Threats emerge in Red’Dogs’ backfield

SPRINGDALE — Red’Dogs coach Zak Clark spoke highly of his sophomore class during the spring and summer months.

Running back Darrell Parchman was one of the first names mentioned when discussing the group, and the shifty sophomore has already made waves prior to seeing his first varsity action. In July at the Southwest Elite 7-on-7 Showcase, Parchman’s name began to spread.

Lined up alongside senior quarterback Layne Hutchins, the running back caught a pass in the flat, stuck his right foot in the ground and juked left, leaving defenders falling out of the play as he trotted into the end zone untouched.

“He catches the ball really well and will be the first running back I’ve had that is a dangerous threat (catching the ball) out of the backfield,” Clark said.

A fan in the stands at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium recorded the play. The sevensecond video was later picked up by a Facebook group, “Football from Overtime.” Since July 24, it has 190,000 views and more than 2,000 comments.

Springdale, with one week of fall camp down, feels good about its depth at running back. Junior Garrett Vaughan rushed for 443 yards and three touchdowns last season, including a score in Springdale’s playoff loss to Bryant. Jonathan Lopez provides a home run threat out of the backfield as well.

“(Parchman) is pretty electric. He’ll fit into the mix somewhere either at running back or corner,” Clark said. “(Vaughan’s) body is starting to change. He’s a smart kid we can do a lot with. He and (Lopez) have both put on some weight and are stronger than they were.”