Panthers take balanced offense to Greenbrier

BENTONVILLE — Success in the nonconference schedule is nothing new for the Siloam Springs football team.

The Panthers went 3-0 for the fifth time since 2004.

But more important than wins are improving and learning something before the difficult 5A-West Conference slate starts, says first-year head coach Bryan Ross.

"Hopefully we learned what it takes to prepare to be successful," Ross said. The Panthers practiced much better before Friday's win at Gentry then the week before, he added, and it showed on the field. "Hopefully the kids have learned the difference between just going out there and practicing and going out there and preparing to do what you need to do to win."

Ross is looking for another good week of practice as the Panthers prepare for a trip to Greenbrier's Don Jones Stadium, which had its new turf dedicated as John Ola Hawk Field last week.

Greenbrier fell to 2-1 with a 33-7 loss in its home opener to Heber Springs, giving up 197rushing yards and three scores to running back Braylon Mitchell.

Siloam Springs will bring a balanced offense to Greenbrier - and one that is getting more consistent each week.

The Panthers scored on their first four possession on the way to a 38-7 win at Gentry.

"The first two weeks we were sporadic, inconsistent," Ross said of the offense. "Last Friday night it seemed to click. When you score the first four times you have the ball, it tells you you're being a lot more consistent.

"The defense has been really consistent, really good this year. Hopefully the offense is starting to catch up."

Running backs R.J. Castillo (152 yards, four scores) and Chisum Devoe (47 yards, one score) and quarterback Bryan Adair (118 yards, one score) are all averaging more than 5 yards per carry in the Panthers' strong running game.

Adair has also thrown for 551 yards and three touchdowns. His top three receivers - Chris Villasenor, Greg Frabotta and Braden Pippin - are all averaging more than 12 yards per catch. Castillo and Devoe each have longcatches as well.

The defense, playing its first game without senior Deric England, played well and got plenty of pressure on Gentry's Caleb Ramsey.

They'll need the same kind of effort against Greenbrier sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham, who has 10 touchdown passes this season.

Burcham, who led Greenbrier Junior High to a 10-0 record last year, was sacked five times by Heber Springs and held to 86 yards passing and a single touchdown throw.

"Any quarterback, if you let him stand back there and give him enough time, he's gong to be pretty good," Ross said. "If you give (Burcham) time, he's going to be able to put the ball where it needs to be. We certainly have to generate a pass rush to help us out in the secondary. It's a team effort."

The Panthers will also be looking for junior Hunter Wilson, who can line up at several positions on offense. He had 500 yards rushing and 180 yards receiving last year. He had 68 total yards on Friday.