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No one around Siloam Springs' football program was pleased with the Panthers' defensive performance a year ago. Riddled with injuries and lack of depth, the Panthers were prone to giv- ing up big plays, allowing an average of 425 yards per game and an average of nearly 39 points per contest. "I just looked at last year's perfor- mance and we did a really bad job as a staff," said head coach Brandon Craig. "We made the decision to get back to the basics (in the spring). We have tried to simplify everything so our kids can play faster." Tony Coffey takes over as defensive coordinator for Cole Harriman, who took a coaching job at his alma mater Huntsville. Coffee was the Panthers' defensive coordinator in 2017 under Bryan Ross. The Panthers will play a 4-2-5 formation, with the four-man front, two inside linebackers, one outside linebacker, two cornerbacks and two safeties. "I think what we figured out is we can't have a ton of moving parts," Craig said, "and we have to be simple in what we do and just let our kids play." Defensive line The Panthers will line up in a four-man front along the defensive line, which is coached by Ehldane Labitad. The Panthers will lean on senior J.P. Wills (5-8, 235 pounds) heavily in the trenches. "J.P. Wills is the anchor of our defensive line," Craig said. "He's a three-year starter. He's tough. He's had a ton of reps over the years. He's just a real solid football player." Wills is penciled in to start one of the Panthers' interior line positions, but he can play all four positions on the line, Craig said. "We'll play around with him, not just inside but in some outside roles," Craig said. Wills missed the first several games last season but appears to be on track to have a solid senior season. Wills has 27 total tackles and three tackles for loss last year. "He had a great spring, back to 100 percent healthy," Craig said. "He got himself in great shape. We feel like he's going to have a great season. I don't think there's any doubt that he's excited about playing football." Senior Tyler Johnson (5-10, 168) also impressed coaches in the spring after moving from linebacker to defensive end. Johnson had 70 total tackles last year, ranking fourth on the team. "Tyler Johnson is a kid that's really come back into the program and dedicated himself to improving," Craig said. "He had a tough year last year, but he really committed himself to having a great spring and summer. He's made a big difference at that defensive end position." Craig said the Panthers plan to uti - lize Johnson's speed at that defensive spot. "We're playing him a little different style than most," Craig said. "He's more of an athletic-type defensive end that can create problems for those bigger (offensive) tackles. High school tackles aren't always the most athletic guys. Speed off the edge and change of direction sometimes cre - ates problems for those guys." Nicholas Flack (6-0, 199), who moved in from Fayetteville a cou- ple of years ago, gives the Panthers another athletic body to use on the defensive line. Sophomore Justin Burton (5-6, 246) is a strong player the Panthers plan on using at a nose guard-type spot. "He's going to be real hard for peo - ple to move," Craig said of Burton. Starting offensive lineman Jace Su- tulovich (6-2, 278), who's committed to play at Air Force, will rotate in and play some defensive line, Craig said. Sophomore George LeRoy (5-10, 175) has impressed coaches with his potential on the defensive line. "The kid's got a motor and plays with a ton of energy," Craig said of LeRoy. "He chases stuff down that most guys wouldn't get to. To me, he's got a chance to be pretty special." 441 Hwy. 412 W. • Siloam Springs 479-524-5131 www.WassonFuneralHome.com Have a great season Panthers!! Our Family Helping Your Family, Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow Serving Siloam Springs And Surrounding Areas Since 1928 2021 Football Preview Wednesday, August 25, 2021 n 7C Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Defense looking for improvement in 2021 Bud Sullins/Special to Westside Football Preview Tyler Johnson (right) looks to make a defensive play against Harrison last season. By Graham Thomas Staff Writer n gthomas@nwadg.com See DEFENSE on Page 8C