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"Jed's definitely our No. 1 running back," Craig said. "He's very strong kid, very knowledgeable. Just grading him out this summer, he's at 90 to 95 percent as far as getting things done correctly" Derwin (5-8, 195) showed flashes last season, including a 128-yard perfor - mance on 10 carries in the Panthers' win against Pea Ridge. He also had 71 yards on 19 carries against Russellville. "He's a workhorse, definitely a down- hill player, brings a punch, hard to tackle," Craig said. "If he gets in space, he's got a burst in him and the ability to make some breakaway runs." Flores will also line up in the backfield at times and well as split out wide. "We want to get him touches," Craig said. Juniors Silas Tugwell (5-7, 144) and Cooper Church (5-6, 141) both had pro - ductive summers, Craig said. "Cooper Church has improved and has a lot of speed," Craig said. "His toughness overall, he's shown a great deal of improvement as far as running the football. "Silas has a ton of ability, breakaway speed, he's going to get some touches. The biggest thing with him is learning how to put his foot down and get into the end zone." H-back/Tight end Graduated senior Brendan Lashley led the Panthers in receptions (64) and receiving yards (919) in 2021 while catching eight touchdown passes from an H-back/tight end spot. The Panthers are working to develop experience at the position this year. "It's a position asking kid to do multi - ple roles," Craig said. "You have to block and be physical. You also have to catch the ball and make some plays. Brendan was really good at that — big shoes to fill." Sophomore Rustan Pickup (5-11, 185), a move-in from Oklahoma, has done a good job this summer, Craig said. "He's a good kid who works hard," Craig said. "He has a good attitude." P.O. Box 100 1401 E. Main St., Siloam Springs (479) 524-3121 P.O. Box 6294 2230 N. ompson, Springdale 479-756-2010 backstrom-pyeatte.com Serving NWA For 100+ Years • Plan Ahead • Talk of a Lifetime • Support • Services Proud to suPPort HigH scHool Football 2022 Football Preview C4 n Wednesday, August 24, 2022 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer 29 - Ramon Loyo 33 - Rustan Pickup 39 - Osvaldo Matamoros 44 - Kaiden Vernnon 49 - Dallion Miller 30 - Chase Tighlman 34 - Gage Jones 41 - Nathan Farman 45 - Victor Toledo 50 - John Coffey 31 - Eli Hargett 35- Tyler Huff 42 - George LeRoy 46 - Christian Mendez 51 - Blake Brown 32 - Kimber Haggard 36 - Jason Courtney 43 - Stone Stephens 48 - Kayden Davidson 52 - Braxton Majors OFFENSE Continued from Page C2 See OFFENSE on Page C5