SPRINGDALE HAR-BER WILDCATS

2018 RECORD 2-8, 1-6 7A-West Conference COACH Chris Wood

RETURNING STARTERS 8 offense, 8 defense

KEY PLAYERS QB Blaise Wittschen (Sr., 6-0, 170), WR/ DB Hunter Wood (Sr., 6-1, 180), WR Micah Seawood (Sr., 6-1, 165), TE Errington McRae (Jr., 6-3, 245), OL Jackson Struebing (So., 6-1, 260), LB Jadarrius Brown (Sr., 6-3, 225), DB Jujuan Boyd (Sr., 6-0, 155), RB Max Pena (Sr., 6-0, 185), RB Jay Burns (Sr., 5-10, 180).

THE SKINNY There is no other way to describe last season than chaotic for the Wildcats. It started with the January transfer of a number of players to crosstown rival Springdale, and concluded with Har-Ber forfeiting three games and missing the playoffs. In between was a stunning 43-42 loss to Springdale, and five times the Wildcats gave up 42 or more points in a game — all losses. … The Wildcats are itching to get the season started and put last season in the rearview mirror. With eight returning starters each way and a number of new faces, the Wildcats should be in the mix for the 7A-West title. … Two-year starter Blaise Wittschen returns after passing for 1,195 yards and 13 touchdowns. Wittschen missed time last season with a concussion and is raring to go. … Seniors Hunter Wood and Micah Seawood are among the best receiving tandems in the state, and tight end Errington McRae gives Wittschen a big target over the middle. … Senior back Jay Burns was electric last season, averaging more than 10 yards per carry. Burns rushed for 867 yards and did not play the position until week six. Twice he rushed for more than 300 yards in a single game. … Senior Max Pena will play a variety of roles for Har-Ber. He will be the Wildcats’ tailback in short-yardage situations, and will be a big target in the passing game as an H-back. … Transfer Jujuan Boyd is one of the best defensive backs in Class 7A, capable of locking down his man. … Ty Cofer is a hammer at safety and linebacker Jadarrius Brown has the physical tools to be dominant.

COACH SPEAK “We return a lot of veteran players and I think this team will get better as the season goes on,” Wood said. “I really like our skill position guys. We’ve got a lot of top-end guys who can really go get the ball. Our offensive line is a physical group, so I think this group has a chance to be really dynamic on offense. Defensively, I like the speed and aggressiveness there. The PA game is sort of an anomaly because of what you’re trying to deal with there, but I think this is a team that can compete for a conference championship. This team reminds me a lot of our 2009 team. They have an edge about them and they are ready to get out there and play some football.”