Prep RedZone Arkansas Team Preview Hoxie

Over the past three years, the Hoxie Mustangs have continued to trend upward. Going from five wins three seasons ago to 12 last season. In the process, the Mustangs earned a 3-3A conference championship. Coach Tom Sears and the Mustangs has plenty of talent returning for the 2021 season. We are going to look at some of the key players on the Mustangs as well as give folks games to circle on the calendar. The Mustangs have experience returning at the quarterback position. [player_tooltip player_id="136316" first="Cade" last="Forrester"] saw action in every game last season. The Mustang signal caller throws an accurate football and does a good job of extending the play. Forrester does an impressive job of keeping his eyes down the field and finding the open wide receiver. Forrester runs the ball well and he has proven to be a dangerous wide receiver as well. Forrester is a player to keep an eye on at the quarterback position this season. The rushing attack for the Mustangs will be a strong part of the team. On top of Forrester running the football well. The Hoxie Mustangs have several talented options to rely on at the running back position. [player_tooltip player_id="180080" first="Seth" last="Brooks"] will be seeing some snaps this season at the running back position this season. Brooks has shown that he has incredible versatility. He has the patience to allow holes to develop and he makes good decisions picking his rush lane. Camden Brooks and Noah Morse will have the opportunity to see some carries this season as well. Look for [player_tooltip player_id="180080" first="Seth" last="Brooks"] to see some passes thrown his way. Brooks has the versatility to be put at multiple positions on the field throughout the game. Xander Ball does an impressive job with his route running. Ball is an unselfish blocker and will help spring teammates into the open field. Noah Blackshear, Landon Foster, Logan Smith, and Luke Bensech all have the potential to see passes thrown toward them. On the offensive line, the Mustangs have some talented offensive linemen that can terrorize opposing defensive lines. [player_tooltip player_id="185419" first="Jalen" last="Chappell"] is a talented offensive lineman that uses his mix of power and speed well. He is a versatile lineman that can play any of the positions ask of him along the offensive line. Guard [player_tooltip player_id="185420" first="Cooper" last="Spradlin"] is a powerhouse with extremely quick feet. Spradlin can set the tone as a blocker. Jarrett Thompson will anchor the offensive line at the center position. The offensive line has a great mix of experience and talent. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="137076" first="Jace" last="Benesch"] was all over the field last season. Benesch racked up 143 tackles and three sacks in 2020. Benesch has excellent instincts and good speed and is always around the football. In the secondary, keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id="136316" first="Cade" last="Forrester"]. In 2020, Forrester racked up 48 tackles and had six interceptions. Forrester and Benesch were each all over the field for the Mustangs and give the defense some playmakers. <strong>2021 Prediction:</strong> Hoxie is a team that has the potential and the talent to win 3-3A conference this season. Staying healthy will be key for the Mustangs this season. The key games to circle on the calendar this season are the Osceola and Cave City games. The Osceola-Hoxie matchup this season could determine who enters the playoffs as the conference champion. Fans can look for a deep playoff appearance from the Mustangs.