2023 Preview: Batesburg-Leesville Panthers

Thomas Grant July 17, 2023 @ 10:00 AM

Greg Lawson's vision in Year One was for Batesburg-Leesville to regain its championship identity.   As the Panthers struggled through a 4-7 season, they did achieve a goal of finding out who they are as a team.   “We finally found out what our identity is as far as offense and defense, what we feel like is best for our kids,” Lawson said. “So, we're comfortable going into the year. Last year, we didn't know what we really wanted to be. We didn't know if we were going to be an I-team or a spread team. So, we feel comfortable with what we're doing the way we ended the year offensively and defensively, what fits the kids best. So we were comfortable with what our scheme is.”   While Batesburg-Leesville was led by seniors at key positions, Lawson said the core of the team are sophomores and juniors. Players like senior center Tanner Fulmer, who started as a freshman, have seemingly benefited from getting thrown into the mix early.   “It was tough, but you've just got to grow up and play with the big boys,” Fulmer said.   Batesburg-Leesville returns quarterback Tanner Watkins and bring on new starters at running back in LaTrez Nicholson, Amadre Wooten and [player_tooltip player_id='1592414' first='KD' last='Whitt']. The defense will have a new look with Nicholson also playing on the defensive line and Tucker Boland and [player_tooltip player_id='1574124' first='Jamerius' last='Clark'] in the secondary.   Going into Year Two, Lawson's goal is to double last year's win total.   Fulmer's expectations are more a matter of fact.   “Better than last year,” he said.   STARS SET TO SHINE   Tucker Boland CB 2024 – The Panthers' all-purpose player who's expected to see time at wide receiver, backup quarterback and cornerback.   Jemarius Clark WR/DB 2025 – An All-Region defensive back last season who's also expected to make plays at wide receiver.   Tanner Fulmer OL 2024 – His leadership and play upfront helped stabilize the offensive line. He's also the team's long snapper and fullback.   FILM REVIEW   Tanner Watkins QB -The 6-2, 155-pound junior has shown a proficiency for throwing the deep ball. He's shown toughness in the pocket and quick instincts in locating the wide receiver downfield. He threw for 673 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions, but could see an improvement in those numbers with even more speedy wideouts.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Korey Williams RB, LB – He rushed for 1,014 yards and eight touchdowns last season and was one of the team's leading tacklers at linebacker.   Cade Bouknight QB – The team's second-leading scorer is now an All-Star pitcher in the Coastal Plain League for the Lexington County Blowfish.   Patrick Swygert DE – A leader upfront who's now looking to walk-on at Clemson University.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Amadre Wooten and [player_tooltip player_id='1592414' first='KD' last='Whitt'] RBs, 2026 – The rising sophomores have shown MVP potential as they move up from junior varsity.   [player_tooltip player_id='1592434' first='Tyler' last='Wootton'] ATH, 2026 – The 6-foot, 175-pound sophomore who saw time on offense at tight end and lineman and is expected to make an impact on defense.

Greg Lawson's vision in Year One was for Batesburg-Leesville to regain its championship identity.