"Feels like first year" for this year's Chicks

The Blytheville Chickasaws held their "Media Day" Friday afternoon at Haley Field.

The Chicks are coming off one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory in 2012. Blytheville finished with a 3-7 record overall and a four-way tie for last in the 5A-East at 2-5.

"This year feels like our first year," said second-year Head Coach Vince McCrosky. "We have the system we want. The kids have had a year to learn the things we do. We have better numbers at this time then we did last year and we're a lot stronger. These kids have been working hard in the weight room in the offseason and you can tell the difference."

McCrosky only has a handful of players returning from last year's squad, including RB/LBs Malik Walker and DeMadre Clark, linemen Tony Garth and Datronel Amerson and RB Fred Smith.

Clark played admirably at quarterback as a sophomore a year ago, but McCrosky hopes to use Clark and his speed in the backfield, while senior Baily Cason and sophomore Terry Northern look to take snaps under center.

Northern is one of 16 sophomores on this year's Chickasaw roster. The talented class is coming off an undefeated Junior High season a year ago.

The Chicks will look to compete for a playoff spot after missing the 5A tournament for the second time in three years last season. Wynne and Batesville look to be the top of the class in the 5A East again. The defending conference champion Yellowjackets advanced to the 5A semifinals while Batesville lost in the championship game to Fairview.

Blytheville will play at Helena in their annual AAA benefit game on Friday, August 29. Junior high game will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by senior high action. afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com

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