08 Aug 2015 BEEBE: Badgers return prolific ground game

Conference: 5A Central
Coach: John Shannon
’14 Record: 8-5 (6-1)

The Beebe Badgers had one of the most up-and-down seasons in recent history. The good news for them was that it started down and ended up.

“It was like two seasons in one,” Coach John Shannon said. “We had a ton of injuries the first four weeks of the season and started 0-4. Once we got those hurt kids back, we ended up second in the conference and made it to the final four in 5A.”

Seniors Trip Smith (fullback) and Jo Wyrick (running back) return to an impressive backfield. Smith rushed for 1,643 yards and 18 touchdowns last fall, and Wyrick rushed for 1,352 yards and 22 touchdowns. Seniors Justin Burlison and Bo Smith could both see time at quarterback. Seniors Reese Anders, Sam Henry, Logan Yarbrough and Brady Flannery and juniors Garrett Grier and Parker Payne make up the offensive line.

Anders, senior Evan Bates and junior Hunter Newman will start on the defensive line. Smith, Grier and seniors Tyler Woodall and Quinten Scherer compose the linebacker corps. Senior Zach Woodall and sophomore Mason Walker will man the two safety positions, and senior Connor Patrom and junior Nathan Clifton will start on the corners.

“If the offensive line and defensive line come on, we think we have a chance to be pretty good,” Shannon said. “Everyone is chasing Pulaski Academy.”