New MP coach banks on running game
ZACH PARKER
MOUNTAIN PINE — For the third time in as many years, Mountain Pine is turning to a new head coach with hopes of reviving a struggling football program.
Former Little Rock Hall assistant Sam Counce leads the Red Devils, replacing David Jordan after a 1-9 season. The late Jody Frazier coached the Red Devils in 2014.
After averaging six points per game last year in a spread offense, Counce has put an emphasis on the ground game with a Wing-T formation.
“In our situation, we think we’ll be better off running the ball this season,” Counce said. “We’re going to throw some, too, but personnel-wise I think the Wing-T fits us as far as our size and talent level. The kids are really buying into it and it’s going really good so far.”
Sophomore Eli Browning moves from quarterback to running back, receiving high praise from his coach for the transition.
“Eli has really been stepping up for us,” Counce said. “He’s bought into what we’re doing and I think he’s going to have a great season for us running the football. We have some other guys that will come in, too, but Eli’s going to be the one that gets us going offensively this season.”
Sophomore Josh Walpole takes over at quarterback, a position with multiple starters last year.
“I think Josh can be very productive for us,” Counce said. “He’s a smart kid, he’s got good football sense, he’s a real tough competitor and he works hard every day to get better. He’s also good on defense for us so he’s got a good mindset about what defenses are trying to do, which really helps him at quarterback.”
Senior Trey Miser eyes a bounce-back season at receiver after missing the first half of last season with a broken wrist. He’s joined by junior all-conference performer Chad Graves. Even with the focus on running, Counce expects Miser and Graves to contribute as playmakers.
“With Trey being a tall, rangy kid he’ll be able to go up and get the ball for us,” said Counce. “Then with Chad on the other side, a scrappy fellow that gives his all on every play, we like their abilities at receiver. With this offense you don’t have to be big in stature, you just have to be tough. That fits our guys really well.”
Junior Bailey Nichols and sophomores Ja’on Smith and Dalton Weatherington will see time at receiver and running back.
The youth movement continues on the offensive line where five seniors graduated. Senior Brenndon Palmer (6-0, 250) anchors the line and provides leadership for the young team.
“He’s really stepping up and doing a great job of showing the other guys how it’s done,” Counce said. “When we’re doing our conditioning and lifting weights, Palmer’s right in the middle of it trying to encourage kids and be a positive role model for our team.”
Juniors Carter Chapman (5-10, 185) and Colton Buckner (5-9, 155) along with sophomores Ellison Caldwell (5-6, 210) and Seth Alexander (5-9, 220) round out the offensive line.
After a breakout season at middle linebacker, Chapman is looked on for more this season on a unit that allowed more than 38 points per game.
“He has really worked hard and gotten stronger this offseason,” said Counce. “He’s going to be a kid that we really depend on for our defense this season. He understands what we’re doing and he’s done a great job of attacking the ball in practice so far. He’s a leader for us on both sides of the ball right now.”
Palmer, Buckner, Alexander and Caldwell man the defensive line while Browning and Nichols join Chapman as linebackers on the outside. Graves and Miser return at cornerback, joined by Walpole and Smith to give the Red Devils an athletic secondary that Counce sees as a strength for his defense.
“Their athleticism and experience will be a big factor for us back there,” said Counce. “Their ability to recognize situations on defense because of what they play on offense is definitely a plus on their side. We expect them to make some plays on both sides of the ball this year.”
With only 15 players on roster and every starter playing both sides of the ball, Counce knows depth will be a factor but is confident that his team will be able to compete.
“We won’t have any depth until we can move some guys up from junior high, but we think we’ll be able to manage,” he said. “These kids have worked hard and gotten in shape, and because of that we feel like we’ll be able to play four quarters with our guys as long as we can avoid the injury bug.”
Counce and the Red Devils open the season Sept. 2 at Jessieville, where T.J. Burk takes over as head coach.