29 Aug 2017 Sowell, Yellowjackets ‘pumped up’ for Heber Springs
by Mark Oliver
On the brink of a new season, the Clinton Yellowjackets are preparing for one of their biggest games they’ll play all year — a rivalry game with the Heber Springs Panthers.
“Everyone is pumped up, and we’re ready to play,” senior wing back/safety Charlie Sowell said. “No matter which team you’re rooting for, it’s going to be one of the biggest games to see this year. This game sets the tone for the rest of the season.”
Winners of last year’s contest, 28-20, Sowell hungers for one more win against his school’s biggest rival.
“We have a pretty stout line this year,” Sowell said. “Our guys aren’t huge, but they are quick on their feet. We have a young, fast quarterback, great running backs and an outstanding defense. This is one of the most well-rounded teams we’ve had. If we hit hard and make all our assignments, we will come out on top again.”
Sowell was selected to this year’s 501 Football Team — 25 players representing all 11 counties of the 501. The team boasts the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the field. The team is sponsored by Conway Ortho and Sports Medicine, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank. Sowell was nominated by his head coach, Chris Dufrene.
“Charlie is a great kid to be around,” Dufrene wrote in his nomination. “He is always an encourager to his teammates and builds them up and is respectful to our opponents and officials and lets his play on the field do the talking for him.”
Clinton stumbled in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs last year, but looks to get back on track in 2017. Boasting strong lines, the team projects to be one of the most physical teams in school history.
“Our goal this year is to make it farther than any other Clinton team has before,” Sowell said. “The farthest we’ve made it was to the third round of the playoffs in 2014. I want to do everything I can to help the team and keep the legacy of Clinton football alive. We’d like to make school history this year.”
Over the years, Sowell’s favorite memories are taking the field with his teammates.
“The bonds I’ve formed with my teammates are unbreakable,” Sowell said. “Just getting to go out there and hit someone hard and picking up my teammates when they’re down is a phenomenal feeling. There’s nothing like it.”
Off the field, Sowell is involved with Student Council and Beta Club and is also the starting catcher for Clinton baseball. After high school, the senior plans to attend nursing school.
“I like helping others around me,” Sowell said. “If I can help others for a career, that’s something that I want to do.”
Sowell says he’s thankful for the opportunity to represent his school as a member of the 501 Football team.
“When I take the field, I’m making a name not only for myself but my community as well,” Sowell said. “Every Friday night, every little kid running around the stadium is watching the game and looking up to us. It’s important for me to set a good example for them because I want them to grow up to be good people and treat others with respect on the field and everywhere else in life.”
Clinton opens the season at Heber Springs at 7 p.m. Friday.
