Lafayette County set to have better year
STAMPS, Ark.—Lafayette County head football coach Bobby Clark is expecting this year’s squad to exceed expectations in his third year. Clark, entering his 12th year overall coaching, will have a talented group of juniors and seniors, with a year of varsity playing experience.
“We feel like we really have a special group here with senior leadership. From the weight room to team camps, its really been consistent,” Lafayette County head football coach Bobby Clark said. “We’ve carried that enthusiasm over to fall camp and when you have that with a group of guys, that’s special.”
The Cougars finished 4-7 overall and fifth in their district. Although Lafayette County graduated a large senior class, returning junior Martavious Miller (5-7, 150) has the ability at quarterback to guide Clark’s traditonal flexbone offense.
“Last year, Martavious had some bumps but that’s what comes with having a sophomore quarterback,” Clark said. “He has really worked hard this offseason on his fundamentals and mechanics.”
“Martavious is benching around 250 pounds as a quarterback. We’ve been working on him with his reads and he’s really throwing the ball better. Martavious definately has the ability to be a All-Conference/ All-State type player for us.”
Juniors Sam Crisp (5-5, 235), Hurtavia Fisher (6-0, 190) Whalen Lucky, transfer Gage Harris and senior Tray Harper (6-3, 235) are the building blocks for the Lafayette County wishbone to be successful in 2017.
“Our offensive line is a very physical group. We had to shift a few guys around but this group is really coming together nicely,” Clark said. “As far as size-wise, we’re going to be one of the bigger lines in our conference. You have to use what you got, so if we’re big, we have to be able to push people around.”
Seniors Justin Brown (6-0, 205) and Seth Glass (5-11, 178) will primarily tote the ball for the Cougars in their veer offense.
“When you think of linemen moving to running back, you may think its a big, slow kid. Justin and Seth, are both very athletic and have handled the transition well,” Clark said. “We have to know our assignments and do what we have to do. This bunch really understands that.”
“We really missed Justin when he went down last year. He may not have the breakaway speed, but he’s shifty in the open field. Seth is our power back. He’s a kid that knows his assignments and will do whatever we ask of him.”
Senior Michael Daniels (6-0, 165) and junior Drew Harris will handle a majority of the wide receiver duties.
“I got three or four guys I could plug in there and I’m not scared of any of them.
This group is interchangeable, which adds versatility,” Clark said.
Lafayette County’s defense will mirror the Cougar offense, with multiple starters on offense playing defense.
The Cougars are also switching schematically defensively for the 2017 season. Clark’s staff has imminently tried to beseech the 3-4 defense.
The defensive line will include Harris, Lucky, junior Nate Brady (5-11, 260) and Lonnie Ross.
“We’re trying to base everything out of a 3-4 this season,” Clark said.
Glass, Harper, Brown and senior Khalil Russell will handle all of the linebacker duties.
“Linebacker play is extremely important in the 3-4,” Clark said.
Juniors Audreus Dedner, Miller, Harris and sophomore Cardarious Edmond will roam the defensive secondary.
“It’s up to them how far we go. This group is special and who knows how long another special group like this will come through here. We feel like we can play with anyone on our schedule, if we stay healthy,” Clark said.
“If we don’t beat ourselves, I feel we can play with anybody in the state of Arkansas in Conference 2A football.”