11 Oct 2017 Varvil leaving a legacy

by Levi Gilbert

It’s been a season of big changes for Wyatt Varvil and the Quitman Bulldogs. 

Varvil, a senior for Quitman (2-4, 1-2), switched positions this summer under the new leadership of DJ Marrs. 

“Playing new positions this year has definitely been a challenge I’ve had to overcome,” Varvil said. “I moved from center to tight end/wide receiver.”

Varvil has excelled in the move, pulling in 201 receiving yards for the Bulldogs. Defensively, he’s racked up 53 tackles, four sacks and one interception on the defensive line. 

“Wyatt played center for us last year where his unrelenting tenacity earned him all-state honors as a junior,” Marrs said. “He was the leader on the offensive line, not just by position, but more so through attitude and achievement. Wyatt is a leader on the field this year. I expect him to lead his teammates in word and in deed. I expect him to have the best football season of his high school career and to leave a legacy for those who come after him to follow.”

Varvil was selected to this year’s 501 Football Team — 25 players representing all 11 counties of the 501. The team, sponsored by Conway Ortho and Sports Medicine, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank, boasts the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the field. Varvil was nominated by his head coach, Marrs.

“Wyatt is a hard worker on the field,” Marrs said. “He gives it all he’s got and gets after it in practices and in games. From the time the ball is snapped until the whistle blows, he goes all out and finishes each play.

“Wyatt is also a hard worker off the field. He puts himself through grueling workouts when no one else is there to watch, when no one else is there to pat him on the back. I would be hard pressed to find a kid who wanted to make himself a better football player more than he does.”

The Bulldogs are 1-2 in 5-2A play heading into a matchup this week with Conway Christian. Quitman has struggled through low numbers, but the Bulldogs are on the cusp of punching a return trip to the playoffs.  

“Everything is looking alright — we just need to keep practicing,” Varvil said. “To beat Conway Christian, we need to stop their quarterback from running the ball.” 

Varvil and the Bulldogs play at Conway Christian at 7 p.m. Friday.