Big things expected
Panthers return many starters for 2008
When a team returns starters it is a good thing, and when a team returns several of its key players, big things are expected out of them.
That is the case with the Magnet Cove Panthers this season. The Panthers return nine offensive and eight defensive starters from last year’s team that finished 5-5 and just missed getting into the playoffs.
With all of the returning talent and a move to a two-back shotgun formation on offense, there’s no guessing as to why head coach Ronnie Efird and most of the 5-3A Conference is expecting a special season from Magnet Cove.
At quarterback, Magnet Cove returns senior all-district quarterback Jason Elam, who will be backed up by a junior transfer from Centerpoint, Keith Bledsoe.
Whenever Magnet Cove is talked about, the conversation usually turns toward the strength of the team, which is the running game and returning starter and all-state running back Trevor Stone.
“The running backs are looking real good,” Efird said.
Joining Stone in the new look offensively is converted cornerback junior Tyler Strother.
Although Magnet Cove is known for their running game, they also have a stable of tall receivers that look to figure in heavily in this year’s offensive scheme. Jake Daniels (6-2) returns to his spot at the wide out position after coming on strong at the end of last season.
Senior Ryan Wells finally returns to the lineup after breaking his collarbone and missing the 2007 season. Basketball player Nathan Wooldridge (6-2) adds another target for Elam this year.
On the offensive line, the Panthers started three sophomores a season ago, making the line one of the most experienced areas this year.
The offensive line this year includes Dylan Luthan at left tackle; Brett Cloninger was moved from center to left guard; Drew Blakely will take over at center; Brett Stroope will play right guard; and Austin Lee rounds out the quintet at right tackle.
The offense was not the only thing that was tweaked in the offseason. The defense will make the switch to a 3-3 stack this year, utilizing the experience in the secondary.Up front, on the defensive line, Benji McIlwain will hold down the nose guard position and will be flanked by Tiger Alston and Ernest Van Horn at the two defensive end positions.
Quinton Revels has been moved to linebacker this season, where he will join Josh Scott and Jessieville transfer William Brown. Stone will not be resting when not on offense. He will play outside linebacker, looking to lay a hit on his counterpart on the opposing team. Sophomore Brandon Cloninger will also see time at outside linebacker.The entire Magnet Cove secondary returns for the 2008 campaign, including Steven White, Strother and Jake Stevens.
“I think we’ll be real good this year,” Efird said. “We got 36 players this year, most I’ve had come out.”
The added numbers mean extra depth at each of the positions, which will come in handy once the Panthers start play in their new conference with teams such as Fountain Lake, Arkansas Baptist, Bauxite, Glen Rose, Jessieville, Centerpoint and Bismarck.
This article was published Sunday, August 24, 2008.