Wandering through Arkansas on a summer vacation, you quicklyrealize this is Razorback Country. Red Razorback t-shirts, hats,socks, shorts, caps and other paraphernalia fill the retail stores.And there is wholesale support for University of Arkansas tailbackReggie Cobbs, a reincarnated version of theIncredible Hulk.

Cobbs is Arkansas’ answer to Ole Miss Heisman Trophy candidateDeuce McAllister. Cobbs, a 6-foot-1, 235-poundsophomore, is depicted on the cover of one Arkansas publication asa cartoon character, his bulging muscles splitting the seams ofshirt and pants; just like the Hulk.

McAllister, a senior, also appears to be chiseled from stone.The focus factor is much stronger in Arkansas because there is justone major university. Cobbs is a household name, idolized by manyyoungsters.

In the Magnolia State, McAllister has his bumper stickers andNo. 22 jerseys helping promote the Ole Miss Heisman campaign. Innearby Starkville, Mississippi State University is promoting theskills of All-American defensive back Fred Smootand quarterback Wayne Madkin.

At Southern Miss, quarterback Jeff Kelly,running back Derrick Nix, defensive backLeo Barnes and defensive lineman CedricScott are being promoted for postseason All-Americanhonors.

Cobbs, from Little Rock, was brought along slowly as a freshman.He earned the respect of the entire nation when he became the firstback in 15 games to rush for over 100 yards against Tennessee asthe Hogs upset the third-ranked Vols in Fayetteville. Cobbs had 107yards on 15 carries.

Proving it was no fluke, Cobbs rushed a season-high 22 times thefollowing week in a 14-9 victory over 12th-ranked Mississippi Stateat War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. He scored the winningtouchdown on a tackle-breaking, 3-yard run. He finished with 77yards rushing.

The Cotton Bowl was a milestone for Razorback fans. Over 40,000Hog lovers attended the game and watched Cobbs lead Arkansas to aconvincing victory over Texas.

What can Cobbs do for an encore?

Good question. Arkansas has been picked to finish either last orsecond to last in the SEC West. Head coach Houston Nuttdoesn’t consider his Razorbacks to be in a rebuilding year.However, only one starting offensive linemen returns and that couldcause problems for Cobbs.

Arkansas should notch lopsided, back-to-back victoriesover Southwest Missouri State and Boise State on Sept. 2 and Sept.16 respectively, at Little Rock. On Sept. 23, SEC West favoriteAlabama invades Fayetteville. Hopefully, Cobbs will have some solidblockers to deal with the Crimson Tide’s awesomedefense.

Looking ahead, Ole Miss and McAllister visitFayetteville Nov. 4. Will the Deuce run loose or will Cobbs havehis way with the Rebels’ defense?

It should be an exciting showdown!

Catching up on the local scene after a vacation inEureka Springs, Ark. and Brandon, Mo. Preston Gordon has resignedfrom his position of head football coach at West Lincoln to becomeassistant principal at North Pike Middle School.

Gordon, a Summit resident, helped launch the ambitious WestLincoln program two years ago. His 2-year record was 1-14. TheBears finally got their home field finished toward the middle oflast season, made history and posted a shocking 19-16 varsity winover Clarkdale.

Gordon had a 6-year success plan. The field house constructionwas completed last winter so the Bears had a decent place to liftweights. However, a chance at greater job security and an increasein salary was too lucrative for him to remain at West Lincoln.

A new head coach has been hired but the Lincoln County SchoolBoard must officially approve the matter at next Monday night’sboard meeting. Remaining on the West Lincoln staff is line coachLuke Addison and newcomer Randy Laird who moved home fromBogue Chitto.

Enterprise still needs a boys basketball coach. AndrewSmithie resigned after two successful years at the helm and willwork as an assistant coach at Liberty during the 2000-2001 season.Smithie’s wife, the former Pamela King of Brookhaven, is a dentistin Gloster.

Wesson assistant football coach Reggie Lea has beentransferred to the Crystal Springs staff which is under thedirection of second-year head coach Will Blair. Lea also will serveas head baseball coach at Crystal Springs.