High school football previews – Maysville Panthers
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – After a disappointing 2016, Maysville is ready to try to make a run at the Muskingum Valley League title and a post season birth.
The Panthers return a number of starters from last year’s team and have a dedicated group of 12 seniors. All of which, head coach Craig Clarke said, makes for an exciting 2017.
“We have quite a few guys who played last year. We’ve had a great off-season, great attitude, great preparation. We’ve been able to move a little faster because we’ve been able to put somethings in because we’ve got a lot of kids that started last year. So I’m happy with what we’re seeing and I’m happy with our senior leadership,” said Clarke.
The Panther return a lot of last season’s offensive power. Connor Sidwell, who threw for just under 1,000 yards in ’16, returns at quarterback. Maysville also brings back Carson Jarrett, who was second on the team in rushing and receiving last year.
“We do have our entire backfield back. We’ve got our entire defensive front back, and linebackers. So I have high expectations across the board,” said Clarke.
Sidwell started all ten games at quarterback last season but could have some competition this year. Clarke said that he and junior Cole Tompkins are battling it out for the starting spot in camp. Tompkins was forced to miss last season with a hand injury.
On the defensive side Maysville will look to improve after giving up an average of 26 points per game. One of the returning defensive starters is end Dalton Warne, who was the second leading tackler last season.
“There’s no reason to repeat a 4-6 season with all the talent we have right now. That’s going to be our complete motivation throughout the season,” said Warne.
The Panthers open up the season with three straight road contests. Their first game is on a Thursday in Licking County against Newark Catholic.
2017 Scheudle
8/24 at Newark Catholic
9/1 at Sheridan
9/8 at Crooksville
9/15 New Lexington
9/22 at John Glenn
9/29 Morgan
10/6 West Muskingum
10/13 at Philo
10/20 Coshocton
10/27 Tri-Valley
