With Zak Clark at the helm, the Springdale Bulldogs have improved every year during his tenure. Springdale finished with a 7-4 record last season and made a playoff appearance. The Bulldogs lost a heartbreaker to Fort Smith Southside in the first round of the 2018 playoffs. Fan expectations have continued to grow for the Bulldogs under Clark's leadership and this year should be no different.
The quarterback position will see Connor Hutchins managing the keys to the offense. Hutchins saw limited action in 2018, passing for just under 50 yards. However, Hutchins has the talent and accuracy to be a dangerous quarterback in the 7-A West. Focusing attention on the passing game will be key to ensuring that Springdale can maintain drives.
Springdale's offense will rely on the rushing game to open up the passing game. The rushing game is in good hands with Darrell Parchman returning for his senior season. Parchman is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield and rushed for over 270 yards last season. Springdale fans should expect a big season from Parchman, because has the talent to line up all over the field for the Bulldogs. Clark should not have a problem getting the offense clicking on all cylinders as the season progresses.
The wide receiving corps is a talented group for the Bulldogs. Ladarius Wonsley impressed observers during the spring displaying solid hands and remarkable speed. Slot receiver Michael Bates creates problems for opposing secondaries with his quickness and precise route running. Springdale fans can also count on Darrell Parchman catching some passes out of the backfield.
Springdale's defense has the potential to be the most improved unit on the field. Defensive tackle Luis Herrera is looking to build upon a 2018 season where he racked up 33 tackles. Tristan Pollard is another player along the defensive front that Bulldogs' fans will want to closely watch this season. The defensive line will cause problems for opposing 7-A West offenses this season.
The Springdale linebacking corps will be led by Travon Westbrook. Westbrook saw playing time last season and has excellent size at 6'0" 225 lbs, Westbrook has the potential to become a player that people see on Saturdays, in a few years. The Bulldogs will be young in the linebacking corps, but talented. Chase Jones will be another player that Springdale fans will become familiar with during the season.
The 7-A West has no shortage of quality cornerbacks and this statement is particularly true regarding the Springdale Bulldogs. The Springdale secondary will be led by Bryndell Cook. Cook has excellent speed and can match up well against the physical receivers in the 7-A West. Veteran leadership returns in the form of safety Stoney White. White is a playmaker at safety; last season he recovered a fumble and amassed 53 tackles. With the secondary having a wealth of experience, passing against the Springdale defense could be a challenge this season.
The Bulldogs may have some growing pains early, but this is a group that should make a playoff appearance again this season. Clark's Bulldogs have improved every season he has coached there, and this team could surprise the rest of the 7A-West.