New head coach brings his offense to Fountain Lake

In his first head-coaching position, J.D. Plumlee takes over a Fountain Lake program that finished just 2-8 in 2016.

“I feel pretty good,” Plumlee said. “Anytime you take on a new position, there is always some uncertainty. … But it’s been awesome, and the transition has been really smooth.”

Plumlee has spent the past two seasons as co-offensive coordinator for Russellville, which won the Class 6A state championship a year ago.

Class 4A Fountain Lake has 19 seniors returning, including eight starters on offense and 10 on defense. Plumlee plans to shift the Cobras from the Wing T offense to a Spread offense.

“I’ve always worked out of the Spread,” Plumlee said. “I’m not scared to throw the ball, when the numbers tell us to throw the ball.

“But in the same sense, we are going to be a physical downhill-run team.”

Senior Stephen Turner will take over at quarterback this season after playing in just five games last season.

“He has really taken charge of the offense, and he has really learned it and continues to learn it,” Plumlee said.

Senior wide receiver Parion Johnson hauled in 37 passes last season for 841 yards with seven touchdowns. Plumlee said Johnson will continue to be the Cobras’ deep threat.

Junior Andrew Roberson returns at tailback after rushing for just over 1,300 yards with 16 touchdowns a year ago.

“He is going to be explosive out of the backfield,” Plumlee said.

Up front, the Cobras are anchored by senior guard and defensive end Ben Chaney; senior center Chris Cooper; senior tackle and defensive tackle James Mullen; and senior guard and defensive end Trevor Sutterfield.

“They will allow Andrew to get the seams and to be able to run,” Plumlee said.

Senior tight end Cade Dodge hauled in eight passes for 207 yards and a touchdown last season.

“He has really come on this summer,” Plumlee said. “He has worked very hard on catching the ball and being a possession guy for us.”

Defensively, Plumlee said, it all starts upfront with junior linebackers Joe Murphy and Colson Simpson. Senior defensive tackle Justin Lee “is going to be hard to handle upfront.”

The Cobras will switch to a 3-4 and try to bring more pressure this year.

“We will try to force the hand of the other team,” the coach said. “We will be able to jump to a four front pretty easy and mix it up a little bit to show different looks.”