Receivers Still Strength For War Eagles

Carlos Hernandez, Rogers Heritage senior wide receiver, practices Aug. 9 at Gates Stadium in Rogers.
Carlos Hernandez, Rogers Heritage senior wide receiver, practices Aug. 9 at Gates Stadium in Rogers.

ROGERS — Rogers Heritage lost all-state receiver Forrest Johnson to graduation, but War Eagles offensive coordinator Darren Hotelling believes he’s got a suitable replacement to keep the high-powered offense clicking this season.

Johnson accounted for more than 1,800 yards of total offense and 19 touchdowns last season, but is now getting ready to play football at Henderson State. But Hotelling and coach Perry Escalante believe junior Joey Saucier can fill Johnson’s role of playmaker this year.

THE SKINNY

POSITION BATTLE: RECEIVERS

WATCH OUT FOR: Junior Joey Saucier (5-10, 188) will be counted on to provide big-play ability with the graduation of standout Forrest Johnson. Coaches say Saucier isn’t as elusive as Johnson, but is faster and a more physical player.

BIGGEST STRENGTH: The War Eagles returns several experienced receivers, who should make this position a strength, despite the loss of an all-state player like Johnson, who racked up 71 receptions for almost 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns.

BIGGEST QUESTION MARK: Saucier finished fourth at the Meet of Champions in the 100 meters as a sophomore, so speed isn’t a question. But he was brought along slowly as a sophomore and had just two catches and ran the ball 10 times for 124 yards.

Saucier showed off his speed and athleticism during track season as a sophomore. He finished fifth in 10.85 seconds in the 100 meters at the Meet of Champions, just seven-hundredths of a second behind the winner. Saucier also finished 15th in the Arkansas High School Decathlon.

“Joey brings a lot of things Forrest couldn’t do,” Escalante said. “Joey will run over you. Joey is a real physical blocker. Forrest was a good blocker, too, but he was more technique. Forrest would give you a hip and be gone. Joey can out-run you, too. He’s got blazing speed.

“He’s faster than Forrest. He’s a physical blocker, a physical runner, blazing speed and great hands. We think he can do some very good things for us.”

Saucier (5-foot-10, 188 pounds) caught just two passes a year ago, but the War Eagles return several experienced receivers. Jeremy Spickes (5-11, 177) caught 24 passes for 254 yards and four touchdowns, while classmate Carlos Hernandez (5-4, 131) added 25 catches for 390 yards and three touchdowns.

Tight end Micca Brown (6-2, 222) even had 16 receptions for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

Hotelling likes that group, along with seniors Zach Paquet and Logan Gall and sophomore Collin Christian (6-2, 171).

“Not too shabby,” Hotelling said. “Jeremy Spickes has good hands and a good blocker. He doesn’t have great speed, but runs really good routes and knows how to get open.

“Carlos has that type of athleticism, twist your ankles off out in space trying to tackle him. Logan has worked his tail off and is right there working into a Friday night role. Micca Brown, I like that big target over the middle. He’s got good speed for a big guy and great hands.”

Gall suffered a broken collarbone during the spring, but has returned to full speed. Paquet (5-10, 178) is also getting some time with the first group, Hotelling said.

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