2023 Preview: Chapman Panthers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chapman's start couldn't have been much tougher last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers started 1-4, a stretch which included an OT loss missing some key personnel, a one-point setback to a 5A rival, and losses to a 5A Upper State semifinalist and a Clinton team that played in the 3A Upper State final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, Chapman bounced back in a big way, going 4-0 to win Region II-3A and getting a pair of playoff wins before falling to that same Clinton team in the third round by a closer margin than their regular season meeting. In fact, after that 1-4 start, the Panthers reeled off seven wins in a row before the playoff loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We were in a rough spot to begin last year," Panthers head coach Harry Cabaniss said. "But at practice, you'd never have known it. That makes you feel good, and the cool part is we've got a lot of familiar faces back. We know what these guys can do. We hope and pray we pick up right where we left off, and if we do we'll be in pretty good shape. We've got all the pieces to be a pretty good team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That will start with returning QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='998700' first='Coleman' last='Gray']</strong>. Gray threw for more than 1,700 yards and 25 TDs last season, adding 588 yards and three more touchdowns on the ground. The Panthers will count on his experience to lead them on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"He's been there," Cabaniss said. "He knows what we expect, and we know what he can do. I don't think I've ever seen a kid grow in a program as much as he has in his time at Chapman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some other Panthers to watch in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>STARS SET TO SHINE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reece Lynch</strong> LB, 2024 - Lynch is a tackle machine. He had 101 last season, including 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He added an interception and three pass break-ups. He's incredibly active, and always seems to be around the play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matthai Scott</strong> RB/LB, 2024 - Scott is a true two-way standout for the Panthers. Last season he had 43 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks for Chapman. But his biggest impact was out of the backfield, where his straight-ahead, punishing running style helped him rack up 1,140 all-purpose yards and 13 total TDs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harrison Bridges</strong> OL, 2024- With four starters returning up front, the OL will be a strength for Chapman. Bridges is the anchor of the returners, providing a physical edge. He's also a defensive standout, with 47 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks last season from his position at DL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FILM REVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142680' first='Rashawn' last='Cunningham']</strong> WR,2024 - Cunningham is a guy who immediately jumps out. He accounted for nearly 1,400 total offensive yards and scored 16 TDs, and provides invaluable experience as a four-year starter. He's got a knack for getting open in any coverage, and he's a monster on special teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14535999/638cf2ea664b8800ecb81a64' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bd3a173aac2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1732638' first='Khamari' last='Turner']</strong> DL, 2026 - Cabaniss is excited about the potential for Turner, a 6-6, 230-pound sophomore who will likely contribute immediately on the defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1253999' first='Shamon' last='Black']</strong> DB/WR, 2025 - The younger brother of Panthers standout DJ Black, Shamon will primarily play DB but is expected to step in and contribute at both positions for Chapman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clay Justus</strong> OL, 2025 - With four returning starters on the OL, the push to find that fifth guy is on for the Panthers. Justus will vie for a spot up front, while <strong>Isaac Tucker</strong> and <strong>Johnny Poland</strong> are both expected to see time for Chapman as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->