Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ALMA AIREDALES
2017 RECORD 7-5, 5-2 5A-West COACH Doug Loughridge RETURNING STARTERS 8 offense, 4 defense KEY PLAYERS OL Zac Henson (Sr., 6-4, 280), OL Levi Prestidge (6-3, 250), LB Keegan Rosebeary (Sr., 6-1, 205), S Coltin Bowerman (6-2, 170), OL Eli Aleck (Sr., 6-3, 245), OL Darion Crawford (Sr., 5-11, 210).
THE SKINNY The Airedales rolled to the 5A-West title a year ago and return 8 starters on offense, though losing QB Gage Jensen and WR Brayden Johnson are huge holes to fill. … The entire Alma offensive line returns and that will be a huge asset. Zac Henson was an all-state choice at left tackle last season, and guard Eli Aleck was an All-5A-West pick. … RB Keegan Rosebeary will give the Airedales a home-run hitter in the backfield and also stars on defense at linebacker, where he racked up 127 tackles a year ago and is drawing college interest. … Loughridge will use three quarterbacks this season. Tanner Shelton is more familiar with the offense as a senior, Loughridge said. Landon Blair (6-1, 230) is in the mold of recent Alma quarterbacks, big, physical athletes who can run, and Austin Fraley, a starter at safety in 2017, gives Alma a wildcat option. … Grayson Bailey was Alma’s No. 2 receiver last season behind Johnson with 18 catches.
COACH SPEAK We’ve got a lot of experience back,” Alma coach Doug Loughridge said. “We’ve got a lot of depth back and we’ve got a lot of experience up front, which is a good thing,” Loughridge said. “I think those guys, the five offensive linemen, will pave the way.”