Sports
Three-Point Stance: The Pieces Are In Place For Maysville
< < Back toEditor’s Note: Three-Point Stance is Gridiron Glory’s written preview series leading up to its 15th season on WOUB. Gridiron is visiting training camps for all 32 teams in the coverage area as they prepare for the 2013 football season. The series continues in the MVL, where competition is always high from top to bottom.
Maysville shocked a lot of people in the MVL a year ago. After placing second in the league and heading into the playoffs for the first time in school history, coach Craig Clarke and his Panthers have set a high bar. The Panthers have regrouped and plan on making another run to the playoffs this season.
Here are three things to know about the 2013 Maysville Panthers:
1. Experienced Offense Will Lead the Way
Last year was Coach Clarke’s first season with Maysville. The offense was still trying to figure out his system throughout the season. Now the entire backfield returns with a full slate under their belts. Junior quarterback Jake Miller and junior running back Eli Chambers will be key to the Panthers’ balanced attack.
“Being in the system a whole year has helped us,” Clarke said. “Last year we were all learning. I was a brand new coach and everyone was trying to get comfortable.” Clarke looks to spread the ball around to all his assets. Miller’s experience at the quarterback position should help things go smoothly for the Maysville offense.
2. Consistency on Defense
The defense last year was hard-hitting and strong. After giving up 47 points to Tri-Valley in their first league game, the Panthers rolled to eight straight wins to end the season. In four wins against Columbus Academy, John Glenn, New Lexington and Philo, Maysville had a combined margin of victory of 11 points. The Panthers’ defense made plenty of key plays last year that led to wins.
Maysville is looking for continued consistency and leadership on defense this season after losing 15 seniors. Also gone is junior linebacker Logan Bash, who transferred to Tri-Valley in the offseason. Look out for seniors Jordan Hayes (linebacker) and C.J. Harris (linebacker) as they step up to the leadership position this season.
3. Camaraderie and Chemistry are Thriving
After a season with a new coach and brand new coaching system, the team has come together. This offseason, Clarke noticed seniors stepping up and coaching the underclassmen in the locker room.
“Our team is unselfish, and nobody worries about the praise,” Clarke said.
Team bonding has been developing all offseason and will be strong by the time the regular season rolls around.
The Panthers had the element of surprise with last season’s playoff run. Though they’re officially on the rest of the MVL’s radar in 2013, the pieces are in place for another run at the postseason under Coach Clarke. The season begins at Crooksville Thursday, Aug. 29.
Follow @gridironglory on Twitter and Instagram and Like the Gridiron Glory Facebook page for continued coverage throughout the preseason. Gridiron Glory returns Friday, Aug. 23 at 11:30 p.m. on WOUB.