Bulldogs move ahead with big offseason effort

FAYETTEVILLE -- As every high school football offseason comes and goes, more and more work appears to be added to help teams prepare for the season that lies ahead. Teams throughout Northwest Arkansas are more ahead of the game than ever with conditioning, weightlifting, 7-on-7 tournaments and other team workouts than ever before. In Fayetteville's case, this offseason was no different than other area teams. But in terms of quality production combined with lofty expectations, the Bulldogs' time on the field in the summer might be considered one of their best yet. Fayetteville participated in three 7-on-7 tournaments this summer, winning the Derby, Kan., tournament and the Southwest Elite 7-on-7 at Shiloh Christian. The Purple'Dogs also managed a respectable 5-4-1 record at the prestigious National Select 7-on-7 in Hoover, Ala., to wrap up their 7-on-7 tournament play the weekend of July 17-18. "We went 29-5-1 in 7-on-7 this year," Fayetteville coach Daryl Patton said. "I've had teams win 30 games a few times in 7-on-7, but we've never faced the quality of competition like we did this summer." A big change this offseason was the addition of a team camp. In the past, Fayetteville hosted a passing league to go along with its 7-on-7 work. With many smaller schools opting out of the passing league in recent years, the team camp was added to the schedule this summer. "We've always done the workouts with the passing league, but our lineman were kind of left out," Patton said. "With the team camp, you get the lineman involved. So it was very beneficial." Fayetteville figures to have a high-powered offense this fall with junior quarterback Taylor Powell (6-2, 200) surrounded by plenty of experience. Running backs Luke Rapert (5-9, 170) and Javontae Smith (5-9, 200) are back as well, receivers Tyson Morris (6-3, 190), Garland Allison (6-3, 185), Bruce Armstrong (5-6, 150), Barrett Bansiter (6-0, 180) and Terrance Rock (5-11, 175) and tight end Drake Wymer (6-6, 220) give the passing game plenty of options. The offensive line is bigger and stronger than it's ever been under Patton. Defensively, key graduates Damani Carter, Dre Greenlaw and Ridley Weeks must be replaced. But Fayetteville feels good up front with Eli Hale (6-5, 240) and Akial Byers (6-4, 250) and a talented secondary guided by the likes of Andrew Ellis (6-0, 185), Colby Sigears (5-7, 155) and Kennedy Wade (6-3, 180). "We're farther along right now than we've ever been," Patton said. "The ninth grade, with all the transition and move up to the high school, might not be as far along. But 10th through 12th, we're in good shape."

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BULLDOGS MOVE AHEAD WITH BIG OFFSEASON EFFORT

VERNON TARVER

NWADG | 7/25/2015

PHOTO CREDIT: NWADG