After making the Class 2A semifinals last year, NCA head coach Stevie Nelson is hoping that the Generals can take that next step.
The Generals have a ton of experience from last year’s team that went 10-2 last year with both losses coming to Tallulah. The Generals return nine seniors out of the 18 players on the high school roster.
“We feel good with the group that is coming back,” Nelson said. “We have a good group of seniors that have been part of it and know what is expected and that has trickled down. We are just going to try to keep on trying to make that next step. We are just trying to get ready for that first division game with Humphreys and that’s what we have to gear up for. We only have three division games and those are the biggest games on our schedule.”
On offense, NCA will turn to Ty Thrash at quarterback to replace senior all-star Trace Evans. He will be backed up by Taylor Burt. Nelson said Thrash played last year
“I think our experience is our key, except at quarterback,” Nelson said. “But Ty Thrash is a smart kid and will be a little jittery at times but he’s an intelligent kid and has some sense. There is a want and desire to get there. They want to possibly have a chance to play over at Jackson Academy in November.”
At running back, Hunter Scarbrough returns after rushing for 1,416 yards on 112 carries for an average of 12.6 yards a carry. Burt is also expected to get carries behind Scarbrough.
At wide receiver, Jackson Bunyard returns after hauling in 18 passes for 523 yards. Also, senior Logan Heidelberg will see time at receiver. Senior Marshall Wright will be the tight end.
Seniors Tyler Castillo, Logan Hitt and J.C. Collins will anchor the offensive line while junior Hunter Massey will be vying for playing time.
“We have a lot of guys that played a lot of football,” Nelson said. “I don’t think we will be as much of a big-strike team that we were last year. We expect good things on offense. We’ve got a lot of guys who played a lot of snaps last year. Hunter had a great season last year and we are expecting him to have another big year.”
On defense, Nelson said he thinks the Generals should be solid on that side of the ball.
On the defensive line, Amos Castillo, Logan Hitt, Marshall Wright and Harrison will all get snaps.
At linebacker, Scarbrough returns at linebacker after leading the area with 83.5 tackles last season. He is joined by Bo Smith who had 49.5 tackles and Steven Duke. Cooper Savell is also expected to see playing time at linebacker as well.
In the secondary, Jackson Bunyard returns to the secondary along with Noah Agent.
“We have some experience on defense,” Nelson said. “But we have some youth that hasn’t played a lot. We are hoping and expecting big things out of those guys. We have been close the last years. You don’t like to continue to be close. Sooner or later, you want to take that big step.”
The Generals will participate in Division 2-2A with Humphreys Academy, Deer Creek and North Sunflower.
“With their only being three of them, it really magnifies those games,” Nelson said. “The good thing is we get two out of those three games at home. I just don’t know anything about those teams and won’t know anything about them until we get into the season and get some film on them.”
| Newton County Academy Roster |
| No. |
Name |
Yr. |
| 2 |
Taylor Burt |
So. |
| 3 |
Cooper Savell |
So. |
| 6 |
Steven Duke |
Jr. |
| 12 |
Slayden Hollingsworth |
Jr. |
| 13 |
Jackson Bunyard |
Sr. |
| 14 |
Ty Thrash |
Jr. |
| 20 |
Harrison Wall |
Jr. |
| 21 |
Logan Heidelberg |
Sr. |
| 22 |
Hunter Scarbrough |
Sr. |
| 26 |
Marshall Wright |
Sr. |
| 34 |
Noah Agent |
Jr. |
| 50 |
Josh Fletcher |
Fr. |
| 52 |
Amos Castillo |
So. |
| 53 |
Bo Smith |
Sr. |
| 54 |
J.C. Collins |
Sr. |
| 55 |
Tyler Castillo |
Sr. |
| 57 |
Ethan Woodham |
Fr. |
| 62 |
Logan Hitt |
Sr. |
| 66 |
Hunter Massey |
Jr. |
| 68 |
Houston Busby |
Sr. |
Quick Facts
Mascot: Generals
Head coach: Stevie Nelson, 3rd season
Career Record: 79-79, 41-39, 15 seasons
Career Playoff Record: 4-8
Assistant coaches:
Mike Spence, James Williams
Last year: 10-2, advanced to 2A semifinals
Region: MAIS 2-2A (Deer Creek, Humphreys, North Sunflower)
Overall School Record: 217-319-1
Overall District Record: 95-113
Overall Playoff Record: 13-17
Players to Watch
No. 22 Hunter Scarbrough, Sr., RB/LB
No. 13 Jackson Bunyard, Sr., WR/DB
No. 26 Marshall Wright, Sr., TE/DE
No. 53 Logan Bo Smith, Sr., OL/LB
No. 14 Ty Thrash, Jr., QB/DB.
| Projected Depth Chart |
| Quarterbacks |
Defensive Line |
| Ty Thrash |
Amos Castillo |
| Taylor Burt |
Logan Hitt |
| |
Marshall Wright |
| Running Backs |
Harrison Wall |
| Hunter Scarbrough |
|
| Taylor Burt |
Linebackers |
| |
Hunter Scarbrough |
| Fullback/H-Back |
Bo Smith |
| Marshall Wright |
Steven Duke |
| Logan Usry |
Cooper Savell |
| |
Logan Evans |
| Wide Receivers |
|
| Jackson Bunyard |
Defensive Backs |
| Logan Heidelberg |
Jackson Bunyard |
| |
Noah Agent |
| Offensive Line |
|
| Tyler Castillo |
|
| Logan Hitt |
|
| J.C. Collins |
|
| Hunter Massey |
|
Three Things to Watch
1. The Generals must replace quarterback Trace Evans, who was a two-year starter. Junior Ty Thrash will be the starter and played last year as a backup.
2. Senior Hunter Scarbrough returns as the area’s top rusher after running for 1,416 yards on 112 carries last year. Look for Scarbrough to get even more carries this season.
3. The Generals have just three district games this season, giving more weight to each game. The Generals will take on district foe Humphreys on Sept. 1 to open district play.
