Panthers must rebuild with only 2 starters returning

FOUKE, Ark.-Fouke faces its biggest challenge in 2017 during the Coach Rick Barker era.

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After reaching the postseason and finishing 7-4 in 2016, the Panthers lost a big senior class and returns only two starters on both sides of the ball.

"We're rebuilding for sure; it'll be tough early until we get our guys in the right spots," said Barker, who came to Fouke four years ago from New Boston, Texas. "We're still moving guys around, still trying to find some depth in places. It's been a challenge for sure.

"We've got a few back who saw minimal action last year. Most of our seniors played a lot last season, and we'll be starting a pretty young bunch this season."

The Panthers have 35 players on the varsity, including 15 lettermen.

"We usually have 35-40; I think we could be a playoff team again, we're shooting for that," Barker said. "If we can keep everybody healthy, we should be right in the mix. We're going to coach that way anyway."

When Fouke gets around to conference play, the Panthers will face Smackover, Fordyce, Junction City and McGehee in a row.

"That's four tough ones," the Panthers' veteran mentor said. "We'll know after that if we're in or out. We've beaten McGehee three of the four years I've been here. We have a chance to upset one of those big four. We've got to knock somebody off that we're not supposed to beat. Do that and we'll be in the mix."

Seniors Jarret Easley (6-0, 180) and Charlie Baker (5-10, 170) are the only returning starters on offense. Both will see action at tailbck.

Sophomore Hunter Lansdell is the quarterback, and Barker likes what he's seen from the youngster so far.

"He's going to be a good one before it's all said and done," Barker said. "He worked out every day in the summer. He knows the game, and he's easy to coach. Hunter is a coach on the field. We brought him up from junior high after his season there, and he played a little."

Baker will be his backup if needed, but Barker doesn't want to see him there unless something happens to Lansdell.

In 11 games last season Fouke averaged 22.2 points per game. Baker rushed for 954 yards and seven touchdowns, while also playing defense and leading the Panthers with two interceptions.

Fouke has some size up front, but not a lot. Senior guard Austin Nield weighs in at 270 pounds, and 250-pound senior Matthew Tannehill is moving from tight end to guard. Senior Michael Howard, junior Aaron Ferrel, senior Logan Dodson, and sophomore Cullen Alexander also figure into the offensive line picture.

Baker and junior Gabe Parker are the two defensive starters returning.

Easley was injured early last season and didn't play a lot of defense. He must contribute this season with the Panthers short-handed at linebacker.

Right now the defensive ends are senior Haiden Jones and junior Hunter Daugherty. Ferrel and junior Bobby Cromer will be in the middle of the line, with Tannehill at the other end position.

Easley will be one linebacker, with sophomore Nick Scoggins in the middle and senior Austin Lawrence on the strong side.

Baker was the strong safety a year ago, and Parker saw action at free safety. The cornerbacks will be senior Kameron Jones or junior Blake Uncel on one side, with sophomore Chance Crabtree or sophomore Dillon Richardson on the other side.

"We had some young kids up here all summer working hard," Barker said. "Our school district is so big and it's hard for some of these kids to get up here. A lot of them live in places like Dodderidge. The guys who weren't here this summer are getting in shape now. We're looking forward to this thing starting, and seeing how far we can get."

Fouke's coaching staff is a combination of seasoned veterans and youth with Baker, Jim Rice, Cody Powell, Trent Wilson, Matt Schroeder, Phillip McFerrin and Aaron Fomby.

 

QUICK FACTS

 

SCHOOL: Fouke

2016 RECORD: 7-4

HEAD COACH: Rick Barker

YEARS AT SCHOOL: 4

COACHING STAFF: Jim Rice, Cody Powell, Trent Wilson, Matt Schroeder,l Phillip McFerrin, Aaron Fomby

LETTERMEN LOST/BACK: 17/15

STARTERS BACKS: 2 offense, 2 defense

PLAYERS TO WATCH: TB/S Charlie Baker, TB/S Jarret Easley, Gabe Parker, FS

TOP NEWCOMERS: QB Hunter Lansdell, LB Nick Scoggins, CB Chance Crabtree, CB Dillon Richardson

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