Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
GREENLAND PIRATES
2018 RECORD 6-5, 4-3 3A-1 Conference
COACH Lee Larkan
RETURNING PLAYERS 7 offense, 7 defense
KEY PLAYERS QB Gabe Wilson (Jr., 6-2 195), RB Jett Dennis (Jr., 5-9 160), WR Zeylan Bryant (Sr., 5-10 160), WR Zach Gilbert (Sr., 5-10 180), OL Luke Osburn (Sr., 6-1 220), NG Dylan Reed (Jr., 5-10 210), DL Josh Ruth (Jr., 5-10 250), LB Austin Davis (Sr., 6-2 175), WR Carter Gobel (Sr., 6-2 165), WR Peyton Anderson (Sr., 5-8 145).
THE SKINNY Junior Gabe Wilson wasn’t the starting quarterback a year ago, but got some valuable experience which should pay dividends this season. … Senior receiver Zeylan Bryant caught 54 passes for 897 yards and 9 TDs, not to mention three rushing TDs. … The Pirates have good depth and speed at the receiver spots and plenty of experience overall, including six or eight three-year starters. … Junior Jett Dennis rushed for 439 yards and 9 TDs and is expected to have a big year. … Tackles Luke Osburn and Hunter Martin anchor the offensive line as each will start for the third straight year. … Coach Lee Larkan is hopeful to keep two-way players to a minimum, but especially Wilson.
COACH SPEAK “Last year we were a touchdown away from being second in the conference,” Larkan said. “We lost a close game on the last play of the game to Mansfield who everybody’s picking to be the best. And we got down to the last against Lamar. It’s the first time since I’ve been here we have speed at every receiver spot, speed in the backfield. I think offensively we can be very good and defensively we will be improved. If we stay healthy and play with the right attitude we think we can play with anybody.”