HOPE, Ark. - The Spring Hill Bears (0-2) may be a little banged up at the moment, but they're not showing signs of slowing down.
"We've faced a lot of adversity as a team early on," Spring Hill head coach Greg Smith said. "Unforeseen adversity, injury-wise. I've got a roster of 20 kids and currently we have four that will not be dressing. We're down, so we're still dealing with adversity.
"That's 20% or so of your roster, so that's a quick hit. It's a year of the next man up. Who's the next player that's going to step in line. We've been building continuity in our offensive and defensive schemes, plus with our terminology. We're all starting to feel like we're speaking the same language. That part of it is exciting for us."
Senior Rusty Orr is a bright spot for the Bears offense in year one under Smith.
"Rusty has learned this offense front and backwards," Smith said. "He can tell just about anybody on the field at any point what to do and how to do it. He's learned it and he's our general. He knows how to do it. We're thrilled to have Rusty running the offense."
Defensively, Spring Hill is led by seniors Justin Lecher and Chaydon Breeding.
"Justin is our quarterback of the defense," Smith said. "Whenever the opposing team's offense comes out, he knows exactly where everyone should line up, to the proper defensive call. We're glad he's back there running the schemes we're trying to employ.
"Chaydon told us he would do whatever his team needed of him this season," Smith said. "He's been spectacular for us offensively and defensively. There's no one on the team that plays any harder than he does. We are absolutely thrilled with Chaydon."
The Bears host Genoa Central (1-1) on Friday at Bear Stadium, with kickoff at 7 p.m.
"I'm still learning about the rivalries and grudge matches," Smith said. "Genoa is a program that I've seen grown over the years. I have a lot of respect for their program and the coaches that are working their program. We're thrilled to be on the field with them. We're a young program, like they once were, so I'm excited to see how it will all come together on Friday.
"We would like everyone in Spring Hill to come out and support these guys Friday night."