SPRINGDALE — Just based on minutes played, Shiloh Christian backup quarterback Michael Slone logged about as much playing time in 2010 as starter Kiehl Frazier did.
The difference was Slone’s minutes came in the second half of blowout conference games when primarily he handed the ball off or tossed a pass here and there on third-and-long.
But with Frazier at Auburn, the Saints are Slone’s team now and the rising junior will be under the glare of the Friday night lights this fall. Slone took most of the snaps during Thursday’s final spring game and led his unit to five touchdowns, including an 80-yard touchdown strike on the game’s first play.
“I’m not nervous at all,” Slone said. “It was good to learn from Kiehl and it helped a lot. He was a good mentor and I know there is no one better I could possibly learn from.”
As a sophomore, Slone completed 19 of 29 passes for 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Not huge numbers, but considering his primary duty was to keep the game clock running, the exposure should prove valuable when the Saints kick off the 2011 season in Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Sept. 1 against Heber Springs.
Slone won’t have to shoulder the offensive load alone if Thursday’s scrimmage is any indication. There are several capable weapons at his disposal, especially in the running game.
“We’ve got some great running backs,” Slone said. “We’ve got (John) Johnson and Connor Clark. (Josh) Dellinger outside, Chris Cox is a sophomore coming up that’s going to be good. I mean we’ve got a lot of good players.”
Shiloh offensive coordinator Rod Washington likes where the team is heading into the summer.
“I think we made a lot of progress,” Washington said. “Obviously when you sit behind the guys these guys sat behind, it’s kind of tough. But these guys are taking a leadership role. I think we took steps every day and got a little bit better every day.”
Like Slone, Washington sees the team’s strength in the backfield.
“I think that’s where our explosiveness is going to come from,” Washington said. “We’re going to have what I call a unit at receiver where everybody is going to have to rotate and make plays.”
The Saints also announced on Friday that former standout Austin Tucker has been hired as an assistant football and basketball coach. Tucker stepped in at quarterback and helped the Saints to a Class 3A state football title in 2006.
“Austin had a great career here in football, basketball and baseball,” Shiloh athletic director Josh Floyd said in a news release. “He was one of the most intelligent players I have ever coached, so I wasn’t surprised when he decided to get into coaching.”
Fall Schedule
Shiloh Christian Saints
Date Opponent Time
Sept. 1 vs. Heber Springs# 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Tulsa (Okla.) Webster 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Greenwood 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 Berryville* 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Pea Ridge* 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Prairie Grove* 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 Gentry* 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 Gravette* 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 at Ozark* 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 at Farmington* 7 p.m.
- — 4A-1 Conference