2024 NEA Sports Magazine Football Preview 2024 NEA Sports Magazine Football Preview | Page 11

After an 0-10 season last year , Harrisburg second year coach Austin Jarrett is optimistic with a larger roster , and larger sophomore class , and some good experience returning . The Hornets also move down in classification to the 3A-3 , but the road doesn ’ t get easier , as the 3A-3 could be the very best in the state . Offensively , senior Max Tracy returns to lead the Harrisburg spread attack . Coach Jarrett says Tracy has looked more confident and has gotten stronger . Tracy will look to build on his 848 passing yards and 11 touchdowns last year . Coach Jarrett says his offense ’ s success will rely on the run game . “ This year our offense is led by our two running backs , Hayden Anderson and Andrew England ,” Coach Jarrett said . “ They have both been very effective this summer and both bring something different to the table . With as many guys as we have playing both ways , it is nice to have two guys who can run the ball as well as they can . We have a senior fullback , Braden Brock , who has really improved his blocking and who we trust to carry the ball as well .” Evan Henley was one of Tracy ’ s favorite targets at receiver . The senior had eight catches for 69 yards , but only played in the first two games . “ When he went down we lost
Aug . 30 – at Cross County Sept . 6 – Southside Sept . 13 – at Trumann Sept . 27 – Rivercrest Oct 4 –– at Piggott Oct . 11 – Manila Oct . 18 – Osceola Oct . 25 – at Hoxie Nov . 1 – at Walnut Ridge Nov . 8 – Newport
our best player on both sides of the ball . He has had an amazing summer and we look forward to having him out there ,” coach said . Jayvin Thompson , Corbin Barker , Remington Rapert , and Jackson Brazile should give Tracy more options on offense . Up front , junior Wyatt Smith will anchor the offensive line at center . Defensively , England leads the way with 68 tackles as an all-conference defensive back . Brock , Anderson , and Trent Fitzgerald make up the linebackers , and a number of guys will rotate up front . Coach Jarrett admits his program is still on the rebuild , but likes the energy and effort his guys have given this offseason . While the 3A-3 is brutal , the Harrisburg Hornets should make strides towards improvement .
The Trumann Wildcats finished last season at 5-6 after a first round playoff loss at Warren . This season , Coach Gunner Cook and the Wildcats are looking to get back to the postseason , but will have to navigate a deep 4A-3 conference . Leading the way on both sides of the ball will be Gavin Cubit . Cubit made 81 tackles ( 10 for a loss ) and had six sacks at the defensive tackle position . On offense , the junior fullback rushed for 266 yards and a touchdown , but was more effective as a blocker in the Wildcat Power Spread with 30 pancake blocks . Receiver Brandon Dohm will use his track speed and jumping ability to build on his 10 catches from a year ago . Dohm will also line up in the defensive backfield for Trumann where he recorded 27 tackles and an interception a year ago . Junior Brodie Popejoy could line up at tight end where he was last season , or slide over to fullback showcasing his versatility . Defensively , Popejoy will be at outside linebacker where he had 29 tackles last year . Isaiah Carrillo will line up with Popejoy at middle linebacker while also playing some fullback on offense . Junior Cade Hayes had 44 tackles and three sacks at defensive end and will look to be the leader up front
Aug . 30 – Nettleton Sept . 6 – at walnut Ridge Sept . 13 – Harrisburg Sept . 27 – at westside Oct . 4 — Highland Oct . 11 – at Gosnell Oct . 18 – at Pocahontas Oct . 25 – Blytheville Nov . 1 – at Southside Nov . 8 – Cave City
in Trumann ’ s 4-2-5 defense . Junior Kayden Dunavin will take over full time at quarterback after getting some snaps last season , and senior Tony Postell Jr . will be the lead back . Coach Cook likes his skill guys and depth but has an inexperienced offensive line that will have to learn quickly in the non-conference season . Postell Jr . will be in the linebacking corps with Popejoy , Carrillo , and Brandon Whitsett . Trumann looks to continue its playoff streak alive and hopes to finish in the top three to earn a home playoff spot . Coach Cook and company know it won ’ t be easy with the 4A-3 being so deep and balanced . With speed and skill guys all over the field , the Trumann Wildcats could keep that postseason streak alive .

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