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Dr. AlAn l. lAmb, D.D.S. & Dr. Scott StubbS, D.D.S. General Family Dentistry 304 E Main • GEntry (479) 736-2800 1102 sw jackson • GravEttE (479) 787-5256 FARM • HOME • LiAbiLity 2209 North Henbest Drive • Fayetteville • w a s h i n g t o n i n s . n e t 479-442-2612 S e r v i n g A r k A n S A S S i n c e 1 9 2 2 Washington County Farmers Mutual I N S U R A N C E Company Have A Great Season! 2020 Football Preview 12C n Wednesday, August 26, 2020 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer New coach feels pieces in place for Gentry By Graham Thomas Staff Writer n gthomas@nwadg.com GENTRY — Justin Bigham feels like Gentry has all the pieces in place to build a successful football program. When Paul Ernest resigned as head football coach in the spring, one of Bigham's friends told him about the job opening. "I didn't know too much about Gen- try," said Bigham, who was planning on returning as offensive coordinator at Rogers. "I did some research on the history, the community's really bought in and wants to be successful. We've got some of the best facilities in the state with a 60-yard indoor and a 53-yard-wide weight room. We've got one of the biggest fans sections in Class 4A for a home football field. It's some really nice stuff. You don't invest that kind of money for a school and program to be mediocre." Another key was the Pioneers were coming off a successful 7-4 season with a solid group of players returning for 2020. That was a big draw for Bigham, who applied for the opening and got the job in Gentry this summer. For the most part it's been a good transition, he said. "Considering the circumstances with everything that's going on, it's been pretty smooth," he said. "There's always going to be some bumps. Coach Ernest did a really good job and we're just trying to build on that foundation that he laid. I think we have some kids that can play. Ultimately, they're the ones that have to make some plays." Bigham installed his spread offense this summer, which will base every- thing out of the pistol formation and be pretty multiple in variety, he said. Senior Zach Jarnagan (5-10, 165) takes over at quarterback after losing the talented Brandon Atwood (2,109 passing yards, 22 passing TDs, 861 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs) to graduation. Jarnagan played slot receiver in 2019 and caught 50 passes for 799 yards and nine touchdowns. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 119 yards and ran 40 times for 266 yards. "Zach Jarnagan is going to be a big time player for us," Bigham said. "He's a good one to have on our side." Jarnagan is one of six seniors on the roster. "We have a small senior class, but all six can play in my opinion," Bigham said. Senior Brennan Crosby (6-0, 220) gives the Pioneers a big body at run- ning back. He rushed for 334 yards on 82 carries last season. Talented sophomore Jonathon Cort- er (6-1, 180) also plays some running back and wide receiver. "I can't say enough good stuff about Jonathon," Bigham said. The Pioneers really like junior Gar- rison Jackson at a tight end/fullback spot. Jackson stands 6-4 and weighs 235 pounds. Ethan Evans and Crafton Beeler also contribute at tight end. Sophomore Dillon Jarnagan, broth- er of Zach Jarnagan, lines up at a slot receiver and is the fastest kid on the team, Bigham said. Senior wide receiver Seiren Reding (6-0, 175) works at an outside WR spot and does everything that's asked out of him. Sophomore Chris Bell (6-1, 160) is going to be a special wide receiver "if he can stick with it and learn and get after it," Bigham said. Up front, the Pioneers have around seven players they feel good about on the offensive line. Two sophomores are eyeing tackle positions in Logan Heath (6-4, 280) and Colton Whiteley (6-4, 285). "They're going to be really good," Bigham said. "I mean they're good right now, but they're going to be men when they're seniors. We've got some big boys. They're just young. Junior Lucas Guinn (5-8, 215) plays center but can play anywhere on the offensive line. Junior Isaiah Freeman (5-8, 235) plays right guard. "He's an anchor up there," Bigham said. Senior Jerry Harris (5-11, 210) plays the other guard spot, while junior Aid - en Whitehead (6-0, 245) is working at See GENTRY on Page 13C Zach Jarnagan Will Pyburn Seiren Reding Jonathon Carter Head Coach Justin Bigham Garrison Jackson Brennan Crosby Gentry Pioneers 2020 schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 28 at Waldron 7 p.m. Sept. 4 Lamar 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Stilwell, Okla. 7 p.m. Sept. 25 Huntsville* 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Berryville* 7 p.m. Oct. 9 Green Forest* 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Shiloh Christian* 7 p.m. Oct. 23 Prairie Grove* 7 p.m. Oct. 30 Elkins* 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Gravette* 7 p.m. * 4A-1 Conference game