Carlisle Preview: Bison coach — goal is still to win state title

The 2014 Carlisle Bison Football Team

By Mark Buffalo

Editor

LonokeCountySports@gmail.com

Even though Carlisle has its third coach in three seasons, the team's goal remains the same — to win a state championship.

Defensive coordinator Jack Keith was hired as head coach in June, replacing Brandon Barbaree, who eventually became an administrator and assistant coach at Lonoke. Two years ago, Scott Waymire resigned to become coach at Class 4A Trumann after a seven-year run as Bison head coach. 

"Our main goal is always going to be to win a state championship," Keith said. "If you are not shooting to be the best, you can't ever get to be the best."

Keith said Hazen, Des Arc and McCrory will be tough in the 2A-6 conference this season.

"With us in the mix, I'd say that's the Top 4," he said. "We don't want to just get into the playoffs. We want to win the conference and make a run at it."

The Bison will continue to run the Double Wing formation — something they've ran since Waymire came to Carlisle in 2006. 

Senior Chase Brazeal returns at quarterback. He took over for Austin Reed in Week 9 a year ago after Reed suffered a torn ACL in a knee late in the regular season. 

"He has a good handle on the offense," Keith said. "We've been able to add a few wrinkles with him."

Seniors Jacob Cagle and Clinton Hampton are the wingbacks. "They've been running real hard," Keith said. 

Senior Thomas McCallie returns as the starting fullback. 

"He has a real good understanding of the offense," Keith said. "He does a good job of blocking and runs hard."

Senior Dylan Brazeal will anchor the offensive line at tackle, Keith said. 

Senior Keyshawn Allen will also play tackle. 

"We will need him to step up and be a presence on the line," Keith said. 

Senior Miles Cunningham returns at center. "He's going to give you everything he's got," Keith said. 

Junior Clay Parker is set to start at tight end. "He's a tough kid," the coach said. "He's smart and a hard worker."

Guards include senior Colton Isbell, who missed the end of the season because of a concussion.

"We're just not getting him back to full speed," Keith said. 

Two sophomores, Zack Means and Brian Henderson, have been working at guard as well.

Senior Nick Schafer will play receiver. 

"He's got good hands and can give us some mismatches at times," Keith said.

Keith said sophomore Zack Caviness will also play receiver.

The Bison run the 4-4-3 on defense this season. 

"We try to do things we know how to do well," Keith said. "You can over-think yourself sometimes."

Dylan Brazeal and Allen will be the starting defensive tackles. Cunningham and sophomore Mason Carter will rotate at that position, Keith said. 

"A lot of kids are going to have to play both ways," Keith said. "Our backups have to be just as good as our ones. We have to have a revolving door to get some guys a breather when we can."

McCallie, Isbell and senior Bradley Elder will see time at defensive end. 

"Our defensive line is probably going to be our strength on defense," Keith said. "We're essentially replacing all four linebackers."

Schafer and Hampton will play outside linebacker. Backing them up will be sophomores Devon Kendrick and Tyler Sanders. 

"I feel confident with all four of them being on the field at any time," Keith said. 

Inside linebackers will be Parker and Means. 

Senior Cole Sheets and Chase Brazeal will play cornerbacks. Cagle and junior Brynden Weems will play safety. 

The Bison open the season Friday night at home against England in the "Battle of the Beasts" at Fred C. Hardke Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Clinton Hampton

Clay Parker

Thomas McCallie

Chase Brazeal

Jacob Cagle

Dylan Brazeal

Miles Cunningham

Keyshawn Allen

Nick Schafer

Lonoke Preview: Coach hopes non-conference schedule will prepare team for 4A-2 play

The 2014 Lonoke Jackrabbits football team. 

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

The Lonoke Jackrabbits are coming off their best season since 2009 as they went 9-3, advancing to the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs.

Lonoke lost several key players from that squad, including Arkansas State receiver Blake Mack and Hendrix defensive back Kody Smith. 

However, a tough non-conference schedule could help the Jackrabbits get ready for the grind of the 4A-2 conference play. Lonoke opens the season Friday against Star City. Other non-conference games are Sept. 12 at Beebe and Sept. 19 at Little Rock McClellan. The 4A-2 conference opener is Sept. 26 against Heber Springs.

"We feel good about our non-conference schedule getting us ready for conference," said Lonoke coach Doug Bost, who is entering his sixth season as head coach. He is the longest-tenured Lonoke coach since Ronnie Carter's second stint, which ended in 1995. 

"That's what you play for — to try to be conference champion," Bost said. "We know West Helena is moving in and they are very solid and we know that Newport returns a lot of starters. Those are the Top 2 dogs in the conference."

Junior Savonte Rountree replaces Smith as the Jackrabbits quarterback. 

Receivers include juniors Justin Meadows and Juwaun Bryant and sophomore Logan Dozier. 

Junior all-conference running back Josh Coleman returns this season. He rushed for 1,423 yards and 18 touchdowns on 189 carries in 2013. 

Senior Chandler Elmore will play fullback this season. 

Bost said the offensive line has been rotating some during camp. They include senior Preston Jacks, junior Ethan Ellis, junior Kane Williams, junior Lucas McKenzie, senior Chance Bronson, sophomore Zack Murray, senior Jacob Vandiver and senior Dylan Goforth. 

"We've got a combination there," Bost said. "We're just going to see what the best combination is."

Goforth was an all-state performer a year ago at defensive end. 

"We're looking for a good year out of him," Bost said. 

Vandiver, senior Deven Mosely and McKenzie will play on the defensive line.

Linebackers include Elmore, junior Ethan Holland, Coleman and junior Lance Dugger. 

Defensive backs include senior Caleb Bailey, senior Braylon Bryant, Meadows and senior Trey Bevis. 

Several players are set to play on both sides of the ball this season. 

"We're trying to get the best players out there and you've got to the backups ready for the two-way players," Bost said. "When they do need a break, you can put them [backups] in and feel comfortable."

Chance Bronson

Trey Bevis

Dylan Goforth

Chandler Elmore

Savonte Rountree

Caleb Bailey

Josh Coleman

Justin Meadows

Coach encouraged by Jr. Rabbits performance in scrimmage

Lonoke quarterback Kade Stuart steps up in the pocket before scrambling against Maumelle on Tuesday. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

LONOKE — Even though the scoreboard showed Maumelle with 14 points and Lonoke with none, Junior Jackrabbits coach Darrick Lowery wasn't discouraged by what he saw in the benefit scrimmage game Tuesday night at James B. Abraham Stadium. 

"We knew Mamelle would be pretty physical and pretty athletic and they were," Lowery said. "We just wanted to see if we could execute correctly, how we would handle the heat and how we would handle the real game situations. 

"For the most part, our guys did pretty well."

Lowery said his team got tired near the end of the scrimmage. 

"We've got to learn to keep our focus as we get tired," he said. "For the most part, I'm pretty pleased with the exception of the scoreboard."

Lonoke opens the season Thursday, Sept. 4, against Beebe at James B. Abraham Stadium at 7 p.m.

"We've got a lot of stuff to correct," Lowery said. "It gives our guys something to shoot for before next week. We've got a tough opponent with Beebe as always."

Daniel Seigrist makes an interception in the end zone for the Junior Jackrabbits. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

Lonoke's Michael Hodges is clotheslined by a Maumelle player. A penalty was called on the play. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

Lonoke Jackrabbits City Wide Pep Rally is Friday

The Lonoke Jackrabbits City Wide Pep Rally will be held Friday, Aug 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Lonoke City Park.
The Lonoke High School cheerleaders, band, football, volleyball and golf teams will be introduced. 
Pork chop sandwiches, chips, cookies, and drink will be provided to them at no charge. Others can buy a meal also. The new t-shirt designs will be available for order. 
Lonoke Jackrabbits Booster Club membership forms will be available also. 

Bison getting better during practice

The 2014 Carlisle Bison senior players. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

CARLISLE — New Carlisle coach Jack Keith said his team has been practicing well during the first two weeks of fall camp. 

"We've been able to polish up our base stuff and we've been able to install some of our newer stuff and they are able to pick it up real well," Keith said. "They are doing a real good job of flying around. They are practicing real hard and getting some quality reps. 

"They are getting better every rep they take."

The Bison were able to start practicing in full pads last Monday. 

"They were chomping at the bit last week when we couldn't do much contact," Keith said of his team finally getting to have full contact. "They did a great job of turning it on."

Keith said the roster is holding steady at 30 players. 

The Bison will host a benefit scrimmage jamboree Aug. 26 at Fred C. Hardke Field. Teams participating include Dumas, Rison and Stuttgart. Junior high will start at 5:30 p.m.; senior high will start at 7 p.m.

Carlisle opens the season Friday, Sept. 5, at home against England. The 2A-6 conference opener is Sept. 19 at Augusta. 

Jackrabbits gear up as full contact begins

The Lonoke Jackrabbits warm up before a practice last week. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo 

Staff Writer

Lonoke — On Thursday, Lonoke coach Doug Bost said his team "started from square one" on tackling as full contact was allowed this week.

"We're been trying to refresh good, proper tackling techniques," said Bost, who is entering his sixth season as head coach. "We've been live all week. It's been good. Practice has been good. Temperatures have been good. It makes practice better when it's not 100 degrees."

Bost said his players, which are numbering around 40, were ready to hit this week.

"They knew that last week, there was really no contact," he said. "They were ready to get out there and get after it this week."

During the first week of practice last week, Bost said the coaching staff "reinstalled" the offense and defense.

"We've been doing special teams for two solid weeks," he said. "It's just been refining what we're doing."

The Jackrabbits will scrimmage the Maumelle Hornets in Maumelle on Monday, Aug. 25. Lonoke will open the 2014 season Friday, Sept. 5, at home against the Star City Bulldogs.

Junior Bison working hard in preseason practice

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

CARLISLE — Numbers have been a little low as the Carlisle Junior Bison are getting ready for the 2014 season.

New head coach Jack Keith said he has 18 players in the eighth and ninth grade. 

"We've had some good practices with them," Keith said. "We've had some seventh graders come out with them and gotten some really good repetitions. We're just lean in the junior high right now."

A year ago, the Junior Bison started the season 0-4 but won their last five games to end the season at 5-4. Keith said there were about nine players who got to play some a year ago.

"They've worked real hard and gotten better every day," Keith said. "They've got a good understanding of the offense and we've been able to put in a few new things with them.

"Defensively, they've been flying around a little more. It's starting to click a little bit for them."
Carlisle opens the season Sept. 4 against McCrory.

Jr. Jackrabbits getting ready for season

Lonoke Junior Jackrabbit coach Darrick Lowery (in hat) and assistant coach Phillip King talk to their players during practice last week. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

LONOKE — Lonoke Junior Jackrabbits coach Darrick Lowery said his team has averaged about 45 players during summer and fall workouts.

"We have 53 on the roster," Lowery said Wednesday night. "We will pick the rest up when school starts. We've got a pretty good mix of eighth- and ninth-graders. It's pretty well split, half and half."

Lowery said there are about six to 10 players who saw significant playing time a year ago when the Junior Jackrabbits finished 7-2 a year ago, finishing in a tie with Heber Springs for the 4A-2 conference title.

"It's just going to make us that much better this year," Lowery said. 

This summer, Lowery said his team participated in team camps and 7-on-7 passing nights.

"For three weeks, on Monday nights, we were going to Cabot for 7-on-7," Lowery said. "On Tuesdays, we were here, going to Carlisle or Maumelle. On Thursdays, we went to Conway."

The Junior Jackrabbits played in two team camps at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia and Conway.

Lonoke opens the season Thursday, Sept. 4, against Beebe at James B. Abraham Stadium. 

Jackrabbits practice Thursday morning

Add captionLonoke's Chandler Elmore [13] and Dylan Goforth make a stop during Jackrabbits practice Thursday morning. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

Jackrabbits open practice at War Memorial Stadium

Lonoke assistant coach Bret Watson talks to Dylan Goforth during spring practice in late May. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

LITTLE ROCK — War Memorial Stadium is the ultimate destination for every high school football team in Arkansas. The Lonoke Jackrabbits got a chance to "start" the 2014 season there Monday.

Lonoke opened fall practice at the venerable old lady Monday as football practice started around the state.

"We had a parent rent out War Memorial Stadium for us so we practiced there from 9 until 12," Lonoke coach Doug Bost said. "We fed the kids hamburgers and they got to tour the stadium and press box. 

"I felt really good about practice. The kids were moving around and had a lot of energy. I was really pleased with the first day."

Bost said the coaching staff told the players that War Memorial Stadium is where any team wants to end its season, playing for a state championship.

"It's a great goal to have in mind," he said. "Some of those kids have probably never been there or definitely not been on the playing surface. It added a little something to practice. I was really pleased."

The Jackrabbits had 40 players for the beginning of fall drills.

However, Monday was not the first day Bost and his staff have been with the players. Lonoke participated in several team camps and 7-on-7 events. 

"We had a real busy summer with all that, lifting weights and running," Bost said. "The kids have a great understanding of the offense and defense. This time of year, you want to get those backup kids ready to play. And you start working your special teams because we really didn't do that during the summer. We put in kickoff and kickoff return today. 

"You've got plenty of time to slow it down and get everybody on the same page."

The Jackrabbits will scrimmage at Maumelle on Monday, Aug. 25. They open the season Friday, Sept. 5, at home against the Star City Bulldogs. 

Bison open fall camp Monday

Bison quarterback Chase Brazeal runs a play during spring practice. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

CARLISLE — On Monday, the Carlisle Bison opened fall practice with 27 players according to first-year coach Jack Keith. 

"I think we worked real well," Keith said Monday night. "We're just trying to polish what we already know and make sure we've got that down 100 percent before we start adding to it, putting my spin on things."

Keith was hired to replace Brandon Barbaree, who left Carlisle to become principal at Pangburn Middle School after one season as head coach. Keith said the Bison will continue to base their offense out of the double wing, which was introduced by former Bison coach Scott Waymire in 2006.

"I want to make sure we can do our base stuff before we try to add to much to it," Keith said. 

The Bison participated in team camps and 7-on-7 passing nights during the summer. Keith said those events helped his team get ready for the start of fall practice. 

"We had a good idea of where we were before we came in to today," he said. "We didn't come in to it blind. We had a couple of teams camps and had one of them filmed. We were able to look back at that film and get a good idea of what we were doing right and what we were doing wrong and having an idea of what we are needing to fix before we got out there.

"We weren't jumping in there blind. It helped a tremendous amount, having all the stuff this summer."

The Bison will host a benefit scrimmage jamboree Aug. 26 at Fred C. Hardke Field. Teams participating include Dumas, Rison and Stuttgart. Junior high will start at 5:30 p.m.; senior high will start at 7 p.m.

Carlisle opens the season Friday, Sept. 5, at home against England. The 2A-6 conference opener is Sept. 19 at Augusta.