Arkansas Class 7A high school football team previews: Springdale employing mix of offensive formations

The Bulldogs will use the Wing T formation at times this season.

SBLive is previewing the Arkansas high school football teams from the three largest classifications. Today, we feature the Springdale Bulldogs from the 7A-West Conference.

By Steve Andrews 

SPRINGDALE BULLDOGS 

HEAD COACH

Brett Hobbs, 2nd season

2021 AT A GLANCE

Overall record: 1-9

League record: 1-6, 7th in 7A West

Playoffs: Did not make playoffs.

KEY PLAYERS DEPARTED

RB Davon Sparks Team’s leading rusher. Played in the state all-star game. Signed to play at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla.

QB Landon Phipps He is now a preferred walk-on as a defensive back at the University of Arkansas

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Senior WR Chris Cortez - Led the team in receiving yards last year

Senior CB/RB Ta’jon Sparks Returning starter on defense and will spend time at RB

Senior OL Giovanni Almaraz - Three-year starter

Senior OL Gustavo Perez - Three-year starter

Senior DL Tevin Tate - The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder returns to the program after taking a year off to play basketball.

OUTLOOK

The biggest thing head coach Brett Hobbs tried to get his players to focus on this offseason was themselves and continuing to build toward their expectations – which is to return Springdale back to the top of the 7A-West.

“We are trying to focus on just becoming better football players and understanding the game better,” said Hobbs, a 2000 Springdale graduate, who is in his second year as the Bulldogs’ head coach, after spending five years the defensive coordinator. “I have been really pleased, as far as the accountability, the attitude and the effort. I think our guys are really starting to buy into what we are doing and what our expectations are.”

With five returning starters on offense, the Bulldogs will be running an array of offensive formations to fit their personnel and to try and be more competitive in the staunch conference. They will be running out of the throwback Wing T offense at times, but they will also continue to operate with their spread package, depending on the opposing defense.

“We needed something that maybe not everyone else is doing, but also fits who we are and what we can do,” Hobbs said. “And I think we can be pretty successful offensively running the Wing T.”

After the departure of last year’s starting quarterback Landon Phipps, neither of the team’s two competing quarterbacks have any varsity experience -- yet have showed a lot of promise. Junior Cayden Aaserude is a durable mobile QB, who should be able to effectively operate the Wing T. The other, 6-foot-3 sophomore Jack Pounders has well-rounded skills and can throw the ball well, which will be key while in the spread.

“Right now, they are battling it out, but it could end up being an alternating system with whichever offense we are running,” Hobbs said. “It’s been pretty good competition this summer.”

With the departure of leading rusher Davon Sparks, the backfield will consist of junior fullback David Perez, with the primary runners being sophomore Devon Williams and a pair of seniors, who are also defensive starters, Ta’jon Sparks and Za’marion Manuel.

Three starters will return to the offensive line, including seniors Giovanni Almaraz and Gustavo Perez, and junior center Maurice Olvera. Almaraz and Perez are three year-starters who each stand about 6-foot-1, 315 pounds. “With having those guys back, especially returning as starters, that will help us out,” Hobbs said.

Last year’s leading receiver does return, as senior Chris Cortez is back to lead a talented group that also includes senior returning starter Junior Reyna and junior playmaker Mason Spencer. “We’ve been really pleased with our 7 on 7 this summer, competing really well,” Hobbs said. “So, when we do spread it out, I think those guys will do a really good job.”

The defense will be under the direction of new coordinator Kenneth Chick, who has spent the past three years leading the defense at Fayetteville. They return eight starters and will be running primarily out of a 3-4 scheme. “I’m really excited about our defense with the guys we’ve got coming back, and that experience,” Hobbs said.

Junior Kaden Spencer will anchor the defensive line, along with junior nose guard Zach Turner. A big addition will be 6-foot-5, 265-pound senior Tevin Tate, who returns to the program after sitting out last year to play basketball. “We also have more depth this year than I think we have had in previous years,” Hobbs added.

Both starting outside linebackers are returning, with senior Daytrion Woodfork and Kain Pinto. Inside will be junior Mychael Dickerson and junior Brandon Laughter, along with Jacob Simpson, who returns fully recovered from tearing his ACL in last year’s season-opener.

Both starting cornerbacks are returning, with Sparks and Emanuel. Returning starter Peyton Phipps will man one of the safety positions, while two others who are battling for the second spot. Senior Anthony Lopez and junior Tryston Skelton have stepped up strong and will both likely get plenty of playing time.

COACH SAID

"I think our biggest key will be just having that mentality to go out and compete each and every Friday night. We are just trying to get these guys to believe in themselves and get the most out of them. We want them to understand the history and what this program is built on and have some pride in being a Springdale Bulldog.

— Brett Hobbs