HASKELL HARMONY GROVE: Cardinals move up to 7-4A

19 Aug 2018 HASKELL HARMONY GROVE: Cardinals move up to 7-4A

Posted at 9:57 AMh in 501 Football Team by 501 LIFE

Conference: 7-4A

Coach: Mike Guthrie

’17 Record: 8-4

The Haskell Harmony Grove Cardinals rode a strong senior class to an 8-4 record and reached the second round of the 3A playoffs. This fall, the Cardinals will be replacing several starters, moving up to the 7-4A and following the leadership of a new head coach. Mike Guthrie, Harmony Grove’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons, takes over the program.

Senior Logan Whitley takes over the quarterback job. Seniors Jake Brooks and James Webb and junior Willie Newton rotate at running back as the Cardinals look to run the ball more in 2018. Brooks led the team in rushing last fall with 901 yards and 14 touchdowns. Senior Mark Dixon and junior Will Hope block and catch well at tight end. Seniors Shane Small, Mason Massey and Bryce Burnett and juniors Tanner Oden and Olin Shuffield open lanes up front on the offensive line. Junior Conner Burrow takes over the kicking and punting duties.

Logan Whitley Action PhotoCred HG Yearbook Staff — (Photo courtesy of Haskell Harmony Grove Yearbook Staff)

Massey and Dixon are two-way starters on the defensive line, alongside sophomore Cayden Childers. Brooks racked up 105 tackles and two interceptions at linebacker last fall. Webb and juniors Hayden Hilson and Ryan Riedmueller defend the other starting linebacker spots. Whitley, Conner Burrow, Logan Hubbard and Michael McKnight comprise the secondary starters.

“We are entering a new conference and looking to compete,” Coach Mike Guthrie said. “We have a strong work ethic, but our weaknesses are team speed and low numbers.”

5 Players to Watch:

Jake Brooks (Sr. RB/LB)

Shane Small (Sr. OL/DL)

Logan Whitley (Sr. QB/DB)

Mark Dixon (Sr. TE/DL)

Mason Massey (Sr. OL/DL)

1 Must-see Game:

“Malvern, close in proximity.” — Guthrie

2018 Schedule:

Aug. 24 at Centerpoint

Sept. 7 Gurdon

Sept. 14 Bald Knob