Bobcats starting over after last year's 0-10 season

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HOPE, Ark.-It's sort of like starting over for Hope coach Jay Turley.

The 2016 season was forgettable to say the least. The Bobcats' 0-10 campaign was marred by adversity of all types, and was the school's first in more than 60 years.

"Most of our issues last year were off the field," Turley said. "Those kids are no longer part of our program, and our lockerroom is a lot better. Everyone has bought in this year, and their attitude is great.

"I've never been through a season like 2016 as a player or a coach. We've got to go to work harder, and as a staff we've got to find better ways to motivate the kids. We've hit the halls hard trying to get kids to come out, but I think that's a problem everywhere now. Numbers are down at a lot of places with the kids having so many things to do. Getting them out and making them work hard is kind of a chore."

The pass-happy Bobcats have changed their idenity with the graduation of record-setting quarterback Austin Stubber

"We'll be completely different at quarterback with senior Keith Brown," Turley said. "This kid is a great athlete, but hasn't played football since he was a freshman. He was an all-state basketball player for us last year as a junior. We talked him into trying football again, and he's our starter right now.

"The spread is still our base offense, but we'll have two running backs behind Brown. I think we'll be pretty good at running back with Jaylon Conway back. We've got another kid (Kennan Green) who hasn't played since he was a freshman. He was a great back in junior high, but had some issues. Green could be the first true running back we've had in a while. We should be able to move the football."

That may be a given, but the Bobcats' inability to stop the opposition could also be a fact if they don't improve dramatically on defense.

"We're concerned about our defense; we weren't very good on defense last year, and most of those players were seniors," Turley said. "Our kids this year haven't played a whole lot of defense. I feel pretty decent about our secondary, but we've got some untested and inexperienced people up front. We just don't know yet."

Conway (5-10, 190) rushed for 400 yards and had 600 more receiving last fall.

Hope should be solid up front on offense with the return of senior tackle Bob Philllips (6-0, 285); senior center Zach Johnson (5-9, 245); junior tackle Laymon Howell (6-0, 245) and junior Christian Lowe (5-6, 240).

The Bobcats won't throw as much, but the team is still loaded at the receiver position with senior Nate Carter, junior Nikorian Muldrew and junior Jaloni Davis.

Returning on defense are senior linebacker Alan Castro (5-9, 180); junior linebacker Chris Haywood (6-0, 190); senior cornerback Emanuel Philllips (5-9, 155); and senior safety Jerrell Henry (6-0, 186).

Senior Austin Coronado (5-7, 220) could be the starting noseguard.

"Demariyae Jackson could help us up front; he's another kid who didn't play last year," Turley said. "We've had a couple of new kids move in. Jonathan Mendoza could factor at defense end and tight end. Quentin Key didn't play last year, but could be one of our safties.

"We're trying to sell our kids one day at a time. We come to work and try to get better. I think the kids know some of our issues have been resolved. We're just going to look a lot different, running the ball, eating up the clock and trying to make games shorter.

"I really think we'll be better this year. Our kids have a better attitude and they work harder. We're doing some things offensively that gives us a chance to be better, but we've got to find a way to stop people. Right now we're not very good on defense."

Turley shakes his head when thinking of Hope's early schedule.

"It's crazy! We start with a scrimmage against Arkansas High, and then open with Nashville, Ashdown and Prescott," he said. "They're all powerhouses. Nashville and Prescott are the best in their respective classes year-in and year-out. You don't have a break going into conference. You've got to survive health wise and mentality-wise. It's so hard to gain any confidence with those folks."

Still, a playoff run is not out of the question according to Turley.

 

QUICK FACTS

 

SCHOOL: Hope

2016 RECORD: 0-10

HEAD COACH: Jay Turley

YEARS AT SCHOOL: 7

COACHING STAFF: Doug Means, DC; Gene Stubber, AC; Jonathan Turner, DB; Anthony Meeker, DL; Zac Hoglund, OL; Austin May, WR; Josh Marshall, LB

LETTERMEN LOST/BACK: 22/22

STARTERS BACK: 6 offense, 4 defense

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Jaylon Conway, OT Bob Phillips, C Zach Johnson, LB Alan Castro, LB Chris Haywood, S Jerrell Henry

TOP NEWCOMERS: QB Keith Brown, WR Nikorian Muldrew, WR Jaloni Davis, RB Keenan Green

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