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Thursday, July 24, 2008
VYPE Football Preview: 2A Top 10
Western Arkansas, AR
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Where does Bearden quarterback Michael Belin fit in with the rest of the Class 2A in the VYPE Arkansas Football Preview rankings?
Mount Ida won its first state title in school history last fall. VYPE Arkansas Football Preview predicts the Lions make it back-to-back titles in 2008. Quarterback is a question with the departure of Taylor Elder. Senior Chad Wilson shifts from running back to fill in. Classmate Troy Thew (more than 1,000 yards receiving last fall) makes the transition easier.
Junction City returns only five starters from a team that lost to Mount Ida 22-20 in the playoff quarterfinals last fall. Still, Junction City is a traditional power and relies on nine two-way starters to lead the way. Bearden lost the state-title game to Mount Ida on a last-second field goal but could avenge the loss this fall
Carlisle lost to Mount Ida 21-19 in the quarterfinals. Hopes for a deeper run fall on all-state running back Kamrawn Russell. Des Arc seniors — quarterback Nate Holloway and running back Ronald Dunlap, fuel a potent Wing-T attack.
For more analysis on Arkansas’ 208 high school football teams pick up VYPE Arkansas Football Preview at your local Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, Hastings or Kroger stores.
1. Mount Ida — Lions can’t afford injuries they battled through last year.
2. Junction City — Tight end/linebacker Devin Ball makes big impact on both sides of the ball.
3. Bearden — Senior Michael Belin struts his stuff as full-time starting quarterback.
4. Carlisle — More than 40 players gives Bison depth advantage over some opponents.
5. Des Arc — Battles Carlisle for 2A-6 title.
6. Marked Tree — Must overcome the loss of 10 senior starters.
7. Union Christian — Third-year program eyeing first playoff berth.
8. Woodlawn — Legendary coach Jim “Red” Parker takes over for fellow coaching luminary Marion Glover, who retired in the offseason.
9. Cedarville — Moving from 3A benefits the Pirates, who earned a playoff berth in 2007.
10. Murfreesboro — Rattlers won 20 games the past two seasons but must replace departing seniors, including all-state quarterback Mark McRae.
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