06 Aug 2016 MAUMELLE: Hornets field experienced team

Conference: 5A West
Coach: David Farr
’15 Record: 3-7

The Maumelle Hornets were a team in transition in 2015. The Hornets faced a learning curve while installing a new system. Maumelle lost three conference games by a combined seven points, pushing them out of the playoffs late in the season.

Senior Cameron Porras returns at quarterback after starting most of 2015. Junior Twaun Simmons leads the receivers. Juniors John Marion and Prince Williams look to start on the offensive line.

“Offensively we lose four senior offensive linemen to graduation and must fill in the voids for these vital positions,” said Coach David Farr. “Our quarterback and a couple of receivers saw substantial playing time last year as well.”

Six starters return on the Hornet defense: senior Charles McRae (end), senior Monterus Tims (nose guard), junior Darius Lawrence (inside linebacker), junior Spencer Simpson (inside linebacker), junior Andres Londono (cornerback) and junior Kevin Lowe (safety). Senior defensive back Hudson Laster — a 501 Football Team honoree — gained starting experience in 2015 in the secondary.

“We will be greatly improved defensively after having played several younger players last season,” Farr said. “They now have a full 10 games under their belt and are more confident. We have great team speed on the defensive side of the football.”