[Panther Thunder]

Im still kind of in shock lol. But that Pikeville team impressed me with their poise, composure, and discipline. Their youth showed up a little bit late in the first half, after we adjusted to their speed upfront. But that Pikeville team is going to be VERY good for the next several years. I knownthey only had 2 or 3 seniors. How many jrs will they return next year?

9 juniors that saw considerable playing time and one who would have started but tore an ACL preseason. And maybe 2-3 that could develop in the offseason and contribute.

One senior starter. One played some valuable snaps. One out for the year in Battaile.

Excellent sophomore group. Hopefully a few will join in that haven’t played and PHS can get a few from this year’s freshman and 8th grade classes to be contributors over the next couple of years. The 7th grade group is very good as well. All about lining up 2-3 good classes and I think PHS has a good Junior/Senior mix next season. If they stay healthy, they should be a very good team next year. I was very impressed by their improvement from Holy Cross to Raceland.

Now the real hard work begins. How many players get in the weightroom and get out and get faster? That will determine where the Panther season ends next year. Because if you look, Hazard, Raceland, Paintsville all bring back a lot of talent as well. It will not be easy by any means. And it starts Monday.

Thank you to the seniors. And great job getting better all year. Proud of this group who wore the Maroon and White. I hope to see them back in this game next year at home. Congrats to the Rams. Always have been mutually respectful games. Go Panthers!