Panther linebacker is a leader by example
Martin Couch Sports editor

PANTHER LEADER PHILIP FELTON PHOTO Benton Panthers senior linebacker Josh Dodson is shown here during the Sheridan game. He leads by example on the football field.

Josh Dodson believes the Benton Panthers can still turn around a disappointing season so far and make it to the 6A State playoffs.

The senior co-captain for the Panthers is a starting linebacker and has seen his share of ups and downs this year on the football field. Still, though, he remains optimistic about a possible state playoff spot that would fulfill his senior season.

"I play the best I can and show leadership on the field by making good decisions," Dodson said. "I don't try to push or hit anyone, I just play my best and as hard as I can."

That's the type of attitude that has gotten him up to the top of the tackle list for the Panthers.

"I've been playing football since I was in fourth grade and I grew up with expectations of one day becoming a Benton Panther," he said. "I believe we can turn this year around and win the rest of our games. All we have to do is execute and play as a team, if we do that, then I don't think it will be much of a problem. We're a good team and I think if we put it together and play, we'd be set for the playoffs."

Pulling together is the key for the Panthers to finish out the season successfully.

"Our offense is good and the defense is good, but we're all going to have to play good together," Dodson said. "We've got to do it as a team. We've had times when the offense scores quick and the defense is playing good, but one little thing happens and it all breaks down. We've got to learn to overcome that adversity."

Dodson does his best to keep the rest of the team more upbeat even though they've played some of the strongest teams in the state to this point of the season.

"Right now, everybody's attitude is pretty positive," he said. "We all want to win, but we've had a tough schedule and played some good teams, but I think if we play at full speed for the next few games, we could be right there in the playoffs. Coach [Marcus] Jones wants us to realize our potential and he tries to make us understand if we play as a team we won't have those ups and downs.

"Personally, I do what I can to get the team pumped up more I try to get in on as many plays as I can. Being a Panthers is the stuff that I've been waiting on since I was a kid and I want to go out a winner."

Jones has seen Dodson mature into one of the best defenders for the Panthers this season.

"Josh is highly thought of by his teammates naturally, because he's the captain with Zac McCauley," Jones said. "Josh has a great work ethic and he's a tremendous kid. We'll miss him next year.

"He's been good for this program and he's gotten better each week. He's one who we coaches look to for a good football game."