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Second-year Gentry football coach Justin Bigham knew going in that his first year with the Pioneers would have some adjustments along the way. The Pioneers finished with a 4-7 record in 2020, highlighted by a three- game conference winning streak with wins over Huntsville 46-34, Berryville 48-35 and Green For - est 35-14 midway through the year. The Pioneers also lost their last five games, including a 50-49 heartbreak- er against Ben- ton County rival Gravette and a 36-26 loss at Monticello in the opening round of the Class 4A playoffs. "Year one is always an adjustment," Bigham said. "It doesn't matter if it's an non-covid year or a covid year. Nobody knew what to expect. As much as you try to get to know the kids and for them to know you, there's still a newness to it. Relationships don't happen over night, and it takes time with kids." Heading into his second year, Bigham expects far fewer adjustments in 2021. "Being in it the second year is huge," he said. "We have a lot better relation - ship with those kids, having been with them a whole year now. They know what I expect, what they need to be. I know the kids more individually now. You can't coach every kid the same, and you learn what makes each kid tick." The Pioneers graduated four seniors from last year's roster, but return a large senior class of 13, along with sev - eral members of the junior class that got playing time as sophomores. Senior tight end Garrison Jackson (6-4, 250) has scholarship offers from Harding, Ouachita Baptist, Missouri Southern, Northeastern State and Hendrix. Jackson will be a top player in the Pioneers' offense in 2021 after catching 28 passes for 338 yards and two touch - downs last season. "He's going to have an opportunity to play at the next level," Bigham said of Jackson. "He's really good for us. He creates lots of mismatches." Jackson also plays defensive end on the defensive side of the ball. "A 6-4 kid coming off the edge is big," Bigham said. "You've got to know where he is." Senior lineman Lucas Guinn moves from center to left guard and improved his stats in the weight room, as did much of the team, Bigham said. "He's becoming more explosive," Bigham said of Guinn, who also plays on the defensive line. Senior right guard Isaiah Freeman is a three-year starter at right guard, who also works at nose guard on defense. Adam Summers rotates in at tackle spots, while Aiden Whitehead works at center after starting last year at left guard. "We feel really good with our guys up front up," Bigham said. Senior William Pyburn is an all-con - ference running back who rushed for 487 yards on 83 carries. He also plays an inside linebacker spot in the Pio- neers' 3-3 stack defense. "He's a smart kid who really knows football," Bigham said of Pyburn. "He's a really good running back. It usually takes more than one kid to bring him down." Hwy. 12 East • M-F 8:30am to 6:00pm • Sat. 9:00am to 1:00pm Free Delivery in Gentry Drive Thru Accept most insurance plans GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON! 479-736-2241 "Your Hometown Drug Store" 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 Have A Great Season! Washington County Farmers Mutual Fire I N S U R A N C E Company Friday night football and pizza!!! Go Pioneers! 479-736-8142 244 E. MAIN ST. • GENTRY Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm • Fri & Sat 11am-10pm 2021 Football Preview 12C n Wednesday, August 25, 2021 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Coach Justin Bigham Garrison Jackson Lucas Guinn William Pyburn Zach Gunneman Dawson Rayburn Logan Heath By Graham Thomas Staff Writer n gthomas@nwadg.com Pioneers enter second year with Bigham See PIONEERS on Page 13C