‘Cats ready for 2022 grid campaign

By John Miller, 08/11/22 6:23 PM

HOPE – This year’s Hope Bobcats should be scrappy, according to Head Coach Phillip Turner.

However, the ‘Cats are still picked to finish near the bottom of the 5A South Conference behind Little Rock Parkview, Magnolia, Camden Fairview, Hot Springs Lakeside, Hot Springs and Texarkana. The ‘Cats are tabbed to finish ahead of DeQueen.

Turner, during media day Thursday, said the ‘Cats are returning last year’s starting quarterback and two running backs. Tyler Patterson, he continued, has put on muscle during the off season and has a stronger arm. Last year he started four games and threw for 1,188 yards and 11 touchdowns. Tamorien Lindsey and K.D. Gulley return as running backs. Lindsey carried 79 times for 454 yards last season, scoring six TDs, while Gulley averaged six yards per carry. Donovan Jones will also see action at running back as well as slot receiver with his 4.6 speed.

The problem, Turner said, is the ‘Cats lost four members of last years starting offensive line. This year’s squad will be smaller, but quicker.

Defensively, he said, the team will also be fast, but small. The defense brings back more experience with five starters back for the 2022 campaign, including Juan Ortiz at defensive end. Zyun Brown is also back at defensive end and can also slide into the tackle position when needed. Ke’Von Leaks will also see time at defensive end. Gulley anchors the linebacking corps along with Richard Cunningham and Jessie Barton. Romelo Ford will play rover and linebacker as well.

In the secondary, Kaleo Anderson returns at corner and can also play safety. Ja’qualin Watson is the other corner. Kamron Walton, Donovan Jones and Renardo Brown, along with Kelston Mask will be in the secondary as well.

The biggest problem, Turner admits, is the lack of numbers. When the season starts on Sept. 2, the ‘Cats will field roughly 40 players, a small squad for a 5A team. The lack of numbers also means a lack of depth, with several having to play both ways. But, Turner said, this team has spirit and won’t get down just because they drop a game.

There’s nothing easy about the ‘Cats’ schedule either, as the season kicks off  with Nashville coming to town Sept. 2, and the ‘Cats hosting Ashdown on Sept. 9. Hope takes to the road on Sept. 16 to visit Prescott. On Sept. 23, the ‘Cats head to DeQueen and return to Hammons Stadium on Sept 30 for a date with Hot Springs.

October opens with Hope heading to LR Parkview on Oct.7, but the ‘Cats return home on Oct. 14 to host Hot Springs Lakeside. On Oct. 21, Hope heads to Camden Fairview, returns home on Oct. 28 for the final home game of the season against Texarkana. The ‘Cats end the regular season on the road against Magnolia.