11 Aug 2013 BAUXITE: New year, new opportunities for Miners
Conference: 7-4A
Coach: Shane Clancy
’12 Record: 2-8 (2-5)
Bauxite looked more competitive in 2012, but still struggled to close out games, notching just two victories last fall and narrowly missing the playoffs. With a new defensive coordinator and a determined team, however, the sky is the limit for the Miners in 2013.
The quarterback position is up for grabs this fall, with senior Trent Rooks, junior Ben Madison and sophomore Zach Baxley vying for the job. Juniors Tyler Kemp and Estevan Padillo will share the duties at running back after productive summers. The athletic Madison is an excellent option at receiver. Seniors Trent Taylor, Dan Gallion and Justin Warren will also see time at receiver.
With former Cedarville coach Mike Guthrie calling the shots, the Miners look improved on defense. The defensive line has gotten stronger during the offseason and will rely on senior leaders Forest Simmerman and Dakota Turner and junior playmaker Joe Reynolds. Senior Hayden Vocque led the team in tackles a year ago and knows how to create pressure and force turnovers.
With many 7-4A teams rebuilding this season, the conference’s five playoff seeds will be up for grabs. Because of this, Bauxite has the potential to make its way into the playoff picture for the first time since 2009.
Schedule:
Sept. 6 Harding Academy
Sept. 13 Glen Rose
Sept. 20 at Jessieville
Sept. 27 Malvern
Oct. 4 at Ashdown
Oct. 11 Pulaski Robinson
Oct. 18 at CAC
Oct. 25 at Ark. Baptist
Nov. 1 Arkadelphia
Nov. 7 at Nashville
