Blackwood adapts to third high school coach

By COSMO COSSEY

Poinsett County Democrat Tribune

Harrisburg senior tight end Trey Blackwood will be playing for his third head coach in three years when the Hornets open the season next Tuesday with a scrimmage game at Walnut Ridge.

Blackwood said the coaching has been different with each coach. It's been a big change going through three coaches in three years. Having to learn new offenses and defenses each year kind of puts you behind and makes you play catch up,” Black-wood said. He also said the coaches have been different too.

“Coach Aaron Thornton put it on us. We worked really hard with him. Coach Darrick Ware came in and practices were nothing like Thornton's, not really tough at all. Coach Austin Jarrett came in a little later but his practices are pretty hard. We have a whole lot of work going on with Coach Jarrett,” Blackwood said.

Blackwood has been a fixture on both sides of the ball playing tight end on offense and lining up at defensive end for the Hornets' defense for the third year in a row. He has occasionally seen some time at fullback and at linebacker.

“I want to win some games this year,” was Blackwood's quick response when asked about goals for the team this year. The Hornets have won seven games over the last two seasons with two last year and five in 2021. Blackwood is one of 13 seniors on the team and is ready for his last football season with them.

“I grew up with this senior group and I enjoy being with them,” Blackwood said. “I've played all the sports through high school with this group and I have enjoyed playing the games with them... they make the games fun,” Blackwood added.