2023 Preview: Pelion Panthers

Thomas Grant

July 26, 2023 @ 10:47 AM

Last year was truly a tale of two seasons for the Pelion football team.   A promising 3-0 start was followed by a disappointing seven-game losing streak to end the season by missing the playoffs.   With a senior-laden group and increased depth, coach Dann Holland is optimistic about the Panthers having a rebound campaign.   “We've got a lot of starters coming back, around 20,” he said. “So we definitely think we're going to be better. But we've got to get out of our own way a little bit. We've got to stop turning the ball over. We've got to tackle well, better than we've had.   “We've git some changes on staff defensively, so hopefully, that's going to make a positive difference. So, we're excited about it. It's almost that time, so you always get excited and I've anxious to see what they're going to do. They're seniors now. They've been with me since they were freshmen. So, we're ready to go and trying to concentrate on (season-opening opponent) Bethune-Bowman."   Among those senior leaders is quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='267470' first='Luke' last='New']. He came out on fire during Pelion's 3-0 start, finishing the season with close to 1,300 total yards and 14 touchdowns.   He also averaged 30.5 yards per punt and played safety on defense. New (pictured) is counting on the work put in during the off-season paying off with a better finish.   “The summer is a big part of the football season,” he said. “People don't know but there's a lot of the hard work that really goes into the off-season as far as progress. So, I think conditioning and just pushing through the fourth-quarter wall is key.”   When asked about his team's potential, Holland quoted the Steve Spurrier.   “Potential means you haven't done anything yet,” he said. “Potentially, we could be better. The offseason weight program was really good this year, especially during the winter and spring. So, we're bigger, we're stronger, we're faster. Now, we've got to put it on the field and go play.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   Talen Gunter WR and Blake Taylor TE, both class of 2024 – Both seniors will be counted upon on both sides of the football.  They can help open up the field with their pass-catching while leading the defense.   Jordan Donovan T 2024 – Holland said the 6-foot Donovan has made strides in the weight room and is due for a breakout season on the defensive line.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='267470' first='Luke' last='New'] QB – The 5-foot 10, 155-pound senior is a one-man offense for the Panthers. A dual threat to run the football, he possesses deceptive speed, and his lower body strength makes him difficult to bring down. He's shown an ability to make long passes in and out of the pocket and is always keeping his head downfield to throw to open targets.    BIGGEST LOSS   Dalton Blackburn WR FS – One of the few starters lost from last season, he provided a presence in the secondary and was an experienced option at wide receiver.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Tyler Classen WR 2025 The 6-foot, 150-pound junior provides speed and athleticism at wide receiver and is expected to be a playmaker in the offense.   Michael Cottrell RB 2025 The team's leading returning rusher also plays outside linebacker.

Last year was truly a tale of two seasons for the Pelion football team.