Coach: Brad Lindley, 11th season at West Fork (4th as head coach)
2015 Record: 8-4
Returning Offensive Starters: 6
Returning Defensive Starters: 6
Offense: Spread
Defense: 4-4
Key Players: SR Graham Langston QB/MLB, SR Chance Poplin RT/DE
WEST FORK (KFSM)--Brad Lindley and West Fork won 14 straight conference games en route to two 3A-1 titles in a row. Now in 2016, the Tigers climb the ladder to the more challenging Class 4A. West Fork made the jump once before after the 2007 season, and ended up with as undefeated conference champions.
Lindley is adamant that anything can happen. "We're picked to finish sixth in the league, but not a lot is expected. Even from a team that's experienced some success over the last couple of years in 3A. Our kids welcome the challenge." The Tigers graduated all-state quarterback Colton Wise and all-state running back Brayden Burnett. Two of West Fork's strongest returners are Graham Langston and Chance Poplin. Langston converts from running back to quarterback to boost a mobile backfield, while Poplin is a three year starter that anchors the offensive line.
Langston noted, "The difficulty is going to go up. The speed of the game is definitely going to increase, which is why we are increasing our intensity in practice quite a few notches to get ready for that. He's also told us that playing together is going to be key for us this year in that step up." Poplin echoed those thoughts when asked about his goals. "Play as a team is definitely [one of our goals] and along the ride, win games," the senior said.
After winning four conference titles in six years of 3A football, the Tigers are ranked 45th in the Class 4A preseason poll. Against 4A competition last season, Lindley's team lost its first three games to Gentry, Berryville and Prairie Grove.
West Fork hosts rival Greenland on September 2nd at 7pm in its season opener. The Tigers have knocked off the Pirates in the conference championship each of the past two years.