THREE RIVERS AREA — Some teams can point to one thing or one moment that changes its season for the better or sometimes for the worse. For Heber Springs, it was a halftime speech that turned an abysmal record and a big halftime deficit into an inspiring comeback and a seven-game winning streak.
The Panthers had lost four of their first five games and had fallen behind 30-0 and trailed 30-8 at halftime in their week six game at Marianna. Motivated by a halftime speech from head coach Steve Janski, the team rallied to win the game 32-30. It spurred them on to a playoff run that ended in a loss to Newport in the playoff quarterfinals.
"We had a few new starters in key positions,"Janski said. "It took us a while to gel. At halftime in the Marianna game, we got the team together and talked about what we wanted to do and what kind of team we wanted to be. We came back and won that game, and after that we felt like we could do anything. It changed our team and we reeled off seven straight wins." The excitement for the 2009 season got started early when 2009 River Valley and Ozark Player To Watch Braylon Mitchell (6-2, 225) committed to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Mitchell, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards last season and will also help at linebacker this year, earned allstate honors in '08. Janski said his announcement to play for the Hogs has gotten the community stirred up.
"It has created an excitement around here," Janski said. "It's been over 35 years since a Heber Springs player has been a Razorback. It also means our team will have more attention around here onFriday nights. More people will be watching." What they'll be watching is a Panther team that re turns 16 seniors and five starters on both sides of the ball. The offense has returners in key positions and will keep defenses from keying on Mitchell.
Quarterback Wes McMullen (6-2, 205) is back after throwing for more than 2,000 yards last season. Janski said the play under center will have a lot to do with the success of the team this year and he expects McMullen to do the job.
"We expect him to have a great season," Janski said "He really made improvements last year. By the end of the season, he was making his reads extremely well and was hitting his second and third option instead of just keying on his first the whole time. He is playing with a lot of confidence." The receivers he'll be throwing to include return ers Hunter Derrick and Zach Nelson. Will Gilbrich a transfer from Memphis, will also be counted on to contribute.
Joseph Tharp and Ryan Palenske return to an chor the offensive line. Billy Grammer, who Janski called the best practice player he's ever had, and Keith Watson move into the starting lineup as well. Jimbo Bodorn (6-5, 235) adds some size and will start at right tackle.
A few players will play both ways for the Panthers including Palenske and Grammer, who will start onthe defensive line along with defensive end David Darrell, who Janski called a great edge rusher.
Mason Williams (5-9, 215) returns to the linebacking corps after an all-conference performance as a sophomore. Mitchell and Nelson, who played cornerback last year, will come over from the offense to help out Williams.
Andrew Hill is back at free safety after starting as a sophomore. Caleb Carmichael is a big hitter at strong safety. Darren Teal, a senior transfer from Los Angeles, moves to cornerback after playing some on special teams in '08.
Janski said he knows in order to compete in the tough 4A-2 conference, they'll have to get off to a better start than last season. The Panthers are hoping they won't have to rely on a 30-point comeback to realize what kind of team they can be.
HEBER SPRINGS PANTHERS
Sept. 4 ....................... Hoxie
Sept. 11 ............. at Rose Bud
Sept. 18 .......... at Greenbrier
Sept. 25 .............. at Lonoke*
Oct. 2 ................at Stuttgart*
Oct. 9 .................Marianna*
Oct. 16 ............ at Bald Knob
Oct. 23 . Southside Batesville*
Oct. 29 ...................Clinton*
Nov. 6 ................ at DeWitt*
Special, Pages 248, 249 on 08/23/2009