GENTRY -- Justin Bigham feels like Gentry has all the pieces in place to build a successful football program.
When Paul Ernest resigned as head football coach in the spring, one of Bigham's friends told him about the job opening.
"I didn't know too much about Gentry," said Bigham, who was planning on returning as offensive coordinator at Rogers. "I did some research on the history, the community's really bought in and wants to be successful. We've got some of the best facilities in the state with a 60-yard indoor and a 53-yard-wide weight room. We've got one of the biggest fans sections in Class 4A for a home football field. It's some really nice stuff. You don't invest that kind of money for a school and program to be mediocre."
Another key was the Pioneers were coming off a successful 7-4 season with a solid group of players returning for 2020.
That was a big draw for Bigham, who applied for the opening and got the job in Gentry this summer. For the most part it's been a good transition, he said.
"Considering the circumstances with everything that's going on, it's been pretty smooth," he said. "There's always going to be some bumps. Coach Ernest did a really good job and we're just trying to build on that foundation that he laid. I think we have some kids that can play. Ultimately, they're the ones that have to make some plays."
Bigham installed his spread offense this summer, which will base everything out of the pistol formation and be pretty multiple in variety, he said.
Senior Zach Jarnagan (5-10, 165) takes over at quarterback after losing the talented Brandon Atwood (2,109 passing yards, 22 passing TDs, 861 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs) to graduation.
Jarnagan played slot receiver in 2019 and caught 50 passes for 799 yards and nine touchdowns. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 119 yards and ran 40 times for 266 yards.
"Zach Jarnagan is going to be a big time player for us," Bigham said. "He's a good one to have on our side."
Jarnagan is one of six seniors on the roster.
"We have a small senior class, but all six can play in my opinion," Bigham said.
Senior Brennan Crosby (6-0, 220) gives the Pioneers a big body at running back. He rushed for 334 yards on 82 carries last season.
Talented sophomore Jonathon Corter (6-1, 180) also plays some running back and wide receiver.
"I can't say enough good stuff about Jonathon," Bigham said.
The Pioneers really like junior Garrison Jackson at a tight end/fullback spot. Jackson stands 6-4 and weighs 235 pounds. Ethan Evans and Crafton Beeler also contribute at tight end.
Sophomore Dillon Jarnagan, brother of Zach Jarnagan, lines up at a slot receiver and is the fastest kid on the team, Bigham said.
Senior wide receiver Seiren Reding (6-0, 175) works at an outside WR spot and does everything that's asked out of him.
Sophomore Chris Bell (6-1, 160) is going to be a special wide receiver "if he can stick with it and learn and get after it," Bigham said.
Up front, the Pioneers have around seven players they feel good about on the offensive line.
Two sophomores are eyeing tackle positions in Logan Heath (6-4, 280) and Colton Whiteley (6-4, 285).
"They're going to be really good," Bigham said. "I mean they're good right now, but they're going to be men when they're seniors. We've got some big boys. They're just young.
Junior Lucas Guinn (5-8, 215) plays center but can play anywhere on the offensive line.
Junior Isaiah Freeman (5-8, 235) plays right guard. "He's an anchor up there," Bigham said.
Senior Jerry Harris (5-11, 210) plays the other guard spot, while junior Aiden Whitehead (6-0, 245) is working at another guard position.
Sophomore Daniel Martin (5-11, 230) also is getting a look on the offensive line.
"Nobody's set in stone yet, but we have a pretty good idea of what we've got," Bigham said.
The Pioneers will run a 4-2-5 defense.
Along the four-man front, Jackson (55 tackles, 3 sacks) will man a defensive end spot, while Crosby (56 tackles) plays an interior defensive tackle spot.
Martin, Beeler and junior Eduardo Galvan play defensive line positions, while Paden Landrum plays a defensive end.
"He's got a high motor and plays hard every snap," Bigham said of Landrum.
The Pioneers will count on Jonah Summers at a defensive line spot.
Senior Garrett Smith also is going to be a big key on the defensive line at an end position.
"He can really be a force if he wants to be on the edge," Bigham said. "We've got a lot of kids we feel really good about in that position. We have good depth. They're just young."
Will Pyburn led the team with 116 tackles last fall and returns at a middle linebacker position.
"He's really the heartbeat of the defense," Bigham said.
Anthony Hernandez plays the other inside linebacker spot and "does everything you ask out of him," his coach said.
Reding can play an outside linebacker spot, and Bryson Walker also will start at an outside linebacker position. Evans also will contribute at an outside linebacker position.
In the secondary, Corter and fellow sophomore Tyler Hays man cornerback positions. Hays also is a backup quarterback and wide receiver on offense.
On the other side, the Pioneers are working several different players including senior Isaiah Lopez, Dawson Rayburn and Braedon Warren.
Dillon Jaranagan plays some defensive back. The Pioneers can play Zach Jaranagan in the defensive secondary on a limited basis but they want to limit his time there because of his role at quarterback. Zach Jarnagan had 62 tackles and saw interceptions in 2019.
"That's the only player on the field it's hard to replace," Bigham said. "He will play some defense, but it will be in situations where we need him as opposed to every play."
More News
Gentry Pioneers
2020 schedule
Date^Opponent^Time
Aug. 28^at Waldron^7 p.m.
Sept. 4^Lamar^7 p.m.
Sept. 11^at Stilwell, Okla.^7 p.m.
Sept. 25^Huntsville*^7 p.m.
Oct. 2^at Berryville*^7 p.m.
Oct. 9^Green Forest*^7 p.m.
Oct. 16^at Shiloh Christian*^7 p.m.
Oct. 23^Prairie Grove*^7 p.m.
Oct. 30^Elkins*^7 p.m.
Nov. 6^at Gravette*^7 p.m.
- 4A-1 Conference game