Looking to the future
Freshmen Panthers already making their mark
By JARED PUTNAM Union Sentinel Editor

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam Quarterback Kolt Owenby (#9) looks for a seam to dodge the Rebels linebacker lying in wait.

This season, a turnout of more than 60 players has allowed the Panthers coaching staff to field a junior varsity team. But due to inexperience and injuries, the coaches have been forced to get a look at what some of these freshmen can do at both the j.v. and varsity level.

What have they seen? Talent.

"We have some good freshmen," said Head Coach Todd Peugh. "It is nice to see them coming along. We'd like to bring them along as slow as possible, but they have not shown us a reason to not go ahead and get some experience. If they do it this year, it will be less [of a transition] next year."

Said Coach C.T. Hussion, "Some kids on j.v. are maxing out quarters. It's going to be good for the future. We have a lot of talent."

Kicker Matt Akins has converted all nine of his extra point attempts for the varsity squad. "That's a very, very important part of a football game," said Coach Peugh. It's really a big bonus."

Fullback Blake Gowder has helped provide a power running attack. He has played in a total of five high school games, counting the scrimmage, a pair of j.v. games, and the two varsity games. He has scored a touchdown in every one of those games. "Every time he's been in the game he's given tremendous effort," said Coach Peugh.

Quarterback Kolt Owenby has been able to provide the j.v. squad with a more complete offense. Coach Hussion said that the team can essentially runs its entire offense. Said the coach, "Kolt Owenby is a talented quarterback. We're throwing bubble screens, tunnel screens, sprint out hitches, we're able to throw our stuff."

Other players such as Clay McConnell, Wesley Adams, and Michael Efird are also making good contributions.

The coaches feel that some of these freshmen will be ready to be primary players on varsity next year. While the coaches are playing to win now, they are also excited about seeing the experience pay off down the road. "If they were just sitting there they get nothing," said Coach Hussion. "[This experience] is a valuable commodity."