Wolves ready for season
By Staff, 08/21/19 1:00 PMPRESCOTT – While the final score of Tuesday night’s scrimmage between Prescott and Ashdown doesn’t matter in the long run, the game showed the Wolves are ready to hit the gridiron running right now.
The visiting Panthers took it on the chin, not scoring until nearly the end of the scrimmage against Prescott’s second string.
Offensive coordinator Brian Glass said the Wolves didn’t start off well, not scoring in either of their first two drives, but got on track and scored on every possession thereafter. He said this year’s squad has an abundance of speed. though it’s mostly made up of juniors and sophomores. Only eight seniors suit up for this year’s grid campaign.
Jacobi Nolen and Jeff Williams alternated at quarterback, and when not under center spent time as wide receivers. Glass said it took time for them to read the defenses, but they quickly caught on and lit Ashdown up. Opposing defenses will be less than thrilled to see Alex George return at tailback. George, 6-1, 245, runs like Larry Czonka of the ’73 Miami Dolphins, or, for a more modern comparison, Marshaun Lynch. He can run inside or outside and is difficult to bring down. Last year defensive players realized this wasn’t a one-man job as they piled on George to slow him down.
Jacalyn Zachary caught an 80-yard scoring pass in the scrimmage and is the third string quarterback. Derriun Thompson is another receiver, who will also see time at tailback.
Glass said the line is big, fast and strong. On the left side of the line will be Keihnan Paden at tackle with Landon Cross at guard along with Ty Koger. Ojeda will snap the ball, while JD Weaver will anchor the right side at guard while Justin Wilson holds down the tackle position. Jayce Ingram is one tight end along with Berry Marks. Kyree Pearson will see action at the fullback position.
One of the bright spots for the Wolves will be the return of Luis Rabadan as kicker. During the scrimmage he booted four of five extra points and has gotten stronger since last season. Caleb Harris will be the punter this year.
Defensive coordinator Jason Patrick said the Wolves started slow, but “came around” shutting the Panther offense down throughout the scrimmage. “I’m proud of their effort.”
The defensive line, he said, is big with Cade Poole, Caleb Harris, Wilson and Paden, along with Jack Arnette up front, ready and willing to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks and running backs. The linebacking corps will be new with Pearson, Tywan Thompson and Jason Patrick, Jr., behind the front line, ready to punish anyone who comes their way.
Patrick said the secondary has speed to burn, which won’t be good for opposing receivers and quarterbacks. The corners will be Jeff Martin and Bryston Samuels, with D. Thompson and Nolen anchoring the safety positions. Omarion Dickens and Williams will also see action in the secondary.
Seven members of the defense are new, Patrick said, but will “get after it” on the field. “They’re young, fast and aggressive,” he said. During the scrimmage the defense forced a fumble and had a pick six.
Glass said Rison will be a test for the Wolves in the season opener Aug. 27 in the SAU Classic at Magnolia, but Camden Harmony Grove and Smackover will be the teams to watch in conference play. He added, the Wolves have the talent to go all the way this year.
The team is: Bryston Samuels; Kyree Pearson, Jacalyn Zachery; Jaylon Hopson, Jacobi Nolen; Cha’Darius Haynie; Tywan Thompson; Lane Dalrymple; Omarion Dickens; Cole Cowling; Jeffery Williams; Jayce Ingram; Datavern Thompson; Jeffery Martin; Jack Arnette; Brady Simmons; Damien Kisselburg; Earnest Spencer; Bayliss Price; De’Jon Nolen; Demetryun Hunter; Brayden Matthews; Luis Rabadan; Jackson Cornish; Tyler Morrow; Derriun Thompson;
Caleb Harris, Alex George; Earnest Dudgeon, Cade Poole; Keihnan Paden; Jacob Ojeda; Landon Cross; Tryston Pettit; Carlos Zacharias; Eli Quidera; Maddux Yates; Justin Wilson; Luke Cole; Jayce Crayne; JD Weaver; Ty Koger; and Tristan Wilson.
