SPRINGDALE — Greenbrier flubbed its big chance last year, but it gets a shot at redemption under nearly identical circumstances Friday.
The Panthers will try again to overthrow conference titan, reigning state champion and Greenwood in a showdown of unbeaten 5A-West teams at Don James Stadium in Greenbrier. Greenbrier (8-0, 5-0) had the same opportunity a year ago, but six turnovers doomed the Panthers in a 33-0 loss to Greenwood (8-0, 5-0).
No one is expecting a repeat performance this time.
“Our team is a lot different this year,” Greenbrier Coach Randy Tribble said. “We have a lot of guys who remember that experience. We can’t play like that. This is a more mature team, but if we turn the ball over [six] times it won’t matter that we’re more mature.”
Greenwood Coach Rick Jones said he expects both teams to play well.
“I fully expect it to be one of those classic games people remember for a long time,” Jones said.
The Panthers are led by senior quarterback Neal Burcham and a deep corps of receivers. Burcham has thrown for 2,763 yards and 35 touchdowns this year, and the Panthers are averaging 47.9 points per game.
Greenwood, normally known for its own high-scoring offense, has emerged as a defensive force this year. The Bulldogs have allowed an average of 11 points per game but are still scoring more than 46 points.
“Greenwood’s defense is awesome,” Tribble said. “It’s the fastest defense we’ve played, and it may be the fastest defense we’ve played in a while. It is just what you want a defense to be.”
Jones readily admits the Bulldogs’ defense hasn’t faced anyone as good as Burcham this year.
“Our guys have played fast and physical all year, but it is important they save their best for Friday night,” Jones said. “You don’t play a quarterback like Burcham all the time. He’s a really, really good quarterback.”
Tribble said Burcham has all the physical tools, but what makes him special is his poise in the pocket. That will be needed against Greenwood, which has hounded quarterbacks all year with a strong defensive line and attacking blitzes.
“Neal is definitely playing awesome,” Tribble said. “We expect him to continue to play awesome. We’re going to do what we do, and we realize everything is going to happen faster than it has. We have to play really sharp and do it better than we’ve ever done.”
Jones said he has heard predictions that the game will be a high-scoring shootout, but he isn’t so sure. He said Greenbrier’s defense is experienced and talented, and the Panthers gave Greenwood trouble a year ago, although the score didn’t quite reflect that.
“They’ve got a lot of guys back,” Jones said. “The game last year was such a weird score because we really struggled to move the ball on them. They play great team defense.”
The Bulldogs are led by quarterback Hayden Smith and running back Justin Sunde on offense. Jones said Greenbrier’s defense has been overshadowed because of Burcham’s success, and Greenwood’s offense has found the spotlight has shifted to the Bulldogs’ defense.
“The defenses in this game are pretty doggone good,” Jones said.
Sports, Pages 24 on 10/27/2011