Wolves tabbed to take district, compete for state

PRESCOTT – Last season the Curley Wolves posted a 12-2 record and made it to the semifinals of the AAA state playoffs where their season ended with a 34-31 loss to Booneville.

This year a statewide publication is picking Prescott to take the top spot of the 5AAA conference, which is no surprise as the Wolves are reloading, not rebuilding.

Sure, the Wolves lost Ryan Johnson under center and his height will be missed. Graduation also hit Prescott hard, but that’s high school football and happens to all teams. Prescott returns six starters from each side of the ball, bringing back plenty of experience. The Wolves will again run multiple offenses and defenses.

Offensively Jacobi Nolen and Jeff Williams have been working under center. Nolen got plenty of experience last year as the Wolves’ signalcaller, completing nine of 12 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Thing is, he’s also dangerous when he runs. Williams has been splitting time at the QB position during the off season and has a strong arm. He also poses a threat when he runs the ball. Whichever starts, the other could be used as a receiver, if not running back.

A major bright spot for the Wolves is the return of Alex George, a Larry Csonka-type runner who doesn’t go down easily and tends to carry would-be tacklers with him. He’s also faster than he looks, with 4.7 speed in the 40. Last year he racked up 1,103 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 8.6 yards per carry. Derriun Thompson is a “home run hitter” according to Coach Tommy Poole, who said he can score from anywhere on the field. Last year Thompson garnered 963 years and 15 TDs, catching 13 passes for 229 more yards.

Poole said Jaylen Hopson reminds if of former NFL running back Barry Sanders, calling him “electric. Hopson led the 9-0 Curley Cubs in rushing and scoring. Ky’Ree Pearson had his season end early with an ankle injury last year, but returns at the fullback position for the 2019 campaign.

Jacaylon Zachary led the junior squad in receiving the past two years and moves up to the senior team this year where his hands will be needed and welcomed. Bryston Samuels has also worked as receiver during the spring and runs crisp routes.

Justin Wilson returns at tackle and has only gotten stronger since last year, benching 295 and 265 in the power clean. Poole expects Wilson to earn all conference honors along with being a dominate force on the line. Jacob Ojeda started at guard last year, playing there all 14 games. Keihnan Paden has also worked at right tackle in the off season. Johnny Weaver missed most of last year with a knee injury but returns this year and could play either center or guard. Maddux Yates could also see time on the line this season.

Defensively Jake Arnette is expected to contribute significantly as he is hard to block and seems to be everywhere at once. Arnett recorded 56 tackles last year. Caleb Harris is likely to see time t defensive tackle and end. Wilson will also be a defensive end for the Wolves and earn all-conference honors there as well as he’s improved his pass rushing skills. Paden is a dominating player from the end with plenty of energy. Cade Poole started every game last year as a DE where he recorded 44 tackles and returns there this year. He could also play tight end on offense.

Jason Patrick has impressed with his aggressiveness at linebacker, while Chadarrius Haynie will also be in the linebacking corps. Lane Dalrymple missed the last two seasons with various maladies, but returns this year.

Thompson is a college prospect in the secondary where he picked off three passes.

The Wolves should have plenty of depth in key areas, but will be inexperienced in places as well. What could really help the Wolves this year is the return of kicker Luis Rabadan who’s only gotten stronger over the off season.