Wolves picked to win 5AAA

By Staff, 08/17/21 11:33 AM

PRESCOTT – It should come as a surprise to absolutely nobody the Curley Wolves are picked to win the 5AAA again this season.

Last year the Wolves went 10-1 in Brian Glass’ first year as head coach, taking the conference crown with no problem as the closest conference game played during the regular season was against Glen Rose, won by Prescott 42-14. Otherwise, every game was a blowout until the 44-39 loss to McGehee in the playoffs. Otherwise, Gurdon gave Prescott the most trouble before losing 43-36 in the season opener.

Sure, graduation hit the Wolves hard, but such is high school football. However, the Wolves are still loaded with plenty of experience returning. In fact, there are five starters from last year’s offense back, along with six from defense.

COVID is still an issue in the area, and nation, but masks will not be required for outdoor activities. However, Superintendent Robert Poole said the district will follow AAA guidelines on social distancing.

A statewide publication picked Prescott to win the conference for the third straight year, followed by Glen Rose, Centerpoint, Jessieville, Bismarck, Genoa Central, Fouke and seeing Horatio in the cellar.

Carston Poole, a junior, will step under center this year. Glass said Poole put on a show during the off season and can run the offense with no problem. Poole is the superintendent’s son. Last season he connected on four of five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. He also has an offer from Henderson State University.

Pierce Yates, a sophomore, will back Poole up. Glass says he could develop into  a Division 1 pitcher. Jayce Moore could also see action at quarterback, but will mostly be used as a receiver.

Jaylen Hopson, an all-state player from last year, is back as tailback. Glass calls him an electric player who will be given the bulk of carries as he can score at any time from practically anywhere on the field. He ran for 900 yards last year, averaging 13.2 yards per carry with 15 touchdowns though the team only played four full quarters three times all year. Hopson runs a 4.4 40 and is the fastest player on the team. Glass said he’s improved his pass catching skills over the off season. He’s also being looked at by every Division 2 school in the state.

However, it won’t be all Hopson as senior running back Jacob Jackson will get most of the short yardage carries, taking over from Alex George. Last year Jackson ran for 43 yards and scored twice. Junior Travion Dickens will also play tailback, as will junior Branen Bradley, who will also play some at receiver. Bayliss Price also returns to the backfield. Price, last year, averaged more than six yards per carry.

Jason Patrick will see action at fullback and is also an important possession receiver, catching a key pass against Centerpoint last year to keep a drive going. Kagan Martin and De-Jon Nolen, alogn with Tidorian Thompson, J.K. Jones and Rontrel Witherspoon will help give the starters a rest in the backfield.

Poole will have an excellent and reliable target on the outside as Caleb Harris returns. Harris will play receiver and tight end at 6-4, 225. Harris has already received offers from Ole Miss, Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee. Last season Harris caught 24 passes for 400 yards and nine touchdowns. Harris is also a potent weapon in the kicking game as he averaged 43 yards per kick each time he punted.

Jaylen Young will also see action on the outside as receiver. Young also plays forward on the basketball team. Prescott also has an all conference slot receiver back in Jacaylon Zachery, who runs a 4.5 40, hitting top speed in two steps. He led the team in receiving last year with 28 catches for 654 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s also being looked at by most D2 schools in the state.

Rashawn Bell came in most of the time when the outcome of games had already been decided. He caught two passes for 10 yards and has great football skills. Jon Dorrough, a junior, will rotate at receiver and also start on special teams. Others who will see action at receiver will be Brady Simmons, D.Q. Hopper, Jamarion Burton, Dakota Jones and John Rabadan. Rabadan will also be the team’s kicker, taking over for his brother Luis.

The line will be anchored by all conference player Tyson Koger who’ll likely start at left guard. Koger, who tips the scales at 190, bench presses 280 pounds and 275 in the clean and jerk. Tryston Pettit will also play offensive tackle. Maddux Yates, an all 5AAA performer, moves from center to right tackle. Other linemen will be: Avery Hubbard, Lucas Standridge and Rocco Loe, along with Carlos Zaccarias.

Defensively, Raul Quidera returns at nose guard, where he earned all conference honors last year. Glass says he’s too quick for most centers to block and racked up 48 tackles and a sack last season. Rasheed Muhammed led the junior squad in sacks last year, while Luke Cole, who played 35 percent of the time, made 16 stops. Zacarias, Yates and Hubbard will also play defensive tackle.

On the end, Harris could be a difference-maker, according to Glass, while Pettit will be in on crucial downs. Caden Dice and Quenton Nolen, along with Eli Cos, Eli Lowdermilk, Carson Moore, Roy Peachey, Detavion Woodley and Tanner Jarvis will also contribute at defensive end.

Patrick, Jr., will lead the team’s linebacking corps. Last year he recorded a team-high 116 tackles, 13 for loss as the middle backer. Glass said he’s a smart player who puts himself in position to make plays. Price will also see action at linebacker. He had 61 stops, nine for loss, last year as the inside backer and could play even more this year. Dickens was third on the tackle chart last year with 83 on the outside.

Omarion Dickens earned all conference honors at corner. Dickens has gotten taller over the summer and runs a 4.7 40. Last season he made 19 stops with a pick. De-tavern Thompson will also see action at corner. He had 18 tackles last year. Others in the secondary will be: Armani Tidwell, Eli Box and Jerry Glass at corner, with Poole at safety, with Hopson,, Matthews, Bell and Jones. Others who could see action at safety could be Tyquan Tribbett, P.J. Gulley and Micah Nixon.

One thing’s for sure, though the Wolves may be small this season, they’ll be the fastest team on the field.