Westside Football Preview

Football Preview 2017

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Junior wide receiver Dylan Rayburn has worked hard in the offseason and "definitely come a long way" at the position. Senior Lo- gan Linton provides the Pioneers a big target at wide receiver, while Daniel Thao and Dylan Kilgore give the Pioneers more height after joining the team from basketball. "I really think the Kilgore kid can be a Division II player," Ernest said. "He's undersized as far as D-I, but he catches the ball as well as anybody I've ever worked with. He's a big target and our quarterbacks love having him out there because he's a big kid and easy to see." Trent Gore, Khang Yang and Rowdy Trammell have improved at wide re - ceiver and give the Pioneers even more depth at wide receiver. "We've also got some sophomores that are starting to pick it up and play in the mix," Ernest said. Included in that group of sophomores is Atwood, the backup quarterback, who Ernest envisions will find his way on to the field. Probably the biggest surprise at wide receiver is Ben Philpot, Earnest said. "He's a kid that just does everything right," Ernest said. "He won't be a gamebreaker, but he runs good routes. He'll catch the ball." Sophomores Kyle Dilbeck and Azri - ah Wood are also seeing action at wide receiver and tight end, along with Christie and Wood. The Pioneers re- turn four players with experience along the offensive line. Senior Mason Clark is back at left tackle, while Tomas Gomez moves from guard to center. J.T. Crosby returns at right tackle, while Matthew Nance is fighting for time at a guard spot. Garrett Hays played defense only as a sophomore but will see some time on the offensive line. The Pioneers also like sophomore Ross Wilmoth, who is pushing Gomez at center. Konnor Hodges moves from center to right guard, where he's competing with Brett Hester. Kerlose Ruzek also could see playing time on the offensive line at tackle or guard. "We're having good competitive practices," Ernest said. "We're getting better because our depth is better." Defensively the Pioneers will operate out of an odd-man front along their defensive line, but they can adjust to personnel as needed, according to defensive coordinator Daniel Ramsey. The defensive line will be anchored by Clark and Crosby, and several other players who will be going both ways. Clark will handle the nose guard position in the middle, while the two defensive tackle positions will be a ro - tation of Crosby, Con- nor Hodge and Chance Cooper. Clark is Gentry's big- gest player at 6-4, 270 pounds. "He's very athletic," Ramsey said. Cooper is extremely strong in the weight room and can bench press more than 330 pounds, Ramsey said. "I stop at 330 because that's as much as our bars can hold," he said. Crosby, who's also a wrestler, also gives the Pioneers good size up front, Ramsey said. Ruzek, Gomez, Kilgore, Wilmoth, Cody Ortel also could see some time on the defensive line. The Pioneers will play with four linebackers. Christie, McFerron and Nance will man the outside backers positions, while Ellis and Hays are the inside backers. Christie can actually play both inside and outside, while McFerron makes the move to linebacker from defensive end. Gore, Butler and Berri - os also provide depth at the lineback- er positions. The Pioneers are going to try to let Faulkenberry see the field some on defense at a free safety position. Atwood will play at free safety as well. Linton may also see some time at that spot, Ramsey said. Wright and Rheams will rotate at a strong safety spot. "Peyton had a great 7-on-7," Ramsey said. "He's a good hand back there." Mathews will play a cornerback position along with Rayburn. Atwood could help at corner along with Tao and Yang. "For us it'll be spelling those kids and getting those guys a blow knowing they're going to have to go both on of - fense and defense," Ramsey said. "The key will be if we can handle teams up front and double team guys up front and free up the linebackers. We have a lot of experience. All of these guys have played since their sophomore or junior year. They've weathered through the hard time as sophomores and got bet - ter last year." 2017 Football Preview 14 n Wednesday, August 23, 2017 The Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Crosby Christie Gomez Wright GENTRY Continued from Page 13 "Ozark and Booneville both provide us with a test right off the bat," said Harrel- son. "Going to Ozark is going to be a huge challenge and Booneville is picked to win their conference." Harrelson knows those first two weeks will be a measuring stick. Both Booneville and Ozark were playoff teams in 2016, and each are returning a bevy of starters. Boon - eville defeated the Lions 21-7 last season. "We will have a good idea of how good we are by the end of that two game stretch," said Harrelson. Gravette begins the season Friday, Sept. 1, on the road versus Ozark from the 4A-4. The Lions kickoff conference play at home against Lincoln on Sept. 22. GRAVETTE Continued from Page 11 Graham Thomas/Herald-Leader Gravette defenders Mason Dagley, left, and Derek Cravens, right, sandwich a Farmington ballcarrier during a team camp at Siloam Springs on July 13.

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