25 Aug 2010 501 Football Extra: Malvern Leopards

The Leopards also recorded their first playoff wins in 13 years before falling in the third round to Lonoke, 21-20.

“Our defense really kept us in games,” coach John Fogleman said. “We won some games in the fourth quarter that we had let slip away in the previous years.”

The highlight of the season for the Leopards came in the second round of the state playoffs. Malvern traveled to undefeated and No. 1-ranked Booneville, knocking off the Bearcats 24-23 in overtime. Dontail Henson gave the Leopards a 24-17 lead with a 1-yard touchdown run to start the overtime period. Booneville scored on its possession, but a bobbled PAT gave the Leopards the win. The Bearcats had beaten the Leopards on a last-second field goal in the first round of the playoffs in 2008.

Senior tailback Henson (5-9, 175) leads five other returning starters on offense. Henson rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2009. Senior David Traylor (5-11, 185) returns at quarterback after throwing for 13 touchdowns last fall. Senior James King (6-0, 185) pulled in 10 of Traylor’s TD passes, posting 48 receptions for 712 yards as the Leopards’ go-to receiver. Seniors Seth Coates (5-9, 220) and Cody Elrod (6-1, 180) return to anchor the offensive line.

“We return experience at the skill positions on offense,” Fogleman said. “The offensive line must develop consistency.”

Five starters return on defense, including three on the line: seniors Grady Ollison (6-4, 270), Mitchell Whitman (6-2, 230) and Eric Watkins (5-10, 215). Senior Kevin

Murdock (5-11, 180) returns in the secondary with King – who led the Leopards in interceptions last year.

“Our defensive line must carry the load,” Fogleman said. “We have a lot of new faces in the secondary and at linebacker. One of our weaknesses is that we must replace our entire linebacking corps.”

The Leopards finished in third place last fall in the 7-4A, and improving on last year’s success won’t be an easy task.

“Pulaski Robinson is the best team no one is talking about,” Fogleman said. “Nashville has a new coach that will continue their winning tradition. Pulaski Academy may be the team to beat. Oak Grove will be athletic, and Bauxite will be tough because of their style of play. Ashdown will cause problems because of their speed, and they are well coached.”

5 Players to Watch: James King (Sr. WF/FS), Grady Ollison (Sr. OL/DL), Mitchell Whitman (Sr. OL/DL), Dontail Henson (Sr. RB) and Eric Watkins (Sr. OL/DL).

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1 Must-see Game: “Any conference game. I think there are a bunch of quality teams in the 7-4A.” – Fogleman

2010 Schedule

Sept. 3        Arkadelphia
Sept. 10    at HS Lakeside
Sept. 17    at Stuttgart
Sept. 24    Bauxite*
Oct. 1        at Pulaski Robinson*
Oct. 8        Ashdown*
Oct. 15        at Pulaski Oak Grove*
Oct. 22        Pulaski Academy*
Oct. 29        at Nashville*
Nov. 5        DeQueen*