Region 3-3A // 1020 North Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411
At the helm
Tyrus Ward
(first year here; 6-14 overall)
Heroes assemble!
The Panthers return 3 off., 1 def. starters.
Super powers
Area coaches have long feared what could happen if Brainerd, with its combination of size and speed that dots the roster annually, had a coach who knew how to get the most from that talent. That could be the scenario now that Ward has returned to his alma mater. There is no shortage of speed and possible playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Possible kryptonite
The Panthers were beaten by two or more scores in all but one of their losses last year and haven't won more than three games since 2011. Those shortcomings - especially coming off a winless season - can affect a team's mental approach, making it tougher to overcome early mistakes. The Panthers are also very thin on experience and depth for the 3A level.
Spidey sense tingling
Ward exudes positivity and confidence and has built a reputation - as both an assistant and young head coach - for having his teams prepared. Those traits alone will be a vast improvement over the program's recent leadership and, combined with the Panthers talent, should keep them competitive in most every game.
Here I come to save the day!
Senior Joseph Norwood (6-1, 175) can play any skill position needed and likely will be used in a variety of ways to get the ball in his hands. Classmate Jesse Walker (6-3, 245) is better known for his accomplishments on the basketball court but could become a key player on both sides of the ball, while fellow senior Jalan Jordan (5-9, 256), along with junior JaMichael Wilson (6-2, 260) should be leaders for the group of OL/DL who need more depth. Danarius Smith (5-11, 223) could become a hammer running the ball in short-yardage situations and on defense at LB.
Up, up and away!
The biggest reason for optimism is Ward taking over the program where he once starred as a player. In his first head coaching gig, he took a Whites Creek program that had lost 25 straight, won his third game and finished with three overall wins while narrowly losing three other games by just one score. He has long been considered one of the top young head coaches in the state, and his team-first approach should help the Panthers show immediate improvement. They certainly shouldn't finish without a win again this season.
The Panthers will make the switch on offense to the split-back veer, which will put a lot of stress on opposing defenses to know their assignment or risk having a big play break on any snap.
"Our biggest focus is on changing the attitude and the belief in themselves," Ward said. "Anytime you're trying to turn around a program that hasn't won in a while, the mental part is the biggest hurdle. But this is a hungry group of guys and they've been doing everything we ask. That can help carry you in the right direction."
2016 Results
Aug. 19 Chatt. Christian lost, 37-27
Aug. 26 East Ridge lost, 34-6
Sep. 2 Boyd-Buchanan lost, 35-14
Sep. 16 Marion County lost, 74-34
Sep. 23 Baylor lost, 56-0
Sep. 30 Meigs County lost, 56-12
Oct. 7 Polk County lost, 12-7
Oct. 14 Silverdale Baptist lost, 35-0
Oct. 21 Bledsoe County lost, 24-7
Oct. 28 Tyner lost, 40-0
0-10, 0-7 Region 3-2A
2017 Schedule
(All times 7:30 Eastern
unless noted)
Aug. 25 at Austin-East
Sep. 1 at Loudon
Sep. 8 Sweetwater
Sep. 15 at East Ridge
Sep. 22 at East Nashville, 8
Sep. 29 Signal Mountain
Oct. 13 at Red Bank
Oct. 20 Tyner
Oct. 27 at McMinn Central
Region 3-3A games in bold