Smackover must find way to replace production on offense

A year ago, D'Kylan Hildreth, RJ Boone and Jarius Burgie proved to be a trio few defenses could keep in check.

All three were All-Conference selections, as the Bucks won their first playoff game in four years.

Now Smackover must find a way to replace that production.

For Smackover coach David Osborn, it begins with three quarterbacks with a pair of seniors in Wyatt Parker and Tanner Mitchell giving the Bucks a chance to mix things up.

“Each of our quarterbacks bring something different to the table,” Osborn said. “With the graduation of D'Kylan Hildreth from last season, we have a big hole to fill. Wyatt does a good job of running the offense. He throws a good ball and has been picking up the offense pretty fast. Tanner Mitchell has also worked at quarterback for us this summer. When he is back there it will be more of a Wildcat look and be a little more run-based and read-option style.”

Junior Kamarion Lee is also working at quarterback. “Kamarion Lee hasn't played in a couple of seasons since junior high,” Osborn said. “He has done a good job, but is still learning and adjusting to the speed of the game.”

Boone and Burgie combined for nearly 2,000 yards rushing last year, but the Bucks have a mix of underclassmen and veterans that will make a run to duplicate that production.

Sophomore Joseph Brown is expected to play a lead role in the backfield.

“We have a good mixture of size and speed in the backfield,” Osborn said. “Joseph Brown was our leading rusher in junior high this past season and we are expecting big things from him. He has good size and speed (6'0, 180). Over this offseason, Joseph has made several gains in the weight room and on the track.” Senior Trace Davis returns at fullback and tight end. “Trace does a good job of setting the edge on our run game, as well as a threat out the backfield for our pass game,” Osborn said.

Junior Zander Olds and sophomore Robert Cardin are also being counted on to play key roles.

“Zander Olds and Robert Cardin provide us with a

good mixture of speed and strength,” Osborn said. “Both of them will need to have a good season for us and take on a larger role.”

One spot where the Bucks have a returning starter back is at wide receiver with Mitchell.

An All-Conference selection, Mitchell led the Bucks with 33 catches for 479 yards and four touchdowns.

“We return our leading wide receiver from last year in Tanner Mitchell,” Osborn said. “Mitchell does a good job of making plays when you get him in space.”

Although Mitchell is back, the Bucks lost All-Conference selection Daylon Curley to graduation, but the Bucks have a trio of juniors in Hunter Spradley, Edgar Montoya, EJ Rucks along with seniors Trenton Campbell and Bryce Terry and sophomore Kaeden McClane all aiming for playing time.

“Spradley works hard and is a blue-collar player,” Osborn said. “Montoya, Rucks and Terry are all new this season after not playing last year. McClane moved in from Camden Fairview early in the summer and has worked hard to learn the system. They all showed flashes at times of what they can do once they get comfortable in the system.”

In addition to Davis, Cardin and senior Kenneth Jordan are working at tight end.

“Davis, Jordan and Cardin have impressed both blocking and showing their hands this summer,” Osborn said.

The offensive line will have a new look with the graduation of All-Conference selections Juan Ellingson and Elisha Stanley, but the Bucks have several players back who saw playing time a year ago.

Senior Boone Dearman and sophomore Ike Eisler are working at left tackle, while senior Regan Barton and sophomore Nick Kinder are competing at left guard.

Sophomore Rylan Renfroe and senior Dylan Valdez are battling for the center spot.

On the right side, senior Jaquievon Welch, sophomore Jaime Mendoza and sophomore Charter Rain are competing at right tackle, while sophomore Aiden Bennett, junior Justin James and Dearman are working at right guard.

“We lost several key starters, but returned Barton, Dearman, Welch and Valdez, who all had a lot of playing time last year,” Osborn said. “It's a wide open competition at all spots with no starters set going into fall camp. We will have a little more depth on the front this year if some of our guys come on. We will be a little smaller than in the past, but will be much quicker and stronger this season.”

For the Bucks, adjusting to the changes on offense will be crucial.

“With some of the changes we have made in staffing this season, a major key will be how quickly our players adapt to change,” Osborn said. “This year due to coach (David) Preston (defensive coordinator) leaving, I am going to switch back to the defensive side of the ball. Due to that, coaches (Brian) Strickland and (Jerry) Stegall will be running the offense this year. Overall, we will keep the same philosophy, get the ball in the hands of our playmakers quickly and try to limit mistakes.”