Football Preview 2009 - Wise County Messenger

FootballPreview2009Wise CountyMessengerThursday, Aug. 27page 37Paradise has a big challenge in order to repeat as champs2009 Paradise varsity football team2 Bryson Mack Sr.5 Nathanial Bersch Sr.7 Ryder Lybrand Jr.8 Braiden Black Sr.9 Dylan Goforth Sr.11 Kyle Bradshaw Sr.15 Caleb Read Sr.20 Kevin Jackson Sr.22 Gavin Von Hueval Sr.24 Jarrett Roper Fr.29 Jonathan Lee Sr.48 Chase Reynolds Soph.50 Jackson Cunningham Soph.51 Tyler Ishmael Jr.52 Dale Simpson Jr.54 Corgan Andrews Sr.60 Kason Gentry Sr.65 Garrett Underwood Sr.66 Brandon Bryant Soph.67 Josh Talley Sr.70 Phillip Sims Jr.75 Watt Ragle Sr.77 Jared Rogers Jr.Coaches: Danny Neighbors, ScottBroussard, Stephen Carter, Bob Ferguson,Jonathon Ryle, Larry Norwood, Michael Sidesand Curtis GoforthLast year’s record:10-1, 5-0 in districtReturning lettermen: 9Offensive starters: 3Defensive starters: 5y ROBERT MORGANThe Paradise High Schoolootball team cruised to theistrict championship lastear because it had theost lethal offense in 9-2And one of the top-rankedefenses.However, this year bothroups are just a skeletonf last season’s talent-filledoster after losing a bulk ofhe team to graduation andwo other returning startersho decided to quit duringwo-a-days. That has creatdsome sleepless nights foread coach Danny Neighorsand many tough pracices.“We have a long way too,” said Neighbors aboutis team’s chances of getingback to the level of lastear’s 10-1 team. “We havea lot of people to replace andjust not a lot of time to doit, but we have the talent tomake it happen, it could justtake a while.”Although the offense hasjust three starters back,Neighbors is the most excitedwith its potential becauseof depth on the frontline. Senior Corgan Andrews(5-9, 218) could be the bestlineman, and he will moveto center this season.Senior Kason Gentry (5-11, 246) will take over at leftguard, junior Dale Simpson(6-4, 216) and juniorJared Rogers (6-1, 227) areslated to take care of businessat right tackle. Thereis some competition for thestarting nod at right guardwhere sophomore JacksonCunningham (6-0, 255) andjunior Tyler Ishmael (5-10,227) will play this season.Seniors Josh Talley, GarrettUnderwood and Watt Ragle,sophomore Bradley Bryantand junior Phillip Sims willalso play in the deep rotation.“I’m very pleased withhow we are looking on theoffensive line,” said Neighbors.“We have a lot of talentup there, and we are biggerthan we were last year.”The big front will protectfor a new quarterbackas Clifton senior move-inDylan Goforth will be leadingthe way this year afterthrowing for more than1,400 yards and rushing formore than 500 last season.Junior Toi Glover was expectedto replace P.J. Fuller,but a shoulder injury haslikely ended his season.“Dylan is a good-lookingquarterback,” Neighborssaid. “He has a very strongarm and is the real deal.”Senior Jonathan Lee willlikely return to the runningback spot he held last year,but freshman Jarrett Roperwill see a lot of playing timeearly on.The Panthers’ receivingcorps lost some talent earlyin two-a-days when twoyearletterman Conner Higginstransferred to Graham.However, the cupboard is farfrom bare, and senior wideoutBryson Mack will now bethe main target downfield.“I think Bryson is oneof the best receivers in thearea and the state,” Neighborssaid. “He has greathands and is fast.”Backing up Mack will beseniors Braiden Black andNathanial Bersch.The slot receiver spot willbe led by senior Caleb Read,and senior Kyle Bradshawwill also play frequently.Junior Ryder Lybrand, seniorGavin Von Huevel andsophomore Chase Reynoldsare also expected to fill inat any of the receiver positions.Goforth will also take careof the punting chores, a jobhe did last year at Cliftonthat earned him all-districthonors.Continued on page 38COTTONDALE GROCERY & DELISUPPORTSTHE MIGHTY PANTHERS6719 FM 2123 • Cottondale, TX 76073 • 940-433-2374OPEN 7 DAYS 5:30 A.M. - 9 P.M.