28 Aug 2017 Bremmon, Panthers seek revenge against Clinton

by Levi Gilbert

Even though the Heber Springs Panthers won a share of the 2-4A conference title last year, a loss all the way back in Week 1 remains a thorn in Jacob Bremmon’s side. As the high school football season dawns this week, Bremmon and the Panthers look to avenge last year’s loss to county rival Clinton.

“We want to bring home the Battle of the Little Red trophy,” Bremmon said.

Bremmon, a senior wide receiver/defensive back for the Panthers, was selected to this year’s 501 Football Team — 25 players representing all 11 counties of the 501. The team, which boasts the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the field, is sponsored by Conway Ortho and Sports Medicine, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank. Bremmon was nominated by his head coach, Darren Gowen.

“Jacob is a leader on and off the field,” Gowen wrote in his nomination. “On the field, he knows all the positions and their responsibilities. He gets us lined up on defense and has become a big-play receiver on offense.

“Off the field, he is a tireless worker who helps and encourages everyone he comes in contact with. He is a three-sport athlete and a good and responsible student in the classroom.”

Last year, the Panthers were winless through the non-conference schedule, but a 6-1 finish down the stretch gave the Panthers a piece of the 2-4A championship. Bremmon was a key contributor to the championship run.

“Jacob was part of an extremely talented group of skill players on offense and was able to win our Offensive Big Play award that is voted on by his teammates,” Gowen said. “Jacob led our team in interceptions on defense last year because he possesses very good ball skills. He is a student of the game and is a playmaker in all aspects of the game. The best thing that I can say to describe Jacob is that he is a ‘football player.’

“Last year, Jacob never came off of the field. He started at safety and wide receiver and was a member of every special team. I see Jacob doing the same this year, plus taking on a more prevalent role on offense. This year he will be the leader of this group and will have the ball in his hands a lot more. He was all-conference last year, and I expect him to push to be on the all-state team this year.”

Bremmon is a big-time performer despite personal challenges he has faced on and off the field.

“I have to deal with arthritis in my lower back and hips,” Bremmon said. “It sets me apart from a lot of athletes, but I don’t let it slow me down. I perform just as well as someone without it. Coming from the home of a single mom with two younger brothers with my dad not around, I didn’t have anyone to set an example for me until later in my life. With my brothers’ dad not being around either, I have felt as if I try to be a role model for them to look up to because I want them to grow up to be successful.”

In addition to football, Bremmon also plays baseball and basketball for the Panthers. Off the field, he’s active in Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Bremmon and the Panthers play host to rival Clinton to start the 2017 season at 7 p.m. Friday.