Interview: Fayetteville 2017 QB Taylor Powell Previews Arkansas Championship Game vs. North Little Rock

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Few could argue that there has been a better high school football player over the past three years in the state of Arkansas than Taylor Powell. The steady rise of Powell has been that of a raw athlete figuring it all out as a sophomore to a dual-threat that is coming into his own as a senior. The 6-2, 202 pound, gunslinger has one more mountain left to climb before leaving his final stamp in the state history books – a chance to win back-to-back 7A state titles.

The proverbial thorn in Fayetteville High School’s side has been crosstown rival Bentonville. On Powell’s way leading the Bulldogs to an 11-3 season in 2014 with a run to the state title game, he passed for 2,513 yards with 20 touchdowns but was twice defeated by Bentonville. The first loss was the biggest but not the toughest, a 45-2 game to forget. The second meeting in 2014 showed the determination of Powell and the Bulldogs closing the gap to a 24-21 defeat in the playoffs.

The Tigers got Powell and company again during the 2015 regular season dropping Fayetteville 37-26. Powell got another shot this time taking down Bentonville in the semifinal round of the 2015 playoffs winning 31-21 before dispatching another crosstown rival, Har-Ber (28-7) for top honors in the state. The Bulldogs went 13-2 with their leader tossing for 3,594 yards with 49 touchdowns against just eight interceptions scoring six more touchdowns on the ground earning All-Everything post season honors.

A change on the sidelines in the off-season went from head coach Daryl Patton to former University of Tulsa head coach Bill Blakenship. Through 10 games of stats posted, Powell has been up to his same level of play compiling 2,560 yards passing and 32 touchdowns with only six interceptions tossed. The numbers do not tell the entire story. The Wake Forest commit has completed 70 percent of his passes hitting 189-of-269 attempts in only 30 quarters of playing time. Powell did not miss time on the field due to injury, the Bulldogs have just pounded away at the competition all year putting most of the starters on the sidelines in the second half.

Fayetteville is once again one of the top teams in the state posting an 11-1 record thus far. The Tigers once again clawed their way to a 24-21 regular season win against the Bulldogs but Fayetteville found redemption again in the playoffs knocking their rival out title contention with a 46-21 win. The last obstacle is North Little Rock High School. The Charging Wildcats are 12-0 with an athletic roster and talent in all phases of the game.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Powell ahead of Fayetteville’s big game against NLR getting an overview on his season and a preview on the state title game.

Interview

Taylor, you guys are headed to the state championship. Obviously the team is doing well, but how has the season gone for Fayetteville so far this year?

“It has really been a good season. We went through a coaching change. We adapted to Coach B’s (Bill Blankenship) style. I feel like each week we’ve been getting better. Last week I think we were at our best (46-21 win against Bentonville). We have a lot of confidence for the state title game. I’ve been doing what team needs me to do.”

What are some of the obstacles the Bulldogs have overcome to be so successful this year?

“I’d say that loss against Bentonville. That was our setback. Now we are on a winning streak (eight games), hopefully we can win one more. We’ve been down some games, 14-0 or 12-3, but have handled it well. We’ve won some games because of it.”

What changed from the Sept. 23 meeting with Bentonville when you guys lost 24-21 to the second round game when you rolled over them 46-21?

“I feel like on offense we were inconsistent. They played a great game, we have to give them credit. The second time we played them we had a great game plan and executed it well. In the first half they kept us off the field but in the second half our defense got us the ball and we put points on the board.”

What kind of challenge does North Little Rock give you and the Bulldogs’ offense?

“They’re biggest positive is they play hard. They are very-very athletic. They play with their speed and athleticism. Their front and interior on defense, they are big and athletic there, which can present a problem. If we do what I know we can do, I feel like we can handle their speed and athleticism well.”

What is your plan of attack against NLR on offense?

“Honestly, we have not changed much. We are doing to do what we do. They are a great team. They have put a lot of pressure on other offenses but with what Coach B has in store for us, we will be fine.”

How has your personal play been this year?

“I feel like I have played pretty well this year. Last year was a good statistical season. This year I have been consistent. I have so few quarters played this year, tough to put up crazy numbers like last year. The coaches are putting me in position to make plays. The defense is getting me the ball.”

What areas of your game have improved this season?

“I’d say compared to last year I am more mobile this year. Opposing defensive coaches have to take accountability with me running instead of being just a pocket passer. I’ve been making runs down the field. That is where I have improved the most.”

How has head coach Bill Blankenship helped improve your overall game this season?

“He used to be a college coach with a QB background. He’s been working with me since the summer. My quarterback coach has been helping too. Coach B is giving me insight to the college game. He has worked with me on how to slow the game down and make it simple. Now I can just go out there and play.”

Which game has been your toughest this season?

“I’d say – that’s tough. I’d say the Har-Ber, Bentonville, and Bishop Dune (Dallas, TX) games and now the North Little Rock game. They all have great defenses and are well coached. I’d say those three so far.”

How did the hard games make you better?

“I feel like I have played a lot of games since my sophomore year. If you take one lesson away from each game, you’ll get better. I have learned a lot. I learned how to be a leader when the team needs it. I’ve learned when to make a play when the team needed it. I have learned how to keep your team in the game. All the games have taught me how to be a better QB to prepare me for Friday and for the game in college.”

Taylor, good luck against North Little Rock on Friday night.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: scout.com; Taylor Powell warming up.

Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Taylor Powell in the pocket.

Photo credit: Powell family; Taylor Powell in Wake Forest gear.