16 Aug 2017 HOT SPRINGS: Trojans aim for playoff breakthrough

Conference: 5A South
Coach: Chris Vereen
’16 Record: 3-7

Hot Springs narrowly missed out on the playoffs last fall, but with a strong offensive line and ground game returning, the Trojans look to break through in 2017.

Junior Chris Stewart looks set to take over the quarterback job. He’ll be handing off to senior Kenneth Byrd, who rushed for almost 900 yards in 2016. Senior Coby Wallace is back at fullback after putting up more than 600 rushing yards last season. Junior Terrance Floyd emerged as a receiving threat. Seniors Corliss Brewer, Nick Walker and Isaiah Calhoun; junior Ramello Cason; and sophomore McCoy Vereen lead the offensive line rotation.

Nick Walker and Damien Walker hold down the ends of the defensive line. Brewer, Wallace, Cason and Calhoun rotate on the interior. Byrd, senior Joseph Westbrook and sophomore Chris Stewart project as starters at linebacker. Floyd, Mclure and sophomore Santiar Thomas lead the secondary.

5 Players to Watch:
Chris Stewart (Jr. QB)
Kenneth Byrd (Sr. RB/LB)
Coby Wallace (Sr. FB)
Nick Walker (Sr. OL/DL)
Damien Walker (Jr. DL)

0

1 Must-see Game:
“The De Queen game turned out to be the difference last fall in keeping Hot Springs out of the playoffs. It will be equally as important this fall.” — 501 staff

2017 Schedule:
Sept. 1        at Lake Hamilton
Sept. 8        Mena
Sept. 15    at Arkadelphia
Sept. 22    at Watson Chapel
Sept. 29    Hope
Oct. 6        De Queen
Oct. 13        at Magnolia
Oct. 20        White Hall
Oct. 27        at Camden Fairview
Nov. 3        HS Lakeside