Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SHILOH CHRISTIAN SAINTS
2018 RECORD 12-2, 7-0 4A-1 Conference
COACH Jeff Conaway
RETURNING PLAYERS 7 offense/6 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Eli Reece (Sr., 5-9 170), RB Logan Raben (Sr., 6-2 220), RB Ben Walton (Sr., 5-8 145), WR Truitt Tollett (Sr., 6-1 175), WR Keaton Carter (Sr., 5-11 170), OL Sawyer Duddleston (Sr., 6-0 225), NG Russell Norsworthy (Sr., 5-11 265), LB Hunter Mason (Sr., 5-11 210). LB Kaden Henley (Soph., 6-1 210).
THE SKINNY The Saints return 13 starters from a team that advanced all the way to the state semifinals before falling to eventual champion Arkadelphia, but 23 seniors give them a chance to make another deep playoff run this season. … Shiloh Christian mercy-ruled every conference opponent, which puts a target on its back, coach Jeff Conaway said. But his senior-laden group understands the challenge ahead. … Quarterback Eli Reece and receiver Truitt Tollett spearhead a dynamic offense. … Reece threw for 2,600 yards and 32 TDs, while Tollett finished with 77 receptions for 1,183 yards and 13 TDs. … Senior Russell Norsworthy (5-11, 265) wreaks havoc for opponents and anchors the defensive line. … Sophomore Kaden Henley could help at linebacker, after moving to Northwest Arkansas in the spring when his father, Ashley, was hired as an assistant coach. Henley started as a freshman at Lawton (Okla.) High School last season and should play linebacker and even some fullback. … Running back Ben Walton and Logan Raben saw action a year ago, but junior Cam Wiedemann has made big strides over the summer.
COACH SPEAK “What I like about this group is we’ve got 23 seniors,” Conaway said. “That’s the most we’ve ever had. I really believe all of those seniors, maybe they didn’t start but they’ve played a lot of football. Last year’s team was really close, but I think this year’s team is even closer. So many of these 23 seniors have been together their entire career here. They get along really well and know each other really well and they love hanging out. When you can create that kind of unity and love for your teammates. You’ve got an opportunity to have a special season.”