Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wolves prepare for big season and even bigger expectations

Head coach Greg Smith summed up the highs and lows of the 2006 Prescott Curley Wolves with one word.

Growth.

That team grew as men and as brothers. They fought hard in the beginning and things didnt quite go our way. Smith said. But we came back and made up for it in conference. We just couldnt make it happen in Little Rock.

The 2006-07 season came to an ugly end with a horrific defeat at the hands of Shiloh Christian Academy.

They (Shiloh Saints) put it on us pretty bad. Smith said. But were working hard right now. We just finished up two seven-on-seven tournaments; in which we did fairly well, and we cant wait to get back out there and make it happen.

Smith said his off-season program begins July 29 and is unique in comparison to other Arkansas coaches.

The guys will report to us on Sunday night. Smith said. We will move in at the old physical education gym, and get ready to hang-out all week.

The week serves as more of a bonding exercise than a boot camp, as most players call it. Smith introduced the idea last year and it was a success. During last years preseason week, the Curley Wolves were missing only two players, Smith said. One had an injury and the other was out of the state in a national racing tournament.

These are our two-a-days. Smith said. Well have our practices during the day and one at night, but the guys have a lot of fun. We are going to eat together, talk and get to know each other a little better. There will be a few devotionals so we can experience a real bonding sensation, but we have plenty of fun. We play guitars and last year a few guys even recorded a pre-season song.

After the lock-in it will be back to business for the Curley Wolves as they will prepare to face the Arkadelphia Badgers in the annual scrimmage game.

Hootens Arkansas Football magazine has the Curley Wolves ranked second in the state behind last years champion, Shiloh Christian Saints and first in the conference.

When youre ranked second to a (private) school like Shiloh Christian, and you are a public school, its frustrating, Smith said.

Shiloh returns five players from last year, while the Curley Wolves will bring back 15.

Of the 15 will be senior receiver, Deon Accor. Accor made the preseason Sonic Super team after last years 1,000 plus yard receiving performance. Also receiving recognition from Hootens were senior running backs, James Threadgill and Travaro Coulter.

Weve got some real talent, Smith said, weve got some guys with a lot of size and a few guys with some serious speed.

Junior quarterback Tremaine Henderson will be under center for the Curley Wolves. Henderson is still recovering from an injury and has had assistance from Accor thus far this spring. Both Coulter and Threadgill look to provide excitement and leadership to a deep and threatening backfield. Coulter racked up 600 yards on the ground last year and Threadgill has excelled in both running and blocking. Joining the duo in the backfield will be juniors Calin Hall and B.J. Haynie. Hall churned out 500 yards last year while Haynies pass catching abilities enabled him to rack up more than 1,000 yards of offense. Rounding out the backfield will be senior Chris Anderson, who gained 500 yards receiving in during his junior campaign.

If Henderson finds Accor covered this season, he may again look to his twin brother, Jermaine Henderson. Jermaine is the shorter of the two yet was able to manage 200 yards receiving from the tight end spot. Henderson will have two more options at receiver in seniors Ivan Young and Ray Smith.

Last years offensive line was anchored by departed lineman, Derek Boots Burke. This years line looks to be the driving force of the offense once again. Nimble junior, Brandon Charles will return to his starting position on the line, and will be accompanied by classmate Andrew Clark, who has a 270-pound bench press. Fellow junior, Halen Davis earned his spot on the line this summer and looks to assist upperclassmen, Jeremy Glass and Jake Norwood.

Before taking the head coaching job in Prescott, Smith was the defensive coordinator with the Arkadelphia Badgers. Smith was well-known for his intensity.

Defense can win it for you. Smith said.

Smith has plenty to work with this year as he returns seven starters. One of those is senior Cody Camp. The 206-pound end collected 30 tackles and an impressive seven sacks. On the other end of the defensive line will be Camps classmate, Sam Stafford, who racked up 30 tackles as well.

Two more seniors will plug holes in the middle of the line; Ketric Williams and Garrett Crelin. Williams gained game experience last year, and Crelin charted six sacks. Smith has plenty of linebackers this year, though senior Trent Barrow and junior Daron Purifoy have the most experience. Fellow juniors Drew Loe and Jacob Clark will provide depth on the linebacking crew. While seniors James Osborne, Bo Jester and Caleb Loe plan to rotate as well.

Hall and Haynie have their work cut out for them at the corners, and sophomore Chris Smith will man the safety spot.

With two other teams from the 7-3A conference mentioned in the top 20 preseason poll, the Curley Wolves have their work cut out for them.

Its going to be a stinkin tough conference, Smith said. But well be ready. And in these first three games, I can promise you it will be exciting.

The Curley Wolves have arrived from the three-day Red River football camp in Texarkana and will rest up for two-a-days, beginning Monday, July 30.