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Hwy. 16 1 mile south from 412 Bypass Behind DaySpring - Siloam Springs RogeRs Automotive GO PANTHERS! 479-524-9213 SILOAM SPRINGS • 1270 Hwy 412 W., Ste A 2nd Location South of Gentry on Hwy 59 479-524-0061 GOOD LUCK! Pioneers & Panthers 2020 Football Preview Wednesday, August 26, 2020 n 9C Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Junior Caden McHaney (5-10, 184) mans a Will (inside) linebacker spot and can play in and out of the box. "(McHaney) got some reps last year on the varsity side," Craig said. "He's going to really blossom this year for us. He's worked extremely hard in the weight room and done some nice things to get himself into a varsity play - ing position. We like him a lot." Senior Hunter Dorsey (5-11, 212) mans the Mike linebacker. Dorsey moved to linebacker as a junior after playing defensive line as a sophomore. Dorsey had 93 total tackles as a junior last season. "We were short-handed at lineback - er so we stood him up and he really took to the position," Craig said. "He's very coachable. He works very hard and ended up making a lot of plays at that position. We were fortunate to have him make that transition and be as productive as he was." Junior Brendan Lashley (6-0, 194) is an offensive starter at tight end/H- back, but could see sometime at line - backer as well. Cornerbacks & Safeties The Panthers return veteran Elijah Coffey (5-7, 134) at one cornerback position. Coffey, a senior, has started at the position since his sophomore sea - son and logged more than 20 varsity games. "He's a veteran player for us," Craig said. "He's started as a corner since he was a sophomore. He's returned punts and kickoffs. He's done about everything we've asked him to do and done it really well. He's a guy we have confidence in and we're going to ask to be a playmaker for us." Coffey finished the 2019 season with 68 total tackles and was third on the team with 28 solo tackles. He led the team with seven pass breakups and had one interception, one forced fum - ble and one fumble recovery. Coffey also will be asked to play some wide receiver on offense. Senior Palvinson Phizema (5-8, 138) manned the other corner last season, but he's also a starter on offense at running back. The Panthers would like to limit his time on defense to utilize him more on offense. "Pound for pound, (Phizema is) the strongest, most explosive kid on the roster," Craig said. "It really comes down to depth and having a guy that can step up and take that spot." Senior Gavin Henson (5-11, 138), a starter at wide receiver on offense, could see some time at cornerback and free safety. Tanner Kear is another candidate for playing time at corner. Junior Christian Ledeker (5-10, 171) was a nice surprise for the Panthers as a sophomore in 2019 at the bandit (safety) position, which is a hybrid of defensive back and linebacker. Ledeker finished the year with 84 total tackles, 34 solo stops and led the team with three interceptions. "I wasn't sure (Ledeker) was going to be able to handle the varsity position," Craig said. "He really surprised me and had a great season. He's continued to surprise me with his weight room work and conditioning. It's just off the charts. He's 100 percent ready to do." Ledeker will also have a role on of - fense and special teams as well, Craig said. Senior Keegan Soucie (6-0, 170) started for the Panthers at free safety a year ago and made a lot of plays, Craig said. "We're hoping he can come back and duplicate that again this season," Craig said. "He's a very talented young man with a lot of skills. We're hoping he can maximize them to the best of his ability." SILOAM DEFENSE Continued from Page 8C Siloam Springs lineman Jace Sutulovich, left, goes around defen- sive line coach Ehldane Labitad's block during a practice at Panther Stadium. Graham Thomas/Herald-Leader