S . “ We also bring up sophomore Gunner Land who started three games at linebacker his freshman year ,” stated Coach Cody Goulart . “ He will bring a lot of physicality to Cross County ( over the ) next three years . It ’ s our first season running the flex bone . We have a smart and physical quarterback ( Konnor Wilson ). We have quick offensive lineman . We may struggle early on with new offense but will rely on the offensive line and Wilson to lead the team .” Cross County has a new defense coordinator coming in . They are moving to a four-front majority of the time . “ We will have good core at the linebacker group with a seasoned secondary . Defensive line depth will be a concern .” Coach Goulart likes his teams ’ chances in 2022 . “ We are looking forward to competing in the new 2A-3 versus some of

Aug . 26 Harrisburg Sept . 2 Corning Sept . 9 @ Carlisle Sept . 23 @ McCrory Sept . 30 Clarendon Oct . 7 @ EPC Oct . 14 Marianna Oct . 21 Des Arc Oct . 28 Marked Tree Nov . 3 @ Earle

the best 2A programs in the state . We will work towards giving ourselves the opportunity to win every 4th quarter . We will push to make playoffs and fight for a home game .”

Aug . 26 @ LR Mills Sept . 2 @ Joe T . Robinson Sept . 16 Stuttgart Sept . 23 @ Southside Sept . 30 Valley View Oct . 7 @ Batesville Oct . 14 Paragould Oct . 21 @ Nettleton Oct . 28 @ Wynne Nov . 4 Brookland

In 2021 , the Forrest City Mustangs finished 2-8 . It was a season they ’ d love to turn the page on . The Mustangs will look to revive a once promising program . Head coach Ronald Lewis has several players that return in 2022 . They include : OG Elijah Hardin , RB / LB Willie Murphy , LB / FB Octavion Washington , DE / TE Joshua Patillo , WR / CB Kyman Lee , WR / FS DJ Sinclair , OT / NG Alexander Isom , WR Nehemiah Stone , OLB / WR Courtney Austin , and CB / WR Jamontay Flenoy . “ Offensively , we will be a pro pistol ,” said Coach . “ We have some components of an RPO style offense . We want to be able to run the ball as well as throw it over the top . Our biggest strength going into the fall is our massive offensive line . Biggest area of concern is our inexperience at the QB position . Defensively , we will be an attacking 3-4 . The strength of our defense is their speed . Weakness is an inexperienced secondary . I believe this year will be the foundation of what ’ s to come in Forrest City . We have an overall strong nucleus of players that genuinely want to get better each day . The 5A East is a smash mouth conference . We

will have to be ready to stop the run defensively . Offensively , we will need to manufacture drives and put points on the board . Our special teams will play a huge part in our success this year . We need to be able to pin our opponents deep and also flip the field when necessary . The goal is making it to the state playoffs . Rome wasn ’ t built in a day , but we will make steady progress towards that goal .” Coach Lewis has the right approach and believes in his guys . Expect the Mustangs to be improved but still miss the playoffs finishing in the lower half of the 5A East .

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2022 Football Preview | Page 81