RIDGELAND PANTHERS
Head coach: Cortney Braswell (first year here; 10-13 overall)
Returning starters: 6 offensive, 5 defensive
Key players: RB Jordan Blackwell (5-10, 175), OL Logan Godfrey (6-2, 265), SS Jordan Hughley (5-8, 170), OL John Klein (6-5, 250), OL Fred Norman (6-6, 300).
Team strengths: The Panthers are loaded with playmakers and have easily the most athletic team in Region 6-AAAA. Team speed is prevalent everywhere, and Braswell's first Ridgeland team also boasts a strong group of senior leaders.
Team concerns: Depth along the lines isn't what it was a year ago. The defensive line in particular took a big hit with the graduation of starters Elijah Foshay, Derayl Helton and Jordan Tucker.
Newcomers to watch: The leaders to start on the D-line are first-time starters senior McKenzie Rodriguez, junior Ethan Hunt and sophomore Jamiah Turner.
Season outlook: Braswell, the former Central head coach and a Rossville native, is the new boss and brings with him a different offensive philosophy.
Gone is the wing-T, a staple at Ridgeland for the past dozen years, which thrived due to the program's elite backfield talent. However, in the playoffs, including last season's 28-21 second-round loss to Jefferson, the lack of a passing game has caught up with the Panthers.
Braswell and new offensive coordinator Todd Burkhart are installing a spread scheme that will showcase the talents of senior quarterback Tanner Hill (6-1, 205), electric receiver Stephon Walker (6-0, 175) and a few others the new coach expects to break out.
"The cool part is there were guys on the sideline who are explosive that are now getting on the field and making a difference offensively," Braswell said. "Our starting tailback (Jordan Blackwell) and one of our receivers (Azavier Blackwell) didn't touch the ball eight times last year, and they are two of our most explosive players."
Hill was efficient last season with more than 800 yards, but the great majority of the Panthers' passing yards were predicated on the ground game causing defenses to cheat. Braswell said in late July that his quarterback had made tremendous strides with his route progressions and footwork. Hill admits he has a lot more to learn, but he's confident the change will benefit the team for one major reason.
"I'm starting to feel comfortable now, and it's easy for me when my guys on the outside catch everything I throw," he said with a laugh. "Their speed is great. I can't overthrow anybody, so it's crazy, and they are great route runners as well."