Westside Football Preview

Football Preview 2018

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He's very hard to cover one-on-one. He's really focused and wants to be successful." Junior Gage Weaver (5-11, 165) has shown potential to be a good receiver, Craig said. Weaver showed flashes as a sophomore catching eight passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Senior Micah Peterson (5-9, 132) is very intelligent and understands the offense well. He gives the Panthers depth at the Z receiver and is "a kid you love having on the team," Craig said. Junior Dominic Alfaro (5-11, 140) and sophomore Zane Bland (5-7, 158) also help out at the Z receiver. When the Panthers go with four wide receivers look for sophomore Elijah Coffey (5-6, 145) to see some playing time, while Gavin Henson and junior Chase Mills (5-7, 142) also could see the field at receiver. H-Back The Panthers will also use an H-Back, similar to a tight end, in the offensive scheme. Senior Spenser Pippin (5-10, 206) heads the top of the list after catching 10 passes for 151 yards a year ago. "We ask a lot out of Spenser and our H-backs," Craig said. "There's a lot of blocking, exterior and interior, and a big part of passing game protection, but we also go out and ask them to catch the ball. He's a good athlete with versatility and he can be physical." Sophomore Keondre Westbrook (5-10, 249) also could be an option at the H-back along with sophomores Hunter Dorsey (5-10, 237), Matt Reynolds (5-11, 188) and junior Esquin Bocanegra (5-8, 175) all could see JV action. Offense line The Panthers have experience return- ing on the offensive line with their entire left side of the unit. Senior Corbin Collins (6-3, 286) is widely considered the Panthers' top line- man and will start at the ever-important left tackle position and protect the quar- terback's blind side. "(Corbin has) definitely got all the tools as far as size and strength," Craig said. "He's a lot better technique-wise and has a better understanding of the offense. He gives us a chance to be physical up front." Senior Fermin Velis (5-6, 218) and Isaiah Molina (5-8, 220) will split time at left guard with Velis also seeing time on defense. "Both of those guys will see action on the offensive line," Craig said. "It's a position where we ask guys to do a lot of pulling and it fits (Velis). He's faster and more athletic. Isaiah has had a really good summer. He's gotten stronger and is a kid that's learned the right way to do things and gotten better each week." Senior Dillon Conn (5-11, 197) returns at center after missing a significant portion of last season with a concussion. Conn, though undersized, is one of the coaches' favorites because of his energy and effort. "Dillon is the kind of kid that exempli- fies what our program is about," Craig said. "He works hard and does everything to the best of (his) ability. He gives every ounce of what he has and that's the kind of kid you want." Junior Marco Salcedo (5-4, 309) played at center when Conn was out last year and is very strong, Craig said. Sophomore Jared Clark (6-3, 285) is penciled in to start at right guard. "He has all the tools and definitely could be a next-level player," Craig said. "We saw a lot of good things from him in the spring. He jumped right in there." Junior Andrew Gutierrez (6-5, 370) is another option at right guard and gives the Panthers a strong physical presence. Senior Dakota LeRoy (6-4, 268) man the right tackle spot. "He has the ability to be physical," Craig said. "We could put out a pretty good looking offensive line." Junior Mariano Dominguez (6-0, 261) could rotate in on the offensive line but the Panthers are hoping most of his time will be spent on defense. Juniors Ronnie Stillwagon (5-11, 283) and sophomores Alex Miller (5-5, 242), Kadden Crittenden (5-7, 221), and Chris Svebek (5-9, 183) could see JV action on the offensive line. Special teams Seniors Christian Marroquin and Harrison Losh were locked in a battle for the kicking duties heading into fall camp. Marroquin is an addition from the soccer team and a two-time state cham- pion. "Here's something as a coach you're always looking for," Craig said. "If you can get a kid that knows how to win and knows what it takes to be a champion on your team, you want that kid on your team. He's a kid I think that brings those qualities, definitely someone I'm excited to have on the team." Craig said Losh has battled some inju- ries but is showing signs of being back to 100 percent. "We're just going to let them battle it out," he said. Kaiden Thrailkill looks to handle the primary punting duties after averag- ing nearly 37 yards per punt on 34 tries last year. Craig said the Panthers will show a variety of looks from punt formation, including tight punt, spread punt and rugby punt. Craig said Primo Agbehi, Gage Weaver and Taylor Pool all could be candidates to return kicks and punts. 960A S. Mt. Olive, Siloam Springs 479-524-5161 or 888-736-2020 GRAVETTE EYE CLINIC 1008 First Ave SE, Gravette 479-323-7005 Call and schedule your eye appointment today. Go Panthers, Go! We help you keep your eye on the ball! 2018 Football Preview 6 n Wednesday, August 22, 2018 The Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer 87 • Brayden Shirley 89 • Ian Williams Assistant coach Henry Janes Assistant coach Dwain Pippin Assistant coach Cole Harriman Assistant coach Tony Coffey Assistant coach Jonathan Johnson Assistant coach Drew England OFFENSE Continued from Page 5

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