Little differences

Central Arkansas Christian travels to Greenbrier for 5A-West game

By Eric Moore

LITTLE ROCK — When the Central Arkansas Christian Mustangs travel Friday night to face the Greenbrier Panthers. it will be the first matchup between the two as members of the same conference.

Last season, CAC was in the 4A classification.

For fans of both teams, a new opponent is not the only change this season. Both squads entered this season with a new coach. Former Harding Academy coach Tommy Shoemaker now leads CAC while former Harding University coach Randy Tribble is in charge of the Panthers.

The results on the field are a little different as well. After a winless campaign last year, the Panthers (1-3, 0-1) have already recorded a win earlier this season. For CAC it has been a slow start, with the Mustangs (2-2, 1-0) snapping a two-game losing streak with a win at home over Alma.

The two teams are similar in their offensive game plans - relying on the pass.

QUARTERBACK

The Mustangs will look to senior Zach Cole to put up big numbers again Friday. The transfer from Sheridan has thrown for more than 200 yards in each of the first four games.

For Greenbrier, the responsibility of getting the ball down the field will belong to Adam Chapman, who has also found quite a bit of success with the air game. In last week's loss to Siloam Springs, Chapman was 19 of 30 for 202 yards.

ADVANTAGE: EvenBACKFIELD

The running back tandem of Jasper Lee and Jaleen Watkins have been complementing the CAC pass game all season, with one or both being major contributors in each game this season.

The Panthers' running game is not as integral to their offense as it is for their Friday night opponent. A pass-first offense will mean that runs will not be as plentiful as they have been in the past and they will be used to primarily set up the pass.

ADVANTAGE: CACRECEIVING

The receiving corps for the Mustangs is one of the strengths of this year's team. With Jasper Lee playing a big role in the passing game along with BryceBiggerstaff and Jonathan Johnson, the Panthers' secondary will have their hands full all night.

It isn't just CAC that is loaded at the receiver position, Greenbrier has its share of more than capable receivers. Jason Hall and Justin Head each had touchdown receptions in Greenbrier's victory against Heber Springs.

ADVANTAGE: CACOFFENSIVE LINE

The CAC offensive line has been responsible for a lot of the Mustangs' success this season. Whether it is by air or by ground, the senior-laden offensive line will be crucial for setting the tone of the game for CAC.

Greenbrier can also boast a fairly experienced line with just one underclassmen. Being able to keep the pass rush off of Chapman has led to the Panthers having success throwing the ball.

ADVANTAGE: CACDEFENSIVE LINE

In their two losses, CAC has given up 69 points, mostly through the air. To avoid such a predicament this week, the line will have to get more pressureon the quarterback. Against the run, the Mustangs have held their own and have forced turnovers that led to touchdowns.

Greenbrier's defensive line has had trouble stopping the run and the pass at times this season. Against Mayflower, the Panthers gave up big runs, while against Siloam Springs, it was the pass that did them in.

ADVANTAGE: CACSECONDARY

When the defensive line fails to get pressure on the quarterback, it puts the secondary in a precarious position. The Mustangs have been burned for 324 yards (against Lonoke) and 374 yards (against Pulaski Academy). There have been some bright spots along the way, such as an interception last week against Alma that twarted a scoring drive.

The Greenbrier secondary has also had its high and low moments. Against Heber Springs, Tony Proctor and Zed Golden each had an interception, and the defense forced four interceptions last week against Siloam Springs.

ADVANTAGE: Greenbrier.

River Valley Ozark, Pages 76 on 10/02/2008