27 Aug 2011 Magnet Cove: Championship in sight for Panthers

Last fall was a season to remember for Ronnie Efird’s Panthers. Magnet Cove went 9-1 in the regular season and notched three wins in the playoffs before falling in the semifinals at Magazine.

“It was the best finish in school history since 1972,” Efird said. “We lost to the eventual state champ in the semifinals. We had big wins at Parkers Chapel (Week 4, 34-21) and in the playoffs at McCrory (41-22) and at
Spring Hill in overtime (28-21). We were behind 21-0 at halftime.

“After we beat Parkers Chapel [to open conference play], I felt that we could compete with anyone.”

The Panthers have set their sights on both a conference and state title this year. Three starters return on offense: seniors Jeffery Pinkston (5-10, 175) and Blake Bratton (6-2, 285) at tailback and tackle, respectively, and junior Hunter Linam (6-1, 160) at quarterback.

Linam threw for 1,658 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore. Pinkston is coming off an all-state campaign – 1,333 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns.

“Bratton should be a force on both lines,” Efird said.

Bratton also plays tackle on the defensive line. He’ll be joined by all-conference junior defensive end Zach Garrett (6-0, 185).

“We’re very young on both sides,” Efird said. “We should have a strong running game. The passing will improve as the season goes on. We’ll have eight new starters on both sides; however, they are good football players. This team will get better as the season progresses.

“In our conference, Bigelow will be tough, Quitman is improving from last year and Mountain Pine will be good because of their speed.”