By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
Can the Hughes Blue Devils continue their postseason run this year?
Under current coach James Wright, the Blue Devils have been to postseason each year since 2000.
This year they would like to take the postseason effort one step farther.
The last two seasons and the last two Class AA state tournament appearances for the Blue Devils have ended in the same round -- the quarterfinals -- against the same team -- Junction City.
Last year's 10-3 finish marked the second consecutive year that Hughes has produced a 10-win season.
They did it, largely behind quarterback Cory Scarbrough, who took over calling the offensive signals after season starter Johnny Payton went down with an injury.
Like Palestine-Wheatley, the Blue Devils move into the revamped 6AA Conference this season and were immediately projected to finish fourth.
That preseason estimate may be a little low. While the Patriots, 11-2 a year ago, are considered by many as the team to beat in the 6AA (even ahead of perennial power Barton) Hughes is not and has never been a team to take lightly.
Returning a back field filled with speed and more speed within the confines of Wright's 'no quarterback' Single Wing offensive set, Hughes is out to make their presence felt again this year.
The Blue Devils will have tailback Marcus Washington in the backfield. Only a junior, Washington came on strong during the 2003 playoff run _ especially in the second round win over Mountainburg.
Standing alongside Washington this year should be tailbacks Clifton Smith and Kerrick Scofield.
Hughes will open the season on Sept. 3, when they travel to Jessieville for a rematch of the 2002 playoff game between the two schools.
Jessieville is the preseason pick to win the 5AA Conference, which gives the opener more of a November playoff feel than a September first game.
The Lions were picked 10th in the preseason Class AA Top 10 polls.
Football physicals for Forrest City students, grades 7-12, will be held Monday, Aug. 2, at the junior high field house, beginning at 4 p.m.
Cost per student is $10 cash, no checks.
Junior high equipment will be handed out Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 3, 4, 5, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., to only those students who have had their physicals.
The Junior Mustangs will begin practice Friday, Aug. 6, at 1 p.m. on the practice field.
Forrest City will begin their season on Thursday, Sept. 2, when they host Marianna at Sam Smith Stadium.
*Calvary Christian School will hold athletic physicals Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 3 p.m., at the offices of Dr. Sudhir Kumar at 1801 Lindauer in Forrest City.
Cost per student is $10 and Dr. Kumar's office has requested cash payment only.
All students who plan to participate in any of the school's extra-curricular sports activities during the 2004-05 school year must have a physical before they will be allowed to participate.
Students also have the option to obtain physicals from their own personal family physician.