2022 Season Preview
Coach: Kent Walker. Lettermen R/L: 28/23. Starters returning O/D: 9/3. 2021: 13-3 state finalist/6-0 district. Key losses: Aaron Brewer (Air Force), Andon Thomas (Army), Kaden McMahan (Army), Lloyd Johnson Jr. (Incarnate Word).Players to watch: RB Noah Long (5-10, 185, 4.6), RB/QB Joe Pitchford (6-1, 205, 4.7), DB Aden Burrell (5-10, 185, 4.6), OL Jackson Harrison (6-1, 285, 5.2), QB Reece Vickers (6-0, 175, 4.7), DB Carlton Shrank (6-0, 180, 4.6). Top juniors: OL Julius Osborne (5-10, 220, 5.2), K Connor Hawkins (6-1, 160, 4.8). Top sophomore: RB/LB Vincent Hernandez (5-10, 200, 4.7).
Other prospects: DB Colin Brandt, RB/DB Logan Dyer, DL Ryan Jacobs, OL Hudson Stillwell, OL Gregory Watkins, DL Wyatt Sprinkle, LB Tanner Cearley, WR/DB Gavin Salinas.
2022 notes: If the Panthers plan on making another deep playoff run, Walker will have to get a defense that will include at least eight new starters up to speed by the time district play arrives. Of course the vaunted Slot-T offense that returns nine starters may score enough to overcome any defensive deficiencies. Led by RB Long (2,008 yards, 29 TDs rushing), RB/QB Pitchford (1,166 yards, 16 TDs rushing) and an OL that brings back Harrison, Osborne, Stillwell and Watkins, opposing defenses will have their hands full. The defense will rely on experienced DBs Burrell (59 tackles), Brandt (69 tackles) and Shrank (86 tackles) but must replace the front seven. DLs Jacobs and Sprinkle and LBs Hernandez and Cearley will be keys.
