Coach: Scott Hyatt
2015 Record: 4-7
Returning Offensive Starters: 7
Returning Defensive Starters: 7
Offense: Wing Slot
Defense: 50
Key Players: SR Hayden Fennell QB/ SR Caleb Draper FB
BOONEVILLE (KFSM)- After spending two years in class 3A, the Booneville Bearcats are planning for their first season back in the 4A. As the Bearcats plan to make a name for themselves in the bigger class, they are also looking to erase the memory of their 2015 season.
Despite a not so favorable finish (4-7) last season, the Bearcats were still able to win their finally three games to make it to their 19h straight playoffs. Now the Booneville squad faces the challenge of keeping that tradition alive while bumping up a class.
One of the biggest obstacles they face this upcoming fall is their roster size. Currently, Booneville has 35 players on their team. The teams that they will face in 4A could have rosters with double the amount of players. But, head coach Scott Hyatt has prepared for that challenge by pushing his players to build their endurance during summer and fall workouts.
"The 3A conference we were in was tough," said Hyatt. "It's just a difference, it's a numbers game when you are on the bubble like were are, from 3A to 4A. We've got 35 kids, we are going to see people with 80 kids on their roster 70 kids. No doubt we have to be in shape."
One of the Bearcats assets this fall with be the return of 14 total starters. One of those being their quarterback Hayden Fennell who completed 50 of 86 passes last season for 683 yards and six touchdowns. With a smaller roster that means a lot more time the starters will have to be on the field, but Fennell says they are prepared to play from the start to the end of the game.
"We've got to stay in great shape," said Fennell. "We run a lot, but that's the bog part of our game. We've got to all be in shape and that foes a long way for playing hard for four quarters."
Booneville will play at Pea Ridge on September 2nd.
