by Levi Walker Gilbert
‘Tis the season for giving, and Perryville quarterback Greg Stivers gave it all. The 18-year-old middle child of three used his uncanny combination of athletic ability (4.6 speed), intelligence (3.6 GPA) and strong work ethic to lead the Mustangs (8-2-1) to their first-ever conference championship.
“He’s a great kid,” said Coach James Clayton. “He’s very smart, and he picks things up real quickly. He works 40 hours a week and plays football.
“He’s going to go places in his life.”
The heralded coach came out of retirement in May. Clayton retired five years earlier from Carlisle where he established a formidable record in 15 years – 10 conference titles, four state title appearances and an overall record of 150-28-2.
Stivers does it all. He hits the books (will graduate with honors this spring), he hits the gridiron (played quarterback and cornerback, returned punts and kicked field goals for the Mustangs) and he punches the time clock (works full-time at TJ’s Country Store in Perryville). He plays basketball, runs track and is a member of the weightlifting squad in addition to his participation in football.
“The hardest part is the dedication,” Stivers said.“With all the work, homework and practices at night, it makes it really tough. I stay up late some nights doing my homework. It’s all about time management.
“I’m a senior. There’s nothing to hold back for. I have to leave it all out there.”
What motivates a teenager to devote all of himself to his school and work? The answer: Stivers’ mother, Angela Grey.
“I really admire my mother,” Stivers said. “She’s always found a way to provide for me and my brother and sister. She’s a really strong person. She had all of us by the time she was 18, and if she could take care of all of us, then I know nothing I face is too difficult.”
Stivers’ talents provided a warm welcome for Clayton this season.
“It’s been a good asset for me coming in to have an experienced quarterback,” Clayton said.
Stivers had been a starting quarterback since he was in the seventh grade, and he admitted that his mental game rose to a new level under Clayton.
The Mustang faithful received a long-awaited gift this football season. The addition of a proven coach combined with Stivers’ progression at quarterback equaled a 4-3A conference title and a first-round bye in the Class 3A state playoffs. Perryville had never won a conference championship, but the season wasn’t a complete success as the Mustangs fell to Cedarville in the second round, 15-9.
“Winning a conference championship was a major deal for us,” Stivers said. “We were disappointed with the way the season ended in the playoffs, but we were all very happy winning a conference championship.
“It was a great feeling to win. We had great fans, and I made a lot of memories.”
This year’s playoff run won’t be the last opportunity for Stivers on a football field. He has been selected to play in the Arkansas High School All-Star Game alongside teammate linebacker Jonathan Phillips. It will be the first time a Perryville Mustang will compete in the game.
Stivers plans to stay involved in sports for the rest of his life by pursuing a career in sports medicine and health sciences. He will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall.
In the meantime, Stivers looks back on his football career with no regrets.
“I loved every minute of it. I have great memories, and I’m definitely going to miss it.”

2008 Stats
Stivers completed 52 percent of his passes, throwing for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for over 600 yards and nine scores.

Excelling defensively, Stivers recorded 65 tackles and six interceptions – two of which were returned for touchdowns – from his cornerback position.

Stivers was also a serviceable special teams performer for the Mustangs, amassing over 400 yards in punt returns (one for a touchdown). He also had a 65-yard kickoff return.

One of Stivers’ best performances of the year came in the season finale; he finished 4 of 5 for 173 yards, throwing three touchdowns in a 41-23 win at home over Atkins.