06 Aug 2016 CONWAY CHRISTIAN: Eagles fighting to stay elite in 2A

Conference: 5-2A
Coach: Michael Carter
’15 Record: 10-4

The Conway Christian Eagles made school history in 2015, storming through the playoffs all the way to the 2-A semi-finals. Making it back to those great heights won’t come easy for the Eagles, as they graduated 11 starters from last fall’s record-making squad.

Sophomore Jacob Wood will take over starting duties at quarterback after finding success at the position with the junior high Eagles. Senior Will Jackson moves to the backfield to running back after playing receiver a year ago. Junior Luke Gates joins Jackson in the backfield. Senior Rob Hogue provides depth at H-Back and quarterback.

The Eagles return their leading receiver from 2015 in senior Seth Smith. The all-conference receiver hauled in 24 touchdowns last fall in the Eagles’ high-flying attack. Classmates Bennett Pascoe (165 receiving yards last fall) and Trey Starkey join Smith in the receiving corps.

The Eagles return four linemen with starting experience: senior Cameron Horton (right tackle), senior Lyndon Cobble (left tackle), junior Brett Callaway (center) and sophomore Jevin Callaway (guard). Junior Dawson James will fill the other guard spot.

Conway Christian returns starters at both defensive end positions with senior Sam Hicks and sophomore Russ Jackson. Hogue — a 501 Football Team honoree — earned all-conference honors in 2015 at linebacker.

“Rob led our team in tackles last year,” said Coach Michael Carter. “He’s a great leader on and off the field.”

Senior Jay Gattis will join Hogue in the linebacker corps. Jackson, Pascoe, Starkey and Smith start both ways and fill out the defensive secondary.