10 THE RIVER VALLEY REPORT FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 8.11.2024
Bulldogs not satisFIed with past successes
Defending Class 6A champions aim for repeat title
LELAND BARCLAY
SPECIAL TO RIVER VALLEY DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
GREENWOOD— The defending Class 6A state champion— and 11-time state champion in all— Greenwood Bulldogs aren’ t resting on their laurels and especially not the seniors.
“ We try to put what happened in the past in the past and look forward,” said Chris Young, who begins his fifth season as head coach at Greenwood.“ Those guys have done a good job of that. It starts in our offseason program in the spring. We got after it real well.”
Senior leaders Cash Archer, Kaylor Jasna, Zack Zitzmann and Zach Edwards are leading the way for the Bulldogs.
“ Those seniors, we have great leadership with Cash, Jasna, Zitzmann and Zach Edwards,” Young said.“ Those guys have been through the program now for six years and know what we expect. It’ s been fun to sit back and watch them take on a leadership role with our younger guys.”
Archer, Jasna, Zitzmann and Edwards are all returning starters on defense, which is searching for holes to fill at several positions.
Seniors Paul Brixey, Radley O’ Neal, Cash Owenby and Mark Garretson will fill in that spot as well.
“ Those are guys that are program guys that have been in the program for six years,” Young said.“ All four of them have the opportunity to have really good years.”
Archer moves to linebacker while Jasna and Zitzmann return at safety and shore up the secondary, but both cornerback
Greenwood takes the field on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Smith-Robinson Field in Greenwood. Greenwood took on Mountain Home in the 6A football state quarterfinals.( River Valley Democrat-Gazette / Caleb Grieger)
positions are open.
“ Corner is another position that we’ re looking at and working four or five guys there,” Young said.“ Some of them will be our receivers.”
Receivers Isaiah Arrington and Aamonii
‘ Money’ Wren will see a lot of time on both sides of the ball, including at corner.
The offense could be explosive with returning quarterback Kane Archer and senior receivers Grant Karnes and Arrington with the addition of junior moveins Khalil‘ Champ’ Davis from Omaha( Neb.) North and Wren of Newport.
“ We have a lot of competition because we have so many good players, especially at wide receiver and offensive line,” Young said.“ Those guys are battling for spots. Any of Fort Smith
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