12 Aug 2012 MAGNET COVE: Panthers in the hunt for 2A title
Classification: 5-2A
Coach: Ronnie Efird
Last Season: 10-2 (7-0)
2011 was a great year for Magnet Cove, which went undefeated in 5-2A conference play and won its first conference title since 2000. The Panthers open 2012 on the road at Parkers Chapel, the Panthers’ only regular-season loss last year, 33-29.
Senior quarterback Hunter Linam (6-0, 174) returns to pace the Panthers’ offense after earning all-conference honors in 2011. Linam completed 72-of- 129 passes for 1,111 yards and 12 touchdowns last year and was named to the 501 Football Team this fall.
“We have a very experienced offense with Hunter leading the way,” said Coach Ronnie Efird, the 5-2A Coach of the Year. “Hunter will be required to take more of an offensive role with the loss of all-state running back Jeffery Pinkston.”
Senior all-conference running back Adam Efird (5-8, 182) racked up 76 carries for 577 yards and three scores a year ago. Austin Stringfellow (5-10, 156) should see many looks from Linam this year. The senior receiver earned all-conference honors last year with 35 catches for 739 yards and eight touchdowns.
One weakness the Panthers face is the lack of depth on the offensive line. Senior guard Zach Garrett (6-1, 190) and junior tackle Forest Irons (6-1, 232) will be expected to carry a large workload. Garrett amassed 70 tackles and three sacks in 2011. Irons added 37 tackles. Both earned all-conference honors.
“Our offensive strengths will be the skill positions,” Efird said. “[We have] a lot of experience coming back at receiver, running back and quarterback. Defensively, our skill positions are strong. We have depth at outside linebacker and secondary.”
501 Football Team 2012 –
Hunter Linam
Classification: Senior
Position: QB/CB
On the field: Great leader. When a play needs to be made, he is the person who wants to make it.
Off the field: Great role model. Good student.Yes sir, no sir!
Community work: Active member of his youth group at Butterfield Missionary Baptist Church and FCA.
Sportsmanship: Hunter plays with a controlled intensity that doesn’t allow him to lose his cool in a ballgame. That controlled intensity is contagious to his teammates. He is the silent leader — when he speaks, the players and coaches listen.
Classroom: Good student, never in trouble, doesn’t miss school or practice.
Last season: Not making mistakes on offense, just three interceptions all year. Was a leader in the huddle. Had big hits on defense at corner. Leads by example.
Other: Just a good all around kid. Pleasant to be around and talk to. Very mature for his age.
