PAULS VALLEY PANTHERS  

Coach: DUSTY RAPER

Last 8 Years:
2021 – 5-6

2020 – 5-6

2019 – 2-8

2018 – 5-5

2017 – 4-7

2016 – 6-6

2015 – 5-6

2014 – 3-7

Quick Hits:

Pauls Valley and Purcell square off for the 44th time on September 9th. The teams began playing in 1954. Purcell has dominated lately winning 12 of the last 15. 

Quarterback Justin Humphrey had a night against Kingston. Humphrey ran 23 times for 144 yards and four touchdowns and threw for another 121 yards and a score in the Panthers 35-28 win over the Redskins. 

OFFENSE

Experience abounds for the Panthers behind a veteran offense featuring a talented and proven field general. Quarterback Justin Humphrey (6-2, 190, Sr.) topped the 1,000-yard mark in both rushing and passing as a junior. He’s been responsible for 51 touchdowns during his career at Pauls Valley. The Panthers operate primarily of a two tight end set, which is perfect for Humphrey’s skill set. Nathan Chronister (5-11, 180, Sr.) and Jon Grimmett (6-3, 190, So.) are the tight ends with Mason Smith (5-11, 170, Sr.) and Maddex Prince (6-0, 170, So.) as the primary wide receivers. Prince and Smith combined for 720 yards receiving in 2021. Grimmett is a young player with a bright future that also excels in basketball. He’s equally capable of making a big block or a big catch. Jase Ford (5-9, 240, Jr.) is vital to the offensive line. Ford brings great leadership to the position and holds his teammates accountable for their effort. Keyondre Dixon (6-0, 280, Sr.) is another valuable blocker that will help key the Panthers’ rushing attack. The Panthers got off to a slow start on offense a year ago. There should be no such problem in 2022. Even with a tough schedule out of the gate, this experienced squad should be able to put up some points while controlling the line of scrimmage. 

DEFENSE

Linebacker Brayden Patchell (6-0, 185, Sr.) is the heart and soul of the Pauls Valley defense. Patchell will begin his third season as a starter with 243 tackles on his resume, including 117 last year. He’s one of nine starters returning on that side of the football. Grant Marcum-Jones (5-8, 175, Sr.) added 68 tackles at one of the other linebacker spots. The Panthers shifted from a four-man front in 2020 to a three-man front in 2021. Head coach Dusty Raper believes the transition helped his team run to the football better and looks for more dividends this year with a season of experience. Cason Taylor (5-11, 250, So.) was a disruptive force as a freshman on the defensive line. Taylor made 10 tackles for loss and gained loads of confidence performing on the varsity level at a young age. Safety T.K. Jaggers (6-0 150, Sr.) and cornerback Jackson Coates (5-11, 150, Sr.) are the veterans in the secondary. Jaggers picked off four passes a year ago. It’s hard to believe the tradition rich program at Pauls Valley has produced only one postseason victory since 2005. This team has a great mix of talented youth and veteran experience. The schedule and the district are both super tough. The Panthers first seven opponents made the playoffs in 2021. With Class 2A champion Marlow and superpower Heritage Hall moving into the district, making the playoffs will be an accomplishment. These Panthers won’t go down without a fight and should be in the middle of things, even against top notch competition. 

Schedule:

8-26 – at Lindsay 

9-2 – vs. Davis 

9-9 – at Purcell 

9-23 – vs. Marlow 

9-30 – at Heritage Hall 

10-7 – vs. Sulphur 

10-13 – at Plainview 

10-21 – at Dickson 

10-28 – vs. Douglass 

11-4 – vs. Lone Grove