Behind Greenbrier’s success on the offensive side of the ball stand the big guys in the trenches.
The Panthers (6-3, 4-2) have put up some solid numbers during games this season, while having a 2,000-yard passer (Neal Burcham) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Hunter Winston) in the backfield.
“It’s probably nothing that I’m prouder of than the maturing of the offensive line,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said. “Our offensive line is playing well this year, and coach (Nathan) Moreland has brought them along. He’s has done a great job with the offensive line.”
In Tribble’s second year, it appears that everyone has bought into his plan. In just a year, the Panthers have risen from the 5A-West Conference cellar to a viable postseason opponent. One of Tribble’s plans this past offseason was to get the linemen bigger and better.
“They do a great job of pass protection and run blocking,” Tribble said. “I really love the development of the offensive line. If you’re putting up 400 yards a game, which I think that we’re doing, then you have to have an O-line too. You have to have some skill position players too, but I’m really proud of our development on the offensive line.”
Dustin Hartwick anchors the line at center. He is the quarterback of the line, while taking on the responsibility of making certain calls and reads.
“His development as a leader on that offensive line has been huge,” Tribble said. “During our blitz pickup part of our practice, he makes the protection calls and he has to snap the ball.”
The line is made up of Michael Monton (right guard), Matt Cain (right tackle), Jared Govia (left guard), and Thomas Boles (left tackle). Govia has been in the starting left guard spot since Chase Lear’s injury a couple of weeks ago.
That group will hope to continue its success and allow for the skilled position players to rack up more numbers as a longtime rival awaits. The Panthers will close their regular season against Vilonia on Thursday in the annual Faulkner County Judge’s Cup
Following Friday’s round of state playoff games, five of last year’s high school football state champions are still in the hunt to repeat those efforts.
Buzz Bolding, athletic director for Conway Public Schools, is pleased, particularly from a potential revenue standpoint, that a vote by the largest 32 schools in the state placed Bryant, Cabot and North Little Rock back into the 7A/6A Central Conference.
Prior to Friday’s game at Helena-West Helena, Forrest City Coach Rich Trail said one of the keys to a Mustang win would be stopping the big play Cougar offense.
Once Siloam Springs’ quarterback Brian Adair tossed a 39-yard touchdown pass to narrow Greenbrier’s lead to 28-24 late in the third quarter, the Panthers could go only one of two ways.
In the final nonconference game before 5A-West play begins, the Vilonia Eagles put together an evenly balanced attack and a convincing 35-24 win over Beebe on Friday night.
Spencer Harris and Marco Vota batted down Kiehl Frazier's desperation pass to finally end an instant classic as Greenwood outlasted nationally-ranked Shiloh Christian, 54-51.
Northside was able to throw the slant route at will in the second half against Little Rock Catholic but one play kept the Grizzlies from posting a perfect nonconference record.