Prep RedZone Arkansas Team Preview Farmington

The Farmington Cardinals will not just have new faces on the field this season but on the sideline as well. Head coach Mike Adams retired after being the head man at Farmington for 18 years. The Cardinals moved quickly and brought in North Little Rock’s J.R. Eldridge to take over as the head coach. We are going to take a look at some of the players the Cardinals will lean on this season as well as name a few games for fans to circle on the calendar. Farmington will be looking at several quarterbacks as the season approaches. The Cardinals have four talented players that could see some snaps this season. Walker McCumber saw some snaps last season for the junior varsity and should vie for some snaps this season as the varsity signal caller. [player_tooltip player_id="157343" first="Cameron" last="Vanzant"] was impressive in the spring and summer workouts, and he will vie for snaps this season as well. Myles Harvey and Sam Wells could also see some time at the quarterback position this season. The rushing game is a strong facet of the Farmington Cardinals. In 2020, running back [player_tooltip player_id="123848" first="Caden" last="Elsik"] had an impressive season for the Cardinals. Elsik rushed for 1,155 yards and punched the ball in the end zone 13 times last season. Elsik does everything the Cardinals ask of him including catching the ball out of the backfield and blocking for his teammates. Gabe Bufitt, Caden Berger, and Kayne Taylor will all see some carries for the Cardinals this season. Farmington has several talented wide receivers that can stretch the field. [player_tooltip player_id="173901" first="Devonte" last="Donovan"] earned all-conference honors a season ago and has the potential to have an even more impressive season this season. Donovan hauled in 44 receptions for 437 yards and five touchdowns last season. Tate Pickens will see some balls thrown his way this season after he averaged 13 yards per reception in 2020. Peyton Funk will be another wide receiver to watch out for this season. Funk has worked all spring on improving his speed and he is ready to show what he can do this season. The offensive line is young but extremely talented this season for the Cardinals. [player_tooltip player_id="149539" first="Hunter" last="Marshall"] is an extremely quick center to watch this season. He mixes his speed well with his strength and should open some eyes this season. At right tackle Shepherd Hill will be a player to watch, he has good strength and has quick feet. The Farmington offensive line has the potential to be extremely impressive this season. On the defensive side of the ball for the Cardinals, the players to watch are on the defensive line and in the linebacking corps. [player_tooltip player_id="181540" first="Braden" last="Bullington"] at the edge position is extremely quick and will cause problems for opposing offensive linemen this season. Meanwhile, Cooper Gardenhire patrols the middle of the field for the Cardinals. Gardenhire amassed 62 tackles last season and is looking to improve on that total this season. The defense has the potential to be a solid unit this season for the Cardinals. <strong>2021 Prediction:</strong> The 5-A West is a hard-hitting conference, and it will catch many people off guard just how good the football is in this conference. Look for the Cardinals to earn a playoff spot this season and possibly pull of some upsets along the way. Key games to circle on the calendar are the Prairie Grove game as well as the Harrison game on the 24^th of September.