#2 HIBRITEN

For the second year in a row the CVAC boasts an SEC recruit - and Hibriten's got him. But while "the Mighty Quin" is the most celebrated Panther in Lenoir this season he is not the only one who can flat out bring it. Two teams are on a collision course set for October 24th at Frank Barger Stadium.

AT A GLANCE

2007 Record: 8-5 overall, 5-3 CVAC

Coach: Chuck Cannon
Career: 59-51 (9 years)

Returning Starters: 11; 5 on offense, 6 on defense

Primary Strengths: The Panthers have all three of their running backs returning. They are a solid group led by senior Quin Smith, the team's leading rusher a year ago with 1,075 yards and 17 touchdowns on 176 carries. The offensive linemen have played together as a unit for two years and they have good size. Hibriten also has explosive receivers. Senior Dylan Crump returns for his final season after leading the team in receiving yards in 2007. The Panther defense is hard-hitting and should be much more athletic. They may also have as much speed on the defensive side of the ball as they during their outstanding 2003 season. They have an outstanding punter.

Potential Problems: Hibriten will have to roll with a new quarterback this season after the graduation of last year's starter, Billy Crane. It was Crane's ability to run as well as throw that sparked the Panther offense in 2007. In addition to passing for 1,295 yards he also netted 611 yards rushing, 2nd-best on the team. The most likely candidate to replace Crane is junior Jamichael Walton who only threw two passes last year. Finding offensive balance could be a challenge this season. One of the returning starters, cornerback Matt Edwards, broke his leg in the pre-season and is lost for the year. Suddenly a very experienced secondary is short on depth. The defensive front is a question mark until they are battled-tested.

Key Losses: Versatile quarterback Billy Crane, who led the team in total yards (1,906) last season; receiver Billy Copper, linemen Brad Clark, Cameron Dula, Cole Minton and Parker Story. Also, current senior Matt Edwards due to injury.

Overview: Hibriten is the most proficient option team in the CVAC. They are virtually the only team in the league that utilizes the option which makes it difficult to prepare for them in just a week's time. If they can find a quarterback who can execute it effectively the Panthers will be very dangerous offensively. In addition to his future as an SEC player Quin Smith recently learned that he is a cousin of former Gamecock great Sidney Rice who now plays for the Minnesota Vikings. There really isn't much Smith can't do on the football field and he proved last year that he is durable enough to play both ways for the entire 48 minutes of a game. Hibriten is the only school in the conference that has given Hickory's JV squad a hard time. In fact, the Tornado JVs have had to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat on the final play of the game in each of the past two seasons. Now everybody is on varsity and that definitely makes the Panthers extremely dangerous.