16 Aug 2017 HEBER SPRINGS: Panthers talented on both sides

Conference: 2-4A
Coach: Darren Gowen
’16 Record: 6-5

In 2016, the Heber Springs Panthers proved it’s not how you start, but how you finish that truly matters. The Panthers were winless through the non-conference schedule, but a 6-1 finish down the stretch led to a share of the 2-4A title.

Brandon Loethan is back at quarterback this season. The senior started the first nine games last season before getting knocked out by injury. Junior running backs Logan Huitt and Alex Bryant take over in the backfields. Senior Jacob Bremmon returns with the most experience at receiver. Seniors Todd Hinshaw, Joey Stacks and Curtis Hutchinson and juniors Nick Chaney and J.J. Bray start up front on the offensive line. Junior Julian Cameron is back at kicker.

Chris Hart returns at end. The senior recorded more than 50 tackles last fall. Senior Thomas Tvedten is a three-year starter at tackle. Loethan and seniors Blaze Nelson and Dillon Spivey project as starters at linebacker. Bremmon leads the defense from the secondary.