Prep RedZone Arkansas Team Preview Alma

The Alma Airedales did not have a great start to the 2020 season; however, they were able to close with some momentum. Coach Rusty Bush is looking to keep the momentum rolling this season. The Airedales have talented players on both sides of the ball, and we are going to take a look at some of those players. We will also highlight some of the key games on the calendar. On the offensive side of the ball, the quarterback position is going to be key for the Airedales this season. [player_tooltip player_id="75097" first="Hunter" last="McAlister"] put together extremely impressive performances last season. McAlister passed for 170 yards and a touchdown against Texarkana and 251 yards and four touchdowns against the Greenbrier Panthers. McAlister is mobile enough to extend the play and he has the arm strength to throw his receivers open. The running game will have several quality running backs vying for playing time. Devin Poole saw action last season in several games and displayed a good burst. He is a difficult running back to bring down. Brady Noyes and Regan Birchfield will each some carries for the Alma offense. The Airedales will look to establish the running game and help get the Airedales in the end zone. At the wide receiver position, the Airedales have several talented options. Brilee White uses his excellent speed to get open and he can take it the distance. [player_tooltip player_id="135685" first="Conner" last="Stacy"] had an impressive 2020 season. Stacy played several positions for Alma; however, he has the talent to light up opposing defenses with his ability to get open. The Alma passing game has the potential to cause plenty of problems for opposing defenses. The offensive line has several prospects to keep an eye on this season. [player_tooltip player_id="183573" first="Judson" last="Parker"] is a beast when it comes to the rushing game. Parker has the power to drive opponents into the ground. [player_tooltip player_id="183574" first="Nathan" last="Smith"] can play several positions along the offensive line and his versatility makes him a valuable piece for the offensive line. The offensive line has the potential to be a major strength for the Airedales this season. On the defensive side of the ball, fans and scouts should keep an eye on linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="183579" first="Landon" last="Burkhart"]. Burkhart is always around the football. He has good speed and instincts. Last season, Burkhart racked up 114 tackles and was a force on the defensive side of the ball. Devin Poole can rotate at the linebacker spots as well as in the secondary. Poole is hard hitter, and he can dislodge the ball from the ball carrier rather easily. The Alma defense has the potential to be an improved unit this season. <strong>2021 Prediction:</strong> The Airedales are looking to rebound from a tough season last season. Alma has weapons in the forms of [player_tooltip player_id="183572" first="Connor" last="Stacy"] and [player_tooltip player_id="75097" first="Hunter" last="McAlister"] that can do damage on the offensive side of the ball. A playoff run is not out of the realm of possibility for the Airedales this season. Fans should circle the Van Buren and Clarksville games this season. Both games are going to be important for the Airedales to establish momentum.