Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPRINGDALE HAR-BER WILDCATS
2017 RECORD 7-4, 4-3 7A-West COACH Chris Wood
RETURNING STARTERS 2 offense, 4 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Blaise Wittschen (Jr., 6-0, 180), Hunter Wood (Jr., 6-1, 185), DE Miller Herndon (Sr., 6-3, 225), DE Blake Wade (Sr., 6-2, 245), DB Justin Moto (Sr., 5-10, 150), LB Nick Fusher (Sr., 5-11, 200), OL Yonathan Raya (Sr., 6-0, 280).
THE SKINNY The Wildcats started the 2017 season by winning their first five games, but injuries led to a mid-season slide and Har-Ber was bounced from the playoffs in week one to Fort Smith Northside. … A number of Har-Ber players transferred to crosstown Springdale High after the season ended, but the Wildcats have more than 150 players in the program and will get an influx of young talent from yet another undefeated team at Central Junior High. … Junior QB Blaise Wittschen survived a baptism by fire last season when he was thrust into the starting role when starter Grant Allen was injured. That time under center will be a huge benefit coming into this season, coach Chris Wood said. … WR Hunter Wood is one of the best in the 7A-West. He caught 36 passes for 509 yards last season. … Wood said the Wildcats will return to their roots on offense this season by relying on a strong run game with several players expected to log significant carries. … Defensively Har-Ber returns four starters, led by senior Miller Herndon, who slides from linebacker up to defensive end. Herndon had 65 tackles in 2017. … LB Nick Fusher returns after a solid junior campaign and he’ll be joined by Gabe Baker and Carter Carlton. … Senior DB Justin Moto leads the back end at cornerback. … The Wildcats open the season at home against defending 5A state champion Pulaski Academy. COACH SPEAK “We like our ballclub and we’re just trying to get better every day,” Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. “(Blaise) had a really good mentor in Grant Allen to see how to do things and how to be prepared. Last year due to injuries he was able to get out there and I think it was a great experience. He got that out of the way and we saw some really good things and that just carried over into this year.” — Chip Souza • @nwachip