Panthers ready for LR Christian

By Demetrice Elmore, Amanda Smallwood and Julie Storing
UCA sportswriting

After a come-from-behind-win in last week’s Class 5A state playoffs opener, the Greenbrier Panthers are looking to continue their winning streak at home against the Little Rock Christian Warriors tonight.

The Warriors are led by Michael Dyer, Arkansas's all-time leading rusher, a three-year starter who recently committed to Auburn. According to Little Rock Christian coach Justin Kramer, Dyer is ESPN's #1 running back in the nation.

“Dyer is a big part of our success this season,” Kramer said. “He has been outstanding and he is an asset to our team.”

Two other senior standouts for the Warriors are quarterback Jesse Stone and cornerback Keaton Curtis.

The Panthers will have their hands full to stop Dyer from continuing his awesome season, but coach Randy Tribble said they were ready.

Greenbrier defeated Little Rock Mills, 42-35, to move to the quarterfinals.

Tribble said that retaining home field advantage yet again helps the team.

“Being home in front of our fans and community is very special, and we've won four in a row at home, so it’s a great feeling to be at home,” Tribble said.

Little Rock Christian narrowly squeaked by Forrest City last week, 29-27, to continue in the playoffs.

Greenbrier and Little Rock Christian both have an 8-3 record for the season.

Tribble said the two teams are equally matched in both strengths and weaknesses.

“I think we match up very evenly,” Tribble said. “I believe we will have trouble stopping their running game, and they will have trouble stopping our passing game.”

Kramer said he was excited to be this far and felt this would be a good game.

“Greenbrier is different from any team we have played this year,” Kramer said. “They play a very sound game and they don’t make many mistakes. This will be a tough match.”

After last week's victory, Tribble said the Panthers were in high spirits but need to continue concentrating on the game that lies ahead.

“We're very excited about advancing in the playoffs,” Tribble said. “We're ready to get to work today and prepare for the challenge Little Rock Christian presents.”

Kramer said he was proud that his team had made it this far. This is his first year as head coach, but he has been on the coaching staff for eight years. It’s a big accomplishment for the Warriors, who lost in the first round of the playoffs last year.

“I am encouraging my team to stay focused,” Kramer said. “We don’t need to get focused on the highs and lows of the game. We have to stay steady and play our game.”

Tribble said the Panthers' preparations had included analyzing videotapes of Little Rock Christian.

“Then we went outside and starting practicing versus their offense and defense," he said. "We need to improve everywhere, but the fact that we do not fumble is huge. We need to tackle better and cover kickoffs better.”

Kramer added that once you are in this far in the season, it is just best to review team skills. The Warriors have retained a normal practice scheduling, making only making minor adjustments that they think the Panthers bring to the game.

In the Panthers' previous game, sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham completed 21 of 27 passes for 350 yards and five touchdowns. Junior Hunter Winston rushed 16 times for 88 yards and one touchdown. Senior Justin Head accomplished six catches for 85 yards. Senior Brady Day made six catches for 52 yards and one touchdown.

The game will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Don Jones Stadium.