5-2 Panthers to play host to 1-6 Morrilton

By Demetrice Elmore and Amanda Smallwood
UCA sportswriting

The Greenbrier Panthers are gearing up to continue their dream season Friday against the Morrilton Devil Dogs Friday at Don Jones Stadium.

“This is going to be a tough match for us,” Greenbrier Coach Randy Tribble said. “We have to play hard and smart if we are to have a chance to get a win.”

After finishing 1-9 last year, Greenbrier stands 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the 5A-West in 2009.

Morrilton is 1-6 and 1-3. The Devil Dogs are struggling this season to get wins over the tougher teams, but they have one win over Siloam Springs this season.

“We have to keep the team focused,” Tribble said “The coaching staff is reviewing tapes working hard on a game plan.”

In 2008, Morrilton defeated Greenbrier, 39-24 in Morrilton, en route to a 2-8 season finish.

“Morrilton has a lot of speed and they will match up well with us,” Tribble said. “We have advantages with our strong offensive and defensive lineman. We have to be ready to move the ball and score some points.”

According to MaxPreps.com, Morrilton strengths include the veteran offense, speed and skill position talents. The Devil Dogs' weakness deals with recent success and size. Senior quarterback Terrence Heaggins, senior running back Justin Criswell and senior tight end Chase Stobaugh have been listedn among Morrilton's top players.

Greenbrier's major strength is the return of the new coaching staff and the young talent. The team weakness is the number of turnovers in each game. Greenbrier’s start players are junior running back Hunter Winston, sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham and senior full back Zac Perry.

Greenbrier won last week against the Alma Airedales in the last 21 seconds of play after quarterback Burcham completed a pass to Tanner Howard for a seven- yard touchdown.

Friday’s game will be Greenbrier’s Senior Night, honoring all senior players on the team. The game will be at 7:30 p.m. at Don Jones Stadium in Greenbrier.