Beebe: Badgers returning 14 players

The Badgers transformed their game last season after beginning the year with a 0-3 record. Beebe bounced back, finishing with a 6-4 regular season record (6-1 and tied for second in the 5A-East).

“When we played Forrest City we were both 1-0 in conference play,” said coach John Shannon. “In the last half we played outstanding football and came up into a victory. That game gave us confidence to go and play Batesville in conference – we only lost by four.

“I think we have a chance this year. We had a taste of success. We are one year older, one year stronger. I think that is going to translate into more wins.”

The Badgers plan on returning eight players on offense, six on defense. Shannon considers the offensive line the team’s strongest asset. However, his team’s backup players are untested and need to work on their speed.

“We’re just a blue-collar team that has to work for everything we get,” Shannon said. “But my kids are willing to put the time and effort into everything they do.”