Page 6 - TR Football Preview Sept 2017

6SS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017 | THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
JACKSONVILLE TITANS
JACKSONVILLE continued from 6SS
asking a lot of him. He’ll either be a safety, quarterback or slot receiver. He’s our guy. He’s got to do a lot for us.”
Hickingbotham said he will rotate some others in to give Martin, who has started three seasons at safety, a break. It’s also a priority to keep him healthy.
“We’ve got to eliminate the contact he takes from a practice standpoint,” Hickingbotham said. “We’ve got to try to find ways in a ballgame to get him in space and get the ball in his hands.”
Ellis (5-10, 205) rushed for more than 500 a year ago. He’ll be one of the running backs. When the Titans use a fullback, Hickingbotham said, junior Tamod Tyler (5-11, 180) will be in the lineup.
The offensive line will be anchored by senior center Brandon Barnes (5-11, 290). Senior Jacob Toney (6-2, 275) and senior Demario Stewart (5-9, 230) will be the guards.
As of press time, Hickingbotham wasn’t sure about the tackle spots, as he has several players competing for those spots.
As far as receiver, Hickingbotham has a good crop to work with. They include soph- omore Xavier Scott (5-5, 136), junior Jordan
Johnson (6-1, 170), junior Isaac Johnson (5-9, 165), junior Broderick Lacy (5-11, 160) and junior Tre Newson (5-11, 160).
“We’ve got those five guys for four spots,” Hickingbotham said. “We’re just trying to see what we’ve got going.”
Hickingbotham said Johnson will rotate some at running back to spell Ellis.
“He is a guy we can try to get the ball to,” he said.
On defense, some of the key players include linebackers Tyler and senior Nathan Poole (5-11, 185). Poole will also play tight end.
Hickingbotham said Ellis will also play linebacker at times.
The defensive line includes junior Marquez Casey (6-2, 215), junior Kalon McCoy (5-10, 230), senior Marcus Etherly (5-10, 240) and senior Trey Allison (5-10, 195).
Martin will lead the secondary from his safety position. Junior Shavarrious Curley (5-11, 160) and Newson will see time at safety.
Scott, Johnson and senior DeBoious Cobbs (5-11, 180) will play cornerback at times.
PHOTOS BY MARK BUFFALO/THREE RIVERS EDITION
Jacksonville sophomore Sacorey Allen turns upfield after catching a pass.
compete hard and lay it all out there.” Playing bigger teams sizewise is something Jacksonville cannot control,
Hickingbotham said.
“I know it gets frustrating, but we’re just
talking about effort,” he said. “Compete and leave it all on that field. You can’t control someone being 6-5, and you can’t control someone being 300 pounds. Some of those guys have been blessed with that.
“Our heart is something we can control, and how hard that we work and our effort. That’s what we’re coaching. We’re worried about ourselves and getting after it for 48 minutes. We’re working hard to try to get there. That is the positive.”
Jacksonville has two returning all-state performers in seniors Shawn Ellis and H.D. Martin. Ellis was selected as a running back. Martin was selected as a defensive back.
Martin (5-11, 160), will play both quar- terback and safety. He’ll also line up some at receiver.
“He’s got to be in unbelievable condition,” Hickingbotham said of Martin. “We’re
Reserve quarterback Ar’daius Haynes attempts a pass during summer action.