Greenbrier got a heavy dose of Braylon Mitchell in its home opener Friday night.
Heber Springs’ Braylon Mitchell ended with 197 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries to lead his team to a 33-7 victory over Greenbrier.
On a night when Greenbrier officials dedicated the turf field at Don Jones Stadium, Mitchell ran over and through the defense to keep Heber Springs undefeated. Greenbrier dropped its first contest of the season, as the Panthers fell to 2-1.
“They were very physical,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said. “I thought we had some chances to make a few plays. We just overthrew some things that may have made a big difference in the game. They were a very physical football team, and they just whooped us.”
Heber Springs’ game plan on defense was to put pressure on quarterback Neal Burcham. The Panthers sacked Burcham five times for a net of minus-31 yards. Burcham finished the day 11-of-23 for 86 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Hardee caught Burcham’s touchdown pass from 14 yards out. The touchdown was at the 7:52 mark in the first quarter. After T.J. Tapley added the extra point, Greenbrier held its only lead of the night.
“Personally, I have to start with our defense,” Heber Springs coach Steve Janski said. “Whenever you hold a team like Greenbrier to only seven points, then you’ve done your job. Our coaching staff did a good job of mixing up coverages. Our offensive line held their own, and Braylon was able to take advantage of those good blocks.”
Greenbrier’s Colt Talley led the team with 12 tackles and Ryan Alexander added eight. The Panthers also suffered two key injuries in Chase Lear and Matt Cain. According to Tribble, both went out of the game with apparent shoulder injuries.
“I don’t want to be a prophet, but I knew when both of them got hurt, then it would be tough,” Tribble said. “I don’t know the extent of the injuries. Matt already has one bad shoulder, and now he hurt the other one.”
Greenbrier’s Hunter Winston led the team in rushing with 26 yards on 11 carries. He also led the receiving group with four catches for 42 yards.
The Panthers host Siloam Springs next week in their homecoming game to open 5A-West play.
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