27 Aug 2011 Hot Springs: Vereen, Trojans aim for consistency this fall

Second-year coach Chris Vereen and the Hot Springs Trojans (2-8) have one main goal for 2011: consistency.

Despite its 2-8 finish, Hot Springs either led or was within two points at halftime in eight of its 10 games in 2010. Through vigorous off-season weight training and a more confident attitude, Vereen expects the Trojans to improve this year.

“The [5A-Southwest] conference will be tough, but with the improvements we’re making this year, I believe that anything can happen and that there’s a shot at making the playoffs this season,” Vereen said.

Junior quarterback Zach Knapp (5-11, 175) led the undefeated junior varsity team in 2010 and will command the offense this season. “He had a great fall and a tremendous spring, and we’re looking for big things from him this year,” the coach said.

The backfield also gets a boost this year from senior Quin Coleman (5-9, 205) and junior fullback Christian May (5-8, 175). Coleman is explosive on both sides of the ball and recorded 12 sacks last year for the junior varsity team. A full-strength May returns from an ACL tear a year ago. Both should accompany returning junior running back Rolando Johnson (5-11, 190) well. Johnson ran for more than 700 yards in 2010.