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Moody also had an arm injury ear- ly in the year to go with his leg injury. He was able to play with the arm in- jury, but the leg injury knocked him out for good. Craig said Moody still battles some pain in that area but is working his way back to 100 percent. His pres- ence should give the Panthers a lift in the secondary. "He's a playbook guy," Craig said. "He understands the concepts better than other guys. He plays confident and he's a leader for sure." Sophomore Brock Nall (5-6, 140) also is getting work at bandit. Senior Caleb Noel (5-10, 140) start - ed at free safety some last season. "Coming into his second year as a starter, he's got better knowledge of the position," Craig said. "He's pretty good at being physical. He'll come up and hit you." Sophomores Gio Flores (6-0, 163) can also play free safety if needed, Craig said. Cornerbacks Senior Nick Driscoll (5-11, 147), a starter on offense, mans one corner- back position for the Panthers. "Nick is experienced," Craig said. "He's got good length, he's physi- cal. He loves to come up and tackle people." Sophomore and Mikey McKinley (5-7, 131) mans the other corner. Both McKinley and Driscoll also play wide receiver on offense. Sophomore Ramon Loyo (5-6, 144) has gotten lots of reps this summer as has sophomore Eli Hargett (5-7, 121). "Both guys need more experience, but they work hard and have great attitudes," Craig said. Special teams On special teams, the Panthers return senior placekicker Ronald Mancia, who connected on 22 of 26 extra points and 3 of 4 field goals. "He's got a great little leg," Craig said. "He'll be able to get a few touchbacks." Mancia had six touchbacks in 40 kickoffs last season. Uriel Paddila is the backup place kicker. Noah Shipp, a sophomore, is see - ing reps at punter. Numbers watch The Panthers will open the season with 65 players on the roster, includ- ing 32 sophomores, many of whom will play quite a bit on both sides of the ball. "I think the biggest thing we have to do as a coaching staff, because we are going to be so young, is stay pos- itive, help understand it's a growing process," Craig said. "We need to focus on getting better and learning each week so we can be competitive and have a chance to win games." Craig said numbers in the lower levels are strong, including around 60 kids in seventh grade, 45 in eighth grade and 35 in ninth grade. "What we need to understand as community and a school, those kids are going to have to continue to play as they get older," Craig said. "A lot of things come their way, a lot of opportunities. But at some point to have a football program, you've got to continue to play. It takes a lot of people to have a football program." ACTION HEATING & COOLING Like us on: Call today to schedule an Air Conditioning Tune Up! Repairs on all brands 524-0759 We support Panther Football!!! gates.com DRIVEN BY POSSIBILITY. Good Luck Panthers! 2022 Football Preview Wednesday, August 24, 2022 n C9 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer DEFENSE Continued from Page C8 Siloam Springs football Date Opponent Time Aug. 26 at Rogers Heritage 7 p.m. Sept. 2 Alma 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Greenbrier* 7 p.m. Sept. 16 Greenwood* 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Lake Hamilton* 7 p.m. Sept. 30 Russellville* 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Pulaski Academy* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 LR Christian* 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Mountain Home* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 Van Buren* 7 p.m. * 6A-West Conference Siloam Springs JV football Date Opponent Time Aug. 22 Springdale Har-Ber (n) Aug. 29 Alma 7 p.m. Sept. 12 Gentry 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Springdale 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Van Buren 7 p.m. Oct. 3 Prairie Grove 7 p.m. Oct. 10 Huntsville 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Bentonville 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 Rogers Heritage 7 p.m. Oct. 31 at Shiloh Christian 7 p.m.