High school football previews – New Lexington Panthers
NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio – After a long off season the New Lexington Panthers are ready to start 2017.
The Panthers are coming off a 3-7 season, but fourth year head coach Dave Rupe said that doesn’t change their expectations for the coming year.
“Each year our kids expect to go to week 11. I know that’s something that we’ve fallen shot of but we’re not going to change our expectations based on talent or size,” said Rupe.
Despite winning just three games last year, the defense often was the bright spot. In half their games the Panther defense gave up two touchdowns or less. That’s something Coach Rupe thinks will carry over to 2017.
“Defense is something we’ve always hung our hat on. Also our special teams are really coming along because we have a lot of returners,” said Rupe.
The start of 2016 was rough for Nex Lex. They lost week one and two by a combined six points. Disappointments like that are a part of an attitude change among the senior class, said senior lineman Luke Shively.
“I think our leadership has really grown since last year. Something we have this year that we didn’t last year is vocal leaders. We’re talking and speaking up,” said Shively.
On the offensive side of the ball New Lex will have to replace all-MVL quarterback Bradley Clapper. Clapper was the team’s leading rusher and passer last season. His 12 rushing touchdowns accounted for more than half of the points the Panthers put up in 2016. Rupe says it’ll be hard to find someone to fill his shoes.
“Right now it’s a battle. We have a junior, a freshman, and sophomore who are battling it out for that position. So we’ll see here in our scrimmages who will rise to the top. It’s anybody’s game,” said Rupe.
Whoever is taking reps at QB is sure to have a veteran and talented line in front of him.
“We’re bigger than we have been up front. We’re faster then we’ve been up front. And that’s were it all starts,” said Shively.
New Lexington starts the season will Farifield Union, a team they lost to last year in the season opener 10-6.
2017 Schedule
8/25 Fairfield Union
9/1 at West Muskingum
9/8 Morgan
9/15 at Maysville
9/22 at Coshocton
9/29 Tri-Valley
10/6 at Crooksville
10/13 Sheridan
10/27 Philo
