Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/864144
8 | EntErprisE-LEadEr WEdnEsday, aug. 23, 2017 'The Mighty Few' PRAIRIE GROVE — The key to sizing up Prairie Grove's 2017 varsity football squad's true potential won't be discov- ered in a position-by-position summary or depth-chart analysis. Various personalities, capabilities, talents and skill-sets crucial to gridiron success are present among the Prairie Grove roster. This group could make a name for themselves as the "Mighty Few." "We have 16 seniors, that's almost half the team," said head coach Danny Abshier. "Our sophomore class (number- ing 8 total) is really small." EXTERNAL INFLUENCES A dozen juniors round out the roster. Several players penciled in as likely contributors decided not to continue with the program over the summer and the Tigers began August with a total of 36 athletes listed on their varsity roster. That's not a whole lot for a program that went 32-7 with two conference titles, two state semifinal appearances and a 2015 state runner-up finish in the last three years. On the surface some of those deci- sions may have been affected by exter- nal influences preaching fear of injury. While the trend of players leaving after working out with the team much of the summer disturbs head football coach Danny Abshier, who concentrates on building quality relationships with each of his players, he may yet discover that he's better off in the long run. UNCONVENTIONAL STRATEGY Gideon was instructed to do the unconventional thing by reducing his forces from 32,000 to 300 men in Judges 7:2-3 (Living Bible). "There are too many of you….Send home any of your men who are timid and frightened." Gideon wound up with a "mighty few," and led his men to a great victory. The Crow Indian government, of south-central Montana, includes elected representatives of the "Mighty Few" District on their tribal council. The coaching staff anticipates several athletes going both ways this season. Chief among those starting on one side of the ball and seeing significant action on the other include nine seniors. ANTHONY JOHNSON Halfback/linebacker Anthony Johnson (5-8, 189) has been named to the presea- son All-Northwest Arkansas team by the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Johnson split time at halfback with Reed Orr last year and still led the Tigers in rushing with 1,265 yards on 147 carries. He gained 8.7-yards-per-rush with 14 touchdowns. Johnson wants the ball and will gladly run it every time he is called upon. Johnson relishes contact and regu- larly lowers a shoulder dishing out hits to would-be tacklers. Johnson's approach to playing defense is the same. He zings ball-carriers, caus- ing dropped passes and fumbles. He was second in solo tackles (36) and second in assisted tackles (57) during his junior season. His 9 tackles for losses led the team. He chipped in a pair of intercep- tions and added a sack. DeMarkus Cooper Tight end/defensive end DeMarkus Cooper (6-0, 249) is like having a poor man's Charles Barkley on the football field. Cooper's athleticism matches his intensity. He plays to win. His big body coupled with pass-catching ability create match-up problems for defenses. Cooper hauled in 20 passes for 362 yards, shed- ding tackles and running well after the catch for 18.1-yards-per-reception to go with 8 touchdowns in 2016. Cooper's activity on the defensive front is illustrated by his 32 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception and 2 hurried throws. Cooper handles kick-off duties for the Tigers. Dustin Burton Wingback/linebacker Dustin Burton (5-11, 211) intimidates opponents with his tenacity, speed, stature and resemblance to a Viking warrior. When he takes his helmet off, he looks a whole like Marvel's "Mighty Thor," and possesses thunder of his own, playing the hammer on defense. "He doubles at middle linebacker, it's always nice when you get a 2-way starter back," Abshier said. "He's not a bad receiver. He's a good, tough runner. He's one of those guys who can make a change in momentum with a run. He's gained some speed. He feels like he's faster because he ran track this year." Burton caught 6 passes half of which he turned into touchdowns. Burton gained 162 total yards good for 27-yards- per-play. His value on offense is matched on defense. Defensive coordinator Craig Laird says Burton is also a game-changer at linebacker. Burton compiled 71 tackles, 3 interceptions and 1 sack last year. "He's going to be the heart of the PRAIRIE GROVE VARSITY FOOTBALL PREVIEW By Mark Humphrey ENTERPRISE-LEADER MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Prairie Grove's numbers are down for varsity this year, yet they have a strong senior class with 16 quality athletes. Several versatile athletes may play more than one position. The Tigers have reached the state 4A semifinals three times since 2012 and are eager to qualify for another postseason run. SEE VARSITY PAGE 9