Due to an open date built into their schedule, the Greenwood Junior High Bulldogs begin their 2020 gridiron season a week earlier than normal this year, starting Thursday at 7 p.m. at Smith-Robinson Stadium. The opponent is Shiloh Christian and kick-off is set for 7 p.m. The junior high normally plays its first game the day before the varsity opener.
In preparation for Shiloh, the Jr. ‘Dogs participated in a pre-season scrimmage last Thursday at Fayetteville. At first glance, Greenwood won the contest handily, 42-20, though Fayetteville’s ninth grade squad was split into separate teams. The visiting Bulldogs built a 21-0 in the first half, then withstood a rally by the Jr. Purple Dogs, who scored three quick touchdowns early in the second half.
Leading by a point, 21-20, the Junior ‘Dogs then regrouped for three additional scores. The touchdowns came on a 75-yard pass from quarterback Cole Kindle to receiver Austin Mitchell, and a pair of goal line lobs from Kindle to receivers Peyton Presson and Braden Skaggs.
Greenwood’s first three scores came on a 13-yard scoring pass, a 44-yard catch-and-run, and a 3-yard plunge with quarterback Slade Dean at the controls. Kicker Bodie Steinfeldt handled the place-kicking duties on extra points. The following day, Head Coach Shannon Rhea talked about the scrimmage results and his team’s outlook for the coming season.
“[Fayetteville] didn’t have the score [up], but I was more stressed about making sure we had our masks on and staying spread out, than the actual game,” admitted Rhea. “[Offensively], we scored and did really well. We passed the ball well. [Offensive coordinator Josh Holloway] complimented the guys. They executed. We had some screen passes that went for good yardage and we hit [Fayetteville] on some deep balls too, and made some good runs.”
Regarding the format of the scrimmage, Rhea said, “We were planning on playing everybody. That’s what the scrimmage is for. [Fayetteville] had two teams. We played their purple team in the first half and the white team the second half. We were mixing guys in. We were playing our #1s the first part of the game.”
The coach was also happy with how his kids responded to the restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, limitations designed to help prevent the spread of the virus. “I was pleased with how we [practiced] social distancing during the week and how we need to stand on the sidelines. Everything has changed, [including] how we warm up. The kids did a real good job of that, and when we got to the game they really executed and played hard. I thought they gave us great effort.”
Defensively, the Jr. ‘Dogs also looked good. “I thought we did really well,” said Rhea. “Our line was getting penetration and making things happen. We made their quarterback move around. We made it difficult for them. I was impressed with how we flew to the ball. We tackled well [too]. They did a good job.
“We’ll basically [play] a three front [defense], but we can mix it up and move around,” he continued. “We’re going to be a little more aggressive this year and come after people. I like how [we] hustled and flew around to the ball.”
The head coach also talked about some changes to his staff for 2020, including the departure of John Kincade, one of the most beloved coaches on campus. Also the head coach for the varsity wrestling team, Coach K has given up his football duties to focus more on wrestling, allowing Brian Sims to move from the varsity football staff to junior high. For the past several years Sims has been the offensive line coach for the Bulldogs.
“Coach Kincade stepped down and we’re going to miss him,” said Rhea. “He’s a guy all the players and coaches enjoyed being around, [but] he had some health issues last year. He [also] wanted to focus more on wrestling, [and] we were fortunate to get Coach Sims. He will be a big help with our linemen. I feel really good about our coaching staff.
“I came [to Greenwood] with Brian at the same time and our sons played together. We work well together. He’s going to be the offensive and defensive line coach [for us]. Coach [Eric] Daniel will be the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Coach Holloway and I will take the secondary and I will also do special teams. We’re all involved in special teams.”
As for his players this season, Coach Rhea has high hopes, based on their talent level. As eighth graders, this group of freshmen lost just one game last season, to Fort Smith Chaffin. The Jr. ‘Dogs hope to return the favor this fall as ninth graders. The two teams meet in Fort Smith to open River Valley Conference play on September 10th.
Taking the snaps for the junior high offense will be two gifted quarterbacks, Slade Dean and Cole Kindle, both of whom played well in the scrimmage. Last season Rhea had three talented QBs to choose from, one of which (Joe Trusty) was moved up to provide depth and get some playing time with the junior varsity team. Unfortunately, he was soon injured and missed much of the season. Trusty, along with Hunter Houston and Storm Scherrey, are all sophomores this season for the Bulldogs and will see considerable playing time at various positions.
“Last year we had three really good ones,” said Rhea of that 2019 quarterback trio. “[But] we feel pretty good about the two we’ve got this year. Slade Dean started in the [scrimmage] last night, then Cole Kindle came in and worked with the second and third bunch, and at the end of the game he got to work with the #1s. I was impressed with both of them, how they were poised and were [making] the right reads. They both made some good passes.”
Slade and Stone Dean are twin brothers, said Rhea, who has trouble telling them apart. “I’ve had both of the Dean brothers in class, and they are the best-behaved kids I’ve ever had. They are smart and do exactly what you tell them. They are just well-mannered kids and I’m glad to have them on the team. Stone is a receiver and a corner on defense and our deep snapper. He’s a guy I can depend on.”
Both quarterbacks are similar in build and style. “[Slade] is taller than me,” said the coach. “He loves to play quarterback and he works at it. He’s put in the time. He’s also got good speed. He’s no slowpoke, but he does a good job staying in there and finding the right [receiver].
“I was [also] really impressed with how [Cole] played. He’s been here every day and put in his time. I can depend on Cole, and he’s a big part of my special teams. Style-wise, he’s similar to Slade. They’ll [both] get playing time, especially Cole. We have no problem sticking him [elsewhere] on offense. I’ve [also] got him on special teams and as backup deep snapper.
“At running back we have L.J. Robins and Carson Hobbs,” said Rhea. “Those are our two-deep [backs], and they did a good job running the sweep plays [against Fayetteville]. We’re going to be a little more wide-open [offensively], and use them to catch balls. We’ll spread it five-wide and be able to throw to them. They do a good job catching the ball.
“They’re about average size,” continued Rhea. “L.J. looked really quick last night. Carson is a tough kid and we can put him anywhere. It’s 50/50. We’re going to need both of them. We don’t lose anything switching them out.”
Another potential offensive player for the Jr. Bulldogs is Caden Nelms, temporarily sidelined, recovering from leg surgery. “[Caden] is more of a running back or quarterback type. We’ll probably use him on the goal line when it gets tougher to pass. He [may be] be at quarterback [or] receiver. He’s a tall kid and a great athlete, but he’s had a hard time staying on the field. He’s had some bad luck, and hasn’t been released to play yet,” explained Rhea.
The Jr. ‘Dogs are really loaded at receiver this year. “This is the deepest we’ve been,” said their coach before proceeding to list no less than 10 receivers, starting with another injured player, Austin Burcher, due to return soon from a shoulder injury. Burcher is pegged as one of several outside receivers. Others expected to line up wide are Josh Ligon, Noah Chaser, Peyton Presson and Eli Whitaker. Chaser and Presson have especially caught Rhea’s attention during the pre-season.
“[Noah] came from basketball, and I’ve been really impressed with how he works. He’s a hustler and he caught the ball well the other night and took some hits and kept on going. He’s a good player. Peyton Presson is about 6-2 with great hands. He’s a force when they try to cover him. He’s a man.”
At the two inside receiver positions Rhea listed several possibilities, starting with Austin Mitchell, Braden Skaggs, and Josh Allen. “Those three do a great job,” he said. They will be backed up by Stone Dean and Brady Mackey.
Asked about his offensive line, Coach Rhea said, “I thought they blocked pretty well last night. Ryan Shortes is our center. Our right guard is Andrew Tibbets and our right tackle is Riley White. At left guard is Andrew Bass and our left tackle is Brady Pettigrew. We’ve also got good depth. We’ve got some guys with playing time to plug in.”
Regarding the size of his linemen, Coach Rhea preferred to focus on their quickness and footwork. “We’re not real huge, but the good thing about them is they can move, if we can get them pointed in the right direction. A lot of them play on our defensive line also. They’re pretty quick.”
Rounding out the offense and special teams, the Jr. ‘Dogs are also blessed with yet another good prospect at kicker. His name is Bodie Steinfeldt, who was perfect on all six of his extra point attempts last week. “Bodie will do all the kicking. He kicked them right down the middle [at Fayetteville]. He’s got a strong leg and he’s going to be a good kicker. Stone [Dean] did a good job of snapping and [Braden] Skaggs is our holder.”
On the defensive line, the junior high has Jacob Chick (6-3) at left end. “He’s tall and lanky and very quick. I think he’s going to be a really good player,” said his coach. “Ryan Frank is our nose guard and Jacob Ravey is our right end. We’ll also mix in Cameron Green at end, Andrew Bass at nose, and Brady Pettigrew at end also. We’re constantly switching them out. We’re trying to keep them fresh. We’re trying to start 22 guys like our senior high does, to wear [our] opponents down. I think we’re able to do that this year.”
At left side linebacker will be Kaleb Garner, Braxton Davis, and a healthy Landon Nelms. At left middle linebacker is Bryce Williams, “a move-in from Spiro who is going to be a big help to us,” said Rhea. Aiden James and James Smith will also see time at the position. “Aiden did really well [at Fayetteville]. He made some big hits,” added the coach.
On the right side, linebacker Brady Mackey will be first up, followed by Cole Kindle, Aiden Sockey, and Alec Middleton. At right outside linebacker will be Eli Whitaker, Peyton Presson, and, in a pinch, kicker Bodie Steinfeldt, said Rhea.
In the secondary, the left side cornerback position will be filled by Josh Ligon, L.J. Robbins, and Jarod Pace. On the right side will be Noah Chaser, Stone Dean, and Jackson Witherington. The safeties will be Josh Allen and Freddie Skaggs, backed up by Carson Hobbs, Austin Mitchell, Zackery Sieck, and Mason Meier.
“We are pretty tall and lean,” said Rhea. “Fayetteville can make you look small, but we’ve got guys with good height. We’ve got five or six guys taller than me. We’ve got good size. At the end of last year this eighth grade team was really aggressive. We were really dominating. We got beat by Chaffin, [but] we beat North Little Rock. When [we] are on, it’s going to take a heck of a team to beat us.
“[Chaffin] snuck up on us and got us. We’re going to have to go to their house this year and beat them over there,” he continued, talking about some of his team’s biggest schedule challenges this season. “Harrison is always good. We’ve [also] got Pea Ridge in the conference this year, [but] I don’t know much about them. We have two non-conference games with Russellville and Shiloh.”
Coach Rhea and his staff are also responsible for two seventh grade teams and one eighth grade squad, all of which appear poised for good seasons. Both classes have good numbers and the seventh grade linemen may be among the best Rhea has seen since taking over the junior high program several years ago. “They’ve got some big kids in that bunch,” he said.
“Our senior high coaches have been working them out the last couple of weeks, so we are just now getting back with them. We’ve got a [seventh grade] game next week, so hopefully we’re ready to go. They’ve been showing up and plugging away.
“Our eighth grade has a chance to be pretty good,” he continued. “We’ve got some aggressive kids that have been playing hard. Their first game is September 3rd against Russellville. Kane Archer is a good quarterback. He’s been traveling around to camps and he’s going to play seventh and eighth grade games. He’s got a good arm. He’s smooth and he’s been coached well. We’re going to throw the ball a lot with him. His brother, Cash, plays on the eighth grade team and he’s a good athlete.
“We’re basically just learning what we’ve got with these seventh graders,” said the coach. “We’ve got a couple of Burton boys that are going to be helpful. We’re glad to have them.” Matthew Burton and Andrew Burton will see time at running back and receiver. The son of varsity assistant coach Steven Thessing is also a talented seventh grade player.
Rhea and his staff have their hands full every year, keeping tabs on four teams and well over 100 players from three different grades, and they have done it well for years now. They are a vital part of the overall football program at Greenwood, and a big reason why the varsity Bulldogs continue to thrive and set the standard for gridiron success in Arkansas.