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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 | THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HARDING ACADEMY WILDCATS
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he had one sack all night — and he had at least 15 sacks all year,” Evans said. “For [Burks] to come in in a backup role and start in one of the biggest games and only give up one sack — it gives you a pretty good lens to look through and see the type of player he is.”
Adding to the line is sophomore Chase Brown.
“He has looked great,” Evans said. “He has looked great through team camp and all the way through this summer.
“We knew when he was in junior high that he would be awesome, that he would be really good.”
Harding Academy will run its offense through sophomore wide receiver Caden Sipe. Sipe, who played quarterback for the junior high, will act as Morgan’s backup and primary receiver. Last year, Sipe played in three games and completed 9 of his 11 passes with 81 yards and a touchdown.
“Playing quarterback, he has a good understanding of what it looks like from the other vantage point,” Evans said. “He’s an intelligent route runner and can find soft spots in the coverage that a lot of people can’t.
“He is very good athletically and a complete receiver.”
Three-year receiver Jimmy Citty returns at wide receiver and strong safety for the defense. Evans said Citty is tough and wants the game to be on the line.
“He wants to make the play, and he wants the ball in his hand, or he wants to make the tackle — he wants all of it,” the coach said.
Evans said that against Junction City, Citty caught a pass across the middle on the third down, extending a critical drive in which
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Harding Academy senior Jimmy Citty, right, hauls in a pass over junior Parker Golden during a practice earlier this summer.
PHOTOS BY STACI VANDAGRIFF/THREE RIVERS EDITION
Harding Academy senior quarterback Davis Morgan, left, is nearly tackled by sophomore linebacker Jeffrey Mercer. Harding Academy finished 7-5 last year.
Harding Academy head coach Neil Evans, left, walks and talks with sophomore linebacker Jeffrey Mercer.
GO LIONS