Westside Football Preview

2021

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to him a lot. He started last year for first time. We did get him the ball out of backfield. He's had some growth and maturity, learned how to play the position." Junior Stone Stephens (5-11, 187) will play some at tight end, but Stephens is a starter at linebacker on defense, so his role offensively could be limited, Craig said. Junior Eli Free (5-6, 135) also is rotat - ing in at the position. The H-backs/tight ends are coached by Jonathan Johnson. Wide receiver Junior Jonathon Graves (6-3, 159) will start off as the Panthers' go-to outside receiver at the X position. Graves played in a few games last year, catching five passes for 28 yards. "He's worked hard to get faster and stronger," Craig said. "He's more con - fident. We're expecting him to make more plays." Senior Mark Lopez (5-9, 156) trans- ferred in last year as a quarterback but has transitioned into a receiver. Junior Nick Driscoll (5-8, 149) has had a strong offseason in the weight room and is emerging at the Y position. "He's a tough kid and has worked hard in the weight room," Craig said. "He's a guy that catches the ball really well. He's reliable. We feel like Hunter has gotten comfortable with him as well." Driscoll also can be used as a corner - back on defense if needed. "He's done a good job of building his body up," Craig said. "We'll use him offensively primary, but he's definite a guy we can use in an emergency sit- uation." Senior Patrick Church (5-7, 149) leads the way at the Z receiver position. "He has a lot of speed and athleti- cism," Craig said. Sophomore Cameron Stafford (6-0, 155) has been surprising, Craig said, junior Jose Rico (5-6, 126) also is in the mix. The Panthers also have Christian Ledeker, who is their leading returning receiver with 14 catches for 298 yards in 2020. Ledeker is a starter on defense and could factor in all over the field offensively. Michael Smith coaches the wide receivers. Offensive line Assistant coach Justin Wood takes over the offensive line after arriving from Springdale High, where he worked as offensive coordinator. And while Wood has several new players on the line, there's no doubt the Panthers will lean on Sutulovich (6-2, 278), who is a senior, at left tackle and for leadership. "Jace is one of our best leaders," Craig said. "The kids really follow Jace. He's just a guy they love to be around. Jace is one of the most positive kids I've been around. He's just a joy to be around. You don't get to coach too many like him in your career. Sutulovich had a busy summer with camps and announced in late June that he had committed to play football at Air Force. Senior Martin Reyes (5-7, 281) re - turns at center. "He's a great kid," Craig said of Reyes. "We love having him out there. He works extremely hard. He's the kind of kid you want in your program." Senior Adam Ballesteros (5-8, 201) is a little undersized, but he's likely to start at right guard. Curbside only. Delivery for large groups. Open every day at 11 AM 3402 Hwy 412 E. Siloam Springs (479) 524-3979 www.Lundstrum4Arkansas.com Lundstrum Robin State Representative Have a Great Year Panthers! FINANCING TO FIT YOUR GAME PLAN! Cindy Philpott Savannah Dickinson Vice President/Branch Manager Financial Services Specialist II 479-524-6754 | myaglender.com 2021 Football Preview 6C n Wednesday, August 25, 2021 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer OFFENSE Continued from Page 5C See SILOAM on Page 19C Pictured are Siloam Springs football managers Jasmine Gray, Lillian Thomas and Mackenzie Pool. Not pictured are Lola Munoz and Alyssa Wheeler.

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