It's all about the tempo as Ashcraft seeks balance: Langley, Wampus cats look to continue their winning ways.
Conway knows what it wants to do.On any given Friday the Wampus Cats focus on setting the tempo, a part of Coach Clint Ash-craft's philosophy that begins in the team's upbeat practices. Conway wants to show multiple looks on defense and be balanced on offense while still lining up in the Spread formation on most plays.
Of course, Conway's opponents in the 7A-Central might have something to say about that.
"Basically what it boils down to is us vs. an opponent," Ashcraft said. "What works best that night? How good is their front? How good is their secondary? Where do we feel best about attacking their defense?"
From Cabot, which keeps things on the ground with its punishing Dead-T, to the multiple sets of Bryant and North Little Rock, Conway can expect to have its hands full trying to get what it wants out of a night's matchup against a conference foe.
Still, you can't argue with success.
The Wampus Cats were 9-2 last year, suffering a 7A quarterfinal, playoff loss to Springdale Har-Ber, after going 5-7 but reaching the playoffs in Ashcraft's first season in 2009.
Conway may line up in the Spread, but the Wampus Cats know how to run. On defense, while it may be a work in progress, the players are getting their heads around the multiple schemes Ash-craft is trying to install.
"We try to be balanced," Ashcraft said of the offense that will be run by returning senior quarterback Tyler Langley, a two-sport athlete fresh off winning a 7A state baseball championship.
STADIUM: John McConnell Stadium
HEAD COACH: Clint Ashcraft
OFFENSE: Spread DEFENSE: Multiple
RETURNING STARTERS: 3 offense/8 defense
RETURNING LETTERMEN: 27
2010 RECORD: 9-2
KEY RETURNEES Tayler Langley Sr. AB 6-2 171 Brandon Cox Jr. WR 5-9 160 Kipley Powell Sr. DB 6-1 168 Reid Blaylock Sr. LB 5-10 198 E.J. Robinson Sr. DL 5-11 318 MarqiosRogers Sr. DL 5-11 255 Brannon Kotch Jr. OL/DS 6-2 249
OTHERS TO WATCH: Ben Tusson, Sr., OLB, 6-3, 190; Hayden Strickland, Sr., ILB, 6-1, 191; Kaylon Felder, Sr., DB, 5-10, 177; Mario Fennell, Sr., DL, 5-11, 289; Corven Alexander, Sr., DB/ RB/KR, 5-8, 159; Jonathan Spears, Sr., LB, 5-10, 189; Aaron Davis, Sr., G, 6-1, 252; Cordarius Irby, Sr., RB, 6-0, 209; Rashad Shepherd, Sr., WR, 6-1, 178; Corey Bobichaud, Sr., WR, 5-9, 162; Hart Denton, Jr., WR, 6-0, 151; Jalen Pearson, Jr. OL, 6-0, 261.
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Tim Boyd, Jr., WR, 5-10, 158; Bryton Booher, Jr., OT, 6-8, 275; Jeff Anderson, Jr., RB, 6-1, 200; Quincey Wardlow, Jr., RB, 5-10, 196; Demontre Ridgell, Jr., WR, 5-10, 175; Andrew Nance, Jr., DB, 5-10, 170.
A LEG UP: When an entire athletic program is deep, everyone benefits. Conway Coach Clint Ashcraft figured that out when he raided the Wampus Cats soccer program in search of a kicker and found Ivan Pelayo. The senior will handle all place-kicking duties after getting his initial football experience last year. Ashcraft said Pelayo should have greater leg strength and distance after an offseason in the weight room.
WHY THEY'LL WIN: The Wampus Cats are led by senior quarterback Tyler Langley, who brings not only experience, but also leadership. And they have eight returning starters on defense.
WHY THEY WON'T: Conway must replace eight offensive starters and faces a demanding 7A-Central schedule in which a team can face a different offensive look almost every Friday night.
THINKING IT OVER
Conway Coach Clint Ashcraft has had to ask his defensive players to be cerebral in embracing his multiple schemes, but with eight starters returning he expects things should go more smoothly and thinks he can throw in more wrinkles.
"The first year was really rough," Ashcraft said. "Kids just didn't understand it yet. They didn't have a good grasp of it. Last year we scaled it back and tried to keep it simple for them and I think that helps.
"We played better and ... we weren't having to think. Now that we feel good about our kids understanding that, we can put a little more on their plate."
Conway's Clint Ashcraft knows he can't control what an opponent will throw at his team, the weather or the ball's odd bounces. But he does try to get his players to be sure tacklers, to take care of the football, and to be disciplined and to think "tempo."
"The way we practice, that carries over into the game. We want to be fast. If you slow it down, other teams get comfortable."
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| Author: | Traub, Todd |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Arkansas Business |
| Geographic Code: | 1U7AR |
| Date: | Jul 11, 2011 |
| Words: | 753 |
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