading candidates to fill that spot. The Lions only have one senior on their offensive line in Fisher Muller (5-11, 315), who can play tackle and center. Junior A.J. Davis can play tackle, while sophomore Morgan Dagley (5-7, 270) can play guard and center. Marion Harris, DVM • Jim Benson, DVM Dr. Stacey Rodine, DVM Monday-Friday 8-5 • Saturday 8-10 Large & Small Animal Work • Check us out on Facebook East of Gravette on 17624 W. Hwy. 72 • 479-787-6284 WWW.CVACCPETS.NET • Check us out on Facebook Go Lions! It's your season! TAX PLANNING: Individuals Business/Farm Corporate Work TAX RETURNS ESTATE PLANNING: Wills Trust Estate Work Probate YATES TAX SERVICE & LAW OFFICE Serving Northwest Arkansas since 2000 Daniel Yates Attorney at Law 205 Main St. SE • Gravette, AR 479-787-6171 • FAX 479-787-6173 yatesesq@gmail.com G O L I O N S ! 2022 Football Preview C10 n Wednesday, August 24, 2022 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Christian Thrailkill Kyler Austin Will Betz Ethan Ellis Rhett Hilger Kelby Bohannon By Graham Thomas Staff Writer n gthomas@nwaonline.com n Gravette finished 1-9 in 2021, hopes for better results this season. Lions close to turning things around Gravette Lions Date Opponent Time Aug. 26 at Pea Ridge 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Inola, Okla. 7 p.m. Sept. 9 Prairie Grove 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Elkins* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 Lincoln* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 Huntsville* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Berryville* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 Green Forest* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Ozark* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 Gentry* 7 p.m. * Conference 4A-1 See LIONS on Page C11