PREP FOOTBALL: Receivers Seek Big Season

SPRINGDALE — Springdale High receivers coach Josh Allen has been routinely impressed by what he’s seen from his players this month.

Springdale’s receivers, a group that Allen considers one of the best he’s coached, saidthey’ve made strides throughout preseason practices because of their focus on improving their fundamental skills.

The only two returning starters are seniors Henry Hernandez and Kempys Robinson, who combined for 1,238 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall. This season, the Red’Dogs also get senior Tony Dennis, who missed his junior season because of a knee injury.

Allen said the biggest strength with his players is their ability to create separation from defenders and get open looks. He also said they’ve excelled in catching lobbed passes and making plays after catching the football.

“I know this is going to be a productive group this season,” Allen said. “They’ve all got a great grasp on the off ense and they run routes so well.”

Hernandez caught seven passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns against Springdale Har-Ber last fall, helping get him to his season total of 878 yards. He said he wants to help his team by going over 1,000 yards this season.

“More than anything, we’ve improved so much on our little drills that we do in practice,” Hernandez said. “I think we can be a great group this season, and we’re going to prove it on Friday nights.”

Springdale sophomore Jordan Dennis will see playing time this season because of his natural athletic ability, Springdale coach Shane Patrick said.

Dennis, the younger brother of Tony Dennis, stands 5-foot-11 and the ability to jump high for passes and create plays from his natural speed, Patrick said.

“He’s really impressed all of us by what he’s done and the progress he’s made,” Patrick said. “He’s still young and inexperienced, sohe’s got a long way to go. But he’ll contribute plenty this season.”

Hernandez said working withnew quarterbacks this season has been a tough transition, especially after having two-year starterJoseph Calcagni last fall. But he saidjunior Will Whatley has improved greatly in making strong passes to each of the receivers so they can make plays.

“Our quarterbacks were inexperienced at first, but we’ve all figured each other out,” Hernandez said. “We’ve got our timing down and I think we can make any play we need to this season.”