Heber Springs’ first week of Super Practices concluded with a scrimmage on Friday morning followed by a team camping trip that evening at Old Hwy. 25 Park. After donning full pads for the first time on Thursday, the Panthers began Friday’s split practice with a successful scrimmage, according to Coach Steve Janski.
“I was really impressed with our scrimmage. We got a lot in offensively and defensively. We threw our whole playbook at these kids and now we are going back to work a little more on our fundamentals. I thought we executed extremely well in the scrimmage.”
Janski said last Wednesday’s Sun-Times headline of ‘New faces in big places’ couldn’t have been worded any better. “What you said in that article new faces in big places, you can’t say it any better than that. We are trying to put as much pressure on them as possible so it comes natural on Friday night.”
Although Heber has been making strides, the scorching hot weather has made for strenuous conditions. “The heat has been scaring me,” said Janski. “It has been the hottest camp since I’ve been here so we have had to be real careful with the kids. We’ve been careful with how hard we push them because the heat is a major concern. The guys have been responding well so far.
“You would think with the split morning practices that the first one would be the most crisp because it’s not as hot. I don’t know if they are tired or what but it seems like our second practices have been the best. This morning [Monday] they came out a little sluggish but picked it up. I expect this second practice will be really good.”
With many verbal leaders gone from last season’s state quarterfinal team, Janski said this year’s squad is looking for some of the seniors and perhaps even juniors to step into those leadership roles. “We are still finding our leadership. We haven’t had any guys step in as a true leader. I think we are going to have quite a few of them before it’s said and done but none of them have really stepped into that role and that needs to happen before we get this season really going.
“That takes a little time,” Janski continued. “There are all kinds of leadership. There is vocal leadership and leading by example. Most of these seniors lead by example, which is great,” Janski emphasized. “But I think we have to have some leaders by voice to create enthusiasm and motivate. They’ve got to learn to do that. Nobody has emerged just yet but they will.”
Janski said several upperclassmen showed potential in the scrimmage, including many that started last season. “You know guys that have done it the past couple of years like Mason Williams (linebacker) and Caleb Carmikle (strong safety) are going to be there. All the seniors...Andrew Hill (free safety/wide receiver), Joseph Tharp (left tackle) and Jimbo Bodron (right tackle) have really done a great job not only being physical but with great leadership as well. Markeyvus Mays (Jr. tailback) has shown some bright spots running the football. Michael Ludwig (Jr. quarterback) has done a good job making decisions and throwing the ball down the field a little bit and so has Landon Glover ( Sr. quarterback). Joey White (Jr. receiver) made some big plays in the scrimmage and has done well in practices.”
“The team took a break on Friday evening to unite and enjoy lake activities at Old Hwy. 25 Park just outside of town. Every year we try and get the guys out to bond and enjoy themselves. We signed the helmet, which is a ritual each season and did some skits out there. Each class does a skit and the seniors really got me good this year. The players also did some tubing. We appreciate Cliff Childers [President of the Panther 100 Club], Sheriff Marty Moss, Mayor Jackie McPherson and Voice of the Panthers Billy Morgan for driving boats and I took some of the ball girls out on a boat,” said Janski.
“We camped out for the night but I don’t think there was much sleeping. I tried to stay away from the guys a little so they could do their thing. I think some of the guys went night fishing. We had a good time.”
Heber scrimmages CAC and Greenbrier on Monday, Aug. 23 in Greenbrier beginning with the junior high at 5:30 p.m and followed by the senior high around 7 p.m.
The Panthers open regular season at home home game against Mountain View on Friday, Sept. 3.
