Panthers rest at 3-2; open district at Athens Friday
By Don Wallace Bullard Banner News

Bullard running back DeQuan Granberry takes a pitch from quarterback CameronClark while blockers take off in a recent practce. Bullard (3-2) will open District 14-3A play Oct. 13 at Athens. The Hornets are 2-3 for the year.

Just because Bullard had an open date in their schedule, doesn't mean the work stopped.

The Panthers have won three times as many games as they did all of last year, head coach Rex Sharp is not content.

"We really need to work on our kicking game," Sharp said. "We need to improve on kickoff coverage and our PATs. We're close to where we need to be."

The Panthers, a team which went 0-10 last year, sit at 3-2 heading into a bye week before opening district Oct. 13 at Athens.

Sharp said, "I think we can get better, we sure need to improve on certain things. We really thought we could be 3-2 at this time, this is not a surprise. We could be 5-0 if things had worked out and we hang on to the ball against Troup. We were just a play away from winning the first game, a 35-34 loss to Westwood."

Bullard is averaging 35 points per game and allowing just 16 points a contest. The Panthers are also racking up the yardage, averaging 261 yards rushing and 141 yards passing per game.

Quarterback Cameron Clark has completed 47 of 76 passes for 696 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. Landon Willborn is the leading receiver with 18 catches for 349 yards (19 yards per reception) and five scores.

Clark has also averaged 5.3 yards per rushing, accounting for 280 yards on 52 carries. Top rusher is Geoff Dick with 56 carries for 414 yards, 7.3 yards per carry. DeQuan Granberry has rushed 44 times for 317 yards.

The Panthers have been working out in less than full gear this open week in anticipation of getting injured players back to full strength.

Nathan Wallace had his wrist cast removed and Logan Wiggins is now in a soft cast with his injury.

Sharp is encouraged with his team's performance so far this year. He sees even more development from the squad as the year continues.

"We've had some younger players step forward," Sharp said. "As long as we stay healthy and focused and the kids stay excited about our goals, I think we will have a good year. Our goal is to make the playoffs. Bullard has never made the playoffs as a 3A team. This could be the year, I think Van is the front runner in our district, but the second and third place slots are wide open."

Sharp continued, "It's a balanced race in 14-3A, but we will take our chances. I can't really worry about the other teams, I know we are as good as some of the other teams in district." Athens features a 2-3

record using a variety of formations. On offense they have used the shotgun and spread formations as well as the I formation. The Hornet defense has been a mixed bag of lineups from a 4-3 to a 3-4 and a split look. Athens allowed 471 yards rushing to Kaufman in their last non-district contest.

"Athens has some size and some talented athletes," Sharp added. "We will playing at Athens and that is also an edge for them. But after the break, we will go into the game rested and relaxed. Having this break before the start of district is great for us."

District 14-3A games for the opening week, Oct. 13 include: Bullard at Athens Van at Brownsboro Chapel Hill at Canton All games are at 7:30 p.m.