16 Aug 2017 HARDING ACADEMY: Wildcats locked for playoff run

Conference: 2-3A
Coach: Neil Evans
’16 Record: 8-4

It’s hard to see how eight wins could be considered a disappointing season, but that just speaks to the level of success Harding Academy has experienced over the last two decades.

After winning the state championship in 2015, the Wildcats were under new leadership last fall with Neil Evans, and Harding Academy finished strong down the stretch.

“We played our best football at the end of the year,” Evans said. “It took us some time to figure each other out and to attempt to put the pieces together. Our defining moment was probably the second quarter to the end of the game against Barton. Our defense radically found their identity, and our offense executed at the level we expect.”

Junior quarterback Davis Morgan takes over a talented offense. He’s joined in the backfield by sophomore running back Will Harness. Seniors Travis Turley, Dalton Koch and Peydon Harlow lead an imposing receiving corps. Senior Jordan Ashmore starts at tight end. The offensive line serves as a key strength for the Wildcats with starters Jordan Crisco (tackle), Easton Eads (guard), Jackson Montgomery (center), Lawson Tallie (guard) and Trace Taggart (tackle).

Senior Ty Carger and junior Dylan James lead a young defensive line alongside sophomores Ty Carger and Keaton Champan. Harlow and juniors Jake Dugger and Jimmy Citty start at linebacker. Koch and sophomore Stone Sheffield man the safety spots, and senior Ethan Wood and junior Caleb Campbell man the corners.

“We should be much improved on both sides of the ball,” Evans said. “Our strengths are our offensive and defensive lines and linebackers. Lack of depth at safety and receiver are weaknesses.”