Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE GRIZZLIES
2017 RECORD 4-8, 2-5 7A Central COACH Mike Falleur
RETURNING STARTERS 8 offense, 7 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Derrick Wise (Sr., 5-11, 190), WR Jackson King (Jr., 5-9, 180), OL Stevie Young (Sr., 6-5, 308), LB Anthony Travis (Sr., 6-2, 215), DB Elijah Tabut (Sr., 5-10, 185), DB Greg Washington (Sr., 6-1, 175), DE Raytel Rone (Sr., 6-2, 220).
THE SKINNY Northside started a number of sophomores and juniors last season and struggled early before finally hitting its stride with wins against rival Southside in the season finale, and Springdale Har-Ber in the opening round of the playoffs. … Senior QB Derrick Wise has a full season of experience after making the move from running back and should put up big numbers this season after compiling 2,400 offensive yards a year ago. … The Grizzlies are loaded on defense with DE Raytel Rone, LB Anthony Travis and lockdown defenders Greg Washington and Elijah Tabut. All are drawing college interest. … Northside faces a tough mid-season stretch where it plays four out of five games on the road. … Travis somehow flies under the recruiting radar but at 6-2, 215, he is a force with 130 tackles a year ago and 7.0 sacks. COACH SPEAK “We played a lot of young guys last year, a lot of juniors. We took our lumps early, but got better as the year went on. So we expect to have a good football team. You never know, and injuries play into it, but I really feel like if we can stay healthy, we’ve had a great offseason, a great summer and spring practice. This is a great class, so I really believe we can be in the hunt to win a conference title.” — Chip Souza • @nwachip