2022 Preview: Chapman Panthers
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When Harry Cabaniss was hired as Chapman’s coach in March of 2022, the Panthers were coming off the best season in school history and a 3A state title run, and expectations were sky high. Five days later, the world went…
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Continue ReadingWhen Harry Cabaniss was hired as Chapman’s coach in March of 2022, the Panthers were coming off the best season in school history and a 3A state title run, and expectations were sky high. Five days later, the world went crazy.
During the ensuing two seasons marked by Covid restrictions, delays, and changes, the Panthers continued to succeed. Chapman made deep playoff runs in both 2020 and 2021, with a slew of returning players and big-time talent.
Now, with the first truly normal season under Cabaniss on the horizon for Chapman, expectations are ratcheting up again. There will just be some unfamiliar faces in place.
“On paper last year, we had nine of 11 guys who were senior starters on offense,” Cabaniss said. “Now, those nine guys weren’t all on the field together for a single game. We had a bunch of injuries and all kinds of things, and we had a bunch of younger guys playing. They weren’t necessarily the dudes at those positions, but they started and they saw the lights and they’ve played in the system. Defensively, it’s a little different. We were young, and we’ve got eight guys who have started and played a lot of snaps. We’ve got a chance to be really good on that side of the ball.”
The Panthers have put up video game offensive numbers since their current run of success started in 2016. Expectations on that side of the ball are the same. They’ll have to do it with a new QB, as Coleman Gray steps into the job.
“Coleman ended up playing for us at LB, like his brother Camden, because we needed him,” Cabaniss said. “He’s playing QB for us, and we’re excited to see him. He does some different things for us. He plays a little bit like Colton Bailey did, he’s dangerous with his feet, but he looks more like Mikele Colasurdo. He’s a big kid who can throw it well and who can move.”
Cabaniss said Gray is anxious to show off his running ability.
“That kid is so done with 7-on-7,” he said with a laugh. “He’s ready to take off.”
One of Gray’s top weapons will be Rashawn Cunningham, a junior who’s already a two-year starter.
“He started as a ninth-grader, and he’s been great,” Cabaniss said. “He runs really good routes, he’s got speed, and he’s got great hands. Everybody around the program is excited to see what he can do now as the top guy.”
Mathias Scott and Keanu Na will anchor the offensive backfield for the Panthers, along with Taylor Dunning. Cabaniss said Alvin Lewis will play “all over” for the Panthers, and Devin Roe will provide an additional spark at WR.
Up front, Chapman has three returners who will provide leadership.
“Jack Settle can play all over the place there, and we’ve got him at one tackle,” Cabaniss said. “Braydon Bliss and Daniel Brown are at guard, and we’re looking at a center and a tackle. We’ve got some guys who are looking to step up there.”
Defensively, the Panthers start with Abraham Fyffe Abraham Fyffe 5'10" | 230 lbs | DL Chapman | 2023 State SC . A three-year starter, Fyffe is in prime position for the Panthers to take advantage of his versatility.
“He’s a little smaller and a little faster than Gabe Watson was for us,” Cabaniss said. “We can move him around, and he’s good anywhere we put him. We’re going to more of an odd front, and he’ll play at nose and at end. With Harrison Bridges and Josh Wellmon beside him, we should be soild up front.”
Dalton Mahaffey is expected to play MLB for Chapman, with Cole Brown on the outside. The other OLB position will be dictated by the Panthers’ success at RB.
“If Mathias has the hot hand running the ball for us, Keanu will play LB, and vice-versa,” Cabaniss said.
The Panthers have a ton of talent in the secondary, with Nigel Pate, Hudson Moss, Chandler Cartee, Cole Daugherty, and Roe, an all-region player last season. Dawson Waters is expected to play Panther back, the scheme’s hybrid linebacker position.
“He’s longer and has a bigger frame, and we think he’s a great fit there,” Cabaniss said. “The main thing is we have a lot of guys back there who have played and who have seen game speed.”