‘Cats tabbed to finish last in conference

HOPE – A statewide publication has picked the Hope Bobcats to finish last in the 3-AAAAA South conference this year.

Part of the reason for this is the fact the ‘Cats haven’t won a game in two years. In addition, there has been little participation in the football program from the student body.

According to the publication, the Texarkana Razorbacks should win the conference this year. Last year the Hogs finished tied for fifth with a 6-6 record. However, the Hogs bring back a lot of players from both sides of the ball from the 2017 team – 10 from offense and eight from defense.  The Hogs are also in their second year under head coach Barry Norton and should be more familiar with his system. However, the squad has to adjust to a new conference as Hogs drop from class 6A to 5A, which could also help.

Picked to finish second are the Lions of Little Rock McClellan. Last year the Lions were third in the 5A Central conference. Moving to a new conference could have an effect on the team that returns two from last year’s offense and four from the defense. However, the Lions should have a solid defensive line and decent speed, though the squad lacks depth.

Hot Springs Lakeside is tabbed to finish third in the conference. Last year the Rams were second with a 6-6 record. The Rams bring back eight from the 2017 offense and five from the defense. The team should be solid up front offensively and at receiver, but won’t be fast.

Camden Fairview is picked fourth this year. Last year the Cardinals ended the season tied for third with a 4-7 record. The Cards return nine from the offensive side of the ball and seven from the defense. The team is expected to be stronger and faster, but there are questions about the defensive line as it’s unproven.

DeQueen is expected to end the 2018 campaign in fifth place after finishing tied for third last year with a 5-5 record. The Leopards return four on offense and six from last year’s defense. This year the team should have an experienced backfield, but isn’t expected to have much team speed.

Last year the Magnolia Panthers posted a 3-7 record and finished sixth in the conference. The Panthers are again predicted to finish sixth, though the squad returns six from last season’s offense. On the other hand, only three return from the defense. Magnolia should be all right in the skill positions, but will have little experience elsewhere, especially at linebacker.

The Hot Springs Trojans are predicted to finish seventh in the league. Last year the Trojans were seventh after posting a 1-9 record. The team returns four from offense and seven on defense. The Trojans should have good linemen, but unproven receivers.

Hope is picked to finish in the cellar again this year. But, the ‘Cats will be under new leadership as Phillip Turner takes over as head coach. The ‘Cats return four from last year’s offense and five from defense. While the team should have improved leadership, the problem of size and depth remain.