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Our linemen also depend on teamwork. Our goal is safe, reliable, affordable electricity. Proud to be serving northwest Arkansas for 80 years. Carroll Electric Cooperative Corporation 2017 Football Preview Wednesday, August 23, 2017 n 7 The Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer 75 — Harrison Mehlburger Sophomore, OL/DL 76 — Mong Xiong Sophomore, OL/DL 78 — Levi Masters Sophomore, OL/DL 87 — Jeremy Mote Senior, DL 89 — Ian Williams Junior, WR/S "If he can (play both) that gives us more flexibility," Ross said of Hufford, who's also a team captain. "If he can do that, it'll give us more flexibility. Seth's smart. I think he's up for it. Seth's a good kid. He'll do whatever's best for the team." Junior Spenser Pippin (5-10, 186), the son of longtime coach Dwain Pippin, has come on at an inside receiver position. "He's going to help us with block - ing in space and on the perimeter," Ross said. "He can really help us with some tough catches for tough yards." Senior Tristan Moose (6-1, 169) gives the Panthers some size on the edge. "He has good hands and good height and size," Ross said of Moose. "We expect him to be able to make some plays for us down the field. He's worked hard and put himself in a position to play." Sophomore Gage Weaver also is in the mix at receiver as is junior Dillon Ferguson, the twin brother of Dalton Ferguson. Senior Marquan Sorrells also may see some action at wide receiver but has been working mostly on defense in fall camp. The Panthers will use a tight end in certain offensive packages. Junior Chase Chandler (5-9, 199) caught an eight-yard touchdown pass for the Panthers at Van Buren in Week 3 last year. He and senior Wyatt Washington (5-8, 196) and sopho - more Thad Wright (6-0, 213) have been getting the bulk of the reps at the position in fall camp. The Panthers also hope to have senior team captain Payton Norberg (6-1, 182) back soon after he went down with an ACL injury in the spring. "I think at some point he's going to be able to come back and help us," Ross said. Offensive line The Panthers will feature what is basically a brand new offensive line in 2017. A few familiar faces repped some there last year, but for the most part it will be a fresh start on what may be the most important position group on the field. Junior Corbin Collins (6-2, 273) played a lot on defense as a sopho - more and did see some action on the offensive line. This year the Panthers are going to call on him even more on both sides of the ball. But Collins' priority will be on of- fense where he'll play the important left tackle position protecting the quarterback's blind side. "We can rotate people on de- fense," Ross said. "I think we can keep him rested enough where you won't see him come out on offense. "Corbin's going to be good on ei- ther side of the ball." Next to Collins at left guard is ju- nior Fermin Velis (5-6, 212). Though small in stature, Velis has a powerful lower body and plays hard, Ross said. "Of all our guys, he may come off the hardest," Ross said. "It can work to his advantage in the run game. I like Fermin's attitude. He gets after it." Junior Dillon Conn takes over at center for the Panthers. Conn is the smallest of the Panthers' starting linemen at 5-foot-10, 178 pounds. "I've really been impressed with him at center," Ross said. "He's not big enough, but he has great feet and moves well. He's smart and is relent - less. There's going to be times where he just physically gets beaten, but I don't think it's going to happen that often." Senior Isaac Knudsen (6-2, 237) is another Panther with returning experience from last year, but a lot of it came on the defensive side. Like Collins, he'll also play on defense again. Knudsen was singled out on the first day of football practice for making every one of the available summer workouts. "He's a coach's dream as far as what you want," Ross said. "You never have to worry about him. He's always doing what he's supposed to be doing. He's got a motor." OFFENSE Continued from Page 3 See OFFENSE on Page 8 Bud Sullins/Special to the Herald-Leader The Siloam Springs football team opens the 2017 season at home on Sept. 1 against Rogers.