DIERKS, Ark.David Bennett's long reign with the Dierks Outlaws is over.
QUICK FACTS
SCHOOL: Dierks COACH: Vince Perrin RECORD AT SCHOOL: First ASSISTANT COACHES: Jeff Tipton, ST, DL; Kevin Alexander, DB, WR; Stephen Sprick, OL-LB; Dustin Bissell, DB-WR STARTERS BACK: 6 offense, 7 defense PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR-DB-K Lane Woodruff, TB-LB Brayden Kirby, DL Jed Morrow, TB-DB Peyton Frachiseur, TE-DE Jarett Fox, C Brent Armstrong, L Andrew Hilton, QB-DB Caleb Adams. TOP NEWCOMERS: TE-LB George Thomas, L Brian Burk, L Brett Cannon, L Justin Greenwood, L Cameron Pugh, L Sam Maxey, K Guillermo Sand."Terminology is the biggest problem for our kids right now," Perrin said. "I can't say enough good things about the kids. We're getting better every day.
Photo Gallery
Juanita's, Friday August 24
Latture is the headlining act that draws the crowd at Juanita's on Friday, August 24.
The Outlaws will operate from the spread offense, and line up in a 4-3 defense this fall.
Like others in 7-2A, Dierks will be inexperienced at quarterback with the graduation of Jake Green.
"Senior Caleb Adams has never taken a varsity snap, but he's a leader, pays attention to detail and he's picking up our offensive playbook," Perrin said. "I think he'll do a good job. He runs the ball well and has the ability to throw the ball."
Behind Adams are tailbacks Brayden Kirby (5-8, 180) and senior Peyton Frachiseur (6-0, 150), who played wide receiver in 2015. Kirby is known for his power, while Frachiseur may be the fastest Outlaw.
There's several players competing for the starting jobs at receiver.
Senior Lane Woodruff (5-10, 160) appears to have one spot nailed down, and former tailback Colton Strode (5-9, 155) has been extremely impressive in practice.
Senior Cale Adams (5-11, 160) and tight end Jarett Fox (6-4, 210) will also be targets for Caleb Adams.
"Fox is a big target and possession receiver," Perrin said. "All of our receivers have good hands."
Their success depends largely on how Dierks plays up front, and Perrin has been pleased in that department.
"Our offensive line has a chance to be pretty good; they've got good size," he said.
Brent Armstrong (6-0, 280) will be the center, with seniors Gabriel Humphreys (5-9, 200) at left guard and Dalton Scherk (5-10, 250) at left tackle. The right side will be manned by Andrew Hilton (6-1, 225) and sophomore Cameron Pugh (6-0, 220).
Jeff Kompkoff (5-11, 270) is a senior who got a late start this summer, but is expected to contribute considerably. Mount Ida transfer Brett Cannon (6-2, 250) figures in the picture, and so does Sam Maxey (6-2, 210), who moved in from West Monroe, La., last spring.
Woodruff is the place-kicker right now, but Perrin is hoping foreign exchange student Guillermo Sand will develop and make a contribution.
"I just met Guillermo last week; he played soccer and has a strong leg," Perrin said. "Woodruff is our kicker right now."
Fox and Adams will handle the punting chores.
Dierks will have at least six players going both ways according to Perrin.
"We wish none were, but that's just the way it is," he said. "We'd like to have them all on one side, but sometimes that's not even possible in 4A and 5A."
Caleb and Cale Adams may have to play some at linebacker.
Kirby and senior Jed Morrow (6-1, 200) are returning leaders on defense. The secondary could be a strength with Woodruff, Frachisur and Cale Adams.
Fox and Hilton have worked at defensive end.
Others who could see action on the defensive side include Strode, Brian Graham, George Thomas, Elvin Wilson and Luis Perches.
The Outlaws have good numbers with 35-40 players starting this summer.
Perrin claims to have limited knowledge of his district competition.
"They say Mount Ida and Lafayette County are the teams to beat," he said. "I'm the new guy on the block, but I've also heard Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Foreman and Mineral Springs will be challenging for a playoff spot, just like us."