25 Aug 2010 501 Football Extra: Heber Springs Panthers

The Panthers finished 10-3 overall (5-2 in the 2-4A).

“It was the first time in school history we went back-to-back to the (state) quarterfinals in a conference that proved to be one of the best in the state with four of our teams

in the final eight,” Janski said. “We’re really excited about the way our team performed last year.”

As the league’s second seed, the Panthers beat Arkadelphia in the first round of the playoffs, 45-25; and Gravette in the second, 42-7, before falling to Osceola in the quarterfinals, 42-28.

But they return just three starters for their multiple offensive attack and five for their 4-3 defensive scheme.

“We lost a lot of two-year starters, not just starters,” Janski said, referring to, among others, the quarterback, two wide receivers, two linemen on both sides of the ball and linebacker/tailback Braylon Mitchell, who became the first University of Arkansas signee in school history.

But the younger varsity players have experienced their own success, with a junior high conference championship and a runner-up finish in recent years.

“We have a small senior class (six), but most of them have been starting,” Janski said. “I’m excited about what we can do. Unfortunately, our conference got tougher.”

Heading into the start of August drills, Janski said the two-deep roster hadn’t been determined.

“We really don’t know,” he said. “Because we’ve lost so many starters, nobody’s really solidified a starting position.”

Except, maybe, the small but stellar senior class.

Mason Williams (5-9, 220) at middle linebacker is the Panthers’ only three-year starter.

“This kid is a great high school football player,” Janski said. “He’s a good kid and very physical.”

Andrew Hill (6-4, 185) is a returning starter in the secondary. Caleb Carmikle (5-8, 160) also returns in the secondary.

“Caleb has a lot of heart,” Janski said. “He always seems to find a way to the football. He’s got good cover skills, and he plays the run well.”

Senior offensive lineman Joe Tharp (6-3, 280) started at left tackle and moves to left guard this fall.

“He’s definitely got a chance to play at the next level,” Janski said. “He’s got great feet. He plays on the basketball team and has a 3.5 GPA. I’m excited about the leadership he’s going to provide us.”

Jimbo Bodron (6-5, 245) returns on the O-line at right tackle. Janski said Bodron, who is also on the basketball team, was a very physical offensive lineman.
Senior Luke Fair (5-8, 170), a “big impact player” last year, will get the nod when the Panthers bring in their nickel package.

“We’re looking for him to help us out on defense,” Janski said.

In his sixth season at Heber, Janski said the Panthers had a new strength – speed.

“That has never happened before,” he said. “We’ve always been outmatched, speed-wise. This might be the first year we can match up with some of these other teams.”
A weakness is game experience, but that will improve each week.

“These kids have won over the past few years, and their work ethic is second to none,” Janski said. “I’d put that up against anybody in the state. That alone will keep us competitive, but we’ve got some big shoes to fill.

“We will have an uphill battle, but it’s one they can succeed at.”

DeWitt and Bald Knob left the 2-4A with the 2010 realignment, with Newport and Cave City coming in.

Janski said the league would be tough to pick.

“Look at Stuttgart,” he said. “They’re always battling for the conference championship. Now Newport is in the mix. They’ve got a great kid over there looking to play at the next level. Marianna is always very athletic; Lonoke went to the state title game last year. Any of those teams can win our conference.”

Count on the Panthers to be in the mix.

5 Players to Watch: Mason Williams (Sr. MLB), Andrew Hill (Sr. FS), Caleb Carmikle (Sr. SS), Joe Tharp (Sr. OL) and Jimbo Bodron (Sr. OL).

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1 Must-see Game: Newport on Oct. 15. The Greyhounds ended the Panthers’ 2008 season in the state quarterfinals and join them in the 2-4A this fall. “It’s a pretty good rivalry. It’s at Heber Springs, which is a great environment. The stands are packed and it’s a lot of fun. Newport is a big game to watch.” – Janski

2010 Schedule

Sept. 3        Mountain View
Sept. 10    at Harding Academy
Sept. 17    at Bald Knob
Sept. 24    at Lonoke*
Oct. 1        Stuttgart*
Oct. 8        at Marianna*
Oct. 15     Newport*
Oct. 22        at Southside Batesville*
Oct. 29        at Clinton*
Nov. 4        Cave City*