SPRINGDALE -- It was difficult to tell the players without a program, but there was no mistaking who will carry the bulk of Springdale High's offense this season.
The RedDogs wrapped up their spring football practices with a Red-White scrimmage on Thursday at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium. The hour-long scrimmage featured some spirited hits, a couple of breakout performances and more importantly for coach Zak Clark -- no injuries.
"We had a good spring," Clark said. "It was productive and we certainly got better. We've got to get some guys healthy. But I think there will be a lot of healthy competition going on in the summer and on into the fall.
"But the big thing in the spring was we didn't have any injuries or any new injuries. We just had some existing ones that we have to get healthy."
Garrett Vaughn, who missed several games with a hand injury last season and still rushed for more than 800 yards, showed Thursday why he will be a key focal point of the offense this season. Vaughn, a rising senior, ripped off a 33-yard gain on his first touch and added several more long gains.
The passing game was hit-and-miss, but twice rising junior Bryndell Cook (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) showed the kind of flash that Clark has been looking for. Cook made a catch over the middle for a big gain, but wowed a nice crown on hand by high-pointing a pass on a fade in the end zone for a touchdown despite blanketed coverage.
"He's new to receiver and has to get more consistent, but he has a lot of upside," Clark said of Cook. "This was certainly his best day of the spring, so that is encouraging."
One of the team's most inexperienced areas are the offensive and defensive lines. Clark said they will continue to evaluate and try to add bulk over the offseason. Two starters return on the offensive line, and the defense will have to find a replacement for all defensive tackle Isaiah Nichols, who signed with Arkansas.
The Bulldogs will be off for about a week to wrap up final testing before they start their summer work with two team camps and a couple of 7on7 tournaments.
EXTRA POINTS
Springdale High principal Pete Joenks was honored during a break in Thursday's scrimmage and presented a framed RedDog jersey and autographed helmet. Joenks, who has been the principal at Springdale for the past 10 years, will be leaving for Prairie Grove, where he will be the assistant superintendent. ... Transfer rising senior quarterback Grant Allen did not suit out for the scrimmage. Allen is still recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. ... Ladarius Wonsley, a rising sophomore, had a long touchdown catch in the junior varsity portion of the scrimmage and several other catches.
Preps Basketball on 05/18/2018