LAKE HAMILTON WOLVES| Staying focused

Josh Briggs Contributing Writer
August 29, 2010

2010 Wolves aim for playoffs in tough conference

TRI-LAKES AREA — The Lake Hamilton Wolves entered 2009 fresh off a state title run that ended with them hoisting the state trophy. It was almost a direct repeat in 2009. But, unfortunately, the Wolves fell short of a repeat and were defeated in the 6A state semifinals at the hands of Pine Bluff. Even with the lossin the playoffs, head coach Jerry Clay and the rest of the team and staff are not disappointed in the finish or the overall 9-3 record.

“We had a great year, and we hope to live up to last year this season,” Clay said. “We would have liked to win that last game.”

With the 2010 season right around the corner, the Wolves are preparing for another playoff push.

“We are throwing the ball very well,”Clay said. With offense being the main core for the Wolves, Clay has his quarterbacks and wide receivers working on improving every day.

But for every team, leadership and skilled veterans play a key role in the team’s success. For the Wolves, junior wide receiver turned quarterback Levi Runyan will lead the offense into action.

Runyan was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Super Sophomore team in 2009. Junior wide receiver Dalton Daniels will be Runyan’s main go-to guy in 2010, Clay said.. Junior linebacker Tyler Lindsey, another member of the 2009 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Super Sophomore team, will lead the defense for the Wolves in 2010.

When a team wins a state title and then turns around and finishes deep in the state playoffs the next season, that team probably had a lot of strengths. This is the case for the 2010 Wolves once again. But unlike most high school teams, the Wolves’ best strength is not the offense or defense. It is the kicker Preston Booth, Clay said.

“Nearly every kickoff was a touchback,” Clay said. The offense and defense is still in the top three for the Wolves. “Our quarterbacks are big for us, and our wide receivers have great hands,” Clay said. “Our defensive perimeter linebackers have great speed as well.” The Wolves play in a very tough 6A South conference, and with a tough conference comes tough competition. When asked who the team to beat will be, Clay replied, “I hope we are.”LAKE HAMILTON WOLVES

Sept. 3 ..........@ Little Rock Hall Oct. 8 .................... Pine Bluff*

Sept. 10 ................ Springdale Oct. 15 ....... @ Little Rock Fair*

Sept. 17 .... @ Pulaski Academy Oct. 22 .................El Dorado*

Sept. 24 ..............@ Sheridan* Oct. 29 .............@ Texarkana*

Oct. 1 ....................... Benton* Nov. 4 @ Little Rock McClellan*

Tri-Lakes Football, Pages 67 on 08/29/2010