Coach Tommy Shoemaker took the Mustangs to the playoffs in his first year at Central Arkansas Christian.

Coach Tommy Shoemaker took the Mustangs to the playoffs in his first year at Central Arkansas Christian.

The Mustangs finished 6-5 and tied for second in the 5A-West. The Mustangs dropped a close loss in the first round of the state playoffs at Magnolia, 17-14, in overtime.

Jaalen Watkins (5-8, 205) returns in 2009 as the Mustangs’ No. 1 offensive threat at tailback. The junior rushed for just shy of 900 yards in 2008. Sophomore Logan Wright (6-0, 235) returns at center after starting for the Mustangs in the playoffs last fall.

Andrew Parker (5-9, 140) returns to lead the defense from the secondary at safety. Parker started at cornerback for the Mustangs in 2008.

Greenwood and Alma top a deep 5A-West, and the Mustangs will battle with Siloam Springs, Vilonia and Morrilton for one of the other two playoff berths.

2009 Schedule

Aug. 31 – Dollarway (at Little Rock)

Sept. 10 – Pulaski Academy (Away)

Sept. 18 – Lonoke

Sept. 25 – Alma (Away)

Oct. 2 – Greenbrier

Oct. 9 – Harrison

Oct. 16 – Siloam Springs (Away)

Oct. 23 – Vilonia (Away)

Oct. 30 – Greenwood

Nov. 6 – Morrilton