Page 7 - Demo

THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE FOOTBALL PREVIEW | SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018
7SS
CABOT PANTHERS
CABOT continued from 6SS
Malham said the Panthers have more speed and size than they’ve had in several seasons.
“We’ve got a lot of inexperience in the of- fensive line but a lot more potential,” he said. “And with the backs who are back that can run, I think we’ve got a chance to be pretty good.”
The Panthers have at least seven players back on defense who started at times last year. “Even though a lot of them were sopho- mores, we’re still young on defense,” Malham said. “I think we’ll be a little better all the way around. Hopefully, that will put us back in the
running for all the marbles again this year.” Cabot, which has been running the Dead-T offense during Malham’s 37 previous seasons,
will continue for at least one more.
The Panthers’ offense is led by senior
halfbacks T.J. Rogers (5-7, 165) and Bradley Morales (5-10, 170).
Rogers rushed for 1,231 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2017. Rogers caught 6 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Morales rushed for 748 yards and 7 scores.
Junior Graham Turner (5-6, 165) is slated to start at fullback. He rushed for 208 yards
on 38 carries in limited time in 2017. Senior Wyatt McMahan (5-9, 170) will see time as well, Malham said.
“They all can run good,” Malham said of his offensive backs.
Tommy Oaks was the starting quarterback in 2017 and is no longer with the program. Senior Jessie Windemaker (5-9, 165), who played defensive back last year, stepped into the quarterback role in the spring.
“He’s looked real good,” Malham said. “I wish I’d had him back there all last year for the experience. He looked real good in the spring.
“This could be as good a backfield as we’ve ever had.”
There are six new faces on the offensive line. The only returning starter is senior tight end Jared Russell (6-4, 242). Russell played tackle a year ago. Malham said he’s a college-bound player, having several schools recruiting him.
“He played offensive tackle last year, and we’ve moved him to tight end,” Malham said.
Five of the new linemen are juniors.
“It’s a young group, but they’ve been work- ing hard,” Malham said. “I feel good about
CABOT continued on 8SS
PHOTOS BY MARK BUFFALO/THREE RIVERS EDITION
Senior Jessie Windemaker, No. 14, will be the starting quarterback this fall for the Cabot Panthers.
Cabot offensive lineman Lincoln Smith works on his blocking technique during a scrimmage.
Cabot senior running back Wesley Ocampo, left, is tackled behind the line of scrimmage by Justin Holland. Cabot finished 6-6 last season, losing in the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs.