Arkansas Class 7A high school football team previews: Veteran QB, defense have Har-Ber coach Chris Wood optimistic

SBLive is previewing the Arkansas high school football teams from the three largest classifications. Today, we feature the Springdale Har-Ber Wildcats from the 7A-West Conference. This story concludes the Class 7A previews. Look for the Class 6A series beginning with the 6A-West Conference Monday, July 25. 

By Steve Andrews | Photo by Sadie Rucker 

SPRINGDALE HAR-BER WILDCATS

HEAD COACH

Chris Wood, 17th season

2021 AT A GLANCE

Overall record: 4-8

League record: 3-4, 5th in 7A West

Playoffs: Lost to Cabot 53-7 in the first round.

KEY PLAYERS DEPARTED

WR Peyton McKee Teams leading receiver and an all-state performer. Signed to play at Missouri Southern State in Joplin, Mo.

OL Jack Struebing A 4-year starter and All-State performer, was the anchor of the offensive line. Signed to play at Central Arkansas.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Senior QB Luke Buchanan - The dual-threat senior threw for over 2,800 yards a year ago.

Senior RB Hudson Brewer - Was the team’s leading rusher last season.

Senior FB Cole Carlton - Returns to play a key piece in the offensive scheme.

Senior LB Ross Haney Led the team with 129 tackles last season

Senior LB Chris McGehee - Recorded nine tackles for a loss last season

OUTLOOK

Heading into his 17th year at Har-Ber, head coach Chris Wood knows what it takes to compete in the loaded 7A-West Conference. And although he lost nearly his entire receiving corps of a year ago to graduation, Wood likes the players he has returning and feels confident in getting the Wildcats back atop the standings.

“The difference between winning and losing in the 7A-West usually just comes down to a few possessions just here and there, and we’ve kind of been on the short end of the stick the last couple of years,” Wood said. “The biggest focus this year is taking care of our home games and we’ve just got to finish. Turnovers have hurt us a little bit the past couple of years, so we’ve got to protect the ball and win those crucial possessions.”

His biggest comfort is having quarterback Luke Buchanan returning, hoping to develop some new targets. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound senior was very effective last year, throwing for 2,827 yards and 19 TDs, while also being a threat to run when needed. “He’s a calm presence for us wand is unbelievably athletic,” Wood said. “His ability to throw the ball and run, he’s a true dual-threat guy and a special player.”

Har-Ber’s top three receivers last season all graduated, including all-state performer Peyton McKee, who caught 90 passes for 1,125 yards and 7 TDs. They also lost Ethan Fender (41 catches for 789 yards) and Drue McClendon (34 catches for 440 yards). “Any time you lose that much production, it’s always a challenge,” Wood said. “We’ve just got a younger group and we have to get them reps.”

Offensively, the Wildcats will rely heavily on establishing the run game, then take shots through the air – allowing the tempo of the game to be determined by how each game is flowing.

Har-Ber does return its two leading rushers, with senior Hudson Brewer back at tailback after running for 525 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Senior fullback Cole Carlton, who racked up 484 and 7 TDs, joins Brewer in the backfield for a solid 1-2 punch. Wood is also excited about sophomore Trae Serrano, who should add depth to the position.

The Wildcats did lose all-state lineman Jack Struebing, a four-year starter who is now playing at Central Arkansas, but they do return three of their starters on the stout offensive line.

Defensively, Har-Ber will line up in a 4-man front with multiple alignments. The front line will include a trio of experienced disruptive seniors, consisting of Lattimer Wilmoth, Keegan Ware and Amare Tareo.

Senior linebackers Ross Haney (the team’s leading tackler with 129 stops) and Chris McGehee (9 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks) will be back at their familiar spots, as will senior defensive backs Britt Wittschen and Sutton Reeh. “So, we’ve got a lot of guys with experience returning, which should really help us,” Wood said. “I think we are going to have a pretty good ballclub. “

COACH SAID

"We just have to avoid the injury bug. And as those young receivers come along, that will enhance us offensively and open some more things up. We have a lot of seniors returning to our defense, so I feel like we are in pretty good shape on both sides of the ball."

— Chris Wood