Extra Point Previews: Wicksburg Panthers

NEWTON, Ala ( WDHN ) — Josh Cox and the Wicksburg Panthers are back on the prowl after making the playoffs in 2023. However, a move up to 3A and the loss of key producers mean the Panthers have to go the extra mile in preparation for this season.

“A lot of new faces,” said Coach Cox. “The guys gotta step up and lead and take charge. We have some guys with big responsibilities that haven’t played a whole lot of high school football, and they’re just going to have to learn day in and day out, and just bring their best every opportunity they get.”

One significant change for the Panthers is at the quarterback position. After the departure of 2nd team All-State quarterback Mason Burkhardt, the team will look to junior Seth Williams to bring stability to the position.

“He doesn’t get rattled,” Cox explained. “He’s got a little bit of ice in his veins; he stays calm. He’s not a big-arm guy, but he can throw it well enough for high school football. We just have to get him healthy. He runs the ball well when he’s healthy.”

Williams will have some help on the offensive side of the ball. Izaac Murry and Brodie Campbell will anchor the offensive line, wideout Caiden Mims and tight end Cooper Morrison will stretch the field, and a stable of capable runners will come out of the backfield. It’s going to take every player doing their job for the offense to succeed.

“For starters, our linemen have to buy in and protect our QB,” said junior tight end and linebacker Cooper Morrison. “Receivers just have to do what they’re told and do the little things right.”

Coach Cox expects his defense to be able to pick up any slack if the offense faces adversity, leaning on a strong front seven with a lot of talent and experience returning.

“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back on defense who have played quite a bit of ball,” said Cox “Our defensive front and our linebackers played the entire season last year. We’ve had to replace some outside linebackers and a couple of guys in the secondary, but I think the strength of our team is probably our defensive front and linebackers.”

“We’ve been trying to focus in lately,” said Morrison. “Our three down linemen are getting really good and buying into what Coach McCoy has to sell them. Me and the other outside linebacker, we drop down to help whenever we have to, so our defense will be key this year.”

Wicksburg opens their season with a trip to Providence Christian on August 23rd.

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