Magnolia is taking momentum into new season
MAGNOLIA, Ark.—The Magnolia Panthers are hoping to play the 2017 football season similar to the way they ended the second half of 2016.
“We had a tale of two seasons a year ago, and it’s certainly something that’s given us hope for this year,” said Magnolia head coach John Panter. His Panthers won four of its final five game and reached the Class 5A state playoffs for the first time in six years.
According to Panter, Magnolia spent the first part of last season trying to break in its new flexbone offense. The Panthers not only had players learning a new scheme, but suffered several turnovers in the process.
“Once we started getting the turnovers under control and becoming more comfortable with the offense, things began to change,” said the coach.
After averaging only 11.3 points per game during the first five games of 2016, Magnolia increased that to an average of 32.0 points over final five regular-season battles.
“Like I said, it was two completely different seasons. You go 1-4 at the beginning and
4-1 at the end. That finish did nothing but fuel momentum for our program. The kids’ confidence level is good, which continued through off-season and fall workouts,” said Panter.
Magnolia will look to be competitive again in the 5A-South, where coaches have predicted Hot Springs Lakeside to finish on top. The Panthers have been tagged to finish fifth in this year’s league race, but Panter said there’s talent from top to bottom.
He agrees each team has some key athletes, but added, “It’s going to take playing mistake-free football and staying healthy to be successful.”
Magnolia lost several top athletes from last year’s team, but is returning junior fullback Kayden Roach (5-11, 210), who was named an all-state peformer his sophomore season. Roach rushed for 1,412 yards last season and 13 touchdowns. He also caught six passes for 85 yards and one touchdown.
The Panthers have plenty of experience in the backfield, with senior Tayvon Patterson and junior transfer Terry Lambert taking pressure off of Roach.
Junior Payton Campbell (5-11, 165) will get the nod at quarterback. Panter says he has the ability to make good decisions on the field. Classmate Garrett Clark and sophomore Braelyn Breasley are also capable of stepping in and running the offense.
“We are still learning the personnel we have and many are still adapting themselves to new positions. The good thing is we are running this system from seventh grade up, so they have a feel for it once they reach this level,” said the coach.
Panter said one of Magnolia’s overall strengths is being very athletic, but the team’s weakness is inexperience.
“We are breaking in a lot of new starters on both sides of the ball. It’s a learning process and we have to get over that in a hurry,” he said. “Our nonconference schedule is not an easy one and the conference is tough. Players have to grow up quickly, and a lot of that falls on their reps in practice.”
Magnolia will build its offensive line around returning senior Adam Watkins (6-5, 220), who started every game at center last season after moving from the tackle position.
A lot of questions marks remain for the Magnolia defense, but feels explosive
defensive end Tyler Brown (three QB sacks in 2016) can be a difference-maker. Semaj Harper, Stephon O’Guinn and Keynan Davis are expected to help on the defensive front.
Magnolia lost all of its linebackers from last season and Panter said coaches are still looking for athletes to step forward.
“Defensively, we simply have to go back to the basics with some of our guys. Every year, we have our base system, but we tailor that on what our players are capable of doing,” he said. “For instance, we have to figure out if we’re going to be a man team or a zone team. You don’t just look at one or two guys, but the entire defensive structure.”
“Overall, we are excited about this season and by no means are we satisfied with what took place a year ago. We want to be competitive every Friday night and continue moving this program up the ladder,” Panter added.
Magnolia will kick off the season Friday, Sept. 1, at home against Crossett.