Patriots reload for 2023 with upcoming sophomores

Marion football program looks to continue success with young talent

By CHUCK LIVINGSTON

Marion School District

Marion High School has won 15 football games over the past two seasons, and the future looks even more bright this coming fall.

The Patriots expect to return 10 starters on offense, and while just five return on defense, several more guys who played also return.

Reinforcements arrive this fall in the form of more than 40 freshmen who played huge roles on last year’s 5-4 club that finished as conference runners-up. The 2022 junior Patriots finished a combined 4-0 against West Memphis West and East and added a victory over Jonesboro MacArthur. “We have a lot to look forward to with this sophomore class moving up,” said Marion head football coach Lance Clark. “We feel like we have guys who can help us at every position. Maybe not immediately, but at some point, and that’s a credit to our coaches at the lower levels and the sacrifices made by our kids to want to improve and get better.”

Marion has gotten above-average quarterback production during Clark’s first two seasons in Crittenden County, but depth at that position has been a constant concern.

However, those days may be gone. Ashton Gray started nine games a season ago at QB and he is expected to return in 2023. Freshmen Zayden Walker, Jaylon Foster, and Daegan Davis all own experience at QB, and all offer different dimensions at that position.

“Zayden had an awesome year last year at QB, and it was really his first year to play the position,” said Clark. “You can see the potential and upside with him. Jaylon works his butt off every day, and you can’t fake that. Daegan is a good athlete and he’ll help us somewhere. QB depth has been an issue for us the past couple of years, but we think with Ashton, Nate Miller, and these three, we have a quarterback room that a lot of people would like to have.”

All-State tailback Jalen Smith will only be a junior this fall, but a bevy of ‘backs are moving up through the ranks, including rising sophomore Brian Binford, who “is super explosive and talented,” said the coach. “We know we can hand him the ball, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays receiver, too. He’s got a shot to play a lot early on.” Kajeris and Kejeris Hill, who are twins, project as skill guys, whether it be in the backfield or at receiver.

Marion must replace Donnie Cheers, III, arguably the best receiver in school history, who signed in December with Southeast Missouri State, but Solomon Flores, R.L. Johnson, Coleman Barnett, and Jeremy Dent “are all talented, skilled players,” said Clark. “Particularly, Solomon, R.L., Coleman, and Jeremy, who were our starting receivers last year in junior high, and who all played at a high level. They all do different things, and they’re all good at them.” Antonio Rucker and Lederick Hearod joined the program during the off-season, and Dequan Law “could be a star,” said Clark. Zimran Phelix “could break out” at tight end, said the coach.

Gavin Latham anchored the junior high lines for two years and he “could help immediately,” said Clark. “He loves playing offensive line. He relishes the opportunity. It’s rare to have kids who truly love playing offensive line, but that’s Gavin. Some kids feel like they get stuck blocking, but Gavin is sold out for it.” Marterion Bazemore was second in pancake blocks last fall, and he could crack the rotation this fall. Gabe Livingston, Devin Anthony, and Phillip Walker are “great program guys,” said Clark. “We feel like we have five legit offensive linemen moving up and we are excited to see how they continue to develop.”

Ryan Blackwell “can give us something right away,” said the coach. “He looks like a big-time end, kind of long and lean, but very talented. He has a knack for making plays.” Jasean Burks, Clifton Lawson, and Jaylon Crawford train on the defensive line.

Chris Byrd and the Hill twins “give us very serious depth at linebacker,” said Clark. “They stood out there in junior high, and we have no reason to think they won’t be heard from at linebacker.”

Justin Foster, twin to Jaylon, and Rukeim Bohanon project in the secondary, where Johnson, Binford, and Flores impressed as freshmen.

Brandon Williams, Caleb Wells, Cornelius Spears, Damar Jackson, Javon Tucker, Jayden Danner, Kayden Young, and Silas Jordan round out the rising sophomore skill players. Aaron Hale, Braylon Webster, Corey Hicks, Dalante Harris, Macerio Hull, Terry Guy, and Vincent Brown comprise the remaining freshmen linemen.

Marion will hold spring practice in May and open its 2023 regular season Friday, August 25 at home against Wynne. The Patriots open the conference portion of their schedule on Friday, September 8 at El Dorado.

The 2022 Marion Junior High ninth-grade football team takes the field before a game last fall.

Photo by Londa Hamrick