ROGERS — Graduation has left holes on the Rogers High football depth chart, but Mounties coach Shawn Flannigan is hoping some of those vacancies will be filled in the coming weeks.
Rogers kicks of spring practice today as the Mounties look to replace 14 starters.
“We are looking to get kids lots of reps and opportunities to show us what they can do and possibly contribute to the team next fall,” Flannigan said. “This is going to be a great opportunity for every player on our team to practice and get better.
“With the number of seniors that we lost last year, we are going to do a lot of searching.”
At A Glance
Rogers High Schedule
Date Opponent Time
Aug. 26 at Shiloh Christian 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 6 Mountain Home 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Talequah, Okla. (NSU) 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 Fort Smith Northside 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Springdale High* 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 Van Buren* 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Bentonville* 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Fayetteville* 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 25 Springdale Har-Ber* 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Siloam Springs* 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 Rogers Heritage* 7:30 p.m.
—Denotes AAA Benefit Scrimmage Game
*— Denotes 7A/6A-West Conference Game
Despite the large number of question marks and a lack of experience at quarterback, Rogers enters spring practice still riding the momentum of last year’s success.
Rogers (6-5) posted its first winning record since 2007 and the Mounties advanced to the Class 7A playoffs for the first time since 2006.
Rogers will also be in its third year running the triple option offense when the fall season begins the last Friday in August.
“This is the first spring that we have had our coaching staff intact and our kids know our system,” Flannigan said.
Rogers lost seven starters on each side of the football and one of the biggest questions marks on offense probably won’t be settled until August.
The Mounties will be looking for a new quarterback as three-year starter Nick Wary is set to graduate. Rising senior Max Harrell has logged time under center the last two seasons while running back and rising senior Ty Galyean is also in the mix.
Galyean, however, is one of several key players that are involved in spring sports and won’t participate in spring drills.
He played slot back and some quarterback last year and rushed for 763 yards on 89 carries.
Running back Brandon Workman also returns, but he is still with the track team.
Rising senior Preston Young is expected to be the starting fullback. Young rushed for 410 yards on 66 carries before being injured early last season.
“Preston has had a great offseason and has put in a lot of effort,” Flannigan said. “He has a strong desire to be healthy and make it through the season this year.”
Bryce Bray and Austin Hughes bring experience to the offensive line, while Zane Bush and Alex McClung are back on the defensive front.
“Alex and Zane are definitely coming into their senior season with high expectations,” Rogers defensive line coach Mike Bush said. “They are both very physical and strong and have had a great off-season.”
Rising seniors Chance Alverson, Blake Woods, Sam Gibbons and Joe Hasty and rising juniors Ben Madden and Tanner Campbell will also compete for spots on the defensive line.
Spring drills will end May 9 and the Mounties will don the pads five times between today and the last day of drills.