In today’s edition of the Three Point Stance, staff writers Rodrick Anderson and Warren Arceneaux discuss area high school running backs.

Who is the best returning large schools running back?

WA: Iowa’s Ronald Young. In his first year of football, Young ran for 1,063 yards and 18 touchdowns in 11 games. With a year of experience and better understanding of the game, those numbers should improve.

RA: Westlake senior Brandon Jupiter teamed with quarterback Jamaal Guillory last year for more than 2,900 yards and 44 TDs on the ground. But Guillory graduated, so the shifty back who runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash will need to lead the Rams’ offense as they break in a new quarterback, Kevin Rideau.

Who is the best small schools running back?

WA: Oakdale’s Cedric Allison scored in every game he played and finished the season with 1,439 yards and 14 TDs. With the graduation of 900-yard rusher Jamall Warnell, Allison could be even more productive.

RA: Prolific Rosepine running back Grant Ducote has more than 4,400 career yards, including almost 2,000 yards as a junior. His work load could increase this season as the Eagles break in a new starting quarterback in Jake Smith. At 5-foot-10 and 205 yards, Ducote is a powerful runner with speed.

Which running back will have a breakout season?

WA: As a backup last season, Welsh’s Kennon Legros ran for 478 yards and nine TDs. Now a starter, Legros is in position to post huge numbers, using his mix of strength, speed and smarts.

RA: Nathaniel Murrell had a promising start last season with 213 total yards and a touchdown in a 27-6 win over Pickering, but his season was cut short by a non-football injury. Murrell has battled back and will look to lead Grand Lake’s backfield in its move up to Class 2A.