16 Aug 2017 BALD KNOB: Bulldogs primed for 2-3A repeat

Conference: 2-3A
Coach: Randy Johnson
’16 Record: 11-1

The Bald Knob Bulldogs gave fans an all-timer of a season in 2016. After flying through non-conference unscathed, the Bulldogs knocked off the 2015 3A champion Harding Academy Wildcats in the 2-3A opener, 46-34.

They never looked back. Bald Knob finished a perfect regular season before ultimately falling in the second round of the playoffs.

Bald Knob graduated some heavy offensive production at skill positions, but overall, eight players return to the Bulldog offense, including senior quarterback Clayton Collins, who keyed Bald Knob to 37 points per game last fall. Seniors Rhett Roach and Chase Martin and junior Hunter Woodle return at receiver. The Bulldog offensive line returns intact with seniors Phillip Freppon and Drake Miller and juniors Austin Fisher, Link Holt and Nick Harrell.

Miller and Freppon also start on the ends for Bald Knob, and Harrell plays tackle in the Bald Knob 3-4 defense. Woodle earned all-state honors at linebacker last fall. He’s joined at linebacker by Martin. Junior Blain Willard returns in the secondary.

“We lost some key skill kids from last year, but we should still be competitive in the 2-3A,” Coach Randy Johnston said. “We will rely on a strong junior and senior class this season to fill key spots on defense and offense.”