Concord Built for Speed in 8-Man Football

Key football players for Concord High School include, from left, Logan Lamb, Brian Helms, Abe Reiniche, head Coach Max Clark, Masen Smith, and Ja’Vion Taylor.   Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

Last year: 3-6 overall

Concord High School head football Coach Max Clark said 8-man football is built on speed.

That will do just fine for the Yellow Jacket team in 2022.

Concord participated in the Tri-River 8-Man Football League last year, posting a 3-6 record. Clark said the Yellow Jackets spent most of the season learning how to adjust defensively.

“The game is a lot faster and speed makes a big difference,” Clark said during the JTV Media Days. “We want to provide the young men of Concord a great football experience.”

Clark said the school moved from 11-man football last year to 8-man football due to declining enrollment. Concord expects graduation classes of 50 or less for a number of years. 

Key returnees for Concord include all-conference receiver Mekhi Wingfield, Anthony Evans (quarterback/defensive back), Logan Lamb (linebacker/running back), Ja’Vion Taylor (defensive back/running back), Collin Thompson (running back/end), Rollen Smith (lineman), Abe Reiniche (lineman), Masen Smith (lineman), Brian Helms (lineman), and Lewis Fritz (kicker). 

Lineman Brian Helms said he enjoys playing the 8-man game.

“I prefer 8-man football because there are a lot less people on the field and in front of you,” Helms said. 

Newcomers expected to make an impact this season include Malachi Warner (linebacker/receiver), T.J. Allen (linebacker/receiver), Alex Winter (lineman), Carter Arbuckle (lineman), and Austin Bradley (lineman). 

Clark said the Yellow Jackets plan to have nearly 30 players in the Concord program. 

Concord High School

Football Schedule 2022

Aug. 26 Concord at Climax-Scotts 7 p.m. 

Sept. 1 Britton-Deerfield at Concord 7 p.m. 

Sept. 10 Concord at Morenci 7 p.m. 

Sept. 16 Maple Valley at Concord 7 p.m. 

Sept. 23 Vandercook at Concord (Homecoming) 7 p.m. 

Sept. 30 Gobles at Concord 7 p.m. 

Oct. 7 Concord at Marcellus 7 p.m. 

Oct. 14 Concord at NorthPointe Christian 7 p.m. 

Oct. 21 Concord at Athens 7 p.m.