AAAAA West Previews
Russellville Crimson Cyclones (10-2, 7-0 West)
Offense: One Back
Defense: 4-3
Key starters lost: DL Mitch Nuckols, DL Mackenzie Williamson, LB Horacio Colen, LB Ben Thomas, DB J.J. Thompson, TE Josh Rogers, OL Ryan Grace
Head Coach: Jeff Holt
Most prognosticators didn't expect much out of Russellville in 2001, but the Cyclones shocked the state with win after heart-stopping win on their way to a 10-2 record. After being predicted to finish last by league coaches, Russellville became the 3rd team in 4 years to sweep the rugged West conference, and the Cyclones beat the "Big Three" (Northside, Southside, and Springdale) in the same year for the first time ever. After a season-opening 42-40 shootout loss to Morrilton, Russellville rebounded by topping archrival Conway 24-21 on a last-second field goal. The Cyclones used 8 Rebel turnovers and 3 defensive touchdowns to shock #1 Southside 37-19, and followed that win up by forcing 6 more turnovers in a 22-19 victory over Springdale. After escaping upset bids by Northside and Rogers by a combined 5 points, Russellville enjoyed it finest moment of the season in a 32-6 humbling of Bentonville. The magic fizzled in the second round of the state playoffs, as El Dorado squeaked past the Cyclones on a field goal in the final seconds. Russellville returns 12 starters and was voted to win the league by the coaches, but must replace 4 all-state defenders if they hope to repeat as conference champs.
Offense
Landon Leach returns for his third season at quarterback and will lead what might be AAAAA's most explosive offense. Leach threw for 3,239 yards and 27 touchdowns last year, with 5 TD performances against both Morrilton and Jacksonville. Nathan Brown gives the Cyclones a reliable backup.
Tracey Stiger returns at the one-back spot after being an all-state performer last season. The best pass-receiving back in the state, Stiger amassed over 1400 total yards and scored 15 touchdowns in his sophomore season. Using his 4.7 speed and incredible open-field moves, Stiger torched Van Buren for over 300 total yards. Sophomore Mackenzie Embry terrorized junior high defenses last fall and can either back up Stiger or play receiver.
Russellville is loaded at receiver, where starters Kevin Elliott and Aaron Williams return. Elliott was the Cyclones' big-play threat as a sophomore, using his 4.5 speed to rack up 708 receiving yards and six touchdowns, including an 84 yard bomb in the playoffs against Jacksonville and the game winning 45 yard TD against Springdale. While Elliott is the deep threat, Williams is the possession receiver, leading the team with 64 catches for 790 yards, including 126 yards and a TD at Bentonville. The third receiver spot was claimed in the spring by basketball star Quinton Collins, who hasn't played in 3 years but is built (5'9", 180) and has great quickness. Leach also has two good tight ends to throw to, with Tanner Stahl the likely starter. Stahl stepped up with a solid summer in 7 on 7 and with his 275 pound bench press, he is a strong run blocker. Chris Weaver is the other tight end, and he brings height (6'3") and experience to the mix.
Up front, look for 325 pound beast Brian Day to dominate opponents from his left tackle spot. Day benches well over 300 pounds and started at guard last year. Michael Bynum is undersized at guard (185 pounds) but is a solid pass blocker. Zach Orlicek (275 pounds) returns for his third year as the center. Zak Hemmer is the leading candidate to claim the vacated right tackle spot, and several linemen will compete for right guard, including Will Baker, Matt Bewley, and 295 pound junior Russell Brittenum.
Defense
Only one starter returns up front, and that is hard-hitting defensive end Matt Killingsworth, who has started every game of his career. In addition to playing tight end, Weaver will rotate at the other end spot with sophomore Tyler Briscoe. 300 pound tackle Steven Davis is the top candidate to replace Nuckols inside. Another sophomore, 280 pound Joey Crossland, has as much upside as any player on the defense and could team with Davis at tackle.
The linebacking corps is anchored by middle linebacker Tyler Loop, who steps in for Colen as the defensive quarterback. Loop runs a sub 4.9 and recovered 4 fumbles while serving as the top reserve linebacker last year. Matt Williams returns at outside linebacker, where he is one of the fastest (4.6) at his position. Williams returned 2 fumbles for touchdowns as a sophomore and is also the short-yardage running back. Ryan Collins, who owns a 275 pound bench press, was a horse at linebacker in JV action and will probably claim the other outside linebacker spot.
The Cyclone secondary is one of the better units in the state, and it is led by Sonic Super Team cornerback Drew Dickerson. While drawing the opponent's best receiver, Dickerson managed to nab 6 interceptions as a junior. Playing the other corner will be Adam Vines (4.6 speed), a good cover man and one of the surest tacklers on the squad. Terrance Taylor (4.5 speed) returns at free safety, where he nabbed 2 interceptions last year. Jarod Crenshaw and Benino Garay are talented but inexperienced at strong safety.
Special Teams
Aaron Williams handles the kicking duties, where he has made some clutch kicks, including the game winner against Conway in the final minute, but his range is limited to within 30 yards. Leach returns as the punter, where he averages over 35 yards per punt. Stiger is one of the top return men in the conference, and Embry could put his speed to use as a kick returner as well.
Outlook
Things have never looked brighter for Russellville. The Cyclones won the Class AAAAA weight-lifting title and have been one of the best 7 on 7 teams in the state this summer. With several stars returning from a conference championship squad, the pressure is on the school's best senior class ever to produce a state championship. If the Cyclones can deal with that pressure, and some underclassmen step up to fill the holes that were left along the lines, watch out. Russellville has tremendous team speed, incredible depth at the skill positions, and most importantly, the heart of a lion. The Cyclones have lots of stars, but they play as one. Should that team play continue, there is no reason this team cannot win the school's first ever state championship.
Strengths: Leach, Stiger, and the receivers. Secondary. Team speed and strength. Heart. Ability to win close games.
Weaknesses: Inexperience on the defensive line. Inconsistent kicker. Loss of leaders on defense.
Projected record: 9-1, 6-1 West
| Date | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep. 6 | Morrilton | Russellville | |
| Sep. 13 | Conway | Conway | |
| Sep. 20 | Searcy | Russellville | |
| Sep. 27 | Fayetteville | Fayetteville | |
| Oct. 4 | FS Southside | Russellville | |
| Oct. 11 | Springdale | Springdale | |
| Oct. 18 | Rogers | Russellville | |
| Oct. 25 | FS Northside | Fort Smith | |
| Nov. 1 | Bentonville | Russellville | |
| Nov. 8 | Van Buren | Van Buren |
Sources: Hooten's Arkansas Football (2001 and 2002), Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Morning News of Northwest Arkansas, Benton County Daily Record, Russellville Courier, game programs, personal notes, and my own two eyes.