The Fouke Panthers defense was an integral part of the program qualifying for the postseason in 2018 as they allowed a combined seven points over their last two games.
Now, the heart and sinew of that defense returns for a year that could help the Panthers drive further than the first round of the playoffs.
Anchoring at middle linebacker is Nick Scoggins, who at 6-1, 220 pounds also plays a little running back for the Panthers. Scoggins earned all-conference honors. In front of him are two undersized but ferocious defensive tackles in Cason Easley and Austin Wellborn. The defense also has an unmovable force in Landyn Thompson. Coming off the edge is Cameron Hinds.
On the back end, the Panthers have an all-conference talent in Chance Crabtree, another senior on the defense. Crabtree is Fouke’s shutdown corner in a competitive 5-3A conference. Helping him is another senior in Connor Hobson.
The offense is led by senior Hunter Lansdell. Fouke has options in the backfield with Trenton Crabtree, a junior, and sophomore Jayden Pittman and junior Ethan Ross, who is expected to play fullback.
Fouke’s passing game features Kanon Garrett on the outside at receiver and Seth Phillips playing in the slot.
The Panthers will have a mix of experience along the offensive line with senior Cullen Alexander playing center, senior Nick McGowan as a versatile offensive lineman who can fill either guard or tackle needs, and junior Kyle Upton available to start at left tackle.
Fouke finished fifth in the conference a year ago and traveled to Osceola where they exited early with a 62-7 defeat. Fouke’s leadership on both offense and defense should help the Panthers win a few more games in 2019 and help them avoid starting off on the road in the playoffs.
SCHEDULE
Fri., 9/6 — Gurdon — 7:00 p.m.
Fri., 9/13 — at Mineral Springs — 7:00 p.m.
Fri., 9/20 — Glen Rose — 7:00 p.m.
Fri., 9/27 — at Prescott* — 7:00 p.m.
Fri., 10/4 — Centerpoint* — 7:00 p.m.
Fri., 10/11 — at Bismarck* — 7:00 p.m.
Fri., 10/18 — Smackover* — 7:00 p.m.
Fri., 10/25 — at Camden Harmony Grove* — 7:00 p.m.
Fri., 11/1 — at Genoa Central* — 7:00 p.m.
Fri., 11/7 — Horatio* — 7:00 p.m.
*denotes conference game