HOT SPRINGS LAKESIDE: Rams defending 5A South crown

Conference: 5A South
Coach: Jared McBride
’15 Record: 9-3

The Lakeside Rams made history in 2015, winning their first conference championship in 40 years. The Rams will look to do it all again this fall.

Five starters return to the Ram offense, including all-conference quarterback Fisher Alexander. The senior passed for more than 2,100 yards and 14 touchdowns last fall. Senior Ryan Viscardis returns at running back. Junior Dupree Swanson rushed for 300 yards as a backup in 2015. The Rams return a bevy of talented receivers, including senior 501 Football Team honoree Caleb Dean. Dean pulled in nine touchdowns last fall on his way to all-state honors. Senior Grayson Overton and junior Torin Davis round out the talented group of receivers. Seniors Trey Couch and Kyle Mabry will lead the offensive line.

All-conference defensive end Zyquan Russell is back for his senior campaign. Russell is joined on the defensive line by classmate Nate Brunson. Seniors Ben Turner and Jack Hill fly to the ball from their linebacker positions. Senior Kelen Bland leads the defensive secondary at safety.

“We’re returning several starters from 2015,” said Coach Jared McBride. “We should be able to compete for a conference championship again. We should be very competitive. Our strengths are our skill group on offense and our linebackers on defense.”