West Fork anticipates a seamless transition after former coach Brad Lindley left in June to become an assistant coach on Billy Dawson's staff at Fayetteville.

The Tigers are now led by Bob Wise, who was promoted after spending 12 years as an assistant coach at West Fork.

"I've known most of these kids and their families since they were in the seventh grade," Wise said. "That's definitely an advantage."

West Fork hopes for a turnaround after the Tigers finished 1-9 after opening the season with huge losses to Greenland, Elkins and Prairie Grove. West Fork was outscored 14-144 in those games before beating Subiaco Academy 28-0 for its lone win.

"We were plagued with a lot of injures last year and we had 14 players in street clothes in Week 10," Wise said. "That 1-9 record is certainly motivation for our guys. We're looking to surprise some people this year."