By Chris Parker
Cabool football returns 11 total starters coming off an 0-10 campaign.
Seniors will be the driving force behind the Cabool football program this season.
“I love our seniors. We will go as far as they take us,” Cabool head coach Glen Cox said. “I would love to see these great young men have success. We know we have to fight, kick scratch and claw to have success. I love the character and effort these kids are putting out.”
Offensively, the Bulldogs will look to control the game with their rushing attack.
“We have a ground-and-pound attitude,” Cox said. “We have had a great year in the weight room and our kids have gotten stronger there is no doubt. We are looking to build upon a strong running game and to be capable of throwing the football. We will be young but will be led by four outstanding seniors.”
One of those seniors in Carson Long will lead the rushing attack along with junior Briley Honeycutt. Both earned honorable mention all-conference honors at defensive back and running back, respectively.
“Carson Long was all-conference and all-SWMFCA last year,” Cox said. “(He is a) hard-nosed player who gives everything. He puts his team first. (I am) excited to see him play running back and linebacker.”
Sophomore Josiah Leonard will handle the quarterback duties. Quinton Green (senior) and Ryler Ryerson (sophomore) will be key wide receivers. Green is moving out wide from the backfield this season.
“Quinton Green has gotten stronger this year in weight room and has more confidence this year because of his strength,” Cox said. “(He) is moving from running back to wide receiver, which is more of a natural fit for him. Defensively, he did a great job at linebacker last year and will pick up where he left off.”
Senior Justin Moore will be at tight end.
“Justin Moore has gotten stronger and is a great leader for us,” Cox said. “(He) plays hard and is a physical player.”
Up front, Trevor Lowtharp (sophomore), Lucas Hong (sophomore), Nathan Long (junior), Ben Lohman (freshman), Corbin Crewse (senior) and Braylon Haywood (junior) will be on the offensive line.
Crewse is looking to be a factor after battling injuries last season.
“Corbin Crewse is a big kid and silent leader for us,” Cox said. “He is coming back off injuries last year, and we are excited to see him return.”
Five defensive starters return with many of the key offensive players also holding down defensive roles.
Up front on the defensive line look for Lowtharp, Haywood, Long, Crewse, Lohman and Moore. Haywood earned honorable mention all-conference honors on the defensive line.
Long, Green, Mikey Donalson and August Montgomery will be on the second level at linebacker. Montgomery was an honorable mention all-conference linebacker last season.
Honeycutt, Heath Blackwelder and Steven Skyles will be in the secondary.
Cabool opens the season on Aug. 29 at home against El Dorado Springs.
“For this season to be a success, I am not worried about our win-loss record. We are working to build a program and culture that makes our community proud and brings a positive light to the great people of Cabool. We are working to create a culture built upon toughness, relentless effort, faith and brotherhood and devote ourselves to getting better every day through the weight room and practice. Our kids have worked extremely hard this summer, and I would love our seniors to have the success they so richly deserve. If all we teach our kids is to block and tackle, we will fail them. I want our kids to compete in every game at a high level, give 100 % effort all times and play in a fashion that shows high character and represents our town and community in a positive manner. This is a foundation year. We will be young as is no secret and we are laying the foundation and setting our culture for the future with our underclassmen,” Cox said. “I believe that being the smallest school in the SCA and playing in the SCA every week benefits us. I feel that by the time we get through our conference schedule, it has made us better and has prepared us for the opponents we will see in district play.”
