Back at it
Genoa eyes first playoff appearance in school history
GENOA, Ark.—Could 2017 be the year Genoa Central steps into the playoffs?
Head coach Phillip Binkley believes it’s possible with a little luck. It might have happened last year if quarterback Bo Jewell hadn’t going down with a broken collarbone during the second week of the season.
Even with that adversity the Dragons posted a school-best 4-6 record, finishing sixth in 6-3A.
“When we lost our quarterback last year we could have laid down and quit, but we rallied around our other guys and kept on fighting; I was proud of them,” Binkley said. “I really think we’re going to have a better year, we’re going to shock some people.” Jewell (6-1, 175) is back to run the Dragons’ flexbone, which averaged more than 300 yards per game rushing, not to mention 21.8 points per game.
Graduation did hurt, taking the likes of Tyler Moreland, bound for Arkansas State University this fall to play baseball. Brennan East is also gone as well as the team’s two top tacklers on defense.
“Starting out offense is our strength,” Binkley said. “We did lose sixteen seniors, and a lot of those guys were defensive players. We’ll be young at some spots on defense starting the season.
“I think we’re a little bit faster team-wise. I’m not saying we have any blazing speed.”
As usual the Dragons’ path to the postseason is blocked by the likes of Smackover, Fordyce, McGehee, Junction City and Fouke.
“It’s the same old conference with all those traditional teams; we could get that last spot in the playoffs, which would really be big for our program,” Binkley said. “We’ve gotten closer and closer to Fouke every year. Last year we turned the ball over too many times. It’s just one of those deals.”
Genoa Central’s running game ranked among the area’s best statistically in 2016, even without Jewell, who scored six touchdowns in his limited action.
“Jewell is a phenomenal athlete and does a really good job at quarterback,” Binkley said. “I think he had like 400 yards those first two weeks. We’re expecting big things out of him this year.”
Colby Cobb (6-2, 185) is back to backup Jewell if needed. Cobb will line up at receiver, where he is considered an excellent blocker.
The Dragons on passed for 76 yards in 10 games last season, but that could change with Jewell back.
“We run about 90 percent of the time, but we’re going to throw a little more this year,” Binkley said. “We had to change a lot last year after losing Jewell.”
Junior Jacob Jackson (5-10, 170), sophomore Dalton Savell (5-11, 165) and fullback Kole Allen will line up behind Jewell.
Genoa won’t be small up front either.
Right tackle Caleb Johnson (6-2, 240); right guard Graham Johnson (5-10, 230) and Joseph Moody (5-11,
225); center Joe Hinds (6-0, 250); and left tackle Skylar Cox (5-11, 220) head that list. Newcomer Austin Savell
(5-11, 185) is the front-runner at tight end.
Unfortunately, like most small schools, the Dragons will be forced to play seven or eight both ways according to the Dragons’ coach. This despite having good numbers report this fall.
Graham Johnson and
Moody will be the defensive tackles, while Jackson, Allen and Braden Hensley will play linebacker. Cobb is the lone returnee in the secondary. Logan Martin will see action at linebacker.
The Dragons’ biggest question marks appear to be on specials teams. They have their kicker (E. Bartlett) back.
“Right now it’s early and we’re still trying to figure some things out about our kick coverage,” Binkley said. “We’re looking at some different things. It seems everybody we play does onside kicks now.”
Other newcomers expected to help Genoa this fall include Jayden Dawson, Patrick Markham, Mason Sellers, Remmington
Bearden, Dylan Turley and Johnny Mills.
Binkley has two new coaches on his staff. Richard McMillian joins the Dragons from Foreman, and will be the team’s new defensive coordinator. Chase Rico will be coaching offensive linemen and defensive ends. He’s a recent graduate of Southern Arkansas University.
Offensive coordinator
Travis Lyda is back, and so is T.J. Cox.