‘Cats tabbed last in AAAAA South

By Staff, 07/31/17 9:57 AM

HOPE – Last year was the first time in more than 60 years the Hope Bobcats failed to win a single football game.

A statewide publication is predicting the ‘Cats will finish dead last in the 5A South again this year.

A large part of the problem for Hope will be numbers. For a 5A school, relatively few have gone out for football in recent years, which makes it tough to get tired players out of the game for a breather.

The publication predicts the conference will wind up like this: Hot Springs Lakeside, White Hall, Watson Chapel, Camden Fairview, Magnolia, Hot Springs, De Queen and Hope.

This year T.D. Walton moves from receiver to quarterback, but could have problems as he’s 5-9 and may have difficulty seeing over his offensive line.

Jaylon Conway will be one of the Hope receivers, along with Nate Carter, David Horton and Justin Loudermilk.

The line will be anchored by Zack Johnson and Christian Lowe at guard, with David Dixon moving to center, with Bob Phillips and Laymon Howell the tackles. Jordan Davis will also be on the line at times.

Jonathan Garcia will be the team’s punter and kicker.

On the defensive side of the ball, Austin Coronado will be the noseguard, while Jonathan Mendoza and Horton will be the defensive ends. Alan Castro will be an outside linebacker, with Chris Haywood and Loudermilk also tabbed at linebacker spots. Akeem Hopkins and Dixon will be inside linebackers.

Emanuel Phillips will be one of the cornerbacks for the ‘Cats, with Mekhi Henderson the other. Hellums, Cavontae Young and Kenya Wesley will see action as safeties. Conway and Walton will also help in the secondary.

According to the publication, Hope’s offensive line is inexperienced and the team will again be shorthanded this season.