By Zac Chamblee
Petal has had no trouble competing in 6A ball the last few years. In the last two, the program has either played for a state title or a berth in the championship game. The Panthers expect nothing less in 2017, even with the loss of star players like Tanner Estill, Stephon Huderson, Chris Monroe and much more.
“We lost a lot, but this senior class is hungry to prove themselves,” Petal head coach Marcus Boyles said. “We’re not too young. We’ve got guys that have a lot of experience and are ready to get back out there.”
“Our guys have looked good,” Boyles added. “We haven’t had to chase any of them around this summer. They’ve worked hard.”
Offense:
Senior signal-caller Jordan Wilson will lead a Petal offense and passing attack that could put up big numbers in 2017. Wilson took over the starting role near the end of last season and was a big reason why the Panthers went on another long playoff run. That experience, combined with the first-team reps he received in the spring and summer, has prepared Wilson to be even better this season.
“Jordan has progressed and looks good,” Boyles said. “The experience he gained from last season was big. He made some big throws in the playoffs against Brandon and D’Iberville.”
Wilson is a known commodity. Whoever will be in the backfield with him, well, not so much. The Panthers lost superstar tailback Stephon Huderson (Tulane) and a more than reliable backup in Xavier Yancey (PRCC). All in all, they lost their top 3 rushers if you include Tanner Estill, who played at quarterback and wide receiver last season. That has Boyles and company in search of who will be that new guy or in their case right now, guys.
“Players like Stephon Huderson and Xavier Yancey, you cannot replace guys like that,” Boyles said. “But we feel good about the 3-4 backs we’ll play.”
Hunter Cripps, J’Lin Jones, Micah McGowan and Semaj Silas are expected to play a lot there for the Panthers.
Whoever lines up at running back will be a fresh face. The same cannot be said at wide receiver, a position group Boyles calls the strength of this year’s team. The Watts twins, Nataurean and Natorian, highlight that group and were the team’s two leading receivers last season. Both seniors, Nataurean and Natorian are 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-4, respectively. Marquise Bridges and Nicholas Russell are two more seniors that will play a lot there. Juniors Zy Magee and Trent Williams will, as well. All in all, the six combined for 137 catches last season.
Rounding out the rest of the offense is the Panthers’ offensive line, which will return two starters in Sebastian Elwood and Cam Evans. The team is also expecting big things from center John Przysucha, who Boyles calls one of the team’s most-improved players.
Defense:
The Panthers are tasked with replacing 7-8 starters on the defensive side of the ball. That group included two college signees in linebacker Charlie Marlowe (JCJC) and nose guard Chris Monroe (Alcorn State), so a lot has changed.
Still, the Panthers return their defense, led by coordinator Philip Pigott, that Boyles has a lot of confidence in.
Josh Franklin, Terrance Monroe, RJ Proctor and Willie Sims will be a few names to watch on the defensive line. Trey Clifton and Hunter Cripps both started at linebacker last year and return for their senior seasons. Charles Newsome will also see a lot of playing time there. In the defensive backfield, the Panthers are expecting big things from players like Marquise Bridges, Kevin Lawrence, Nataurean Watts, Kobe Windham and Luther Woullard.
Special Teams:
The Panthers will return all 3 of their specialists in Blake Craig, Devin Rodriguez and Seth Williamson this season.
