LONOKE: Improved defense a priority for Jackrabbits

Classification: 2-4A
Coach: Doug Bost
Last Season: 3-8 (3-4)

Lonoke returns 16 starters this fall focused on righting the ship after a 3-8 season in 2011.

“The moment that will best define how our year goes will be our first conference game against Heber Springs,” Coach Doug Bost said. “It will be a tough game, but if we can win that, it will be a good start for the season.”

Senior Eric Williams (5-5, 155) returns at running back. Nelson Brown (6-1, 250) provides senior leadership on the offensive line.

“Offensively, we have to protect the ball better than we have in the past,” Bost said. “We have all of our skill guys back, but we have some less experienced linemen that will need to prove themselves.”

Safety Blake Gooden (5-9, 160) moves to safety this year after leading the Jackrabbits with 90 tackles in 2011.

“We gave up 34 points a game, so our defense is going to need to improve a lot this year,” Bost said. “Our conference will be the best competition in 4A this year. With strong programs such as Heber Springs, Dollarway, Stuttgart, Clinton and Southside Batesville, the conference will be loaded from top to bottom.”