MCCLELLAN, DOLLARWAY TO MEET IN BANK OF ENGLAND MORTGAGE KICKOFF CLASSIC

On Monday, the Dollarway Cardinals will take on the Little Rock McClellan Lions in the 2018 Bank of England Mortgage Kickoff Classic at War Memorial Stadium. A new era for Cardinals football is about to get underway. First-year Head Coach Martese Henry is on a mission to get the Cardinals back to their winning ways. Henry was previously the head coach at Dollarway Junior High, and he served on the staff at Dollarway High School under Cortez Lee and Lee Hardman in recent years. Since spring, the Cardinals have been preparing for the season. McClellan has become a winning program under the stewardship of Head Coach Maurice Moody. In the past three years, McClellan has recorded two 10-win seasons and made two trips to the 5A state championship game. The Cardinals know what they’re up against, but Henry believes they’re ready to go. “One thing I know is we’re in solid condition,” Henry said. “Our kids are eager and looking forward to the challenge. Right now I’d say our defense is ahead of the offense. Special teams-wise we’re good, so across the board I think we’ll be able to put up a nice fight.” Henry said it’ll be a game-time decision on who will start at quarterback between sophomore Travelle Lee and junior Terrance Brown. Senior Kavareous Lowe played quarterback at times last season, but they’ve decided to move him over to running back. Lowe can always transition back to quarterback if needed, but Henry feels that being able to put him at running back opens things up for their offense. “Having the luxury of putting Lowe at tailback makes us more dynamic because we can get outside,” Henry said. “We can always put him at quarterback. It gives us versatility.” The big guys on the offensive and defensive line for the Cardinals will have their work cut out for them, according to Henry. The Cardinals have to match McClellan’s ability with heart, and Henry is making sure he gets that message across to them. “Knowing McClellan, they’ll be big up front, quick and agile,” Henry said. “I think it’ll be an even match as far as heart in the battle in the trenches. It’s a great challenge for us, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we hold up.” The McClellan Lions have a few different options at quarterback. Senior Jaylon Williams started for the junior varsity the past two seasons, sophomore Jordan Harris led the junior high team to a 7-2 record last season, and senior Xavion Morgan transferred in from Maumelle. Senior running back Damion Martin should see a lot of touches, as he ran for over 600 yards in his junior year. “Offensively, they like to run a flex bone attack,” Henry said of McClellan. “They use the speed toss and the option. I don’t know if they’ll be able to run it down our throats, but they’ll try to use their speed. They’ll throw the ball when they need to.” The Lions only return six total starters from last season, and Dollarway will look to take advantage of their inexperience. Henry and the Cardinals are well aware of the fact that they have the chance to start something special with a win on Monday. “It’s a grand opportunity,” Henry said. “Our guys know what’s at stake. McClellan is a proven perennial powerhouse. This will be a good test for us, and we feel we’re right there as far as talent. We look forward to the challenge, and we think we have a good chance of sneaking up and getting one out the door.” Henry couldn’t go without mentioning his coaching staff and how they’ve helped him. Also, Henry is asking for the support from the Dollarway Cardinals faithful this season. “I’m so thankful for the coaching staff that I have, they’ve worked so hard,” Henry said. “I want everybody to come out give the young men some support, and the Dollarway School District some support. It’s going to be a very special year for the Dollarway Cardinals.” Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Little Rock School District Athletics

MCCLELLAN, DOLLARWAY TO MEET IN BANK OF ENGLAND MORTGAGE KICKOFF CLASSIC

Photo Credit: McClellan Magnet High School Athletics