PAULS VALLEY PANTHERS
Coach – DUSTY RAPER
OFFENSE
The Panthers are still a fairly young team, but they do return 17 starters, nine of which are on offense. “We will still be very young with only six seniors, but do have a lot of experience,” said coach Raper. Justin Humphrey (6-2, 190, Jr.) accounted for more than 2,000 yards of total offense last season throwing for over 600 yards and rushing for more than 1,200 yards. He also scored 24 total touchdowns. Landin Weilenman (6-0, 205, Sr.) rushed for over 800 yards and returns as the teams top running back. Mason Smith (5-11, 170, Jr.) will start at wide receiver with TK Jaggers (5-11, 150, Jr.). Both guys bring good speed to the field for the Panthers. Cole Campbell (6-1, 215, Sr.) is the senior leadership the offensive line will need this year. Gunner Derryberry (5-6, 170, Sr.) looks to contribute from his H-back spot. The Panthers are moving from the wishbone to more of a spread option offense. “We should be able to throw the football more than we have in the past few years,” said Raper.
DEFENSE
Expect to see the Panthers base in a 5-2 with linebacker Brayden Patchell (5-11, 180, Jr.) leading the defense in tackles. Last season he accounted for 80 tackles and seemed to be all over the field. Grant Marcum-Jones (5-8, 170, Jr.) had 37 tackles in three games as a sophomore from his linebacker spot. Luke Bratcher (6-4, 215, Sr.) will start at defensive end giving the Panthers a long player who can get up field quickly. Bratcher recorded 52 tackles last season. Look for defensive backs Deacon Davidson (6-2, 165, Sr.) and Nathan Chronister (6-0, 170, Jr.) to shore up the secondary. Davidson had 48 tackles on the season and is looking to be that lock down player the Panthers need in the secondary. Humphrey and Jaggers will join them in the secondary. Jagger had four interceptions on the season with one returned for a touchdown.
8-27 – at Lindsay
9-3 – at Davis
9-10 – vs. Tishomingo
9-17 – BYE
9-24 – at Locust Grove
10-1 – vs. Little Axe
10-8 – at Sulphur
10-14 – vs. Madill
10-22 – vs. Kingston
10-29 – at Dickson
11-5 – vs. Plainview