08 Aug 2015 MAUMELLE: Hornets defending 5A West crown under new coach

Conference: 5A West
Coach: David Farr
’14 Record: 10-1-1 (7-0)

The Maumelle Hornets were dominant in 2014, going undefeated in 5A West play and 10-1-1 overall. Great change is afoot for the Hornets, who graduated several seniors from last year’s conference championship squad. Maumelle will also sport a new head coach this fall as David Farr comes over from Heber Springs.

Eight starters return on the offensive side of the ball, including senior all-state running back Jacob Acklin, a member of this year’s 501 Football Team.

“Jacob is a leader amongst his peers and always sets a very high standard for his teammates,” Farr said.

Other returning starters on offense include senior Jason Uzuh (lineman), senior Trent Johnson (lineman), senior Tyler Hall (lineman), senior Gabe Jones (receiver) and senior Braylon Williams (receiver).

Only three starters return on defense — senior linebacker Dean Cox, defensive end Gage Robbins and senior linebacker Antonio Jordan.

“We have a young defense with good speed but inexperience,” Farr said. “Our strengths are physical strength and size and good speed on both sides of the ball. Our weakness is learning a new system and adjusting to recent changes. We are in a competitive conference with weekly tough opponents, but we should be able to slide into a playoff spot.”