Panthers can't be satisfied

It would be real easy right now for the Siloam Springs football team to be satisfied with what they've done so far in this 2018 season.

The Panthers, who have won three games in the last two seasons combined, already have three wins through four weeks this season.

It's been a great start for Siloam Springs. Other than a disappointing 42-7 loss at home to Harrison in the second week of the season, the Panthers couldn't have scripted it any better.

The last few seasons have been rough indeed, but with a promising beginning this year -- not only at the varsity level but also in the junior high ranks -- there's optimism that better days are here.

The Panthers could easily be satisfied at 3-1 and 1-0 in 6A-West Conference play. Improvement has been made. Progress is evident, and it's an exciting time in the Siloam Springs football program.

But the Panthers can't be satisfied.

There's six games left in the regular season and Siloam Springs is about to hit the toughest portion of its schedule over the next four weeks.

It starts this week at Benton and continues at home on Oct. 5 when Greenwood visits for homecoming.

Siloam Springs returns to the road on Oct. 12 to play at Lake Hamilton and then El Dorado visits on Oct. 19.

Folks, that's four pretty dang tough games right in a row in a stretch that could make or break Siloam Springs.

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The Panthers are certainly getting their money's worth out of senior running back Kaiden Thrailkill.

Through four games, Thrailkill has rushed 119 times for 692 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and scored eight touchdowns. He's rushed for more than 100 yards in all four games and had his best and second-best rushing totals over the last two games -- 257 yards against Van Buren and 165 last week against Sheridan.

To put it in perspective, Thrailkill had 197 carries last season for 864 yards in 10 games. He's well on his way to having a spectacular senior season.

But Thrailkill can't do it alone.

Siloam Springs' passing game struggled in Weeks 2 and 3 against Harrison and Van Buren. The Panthers came to life through the air with 126 yards last week against Sheridan on a tough, rainy night to throw the football.

Siloam Springs will certainly need more of that kind of production as the season goes forward.

-- Graham Thomas is the managing editor for the Herald-Leader. He can be reached at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.