Page 3 - Football.2018

Thursday, August 23, 2018 El Dorado News-Times 3 Despite youth, Wildcats still have high expectations
By Tony Burns
Sports Editor
El Dorado embarks on another championship quest Friday when the Wildcats kick off the 2018 football season at Conway. Coach Scott Reed lost a ton of quality seniors off a 9-2 squad but believes he has the talent to remain in the hunt.
“We’re young but I think we’re tal- ented enough and we’re going to get better and better as the year goes on,” Reed said. “Last year’s team was good early. We had a lot of good older guys and were pretty consistent. This year, we’ve got a lot of new faces. We don’t have a lot of numbers in the senior class. We have a smaller senior class. But, we’ve got a bunch of juniors, like over 40. They’ve always won. I think they’re going to be really good.
“The other thing is, I think our league, there are probably four or five teams in our league that are capable of being good. Last year, I thought Greenwood and then us were ahead of everybody. It was probably the best Greenwood team they’ve ever had and we had a good team. And then, everyone else. I don’t think we had a down-to-the-wire conference game all year. This year, after going to team camps and all and from what I hear, I think Benton is supposed to be good. I think there will be a number of us in there. I think it’s just a matter of how we improve as the year goes on. Because I think we could be good, very good.”
Despite the losses to graduation, the Wildcats open the season with depth at almost every spot. Like every team, El Dorado has key players it needs to stay healthy but the numbers are up overall and a lot of players expect to see action on Friday nights.
The Wildcats will need those num- bers against a rugged non-league schedule which includes the 7A Wam- pus Cats, 5A rival Camden Fairview and 7A powerhouse Cabot.
“This is probably the toughest non-conference schedule we’ve played since I’ve been here. We’ve never had two 7A (schools). Conway was in the semifinals of the 7A. They’re supposed to be very good. And then, Coach (Mike) Malham thinks he’s got the best team he’s ever had (at Cabot), the best group of backs he’s ever had,” said Reed.
“I think the first three games we’re
Terrance Armstard/News-Times
Wildcats ready to rumble:El Dorado defensive lineman Dawson Moudy runs off the field during a break at a recent practice at Memorial Stadium.The Wildcats lost more than a chunk of their defense from last year's 9-2 squad. Coach Scott Reed said the team will be counting on the improvement of several new faces when the 2018 season gets underway..
We have been good against the run for awhile. Last year, the two teams that beat us was all because of throwing the ball. It was their ability to throw the ball and get us mismatched or whatever. But, that’s cause for con- cern, losing a player like that. And, we had two very good linebackers with Tyrek (Rucks). Yes, you worry about that. But, I’ve been pleased with the linebacker group this summer.
“There’s still competition in the sec- ondary. Keonte Larry has had a good summer at tailback. There’s good competition for a backup spot there. At wide receiver, there are a couple of guys who have solidified themselves. We’re looking for a couple more guys to step up. We have to get better in the entire operation of our pass game. That’s one area where we’re not where we were a year ago. “
As far as expectations, Reed said being the last team standing is always the goal in El Dorado. He believes it’s realistic this season. But, it will require more work.
“A lot of times you say it’s injuries,” he said when asked about the key to success. “This year, we’ve got to keep getting better. Because, there’s abili- ty. I was reading an article yesterday about Mike Tomlin. He said, there are a lot of people that are capable. The issue is finding those that are willing. I think this group is capable. But, a lot haven’t played in many games. We’re going to find out how willing they are to do what’s necessary. We’ll have to grow up a little bit but I think they’re capable.”
going to play good opponents. Camden is better. All three of those will be very tough, hard-to-win games. There aren’t any there you look at the schedule and you say, we should win that one. We’ll have to play well to win. But, I think if we play well in those first three, I’m going to feel really good about the rest of the year because our schedule is loaded pretty heavy on the front.”
Among the graduated starters from a year ago is All-State quarterback Dari- us Holly and three-year starter at mid- dle linebacker Mon-Trae Marshall. But, Reed thinks the core of his team will be a strength.
“I think we’re pretty good on the offensive and defensive line. I think our specialists are good, for sure,” he said. “We’re young in some spots. But, talent-wise, I think we’re going to be O.K. I was pleased with our linebackers after watching film (from the benefit game against Nashville). I
thought (Zac) Donahue played really well after being out so long. I thought (Camarious) Rucks made some nice plays. Wanya Archie made some plays and then Tonthat is getting better and physical. It’s awesome that we have four inside backers who can play. I think that group could be good.
“Mon-Trae was a really good player.
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