TEAM FACTS
Coach: Brian Floyd, eighth season, 34-35
Last year: 3-6 overall, 2-5 4A SIC
Postseason: Did not qualify for playoffs
Stadium: Tiger Field, Mountain Home
Playoff potential: The last time Mountain Home earned a spot in the state playoffs was 2008, when it advanced to the semifinals. The Tigers’ schedule doesn’t do them many favors — they jump directly into conference play in the first week and wind down the season with three consecutive games on the road in October before finishing at home.
SCOUTING REPORT
OFFENSE
Mountain Home’s potent passing attack returns many of its integral components that averaged 217.1 passing yards per game last year. Although the Tigers like to air it out, QB Jake Hennessey did throw 20 interceptions in 2010, a number that should decrease in his senior season. If Juan Silva (RB) produces like his coaches believe he will and the Tigers add another dimension to the scheme, Mountain Home could have an explosive offense.
DEFENSE
The Tigers allowed 25.7 points per game in 2010 and need to improve their rush defense, which was the second-worst in the 4A SIC at 196.8 yards per game. They were third-best against the pass and should improve those numbers with the return of four lettermen.
OVERVIEW
The Tigers want to build momentum for their program, and coach Brian Floyd said that starts with increasing the number of players on the team. A lack of depth has stretched the Tigers thin in recent years, with between six and eight players needing to start on both sides of the ball. Floyd is pleased with the number of players who have come out this season and hopes it pays dividends as the season progresses.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
J.T. Cristobal
WR/CB
A three-year starter, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound Cristobal earned first-team all-conference honors in 2010 after leading the 4A SIC in receptions (52) and TDs (8) and finishing second in yards (758). “He’s fast with good hands and is a very determined player,” coach Brian Floyd said.
Juan Silva
RB/OLB
Although short in stature (5-7), Silva packs a punch. “He’s the strongest guy on the team,” Floyd said, adding that Silva poses two problems for defenders: finding him behind his linemen and wrapping up the dodgy runner. On defense, Floyd hopes to utilize him blitzing off the edges.
Jake Hennessey
QB/SS
Statistically, Hennessey is the top returning passer in the 4A SIC. The 2010 second-team all-conference selection led the league in completions (143) and attempts (275) and amassed 1,801 passing yards with 13 touchdowns. “He’s going to have a great year,” Floyd said.
Jon Ryan
OG/DT
A wrestler in the offseason, the 5-11 Ryan dukes it out on offense and defense in the trenches. “He worked himself into a chiseled 220 (pounds) and is a great athlete,” Floyd said. Ryan’s ability to plug holes as an interior defensive lineman will be crucial to shore up the rush defense.
