Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Elder Asserts Quarterback Leadership
SENIOR TIGER TAKES OVER REINS OF THE OFFENSE
PRAIRIE GROVE — A quarterback functions as both platoon leader and diplomat with success based on how well and when he fulfills each role.
Incoming Prairie Grove senior and projected starting quarterback John David Elder recently polished those skills during Boys State, an event he said is most beneficial when a person involves themselves “getting to know everybody, making relationships and seeing how different people from different parts of the state do things.”
“If you’re outgoing and kind of enjoy yourself, you’ll make a lot of friendships and have a good time,” Elder said.
For Elder, Boys State was most enjoyable working as a group, especially when participants were separated, 70 in a county, and began building the framework for their experience. Elder was elected to city councilman, county justice of the peace and state senator at Boys State.
“I’m not huge into politics, I’ll not make that my career,” Elder said. “It’s interesting, but I don’t know if I can see myself there.”
None-the-less he asserted himself maximizing opportunity to broaden his horizons.
One priority Elder is absolutely certain about is earning the job of starting quarterback for the 2017 Tiger varsity. Elder last took the field as a starting quarterback three years ago for the junior high team. Elder’s favorite moment in sports for junior high came playing freshman quarterback in a showdown with Pea Ridge that decided the conference championship.
The Blackhawks captured a 4-point lead late in the contest. Prairie Grove got the ball back with two-and-a-half minutes left and Elder engineered a brilliant, 80-yard drive that used just 1:30 to win the game. Elder completed a
crucial pass to DeMarkus Cooper on fourth and 17 to keep the drive alive, then threw a touchdown pass to Dustin Burton in the red zone.
He has bided his time, playing on special teams as a sophomore in the 2015 4A state championship when the Tigers led Nashville, 20-19, at halftime. Injuries hampered Prairie Grove’s ground game and they didn’t score in the second half. Last season Elder started on defense in the secondary and was part of another deep Tiger playoff run. Prairie Grove won their second straight 4A-1 crown and advanced to the state semifinal before losing to eventual state champion, Warren.
He has made his contributions as a role player, now the hour is at hand for Elder to step into the position he was born to play — starting quarterback.
“I’ve been waiting for three years, it hasn’t been there,” Elder said. “Quarterback is the position I want to be in. Quarterback is where I love to be, where I feel I belong. I am definitely doing what I can to run with it, and as time goes to get better, to be the leader that the quarterback is supposed to be.”
Representing Prairie Grove at Boys State helped Elder gain a deeper understanding of vocal leadership.
“You learn to speak up and be vocal, mainly, that was probably the biggest thing that I learned there,” Elder said. “There are always people, who need help to get going. A couple of words could do it for them.”
Elder realizes game circumstances and down-and-distance situations dictate which face he shows teammates. As a quarterback Elder concentrates his leadership in two areas: holding teammates accountable and lifting their spirits when their heads are down. He feels his ability to master these leadership principles will translate into team success.
“There are times you have to step up and be vocal and tell them what to do,” Elder said. “Definitely, there are times you have to be the one to criticize your friends and teammates and try to get them to do the right thing.”
On the other hand, certain players can be motivated through a word of encouragement.
“There are seniors on our team, people who are supposed to be leaders. They can get their heads down, that’s when you say, ‘Hey, get it next time, we need you,’” Elder said. “You’ve got to be there to pick them back up.”
Elder knows he’s the guy in position to extend a helping hand when his teammates need him the most.