River Valley and Ozarks preseason team

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Niche Publications
August 24, 2008

Offense

QB - Kendall Pinkney from Dardanelle

Pinkney accounted for nearly 30 touchdowns last year for the Sand Lizards, and he'll bring his double-threat ability to the table again in 2008.

RB - Aaron Oade from Vilonia

Oade is a touchdown machine, accounting for 22 scores last season (19 rushing, three receiving). If there ever could be a feature back in the Double Wing, Oade's it.

RB - Brandon Hudson from Pulaski Oak Grove

Hudson ran for more than 1,300 yards last season for the Hornets, and he'll be a big part of the offense again this year.

WR - Anthony Frizzell from CAC

Frizzell will try to replace the production of graduated standout Ryan Farr. His size, strength and speed should help him do that.

WR - Jason Hall from Greenbrier

First-year head coach Randy Tribble doesn't dish out a lot of high praise, but he said Hall is a player "we've got to get the ball to."

TE - Heath Riggins from Vilonia

Riggins (6-2, 260) will be a key passing threat when the Eagles break into the Spread, and in the Double Wing he'll be a key blocker.

G - Jacob Gates from Danville

Gates, along with fellow junior Eddie Marquillo, has a bright future. Head coach D.J. Crane said the pair have a chance to be "two of the better offensive linemen in the state."

T - Stephen Russell from CAC

Russell (6-5, 280) is a monster in the Mustangs' offensive attack. Few would be surprised to see him play at the next level.

C - Christopher Alberson from Perryville

Alberson (6-0, 278) will anchor the line for the Mustangs. Head coach Jimmy Clayton called him "the team's best all-around athlete."

T - Tyler Stauch from Vilonia

Stouch (6-5, 280) is already fielding scholarship offers from several Division I schools and is the biggest player on the Eagles' impressive line.

G - Cody Nash from Vilonia

Nash (5-11, 230) will be part of an offensive line that should dominate most opponents.

Defense

DE - Trent Leslie from Russellville

Leslie (6-3, 255) is the lone returning starter on the Cyclones defensive line, and head coach Jeff Holt will look to him to lead the younger players and to make plays.

DT - Zach Sanders from Conway

Sanders (6-4, 265) will try to give the Wampus Cats a shot in the arm by plugging up the middle.

DT - Drew Davis from Dardanelle

Davis (6-0, 270) is a big cog in a tremendously talented Sand Lizard defense.

DE - Cody Colburn from Atkins

Colburn (5-10, 185) was described by head coach Charlie Sorrells as "having a nose for the ball." The senior led the team in tackles last year before an injury cut his season short.

LB - Ryan Garrison from Dardanelle

Garrison (5-7, 205) was an all-conference selection last year and will lead a swarming Dardanelle defense in 2008.

LB - Hilton Hoover from Heber Springs

Hoover (5-11, 170) will look to use his speed to anchor the Panthers' defense. "He's got a great motor," head coach Steve Janski said.

LB - Jasper Lee from CAC

Lee (5-10, 190) is considered one of the best linebackers in the state this year and will also be the Mustangs' feature running back.

DB - Cody Reese from CAC

Head coach Tommy Shoemaker said Reese (5-11, 185) is the team's all-around best defensive back. He'll look to shut down receivers from his corner position in CAC's new conference, the 5A West.

DB - Devin Foster from Mayflower

Foster (5-7, 155) will be called upon by the Eagles to cover opposing teams' best receiver.

DB - Greg Stivers from Perryville

Though he's known best for being the Mustangs' starting quarterback, Stivers (5-9, 175) plays a mean corner.

DB - Keegan McPherson from Heber Springs

McPherson (6-1, 170) is one of the fastest players on the Panthers roster, and head coach Steve Janski said he's got the tools to stay with any receiver in the league.