Panther football ends with playoff loss

The Panthers season came to an end on Nov. 22. The team lost to Heritage Hall(11-0) in the second round of the playoffs 34-9. 

The loss comes after an incredible season for the Panthers, finishing with a 9-3 record. 

The season was filled with record breaking numbers, big plays, and standout players. 

“This senior class will go out as the third winningest class since 2011, I believe,” Coach Chris Risenhoover said. 

In the game against Heritage Hall, senior quarterback Mason Peery had 115 passing yards and 151 rushing yards with 23 carries and one touchdown with a tackle. 

Senior Jaxon Calhoun had 50 receiving yards and five tackles, Bruce Engle had 33 receiving yards with an incredible 11 tackles. Lakin Bass had 24 yards with three tackles. 

Grayson Gilmore had an outstanding night with a total of 56 yards, which includes a 36 yard kickoff return and three tackles. Ridge McClary had a total of 49 yards, Jackson Winkle had eight receiving yards with six tackles, and Martin Hare had four yards and seven tackles.  

The Panthers defense was able to gain a total of 61 tackles, with Engle’s 11 being followed by Luke Adcock who had nine. Cole West had five, Vance Hamlin had four, Keaton Shaffer and Dylan Hodges had three tackles each, and Zane Oldham had one.

As for next year, Risenhoover is excited about what his returning members will bring to the table. 

“The current freshman group has been undefeated the past two years, so they bring a lot of talent and tough physical kids to the team.”Risenhoover continued, “We’re definitely looking forward to that group combining with our current starters next year.”  

Basketball season is now taking off, with the first game scheduled for Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Stigler High School gym.  

Story and Photo by Laura Hulsey