Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1282064
10 PREP RALLY: CLASS 7A | 8.30.2020 (888) 982-1400 | UnitedFCU.com Insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Lender. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 471962 R og e R s | s p R i n g da l e | F o R t s m i t h | Va n B U R e n | a l m a we're different we get U SHINE ON Bentonville leading chase again in 7A-West RICK FIRES NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Any discussions about conference championships must start with Bentonville, which has captured four consecutive and 12 of the past 13 titles in the 7A-West. Bentonville stood 11-0 last year before losing 42-24 to North Little Rock in the semifinals of the Class 7A state playoffs. The Tigers place plenty of emphasis on defense and senior linebackers Cole Joyce and Keegan Stinespring are back to lead the way. "The best pair of inside linebackers in the state," Bentonville coach Jody Grant said. Offensively, Bentonville will attempt to put the ball often in the hands of junior Chas Nimrod, a wide receiver who returned a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown in the playoffs against Little Rock Catholic. Springdale Har-Ber, Bentonville West, and Fayetteville are the teams most likely to challenge Bentonville for the conference championship this season. "Everybody's chasing them, for sure," Fayetteville coach Casey Dick said. "You look at coach Grant and the job he's done at Bentonville and the caliber of team they put out every year. So, everybody's looking to go get them." Har-Ber went 8-4 last season after falling to 2-8 in 2018. The Wildcats will be powerful upfront with center Jack Struebing, left tackle Carson Sanders, and tight end Errington McRae, who committed to Memphis. See CHASE, Page 13 Bentonville West running back Luke Miller is looking to make a big impact for the Wolverines after missing most of last season with a leg injury. NWA Democrat-Gazette file photo STEPHEN DYSON SCHOOL Bentonville West CLASS Senior HEIGHT 5-11 WEIGHT 165 TWITTER HANDLE I really don't have Twitter. THE DIGITS Was the Wolverines' leading receiver and earned all-conference honors with 46 receptions for 601 yards and three TDs. … He also had 18 carries for 65 yards, returned three kickoffs for 33 yards and three punts for 50 yards. … Defensively, he had two tackles and recovered one fumble. I LISTEN TO a lot of country music. Nobody in particular, just a lot of different people. I BINGE WATCH I would say a lot of 'Friends.' I DRIVE A 2006 Toyota Tacoma. MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW Probably that I play the piano. I don't play it as much any more, but I've been playing for 7 years. MY HERO IS Tim Tebow FAVORITE MEAL Probably steak and rice WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT FOOTBALL IS Just being competitive. IN 10 YEARS I WILL Hope to be successful and have a family. Bentonville West senior Stephen Dyson will lead the Wolverines into the 2020 season as one of the top returning wide receivers in the 7A-West. NWADG File Photo