PEA RIDGE — Optimism and excitement are two words that describe the atmosphere at Pea Ridge.
The Blackhawks football team struggled to a 1-9 record a year ago with a starting lineup that featured as many as 13 sophomores.
Pea Ridge improved as the season progressed, losing several close games down the stretch. Now those 13 players are experienced juniors.
Tops on that list is returning quarterback Austin Easterling.
That has coach Tony Travis optimistic that the Blackhawks can take the next step and battle for a playoff spot in the 4A-1 Conference.
“The general outlook is optimistic,” Travis said. “We have had some good practices and we have 42 out.”
There is also an air of excitement among coaches and players as the Blackhawks practice in the shadow of the school’s new indoor facility. The multi-million dollar project is almost complete and is on par with some Class 7A indoorpractice facilities.
Last season, the Pea Ridge coaching staff did more teaching with so many young players. Repetition, timing and better execution dominate practice now.
Easterling started nine games last year and the 5-foot-10, 185 pound junior improved his strength and throwing velocity inthe offseason.
“We threw Easterling into the fire last year as a sophomore,” Travis said. “I was proud to watch all those sophomores that we threw in there come along, get better and mature. They have caught up with the speed of the game. You can see that Austin plays with a lot more confidence and he throws the ball better.”
A year of experience has allowed Easterling to take more command of the offense. He is more confident checking into good plays and checking out of bad plays at the line of scrimmage.
“It was hard going from junior high right into high school because the speed of the game is so much faster,” Easterling said. “Last year, I was just going out there and throwing it. I’m a lot better reading the coverage’s and seeing what will work.”
Daniel Beard (6-0, 155) leads a deep receiving corps that Travis said is the best in his three years at the school including Bo Rylee (5-11, 185). Fullback Braxton Caudill (5-10, 180) has good hands and will run routes out of the backfield.
“We have more targets to throw to than we have in the past and Austin does a good job of getting the ball to them,” Travis said.
“That depth will help us stay fresh.
Pea Ridge not only has good depth at receiver but Blackhawks coach Tony Travis said the receivers can make things happen after the catch.
Joel Thomas and Joey Brown are also getting reps. Ricardo Schneider (6-3, 235) and Garrett Morgan are working at tight end.
AT A GLANCE
PEA RIDGE BLACKHAWKS
COACH Tony Travis
LAST SEASON 1-9
OFFENSE Pro-I DEFENSE 5-2
RETURNING STARTERS Offense 7, defense 7
POINTS SCORED PER GAME 10
POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME 25.7
OFFENSIVE PLAYERS TOWATCH Player Austin Easterling (Jr., QB, 5-10, 185), Braxton Caudill (Jr., FB, 5-10, 180), Drew Norse (Sr. OL, 5-11, 235).
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TOWATCH Ricardo Schneider (Sr. DE, 6-3, 235), Zach Norris (Jr. DL, 5-9, 245), Drew Norris DL
KEEP AN EYE ON Quarterback Austin Easterling after starting nine games as a sophomore.
Easterling had a good summer throwing the football and has several quality receivers and experience on the offensive front.
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK: Fullback Braxton Caudi ll is a threat to run and catch the football. Ricardo Schneider and Daniel Beard have big play ability at receiver. Drew Norris is a three-year starter who will anchor the offensive line.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK: Former Rogers High defensive coordinator Lafe Caton takes over a defense that is bigger and experienced. ZachNorris anchor the defensive front and Caudill will be at linebacker after leading the team with over 120 tackles a year ago. For the first time in many years, the Blackhawks may not have any two-way linemen.
SEASON OUTLOOK Pea Ridge has experience on both sides of the ball but their numbers a down from a year ago.That means several key players will be starters on both sides of the football. Coach TonyTravis said this year’s receiving corps is the best in his three seasons at the school.
KEY GAME Pea Ridge opens the season withback-to-back road games against Elkins and Green Forest and plays its first home game Sept.
16 against Greenland. A win in the home opener will be a huge boost as Pea Ridge opens conference play against Gravette and Shiloh Christian.
QUOTING COACH TRAVIS “We are expecting a big year this year out of Braxton. He had a big year for us last year on defense. He kind of got thrown in there going both ways. He has put on a little weight and he has gained speed.
He has developed into an offensive threat. We know what he can do on defense. He gets to the football.”
Sports, Pages 7 on 08/31/2011