Bigger and stronger
Badgers return several key players
In his first year as head coach of the Beebe Badgers, John Shannon led his team to an 8-3 record and a first-round loss to the eventual state champions in the playoffs.
In his second year, much of the talent he had from last year is back, making him optimistic about his team’s chances of exceeding the performance of last year.
At quarterback, senior Roger Glaude will step in and take over the starting role from graduated starter Charlie Spakes. Glaude spent time in the secondary last year and will be a big help when the Badgers run the option, Shannon said.
Sophomore Scott Gowen and junior Lawson Bryant will back up Glaude this season.
The strength of the team may lie in the running game with senior Sammy Williams returning at fullback. Last season Williams rushed for more than 1,200 yards. Adam Griffis will back him up this year.
At halfback, senior Luke Gardner will return to the position after being injured last year and senior Brandon Pursell, who Shannon called the team’s “best all-around athlete,” will also see some carries this year.
Most of the time, Shannon doesn’t use wide receivers, but when he decides to throw the ball, it will be Pursell and Gardner going out for passes. Junior Victor Howell, sophomore Reece Totty and junior Charles Atture have also displayed pass-catching abilities in practice.
At tight end, senior Ross Stroud moves over from offensive tackle after he “got faster in the spring.” Junior Dylan Jones, who played junior varsity all of last season, will also see time at tight end.
Shannon is pleased with how his offensive line has looked so far this year and believes they are further along in development at this point than they were last season.
At right tackle, senior David Ingle (6-2, 265) will start, as will senior Larry Six (5-6, 175) at right guard; senior returning starter Jacob Sullivan (6-0, 210) at center; junior Brandon Bailey (5-8, 170) at left guard; and senior returning starter Kyler Wallen (6-1, 260) at left tackle.
At defensive end, the Badgers will have returning starter Ethan Quick joined by junior Breeze Mellon.
“[Mellon] does a good job at weak side end pass rush,” Shannon said. “And he covers backs out of the backfield.”
The rest of the five-man front will consist of senior returning starter Kyle Vaughan, Tyler Wallen and possibly sophomore William Conley at nose guard. There is still ongoing competition for the nose guard position.
“We’re looking really good,” Shannon said. “The defensive line should be our strong point. We’re a lot bigger and stronger than we were last year.”
Returning starter Matt Dent will be joined at linebacker by Griffis this season.
Speed in the secondary has Shannon more confident about his team’s ability to stop the pass this year.
Senior Luke Gardner and junior Spencer Forte will hold down the cornerback position, while Pursell will once again take over at safety. In the past Glaude has been a staple at safety, but with him at quarterback this year, look for Gowen to take over the position.
The Badgers get moved to a new conference this year, the 5A Southeast, an area that the head coach is not that familiar with. But with Monticello, White Hall and Crossett in the conference, he knows it will not be an easy road.
“We have a chance to be a decent football team this year,” Shannon said. “The numbers are up, and they’re working hard and are excited about the upcoming season.”
This article was published Sunday, August 24, 2008.