RIVER VALLEY and OZARK AREA — Greenbrier head coach Randy Tribble's return to high school football was not a memorable one, as the Panthers averaged just 14.6 points per game while giving up 35.2 points per game en route to a 1-9 record in 2008.
If Tribble wants to get Greenbrier back to the playoffs for the first time since 1995, he will need big contributions from his eight returning starters.
"We made progress, and we're moving in the right direction," Tribble said.
One bright spot for the Panthers is the infusion of a sophomore class that went undefeated last season in junior high play. Leading the way for the junior high team last year and earningFaulkner County Player of the Year honors was quarterback Neal Burchan. This year, Burchan will take his game to the next level as a sophomore starter on the varsity team.
He will be backed up by junior Spencer Russaw.
The Panthers have the benefit of having a returningstarter at the tailback position in junior Hunter Winston. As a full-time sophomore starter last season, Winston rushed for 600 yards and "improved as the year went on," Tribble said.
"We've got to get the ball in his hands," the coach added.
Although the Panthers will be running mainly out of a one-back formation, they will utilize four players at that position including Zach Perry, Brady Day and JoJo Oluokun.
Senior Patrick Allen will be looked upon as the leader on this year's team and will head a senior-laden receiving corps that includes Tyler Hardee, Tanner Howland and Justin Head, as well as Trent Virden. Winston will also come out of the backfield to catch passes.
Matt Cain, last year's starting center, could be moved to tackle this year with Dustin Hartwick taking over at center. The other returning starter on the offensive line will be Michael Monton. Junior Tom Boles will occupy the other tackle position, while Chase Lear and seniors Tyler Govia and Steven Dean will see time at the guard position.
On the defensive line, Tribble will make use of some of his offensive linemen such as Matt Cain, Chase Lear and Michael Monton as well as A.J. Boyd on the inside. On the ends, the Panthers will depend on sophomore Ryan Alexander and Justin Head to get pressure
Junior Colt Palley, Trent Virden and sophomore Gavin Roberts will be instrumental in stopping the run if it makes it past the defensive line.
Tribble has the cornerback and safety positions narrowed down to three players each.
At cornerback, he will look to JoJo Oluokun, Reed Cone and Brady Day. At safety, Hunter Winston, Patrick Allen and Tyler Thomas will protect against the deep pass.
Looking at the 5A-West Conference, Tribble believes that Greenwood will rise to the top once again with a team that is better than previous years' teams. At the same time, he expects his Panthers to also be much improved with the addition of the sophomore class.
"I like having those guys that haven't been beat in a while," Tribble said. "I think we can compete and have a chance to win."GREENBRIER PANTHERS
Sept. 4 ................... at Beebe
Sept. 11 ...........at Mayfl ower
Sept. 18 ......... Heber Springs
Sept. 25 ...... Siloam Springs*
Oct. 2 .................... at CAC*Oct. 9 .......... at Greenwood* Oct. 16 ..................... Alma* Oct. 23 ................ Morrilton* Oct. 30 ............. at Harrison* Nov. 5 ................ at Vilonia*
Special, Pages 217, 218, 219 on 08/23/2009