Prep RedZone Arkansas Team Preview Atkins

Over the past six years, the Atkins Red Devils have won on a consistent basis and have been playoff contenders every season. The Red Devils are playoff contenders every season. However, Atkins is looking to make a playoff run this season. We are going to examine some key players returning for the Red Devils as well as give a prediction on the upcoming season. The offense for the Red Devils was an impressive unit of the team. When going into a new season it is always helpful to have experience returning at the quarterback position. [player_tooltip player_id="176562" first="Zach" last="Berkemeyer"] returns for the 2021 season after an impressive 2020 season. Berkemeyer passed for 1.778 yards and 22 touchdowns and in the process displayed good accuracy and a strong arm. Berkemeyer is not afraid to pull the ball down and pick up yardage with his legs. He has the potential to have a strong 2021 season. Experience will return at the running back spot for Atkins. Wyatt Coffman will see a large number of carries for the Red Devils this season. Coffman is a powerhouse that will not be brought down with initial contact. In 2020, Coffman was impressive for the Red Devils, rushing for almost 350 yards and seven touchdowns. Atkins will expect Landon Phillips to earn some carries this season as well. The wide receiver position is going to be the position to watch early in the season. The Red Devils are going to be break in some new wide receivers and will be looking for guys to step up at the position. [player_tooltip player_id="133297" first="Noah" last="Spradlin"] has shown a talent for getting open and breaking into the open field. Reese Bixler caught eight passes last season for 48 yards, is another player that will get opportunity to earn some playing time at wide receiver. Jayce Johnson is another player that will have a chance to earn some playing time for the Red Devils. The talent is there for this group to light up opposing defensive secondaries this year. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, the Red Devils have talent returning at key positions. Hunter Morgan works on both the offensive and defensive lines. Morgan was impressive last season in accounting for 31 tackles. At the linebacker position, Wyatt Coffman will hold down the linebacker position. Coffman was in on 86 tackles last season. Coffman was all over the field for the Red Devils and he will look to do much of the same this season. <strong>2021 Prediction:</strong> Atkins is my sleeper team in the 4-3A. The Red Devils have the potential to be a strong football team to contend with this season. The games against Booneville and Paris will be tough games for the Red Devils. Atkins has the potential to play into November if everything comes together.