Westside Football Preview

2021

Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1403981

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 4 of 23

"The biggest thing from him is the mental challenge of playing quarter- back, learning the playbook, reads and adjustments," Craig said. Running back The Panthers rushed for 2,474 yards as a team last year and must replace nearly three-fourths of that produc- tion on the ground. Sophomore Jed Derwin (5-7, 183) has emerged as the front-runner in the backfield. "He's a really strong, tough kid," Craig said. "We went through all of spring and summer and he's shown that he has a nose for where to fit, sees things a little better than most do. He has to continue to work on his strength and speed." Derwin was one of the leading rushers for the ninth-grade team last season. Senior David Gowin (5-4, 135) gives the Panthers another option at run - ning back. "He's going to be a senior," Craig said. "He's smaller in stature, but he has a lot of athletic ability. He's really shifty." Gowin was a starter for the Panthers' soccer team last spring. Craig said the Panthers could "tin - ker" some with senior Christian Lede- ker (5-10, 171) in the backfield as well. H-Back/Tight end Brendan Lashley caught 15 passes for 94 yards as a junior in 2020, but the 6-0, 194-pound senior is expected to have a bigger role in the offensive production in 2021. Lashley is at the top of the depth chart at the tight end/H-back spot, but don't be surprised to see him split out wide as well. "He's one of those kids we're going to rely on heavily," Craig said. "He has great hands, great awareness of cov - erages. He's a guy that we're going to have to depend on and get the football 460 S. Holly St., Siloam Springs, AR • 479-524-0333 Have a Great Season Panthers! 2021 Football Preview Wednesday, August 25, 2021 n 5C Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer 72 - Martin Reyes, Sr. 80 - Jose Rico, Jr. 88 - Bryan Vargas, Jr. Aaron Meier, Secondary Tony Coffey, Linebackers/DC 74 - Shane Rowbotham, Soph. 81 - Cameron Stafford, Soph. 89 - Lucino Romero, Soph. Ehldane Labitad, Defensive Line Brandon Craig, Head Coach/OC Jonathan Johnson, H-Backs/Tight ends 77 - Brock Gold, Soph. 84 - Blake Beckett, Soph. Ashlyn Hill, Athletic Trainer Justin Wood, Offensive Line 78 - Jackson Boles, Jr. 86 - Nohe Rico, Soph. Brian Nitz, Athletic Trainer Michael Smith, Wide Receivers PANTHERS Continued from Page 4C See OFFENSE on Page 6C

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Westside Football Preview - 2021