Next week is the beginning of the Keith Etheredge era, who brings with him the experience and success of three AHSAA state titles at Leeds during his coaching tenure. Etheredge did not come alone – whilst the majority of his coaching staff are veterans of the Panthers’ program, Etheredge did bring along Ryan Shell, who has been coaching as Leeds’ offensive coordinator during two of the Green Waves’ most recent state title runs.

Etheredge wants to infuse a ‘blue collar’ ethic into the program, and he doesn’t have to look far to find hard-working and hard-playing guys returning for their senior year. The offensive line can count on center Kent Foster 6’3” 310, who will be leading the offensive line this year as one of the best centers in the region. Currently Foster is entertaining offers from South Alabama and Georgia State among other Division I programs. 

Senior quarterback Hudson Hughes 6’2” 190 returns for his third year as the starting playcaller for the Panthers. “Hudson plays like those quarterbacks you see out West. He can run a little bit, but he excels at the passing game and being a game manager. He’s a smart kid that doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. 

Etheredge will rely heavily on senior running back Chris Lynch, a 2015 standout that the coach says has the potential of having a 2,000 yard season. 

Another offensive threat will be Hunter Creighton, whose versatility allows him to line up as a fullback as well as a slot receiver on offense, while being one of the leaders on defense at linebacker. Another two-way player Panthers fans can expect to see a lot of things from is Austin Stevens, who will play both slot receiver on offense and safety when on defense. 

Etheredge identified his defensive front as one of his team’s strengths. Returning from last year are the anchor of the defensive line – 6’1” 390 lb. senior noseguard Tyler Estell, as well as two ruthless and speedy defensive ends in Emon Roborson 6’1” 285 and Kensmann Trammell 6’4” 265. Joining Creighton at linebacker this season will be seniors Austin Carlton playing middle linebacker and fellow senior Khalil Tate.

 

Key Game of 2016: Realignment for this season has loaded up Pell City’s schedule with a murderer’s row of road games against traditionally talented programs in Cullman and Fort Payne. Despite these challenges, one can always turn back to an old friend – in this case an old rivalry, to circle on the calendar. Week eight brings a home game against Oxford on October 8th, which will likely have very important playoff scenarios for both teams. 

Last year’s 28-21 loss in a game that went down to the last few seconds of the fourth quarter has given Pell City’s seniors a singular reason to focus and avenge last season’s loss against the Yellowjackets. 

 

Preseason Notes – Responding to a question about what a student-athletes priorities should be, Etheredge responded that his players are students first, and athletes second.

“You know, we have a phrase that we go by around here, and its ‘Faith, Family, Football.’ Faith is first and foremost, that relationship with Jesus Christ. Family is about doing what is right within your family, which means keeping up your grades, doing what your parents ask you to do, and honoring your mother and father in that way. Football is the last of the three, because playing is a privilege you receive when and only when you take care of the other two first.”

 

Players to watch:

#1 Chris Lynch – RB 

For a team that so heavily depends on the running game, 2016 lines up to be a breakout year for Lynch. Possessing great vision and relentless open field speed, the versatile playmaker is able to stretch the field with speed sweeps, break tackles and make opponents miss with his power running game. Most crucial to Pell City’s offense is the fact that Lynch is spectacular as a receiving quarterback. Lynch is very effective as a check down receiver for Hughes in the flats, or as a downfield threat lining up as a receiver. If he can stay healthy, Coach Etheredge may have his 2,000 all-purpose yards running back in Lynch this season. 

 

#92 Tyler Estell NG

The Panthers’ enormous noseguard is a real joy to watch. Estell possesses an unusual mixture of natural and learned qualities as a football player that creates a unique and powerful presence on the football field. Estell has great instincts for the ball and equally impressive footwork to slip through “A” gaps and disrupt backfields. He is very adept at avoiding offensive blockers who ‘go low’ and try to take out his legs. Time and again he uses a combination of great hand technique and footwork to avoid that trap. When Estell comes out of his stance he propels with so much momentum that even if a blocker gets under his shoulder pads, they fail to get him ‘on his skates’ and neutralize his momentum. With natural, deft hand-work and a relentless forward momentum, Estell just sheds through blockers and seems to constantly own the center of any line he goes against.  

 

Pell City Panthers schedule

08/18/2016 5:30 PM CDT Jamboree Game Pell City vs Shades ValleyPete Rich Staduim

08/26/2016 7:00 PM CDT at Childersburg High School John Cox Memorial Stadium

09/02/2016 7:00 PM CDT at Gardendale High School Driver Stadium

09/09/2016 7:00 PM CDT Southside High School, Gadsden Pete Rich Staduim

09/16/2016 7:00 PM CDT Brewer, A. P. High School Pete Rich Staduim

09/23/2016 7:00 PM CDT Anniston High School Pete Rich Staduim

09/30/2016 7:00 PM CDT at Cullman High School Oliver Woodard Stadium

10/07/2016 7:00 PM CDT at Albertville High School McCord Stadium 

10/14/2016 7:00 PM CDT Oxford High School Pete Rich Staduim

10/21/2016 7:00 PM CDT at Fort Payne High School Wildcat Stadium

10/28/2016 7:00 PM CDT at Helena High School Helena High Sports Complex