By LARRY “SCOOP” McCARTY
Austin Winchester appreciates an opportunity of playing for the Heber Springs Panthers in the football program’s 100th year.
Winchester switched positions at the beginning of the season and can’t wait for Friday’s 2-4A Conference game against Central Arkansas Christian at Panther Stadium.
“It’s good to be a part of this (100th year),” Winchester said. “The players are wearing a special sticker on the back of their helmets. We talked about how we are lucky to play on this team. I didn’t get here until my sophomore year, but I’m glad to be a part of this.”
Winchester played defensive end during his first two years before moving to receiver. He quickly agree to the change and scored his first career touchdown in the win at Dover. He looks forward to the senior night ceremony.
“Senior night means a lot to me,” he said. “After watching CAC on film, we believe we can stop them and win the game. My goal for the reminder of the season is catch 95 percent of the passes thrown to me and score touchdowns.”
Winchester said Friday’s game is only a start of the process to earn a postseason berth.
“Our focus is on this game, not the playoffs,” he said. “We only need to focus on the next game.”