Zebras prepare for the new season

Don’t tell the 2024 Pine Bluff Zebras they can’t match what last year’s team did just because they lose several key players.

Senior linebacker Marshon Jordan said the Zebras have other players who can step up.

“Right now, we’re the talk of the city,” Jordan said. “Everybody doubting us. Just because we ain’t got Courtney (Crutchfield), Austyn (Dendy) and all, they think we can’t do it. We still got players that was behind them that’s ready to ball out and ready to play.”

No doubt, the Zebras have a lot to replace. Crutchfield, the No. 1-ranked recruit in Arkansas last year, and Dendy both signed with Missouri. Starting quarterback Landon Holcomb and linebacker Jonathan Goins are now at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Several others signed with various other colleges.

Those stars led Pine Bluff to a 5A-Central Conference championship and state semifinals appearance, a level of success the Zebras hadn’t achieved since 2017. But while they may be gone, PBHS still has several others returning from that team, especially on defense.

Head coach Micheal Williams said this year’s team can make a run, but the Zebras must earn it.

“They got to work harder than the guys we had last year,” Williams said. “This team right here is not quite as talented as the team we had last year, but this team actually is the team that I feel like can go further than the team last year, because we’re a lot more physical, stronger, and more mentally tough. So, if they’re going to do it, they gonna have to do it based on being disciplined, tough and physical.”

Defensive tackle Danny Johnson and edge rusher Julius Stribling earned all-state honors last season, while safety Kayvon Stringer was all-conference. Williams also mentioned defensive back Glen Barnes and defensive lineman Emmanuel Hudson as players to watch this fall.

On offense, running back D’Juan Hayes rushed for 105 yards in the conference title-clinching win against Joe T. Robinson. Wide receiver Tristan Helloms is another player Williams is excited about.

Williams said making a deep playoff run last year should help the returning players this fall.

“It helps a lot, because now they see what it’s all about,” Williams said. “These young men haven’t been that far in so long. … So, by them actually experiencing how far to get and experiencing practicing on Thanksgiving and experiencing a heartbreaking Shiloh Christian team, now they know how to go about they business.”

The Zebras will play a unique non-conference schedule this season before beginning their 5A-Central title defense. Pine Bluff will open the season with a neutral-site game in DeSoto, Texas, against Millwood from Oklahoma City. The Zebras will then return home to host Dallas Kimball. Both games will be on Saturdays.

Pine Bluff will then play its first Arkansas opponent, Camden Fairview, on a Friday at home to wrap up non-conference play.

Williams said with that schedule, he will be able to see where his team stands right away.

“I wanted to make sure we’re battle tested,” Williams said. “That’s the first thing. Second thing, I want to make sure our kids get exposure. I know playing against Texas teams, they’re going to have recruiters following them. So, it kind of helps us out, because while they’re following them, hopefully, one of our guys shines during that time.”