2024 Preview: McBee Panthers

McBee had a solid 2023 campaign, finishing with a 7-5 record before falling to the eventual state champion in 1A, Christ Church, in the second round of the playoffs. Now with a core group of returners back, the Panthers, led by second year head coach Andy Karcher are after more in 2024.   “(We want to) give the fans what they came to see. We're about to put on a show this year,” wide receiver/defensive back Jason Brockington said.   The offense returns eight starters including Conner Collins and Mason Starnes on the offensive line. Tyrek Wright will be one of the leaders at wide receiver. On defense, most of the returning starters on offense will see time on that side of the ball with Nick Morrell leading things up front on the defensive front.   As we are now in the thick of fall camp with scrimmages and jamborees with the season opener now under two weeks away on the road against Cheraw on August 23, Karcher wants to acclimate them to the August heat.   “Our big thing that we talk about, last year we lost to Hannah-Pamplico in Week Zero 56-52. And when you score 52 points, you don't expect to lose football games, you know? For us, getting the guys out in the heat and getting them acclimated, getting them in shape. That's what I'm really looking forward to, so that way when we go against Cheraw (in) Week Zero this year, we can put the best product out there on the field,” Karcher said.   STARS SET TO SHINE   DeVarius Ponds RB/DB, 2025 – Ponds played a focal role for the Panthers last year, doing anything that was needed and we expect that to continue in 2024. He had 80 carries for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground last year with four 100-yard rushing performances. He had five catches for 66 yards in 2023, and that's something he wants to improve upon heading into 2024.   Jasson Brockington WR/DB, 2025 – Karcher says Brockington (pictured above) is the most versatile guy on the team, where he can play multiple positions if need be. He led the team in carries last year with 39 for 372 yards and three touchdowns.   Improvements heading into 2024: “We need to stop (with) penalties. We need to keep our heads in the game.”   JJ Melton QB/DB, 2026 – The quarterback of the defense last year will also take on responsibilities under center offensively. He had 20 total tackles last year, while throwing for 139 yards and two touchdowns. The passing game along with better defensive coverage is something Melton has been working to improve on during the summer.   General expectations heading into 2024: “Definitely win a lot more games. Keep our composure better (and) really don't beat ourselves.”   KEY LOSS   Evan Talbert LB – Talbert was the heart and soul of the defense in bringing an edge along with the physicality to the position.   FILM REVIEW   DJ Harper RB/DB, 2026 – Harper is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. He can get up field quickly with his speed and runs crisp routes to get open and create separation. He had 566 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns last year, with 10 games over 100 yards rushing.    UP AND COMING POTENTIAL   Hayden Griggs TE/DL, 2026 – Karcher said Griggs does all the dirty work and he can block as well. They will try to get the ball in his hands on as many passes as they can. He sets the tone for the defensive line as well.   Tylique Joines RB/LB, 2026 – Joines played varsity last year and the Panthers expect him to contribute more in 2024.    Holloman played varsity in 2023 and was more involved on the defensive side of the ball. He has a lot of talent and can come up and lay the lumber on the ball carrier. He made a great hustle play on a completion against Christ Church to prevent a touchdown and knocked the ball free.

McBee had a solid 2023 campaign, finishing with a 7-5 record before falling to the eventual state champion in 1A, Christ Church, in the second round of the playoffs. Now with a core group of returners back, the Panthers, led by second year head coach Andy Karcher are after more in 2024.