CABOT: Panthers dangerous in Class 7A

Conference: 7A/6A East
Coach: Mike Malham
’14 Record: 6-5 (4-3)

The Cabot Panthers suffered injuries to key players last fall, but Mike Malham’s crew still found ways to battle themselves into the playoffs.

Six starters return on the Cabot offense, including versatile junior quarterback Jarrod Barnes. He rushed for 824 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago, and he also passed for 364 yards and two touchdowns. Seniors Kolton Eads and Jess Reed return at fullback and running back, respectively. Eads, a 501 Football Team honoree, rushed the ball 190 times last fall, racking up 1,238 yards and 14 touchdowns. Reed gave the Panthers 170 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Juniors Braxton Burton and David Morse and sophomore Adam Flores contribute in the backfield. Seniors Hunter Wood, Antonio Palacios and Kameron Eide return on the offensive line. Juniors Jack Teague and Brock Bottorff will start at tight end. Seniors Luke Ferguson, Peyton Glisson and Jessie George will fill out the rest of the offensive line.

“With six starters back on offense, we have a good nucleus to start with,” Malham said. “We will have a senior line that we hope will produce great results. Jarrod could be the best we’ve ever had at quarterback.”

Seniors Austin Jones and Bryce Crockom and juniors Chris Jones and Collin Thompson return to an intact defensive line. Junior Easton Seidle returns at linebacker. Junior Connor Daigle played linebacker last year, but he could move to strong safety this fall. Senior Holdyn Barnes and junior Dillon Smith return in the secondary. Seniors Lino Garcia (tackle), Trent Erickson (linebacker), Austin Nguyen (end) and Brett Locke will all contribute on defense.

“With eight starters back, the defense should be solid,” Malham said. “Replacing two starters in the secondary is a big question mark. We started five sophomores last year, so we are still pretty young — but we have the experience.” 

5 Players to Watch:

Jarrod Barnes (Jr. QB)

Kolton Eads (Sr. FB)

Austin Jones (Sr. DL)

Easton Seidle (Jr. LB)

Holdyn Barnes (Sr. DB)

 

1 Must-see Game:

"Rival Conway is a great way to start the season." – 501 staff