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over the last six games, including four straight with more than 200 yards as a team. Overall, Siloam Springs rushed for 2,087 yards on 434 carries for the sea - son, an average of 4.4 yards per carry. All but 424 of those rushing yards were lost to graduation. Seniors Palvinson Phizema, Camden Collins and junior Zach Gunneman hope to help the Panthers make up for that lost production in 2020. Phizema (5-8, 138) started the 2019 season as the Panthers' starting run - ning back in the season-opener against Van Buren, but struggled with ball se- curity. He finished the season with 19 carries for 60 yards. "Pound-for-pound, he's the stron- gest, fastest kid in our program," Craig said. "He had the turnover bug last year, which was his first year getting reps at running back. This year we've spent a lot of time with all of our guys understanding ball security. He's got a lot more con - fidence than he did last year. He's definitely got the skills and ability to play the position. We just need to make sure we take care of the foot - ball. That's the number one thing that wins and loses games in high school football." Collins (6-2, 180) saw action at running back in six of the first seven games, rushing 34 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns. But his primary position was at linebacker on defense. He'll have to pull double duty again in 2020. "Cam's gotten reps there," Craig said. "It's just a matter of not over using him. If he wasn't a defensive starter he'd jump in there and play running back. Our biggest job as coaches is to not over use him and put him in bad situations." Gunneman (5-7, 182) gives the Pan - thers a north-south runner that can get tough yards. He had eight carries for 18 yards at the varsity level. "He played running back in JV last year and did a great job," Craig said. "He got to have a few reps at the high school level. He's a kid we have a lot of confidence in because of his tough - ness." Wide receivers & Tight ends/H-Backs Probably the area where the Pan- thers got hit the most was at wide receiver. Of the 130 receptions for 1,754 yards last season, the Panthers only return 14 receptions for 136 yards. Senior wideout Gavin Henson (5- 11, 138) caught six passes for 55 yards and is the team's most experienced wideout. "Henson is a returning starter, our most experienced wide receiver and got a lot of reps last year," Craig said. "His con - fidence is through the roof. He under- stands our offense as good as our quar- terbacks do. It's nice when you have a kid that can play a position and coach other kids because of his knowledge." Henson can play an inside or outside receiver. Senior A.J. Arriaga (5-9, 165) has a lot of athletic ability but needs to focus on the mental side of playing the position. "If he gets focused, he has the ability to play the position," Craig said. Senior Nathan Lee (6-0, 140) came out for football in the offseason and could see time at wide receiver. "Nathan's a kid that wanted to come out for football," Craig said. "He's going to serve in the armed forces after high school. He's really got a solid character and he's tough mentally. We think if he learns the offense and continues to grow in his position, he's going to make some plays for us." Defensive starters Elijah Coffey (5-9, 134), Christian Ledeker (5-10, 171) and Keegan Soucie (6-0, 170) also could see time at wide receiver. The leading returning receiver is ju - nior tight end/H-back Brendan Lash- ley (6-0, 194) who caught seven passes for 61 yards. Stone Stephens (5-11, 187), a sophomore, also will play some tight end/H-back. "Brendan Lashley got a lot of experi- ence last year and will be more capable this year due to his increase in size and strength," Craig said. "Stone Stephens is another player that has had a great offseason and will see some time on both sides of the ball." Offensive line The Panthers return three starters on Mon-Sat 11am-9pm 100 E. UnivErsity siloam springs 479.524.2828 28springs.com WE sUpport thE siloam panthErs! Come by and see us before the game! 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. www.robertsphilpotteye.com Good Luck Panthers & Lions! We help you keep your eye on the ball! 2020 Football Preview 4C n Wednesday, August 26, 2020 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer SILOAM OFFENSE Continued from Page 2C See SILOAM OFFENSE on Page 6C