HOT SPRINGS: Improved Trojans eye 5A playoffs

Conference: 5A South
Coach: Chris Vereen
’12 Record: 5-5 (3-4)

Despite battling injuries last year, Hot Springs enjoyed its best season since 2007 last fall, winning five games, but fell just short of the Class 5A playoffs.

Experience will be the key for the Trojans in 2013, with a junior class that could make some noise and potentially push the team to its first playoff appearance in six seasons.

Anthony Goffigan moves to quarterback after starting on defense last fall. Kenny Kelley averages more than seven yards per carry at running back. Speedy senior Chris Pondexter is another experienced option in the backfield.

Both lines appear stronger and more aggressive in 2013. Senior Jekebran Johnson and junior Clifford Jackson bench press more than 300 lbs. each and will be very difficult to stop. Junior Quentavious Haywood has great knowledge of the team’s defense and is a big play threat.

Schedule:
Sept. 6        at Pulaski Robinson
Sept. 13    Mena
Sept. 20    at Arkadelphia
Sept. 27    at Watson Chapel
Oct. 4        Hope
Oct. 11        De Queen
Oct. 18        at Magnolia
Oct. 25        White Hall
Nov. 1        at Camden Fairview
Nov. 8        HS Lakeside