16 Aug 2017 BEEBE: Badgers return potent offense

Conference: 5A-Central
Coach: John Shannon
’16 Record: 4-6

The Beebe Badgers were on the edge of a playoff berth in 2016. A Week 10 loss to Sylvan Hills left the Badgers in fifth place in the 5A Central and on the outside looking in.

“We had a lot of growing pains and lost opportunities last season,” Coach John Shannon said.

Seven starters return on offense, including senior quarterback Mason Walker. Seniors Khalil Anthony (running back) and Nathan Burnett (fullback) and junior Taylor Boyce (running back) fill out the Badger Dead T backfield. Junior Cade Harlin and sophomore Ethan Ward both see snaps at tight end. Projected starters on the offensive line are Noah Jolly (tackle), Quenton Johnson (tackle), Joseph Davis (guard), Cameron Goodin (guard) and Callie Neal (center).

Harlin, Johnson and junior Wade King start on the defensive line. Anthony, senior Daniel Eskandrian and juniors Braden Healy and Luke Oakley fill out the middle at the four linebacker spots. Senior CJ Cauldwell returns to lead the Badger secondary from his safety spot. Juniors Alex Boyce (safety), Gage House (corner) and Dalton Pruitt (corner) fill out the defensive backfield.

“We should be better on offense because we have most of our starters back,” Shannon said. “If our defensive line comes on, we should be better. The 5A Central is very tough. We hope to be one of the top four teams.”