12 Aug 2012 BIGELOW: Panthers look to build on 2011 success
Conference: 5-2A
Coach: Jeff Starks
Last Season: 7-3-1 (6-1)
The Bigelow Panthers lost only one conference game in 2011 — 40-22 to Magnet Cove. Unfortunately, that one loss was enough to keep Bigelow from taking home the 5-2A crown. The Panthers fell in the first round to Mount Ida, which is now a new conference foe this year.
Bigelow will go head-to-head with Magnet Cove, Mount Ida and Conway Christian this year in search of the 5-2A title.
Senior Austin Turner (5-10, 170) returns at quarterback after passing for more than 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2011. Senior Terrell Dunlap (5-6, 155) returns at running back after rushing for 900 yards as a junior. Lane Embry (6-2, 165) also returns to the Bigelow offense. The senior receiver recorded 538
receiving yards and eight touchdowns last fall. Three seniors return as three-year starters on the
offensive line: Jake Starks (6-0, 185), Korey Steed (6-2, 300) and Nick Olles (6-0, 210).
The Panthers’ leading tacklers from last year return on defense — senior linebackers Tim Gunn (5-9, 160) and Jake Hoy (5-11, 185). Hoy is a member of this year’s 501 Football Team.
“We plan to be competitive on both sides of the ball and on special teams as well,” Starks said. “Our goal is to win conference and compete for a state championship. We have great senior leadership, but replacing six starters on defense could be a weakness.”
501 Football Team 2012 –
Jake Hoy
Classification: Senior
Position: OL/LB
On the field: Tireless worker in the weight room. He plays his technique very well and flies to the football on every play.
Off the field: He is a good student (3.5 GPA), very respectful and hard working.
Community work: Jake volunteers at his church and helps coach the younger discus throwers during track season.
Sportsmanship: When you tell Jake to do something, it gets done. Every Friday night after a tackle, you see Jake helping the other team up. He works hard, is loyal to his teammates and has great character.
Expectations: To be a dominant force on defense and help lead us to a conference title.
Last season: Jake was second on the team in tackles after taking over for a two- time all-state player.
