25 Aug 2010 501 Football Extra: Magnet Cove Panthers

 The Panthers finished 4-3 in the 5-3A, placing fourth behind Fountain Lake, Bauxite and Glen Rose.

Coach Ronnie Efird said the Panthers posted big wins against Mt. Ida (33-14), Arkansas Baptist (49-27) and Murfreesboro (22-6).

“Defeating a very good Murfreesboro team at their place was big for us,” Efird said. “It was the only regular season loss for the Rattlers.”

The Magnet Cove offense will live and die by the success of its tailbacks. Senior Taylor Bray (5-8, 135) and junior Jeffery Pinkston (5-9, 170) will handle the majority of the carries after rushing for 224 and 177 yards, respectively, in 2009.

“We’ll have a very explosive offense with three good running backs,” Efird said. “We’re a little inexperienced at receiver and quarterback, but we’ll get better at those positions as the season moves on. Our defense will be physical and fast.”

Senior Josh Scott (5-10, 210) returns as the defensive leader at linebacker after posting all-state honors in 2009. Scott also serves as an offensive guard and kicker.

This fall the Panthers move down to the 5-2A.

“We should be at the top of our conference,” Efird said. “Conway Christian, Mountain Pine and Two Rivers will be tough.”

5 Players to Watch: Jeffery Pinkston (Sr. RB/LB), Dalton Pinkston (Sr. LG/LB), Josh Scott (Sr. LG/LB), Brandon Cloninger (Sr. QB/DB), Blake Bratton (Jr. RG/DT).

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1 Must-see Game: Parkers Chapel, Sept. 24 “We were both in the 3A last year. We won seven games; Parkers Chapel won eight. We both return some really good players.” – Efird

2010 Schedule

Sept. 3        at Mount Ida
Sept. 10    Mountain Pine*
Sept. 17    at Poyen*
Sept. 24    at Parkers Chapel
Oct. 1        at Hector*
Oct. 8        Augusta
Oct. 16        at Bigelow*
Oct. 22        Quitman*
Oct. 29        at Conway Christian*
Nov. 4        Two Rivers*

* Denotes conference game