MOUNTAIN PINE -- One year removed from an 0-10 campaign that included eight forfeits because of low numbers, Mountain Pine has the hottest football team in Garland County.
Bouncing back from a 35-0 loss to Jessieville in the season opener, the Red Devils have won three straight games entering Friday's matchup with visiting Mineral Springs (0-4) at Stanley May Field.
"These kids wouldn't be satisfied with just fielding a team; they're hungry for wins and they're hungry for success," Mountain Pine coach Sam Counce said. "We've just been fortunate. The kids are really understanding what we're trying to do offensively and defensively, and they're hustling and playing hard."
Matching their combined win total of the last six years, the Red Devils have exceeded all expectations but Counce knows the underdog status is wearing off and doesn't expect to sneak up on anyone the rest of the season.
"They're going to have to deal with some adversity; some things are going to happen and teams are going to play them hard," said Counce. "They've got to be able to step up when something bad happens. That's what we're trying to prepare them for."
Held to eight points in its first two games, Mountain Pine's offense has exploded with 98 points over its last two contests. Senior Fay Haywood headlines the rushing attack with 438 yards and six touchdowns while Devon Washington (148 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Elijah Browning (154 yards, 3 touchdowns) also contribute.
Backfield depth and a punishing offensive line have eased the transition for first-year starting quarterback Collin Smith. The sophomore has rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns, adding 59 yards and one touchdown through the air.
"It's made a lot of difference for us to be able to spread it around," Counce said. "Fay's going for about 140 or 150 (yards) a game right now, but he's not the only one. That's a tribute to those guys up front too, and they're doing a good job. They're understanding how to block and what they're seeing up front a lot better now."
While the Red Devils lean on the running game, Mineral Springs passes the ball 70 percent of the time in its Spread offense under first-year coach David Bennett.
Surrendering just 12 points per game during the three-game winning streak, Counce believes his defense is up for the challenge. Senior linebacker Carter Chapman has taken on a leadership role, racking up a team-high 35 tackles, including five tackles for loss.
"I think Carter Chapman in the middle has made a lot of difference at linebacker," said Counce. "He leads our defense and gets people lined up where they need to be."
Behind Chapman, Mountain Pine's athletic secondary has flashed ball-hawking capabilities. Sophomore Kwinlon Staggers leads the team with three interceptions while Washington has two and Haywood and Chad Graves each has one.
Facing an offense that likes to throw the football, Counce knows winning the turnover battle could go a long way for his team Friday night.
"It's a spin-off of the guys up front," he said. "They've got to put some pressure on the quarterback, and when they do, those guys in the secondary are going to have a good night. If we can get him throwing off his heels, we'll intercept some balls."
A win over Mineral Springs would put the Red Devils in a good position for the program's first playoff appearance since 2010. Mountain Pine doesn't face a team that currently has a winning record until Week 9 at defending Class 2A champion Mount Ida.
"We talk about with these guys, keeping our focus on each game and the next game is the one we've got to win regardless of who it is," said Counce. "If we prepare ourselves the same for every game, when we get to the end it will all be taken care of and we'll be in good shape."
Sports on 09/28/2017