12 Aug 2012 VILONIA: Eagles hope to soar in 2012

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Classification: 5A West
Coach: Jim Stanley
Last Season: 4-6 (3-4)

The Vilonia Eagles are still flying high from their win over cross-county and conference rival Greenbrier to end the 2011 season.

“We concentrated hard on fundamentals early last year because of the lack of experience,” Coach Jim Stanley said. “As the year went on we got better and better. Toward the end of the season we were becoming a pretty good football team.”

The Eagles finished 4-6 on the year and missed the playoffs, but beating Greenbrier in week 10 went a long way in lessening the sting of a losing season. Combine the win over Greenbrier with 25 returning lettermen and 2012’s outlook is pretty bright.

501 Football Team honoree Michael Atkinson (6-1, 190) returns at quarterback for the Eagles.

“Atkinson is a leader and a great athlete,” Stanley said. “He is our go-to guy.”

In addition to playing quarterback, Atkinson is also the Eagles’ free safety and punt returner. He’ll lead a veteran offense that includes a deep backfield — junior running backs Houston Cotton (5-11, 180) and Drew Estes (5-8, 160) — and offensive line — senior guards Jon Alexander (5-10, 255) and Braylin Richardson (5-11, 190).

Senior Martin Reyes (5-11, 210) returns at linebacker for the Eagles. He’ll be joined by fellow returning starters Jake Steward (6-0, 190) at safety, Trey Wyatt (5-10, 165) at corner, and Logan Penter (6-0, 195) and Nathan Maxx (6-0, 235) at tackle.

“Our strength is our work ethic,” Stanley said. “The season’s success will come down to injuries. We are very limited with depth, so staying healthy will be very important for us.”

The 5A West has a few new faces this year with the likes of Shiloh Christian and Morrilton, but the Eagles’ familiar foe — Greenbrier — still has its name circled at the end of Vilonia’s schedule.

“The 5A West is a great conference,” Stanley said. “I would have to say Morrilton is at the front.”

501 Football Team 2012 –

Michael Atkinson

Classification: Senior

Position: QB/S

On the field: Leader and a great athlete. Always puts the team first. Off the field: Great character.

Community work: Always willing to help others if needed.

Classroom: Never gets in trouble and always works hard.

Expectations: All-state.

Last season: Punt returner, free safety and quarterback. He is our go-to guy.