05 Aug 2016 MALVERN: Leopards reload for 7-4A title run

Conference: 7-4A
Coach: Mike Scarbrough
’15 Record: 6-5

Entering the last two weeks of the 2015 regular season, the Malvern Leopards had the opportunity to win the 7-4A. Two losses later, they found themselves with the fifth and final playoff spot out of the conference. The Leopards fell in the first round at Central Ark. Christian, 42-39.

Junior Demias Jimerson takes over at quarterback. Senior Devin Shaw is back to lead the Leopard ground attack after rushing for almost 700 yards last fall. Senior Jacquez Lock gives the Leopards versatility at running back and receiver. Senior Tevin Smith is back after leading the Leopards in receiving yards in 2015. Other receivers include senior Kelvin Stinyard; juniors Whit Jones and Devin Langston; and sophomore Darion Weaver. Seniors Damien Blaschke and Riley Shuffield play tight end. Seniors Noah Woods, Micah James, Lacedric Ruth, Kordell Cooper, Bradley Dickson and Justin Winkler; and juniors Wesley Murdock, Khalil Brownlee and Tre Smith fill out a deep offensive line rotation.

Dickson, senior Austin Wright, Murdock and Shuffield start on the defensive line. Linebackers include Blaschke, senior Bryce Freer, junior Jashon Dawn, senior Colton Graham and sophomore London Florence. Lock, Shaw, sophomore Braden Keeny, junior Greg Ross and junior Latron Matlock rotate in the secondary.

5 Players to Watch:
Demias Jimerson (Jr. QB)
Devin Shaw (Sr. RB/DB)
Jacquez Lock (Sr. RB/WR/DB)
Damien Blaschke (Sr. TE/LB)
Bryce Freer (Sr. QB/LB)

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1 Must-see Game:
“Arkadelphia to end the season will most likely — as it typically does — have a lot on the line.” — 501 staff

2016 Schedule:
Sept. 2        at Glen Rose
Sept. 9        at Lake Hamilton
Sept. 16    HS Lakeside
Sept. 23    Bauxite
Sept. 30    at Mena
Oct. 7        Ashdown
Oct. 14        at Joe T. Robinson
Oct. 21        Fountain Lake
Oct. 28        at Nashville
Nov. 4        Arkadelphia