Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
HARRISON GOBLINS
2017 RECORD 8-4, 5-2 5A-West Conference COACH Joel Wells RETURNING STARTERS 4 offense, 5 defense KEY PLAYERS RB/S Gabe Huskey (Jr., 5-10, 175), FB/LB Brooks Both (Jr., 6-1, 220), WR/CB Thailer Lovell (Sr., 5-9, 155), WR Kaden Jones (Sr., 5-11, 160), OG Trey Stith (Jr., 5-10, 225), OG/DL Hayden Vanderpool (Sr., 6-3, 290), OT Justin Roland (Sr., 5-10, 280), WR/DB Colton Shaver (Jr., 5-9, 160).
THE SKINNY Harrison hopes to build off last year’s success as the Goblins grabbed a share of their first conference title and won their first playoff games in 15 years. … The offense will be highlighted by Gabe Huskey, who had more than 2,200 combined yards rushing and receiving and 31 TDs before he was injured in the playoff game against Hot Springs Lakeside. … The Goblins have experienced hands at receiver with Thailer Lovell, Kaden Jones, Rilee Jones and Colton Shaver, while the quarterback position is a two-man battle between junior Ben Johnson and sophomore Cole Keylon. … Hayden Vanderpool, strictly a defensive lineman last season, will split his time with the offensive line, while Justin Roland moves to offensive tackle after starting on the defensive line last year. … Both is the Goblins’ defensive leader at inside linebacker as he recorded 63 tackles and a quarterback sack a year ago. … Collin Ballard had 36 tackles last year as outside linebacker and is the player Harrison can move to the defensive line if needed. … The Goblins’ receivers will also double up on defense as Rilee Jones and Lovell play the cornerback roles, while Shaver and Huskey will see time in the safety slots. … Hunter Holtby, a junior running back, also saw time at kicker and hit 55 of 61 extra-point attempts last season. COACH SPEAK “We obviously have a challenging schedule in our conference. We have to go to Morrilton, to Alma and to Greenbrier. Those will be three difficult tests, but we are excited about the season. I feel we have a good opportunity to compete every Friday night.”