The River Valley Report 2024 Football preview | Page 7

THE RIVER VALLEY REPORT FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 8.11.2024

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great depth at receiver.”

Senior Aaron Torres is the lone full-time starter on the line at center. Kevin Gonzalez and Jordan Mosley have both started but have been limited due to injuries.

“ That’ s three guys that have legitimate playing time,” Curry said.“ We have a number of pieces to the puzzle.”

Jayden Ouanevanhpheng could move into a starting position as well as sophomore Kentrell Baker.

“ Now, since we have a first-year quarterback, these guys we put around them have to be good,” Curry said.“ The 10 guys we put around them whoever that quarterback is has to be good.”

At receiver, Northside returns Cam Massey, who was one of the top receivers in the state last year as a junior and was unstoppable during the summer in 7-on-7 action. Massey snared 88 passes for 1,070 yards last year with 10 touchdowns.

Joining Massey is 6-3 senior Carter Tecmire, who logged some varsity time last year, and 6-1 sophomore Keelan Mendoza. Demoni Brock has moved from running back to receiver, and Dave Fernandez, a move-in from Benton, along with Jayden Foster and Imani Marshall are all options at the position.

Defensively, Taylor Webster returns up front, Lucas Caldarera returns at linebacker after leading the Grizzlies in tackles last year, along with Antwoine Thomas at linebacker.

In the secondary, Jaylen and Max Chavez return after starting as sophomores in the secondary.

Abram Dotson also started at time last year and J Vion May returns after breaking his leg in a scrimmage at Broken Arrow, Okla., last year.

Northside opens the season against Southside on Aug. 30.

Fort Smith Northside head coach Felix Curry( left) and defensive coordinator Ryan Solley look on, Friday, June 7, 2024, during the quarterfinals against Fayetteville in the 11th annual Lumber One 7-on-7 Showcase at Citizens Bank Field at Airedale Stadium in Alma.( River Valley Democrat-Gazette / Hank Layton)

FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE GRIZZLIES

2023 RECORD 2-9, 2-5 7A-Central COACH Felix Curry( 3rd year, 6-16) RETURNING STARTERS 5 offense, 7 defense KEY PLAYERS WR Cam Massey( Sr., 6-0, 180), LB Lucas Caldarera( Sr. 6-0, 190), NG Taylor Webster( Sr., 6-3, 285), LB Antwoine Thomas( Sr., 6-2, 190), OL Kevin Gonzalez( Jr., 6-0, 290), C Aaron Torres( Sr., 5-10, 280)

*— Denotes 7A-West Conference game. All kickoffs 7 p. m. unless noted.