Panthers roll over CAC in football

By Amanda Smallwood
UCA sportswriting

The Greenbrier Panthers went on the road and demolished the Central Arkansas Christian Mustangs, 35-6, Friday to move to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the 5A-West.

“It was a great win for our program and the players,” said Coach Randy Tribble, whose team finished 1-9 a year ago. “To beat a team like CAC whose program is well established is a great accomplishment."

Greenbrier gained 204 yards passing and 162 rushing for 366 yards total while the Panther defense limited CAC to 109 yards on 38 plays.

CAC fell to 2-3 and 0-2.

“The team was very balanced on offense and defense,” Tribble said. “We were able to run and throw the ball, as well as shut down CAC's offense. This was the best defensive game we played this season.”

Last week, Greenbrier's Hunter Winston rushed for 304 yards. This time, Ihe had 148 yards on 30 carries with three touchdowns. Winston carried the ball 30 out of Greenbrier’s 38 rushes.

Brady Day made nine catches for 70 yards and had one touchdown for 65 yards.

Greenbrier quarterback Neil Burcham completed 18 of 28 passes for 183 yards with two touchdowns.

Leading tackler for the Panthers was Colt Talley with nine tackles.

Tribble said a lot of the credit goes to the Panther defensive front (Chase Lear, Michael Monton, Jarid Govia, Matt Cain and Ryan Alexander) for stopping CAC's offensive front.

CAC Jaalen Watkins rushed for 47 yards on 12 attempts with the longest run being 9 yards. Jay Bona completed five of 14 passes for 47 yards.

“I am very pleased about our progress,” Tribble said. “Next week we will work hard to play against one of 5A-Wests best teams, Greenwood.”

Greenbrier will play travel to Greenwood on Friday.