17 Aug 2014 Beebe: Badgers return 13 starters in bid for deep playoff run

Conference: 5A Central
Coach: John Shannon
’13 Record: 5-6 (4-3)

The Beebe Badgers bounced back in 2013, punching a return trip to the playoffs off an even 5-5 regular season record. According to Coach John Shannon, things could have been even better.

“We were bitten by the injury bug late, which cost us a better spot in the playoffs,” Shannon said.

The Badgers return eight starters on offense and five on defense in their battle to make it deeper in the playoffs in 2014.

Returning starters on offense include: senior offensive lineman Spencer Tapp, senior offensive lineman Dusty Grier, senior tight end Austin Huhn, senior quarterback Aaron Nunez, senior running back Jesse Crisco, senior offensive lineman, senior offensive lineman Wade Jones, junior running back Tripp Smith and senior running back Clayton Meurer.

Smith rushed for 1,938 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2013.

Defensive returning starters include: defensive lineman Huhn, senior linebacker Hunter King, linebacker Crisco, defensive back Meurer and junior defensive back Connor Patrom.

“Offense should be really good,” Shannon said. “On defense we need to find two defensive linemen. Pulaski Academy and Sylvan Hills look really good. Those are the two teams you have to beat to win the 5A Central.”

5 Players to Watch:
Tripp Smith (Jr. RB)
Austin Huhn (Sr. TE/DL)
Connor Patrom (Jr. DB)
Aaron Nunez (Sr. QB)
Spencer Tapp (Sr. OL)

0

1 Must-see Game: “Pulaski Academy.” — Shannon

2014 Schedule:
Sept. 5        at Greenbrier
Sept. 12    Lonoke
Sept. 19    at Vilonia
Sept. 26    at LR McClellan
Oct. 3        Jacksonville
Oct. 10        Pulaski Academy
Oct. 17        at LR Mills
Oct. 24        J.A. Fair
Oct. 31        at Sylvan Hills
Nov. 6        North Pulaski