CEDARVILLE- It was a busy summer in 2023 with several head football coaching changes in the 3A-1 conference. One of those changes was in Cedarville where new head football coach, Spencer Adams, succeeded Max Washausen. Washausen accepted an offer to become the offensive coordinator at Prairie Grove this summer. Adams, according to what you may read on social media, was preparing to get married when he received a call from the Cedarville administration at his rehearsal dinner, offering him the job.
And that epitomizes the changes that have taken place with the Cedarville football program. After a 2-8 season in 2022, the Pirates, who had enjoyed success for the previous few years, have found themselves in rebuilding mode. Under Spencer Adams, fans can expect the Pirates to throw the ball a little more than they have over the past four to five years. But the transition to the passing game will take time for Adams and his staff to develop players. So, change has come to Cedarville, and the proud Pirates football program finds itself in a state of transition.
Versatile senior fullback / quarterback, Colton Arnold, worked out at both positions in the spring. Arnold was second in rushing in the conference a year ago to All-State Booneville running back Dax Goff. Arnold rushed for 797 yards on 142 carries and scored seven touchdowns. Very good stats on a team that struggled all season.
On defense, senior Braxton Bentley will anchor the offensive and defensive lines for the Pirates. Bentley recorded 22 tackles and a sack last season.
At deadline time for this story, the Pirates were 0-3 on the current season. Cedarville has losses to Perryville (41-0), Mountainburg (17-8), and Green Forest (24-6). At publication time, Cedarville was preparing to make the trip to Lavaca to play the Golden Arrows.
Cedarville is both low in overall numbers on their roster and lack depth. The Pirates are also low in returning offensive linemen after being one of the best rushing offenses a few years ago. Charleston, as well as other opponents, will attempt to run the football against the Pirates, wearing down a defense that is low in depth and returning players.
At press time for this story, the Charleston Tigers were finalizing their preparations for their home conference game with Greenland on September 22. The Tigers’ game this week with Cedarville is important to Charleston; they cannot afford to overlook the Pirates with Mansfield coming to Alumni Field the following week. Cedarville has traditionally been a tough place for opposing teams to play, and the Pirates will come out ready to play against Charleston.
Following their game this week with Charleston, Cedarville will host the Hackett Hornets on October 6.
Kickoff in Cedarville is set for 7 p.m. Watch for our postgame story on this game this weekend on the RNN Sports website at residentnewsnetwork.com.
And like every week, we will see you at the stadium on Friday night!
