27 Aug 2024 501 Football Team 2024: Martell Macon – Bigelow

Bigelow cemented itself into Arkansas high school football lore last season, hoisting its first state championship trophy amid an undefeated season. For the Panthers, achieving gridiron greatness was the culmination of years of hard work across a challenging Class 2A landscape.

With the slate wiped clean, however, it’s up to the Perry County powerhouse to defend its crown. According to senior wide receiver/linebacker Martell Macon, Bigelow’s key to a repeat is playing the state championship game every Friday night.

“Our team goal this season is to play each game like it’s our last,” he said. “That’s what it will take to be successful and to get to the same spot as we were last year.”

A three-year starter at linebacker, Macon serves as one of the 501’s strongest defenders. The two-time All-Conference honoree has amassed more than 300 career tackles while adding 25 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in his sophomore and junior campaigns. This season, he’ll be presented with a new challenge: filling Bigelow’s quarterback vacancy.

“Martell has a chance to finish as an All-State player this year,” Head Coach Luke Starks said. “He’s physical, extremely smart, has a good motor and a nose for the football. His teammates feed off the positive energy he gives.”

“I want to be remembered as a hard-working player who helped my team find success in every game we played,” Macon said. “I have played football since fourth grade. Always stay true to yourself and never let anyone change that about you.”