12 Aug 2012 HEBER SPRINGS: Panthers focused on repeating as 2-4A champs
Classification: 2-4A
Coach: Steve Janski
Last Season: 11-1 (7-0)
There’s nothing quite like perfection.
The 2011 Heber Springs Panthers recorded a perfect regular season that included banner wins over Shiloh Christian, Harding Academy and Clinton, to name a few.
“Beating Shiloh Christian in Razorback Stadium to start the season was our defining moment,” said Coach Steve Janski.
The Panthers started the year with a win over Shiloh and then faced the team again in the first round of the playoffs. The Panthers came out victorious then, too, before falling in the second round to Farmington, 28-12.
Senior Ethan Bly (5-11, 205) leads the Panthers in their efforts to repeat as 2-4A champs. Bly — a running back — is a member of the 2012 501 Football Team. He led the team with 60 solo tackles and recorded five sacks.
Offensively he averaged 9.89 yards per carry and 30.9 yards per reception.
“Speed, athleticism, smarts — Ethan is a very coachable kid,” Janski said. “Ethan is a leader on the field — not just on Friday nights, but daily in practice. Ethan is the kind of player that gives football a good name.
“I expect Ethan to be an all-state selection. He will be a staple for our team both offensively and defensively.”
Senior Clint Ligon (6-1, 175) returns at receiver. He’ll be joined in the receiving corps by classmate C.J. Cannon (6-1, 180).
Senior Josh Hudson (6-0, 200) provides size at linebacker, and senior Derrik Fisher (6-1, 300) is a force on both sides of the ball at tackle.
Taking the conference for a second consecutive year won’t be easy, if Stuttgart and newcomer Dollarway have anything to say about it.
“Our conference will be extremely tough this year,” Janski said.
501 Football Team 2012 –
Ethan Bly
Classification: Senior
Position: RB/LB
On the field: He will do exactly what you ask of him to the best of his ability. He is very gifted.
Off the field: Ethan is a young man who has devoted himself not only academically, but also spiritually.
Community work: Ethan is highly involved with the community. He has helped people in the community move houses and is involved in his church.
Sportsmanship: In between the whistles, he’s wild and out of control, but when the play is over, he is the one helping others up and building others up. Ethan volunteers to help in any way possible, whether he is helping to clean up the field after practice, encouraging his teammates or even going out of his way to give other players a ride home.
Classroom: In class he is the student who takes the reins on any assignment. He is the go-to guy. He has outstanding conduct and excellent grades.
