Veteran O-line eases new Cobra coach’s transition
FOUNTAIN LAKE — For the first time in 13 years, someone other than Tommy Gilleran will be roaming the sidelines on Allen Tillery Field at Beckham Memorial Stadium.
Gilleran was named Lake Hamilton coach at the end of last season, ending a memorable run that included 104 wins and the 2009 Class 3A championship. Lakeside graduate and former Malvern assistant J.D. Plumlee took over after spending last year as offensive coordinator for Class 6A champion Russellville.
With 19 seniors returning from a team that finished 2-8, the new coach believes a bounce-back season is possible but isn’t ready to make any predictions.
“We’re not to the point yet where we’re talking about down the road or talking about opponents,” Plumlee said. “Everything that we’re doing on a daily basis is talking about us and worrying about ourselves. The offensive schemes have changed, the defensive schemes have changed, but the tradition hasn’t changed. That’s what’s so good about this place; there’s still a strong tradition.”
Plumlee implemented a spread offense in the spring with senior Stephen Turner set to take over for the graduated Hunter Bryant at quarterback. Entering his first season as a starter, Turner has received high praise from the coaching staff for his command of the offense.
“He’s done a phenomenal job,” said Plumlee. “He’s a film rat; he’ll come in and we’ll sit down at the board together. He wants to learn and he knows the offense. He’ll continue to get more added to his plate as we go along. He’s got a good, quick release and he’s starting to understand his hot routes. He’s done an exceptional job in his preparation for the season.”
Junior Andrew Roberson led the team in rushing with 1,310 yards on 190 carries, scoring 16 touchdowns. Juniors Kyle Fortner and Dylan Wasson will also earn carries in the wide-open offense.
“Andrew will be our bell cow back there, but we’re going to have a true rotation,” Plumlee said. “Right now all three guys are getting some carries, because they all three have different attributes that they can bring to the table.”
Looking to build on a 37-catch season, senior Parion Johnson gives Turner a No. 1 option on the outside. Johnson’s breakaway speed on full display with 226 yards and two touchdowns in a 2520 win over Arkadelphia in Week
6, Plumlee sees him as a focal point of the offense.
“He’ll play inside in the slot, he’ll play outside receiver and we’ll be creative in finding ways to get him the ball in different situations,” said Plumlee. “He has to have a big year for us. He’s a guy that can take the top off the defense, but he can also take the bubble screen or a short slant over the middle and make it a big play.”
Seniors Dylan Garner and Jonathan Norman will also see time at receiver with junior Dalton Norwood. Senior Cade Dodge and junior Colson Simpson rotate at tight end.
For all the excitement surrounding the new-look offense, Plumlee knows the most important unit is the offensive line, and the Cobras boast a senior-laden group.
Seniors James Mullen (6-3, 325) at left tackle and Ben Chaney (6-2,
215) at left guard earned all-conference honors last season.
“It all starts up front and we’ve spent a lot of time with those guys,” Plumlee said. “James and Ben are kind of our solid foundation on the line. We’ve got to be able to keep those guys fresh and keep them healthy. We feel pretty good up front. We don’t have a lot of depth, but that’s just kind of where we’re at. It’s a daily process.”
Senior Chris Cooper (6-3, 285) at center, senior Trevor Sutterfield
(6-2, 190) at right guard and Gunner Weatherington at right tackle also play up front. Seniors Justin Lee (6-1, 325) and Devin Patton (510, 200) provide depth along with sophomores Connor Thomas and Cameron Warren.
The Cobras are turning to a 3-4 defensive scheme with the hopes of improving a unit that surrendered 39 points per game last season, more than 40 in each of its five conference losses.
“We’re going to be a lot more aggressive; I’m not scared to play man and I’m not scared to play man-zero,” said Plumlee. “We’re going to bring pressure and we’re going to force the hand. This conference is going to have explosive playmakers every Friday night, and we have to know that and be able to understand that.”
Lee mans the middle at noseguard, flanked by Chaney and Sutterfield at defensive end. Mullen and juniors James Holland and Carson Tillery will also see time up front.
“Justin’s got to take it on and force people to double him with Chaney on the edge and Trevor Sutterfield at the other end,” Plumlee said. “We’re also going to have a four-front package where James Mullen will go in there on the inside. When we go to that package, we’re really wanting to force people to have to double so we can get some good penetration and let our linebackers fly around and make plays.”
Junior Joe Murphy and Simpson form a one-two punch at inside linebacker. Simpson led the team with 89 tackles last season, including five tackles for loss, while Murphy finished with 79 tackles and two fumble recoveries.
“I think they can be even better,” Plumlee said. “They got the year of experience, and they’re stronger because they’re more mature. I expect huge years from both of them defensively and offensively. Those two guys are just football players and they’ve got a knack for it.”
Horton and Wasson start at outside linebacker with Norman, juniors Kyle Johler and Ethan Roberson and sophomore Daeton Bassett providing depth.
Junior Ahman Johnson returns at safety after a breakout sophomore season that included 50 tackles and five interceptions. Despite Johnson’s ball-hawking ability, the team finished with just nine interceptions, a point of emphasis for Plumlee.
“We’ve been preaching in the spring, all summer and in 7-0n-7 that when the ball is in the air, it’s ours,” said Plumlee. “If we can add pressure and be creative with how we bring pressure defensively, we feel like we can force the quarterback into some bad decisions. Having Ahman back there with Andrew (Roberson) and Kyle Fortner, we’ve got some guys in the secondary with some ball skills.”
Roberson joins Ahman Johnson at safety with Fortner and junior Garron Campbell at cornerback. Juniors Adrian Morris, Romel Grant and Dustin Pitts provide depth in the secondary along with Parion Johnson.
After losing their first five games last year, the Cobras look for a better start when they open the season Sept. 1 against visiting Pottsville.
“I think every coach in the state of Arkansas will tell you that it’s huge to get off to a good, fast start to build that confidence,” Plumlee said. “What you’ve got to be willing to do in this conference is understand that you’re going to be tested every Friday night. There’s some great football programs and great coaches in the 7-4A. I don’t want to run away from it; I want to run into it. We’re not going to be scared of anybody and we’re going to be ready to meet these obstacles head on.”