Football: White More Comfortable In Mounties Backfield

ROGERS -- The learning curve last season for Rogers High slot back Sage White was a quick one.

White was forced into the Mounties first game last year as a sophomore and the 5-foot-10, 175-pound junior running back has only got better with each snap of the football

Because of an injury to returning slot back Ty Galyean, White started the Mounties first three games last season and he saw extensive action the rest of the year while rushing for 310 yards while averaging 7.6 yards a carry as Rogers qualified for the Class 7A playoffs. This season, White has rushed for 133 yards and is averaging seven yards a carry as the Mounties prepare for the 7A-West Conference opener at home against Springdale Har-Ber Friday night.

Rogers coach Shawn Flannigan would rather have upperclassmen in starting and backup roles but said he had complete confidence in White a year ago. White was the only sophomore offensive player that logged extensive playing time last season.

"When we saw Sage as a ninth-grader, we knew if we got into a pinch the next year that we could count on him as the next guy," Flannigan said. "As a sophomore, he played off and on all year and that helped him get ready for this year. Sage got a lot of touches those first three games last season because that is what the defense was dictating.

"Sage stepped in and didn't back down from anyone."

White found out the day before the Mounties season opener last season that he would line up opposite of Brandon Workman at slot back.

"I knew Ty Galyean had been dealing with an injury but when I saw my name on the starters list it was a bit shocking since I was a sophomore," White said. "The guys around me helped me get through it."

And it didn't take long for White to get into a groove in the Mounties run-oriented offense. Rogers was leading Mountain Home 7-0 last September when White raced 31 yards for a touchdown

"I got a pitch and there was just a huge hole," White said. "From then on, I gained a lot of confidence. After that first game I realized that I could do it. I learned a lot from playing with all the seniors last season. If I ever had a question, they were always there."

As the Mounties most experienced returner on offense this season, White is one of the Mounties go-to players on offense, which requires the skill players to be mentally focused on every play depending on what the opposing defense is doing.

"I feel I am more in a position to be a leader," White said. "Last year, I was just trying not to make a mistake. Every time you go out for a pitch, you have to be ready. You may go all night and not get a pitch, but then you could be in a position to score a touchdown. You can't miss out on that opportunity."

White, despite also playing baseball, worked hard last winter and spring in the weight room. That work has paid big dividends this season for the football team, Flannigan said.

"Sage was in here four days a week lifting," Flannigan said. "That has helped him have success on the football field this year. He is more physical on his blocks."

White also sees a difference this year. White grew an inch from last season while adding extra weight and muscle.

"I feel stronger, and I feel more comfortable making a block or breaking a tackle," White said. "I was a lot smaller last year. It was a grind, but it was worth it."

White, who started for the Mounties baseball team, is also a threat catching the football when the Mounties opt to go to the air. He caught four of the Mounties 12 receptions last season, averaging 28.2 yards a reception.

"Sage has a knack for catching the football," Flannigan said. "He is always catching the ball as it is coming in over his head. He has good hand-eye coordination, and that is probably some of his baseball training coming in."

Sports on 09/25/2014