Tyler Shugart
Over the last few years the Chapman Panthers have established themselves as a power in 3A football here in the state of South Carolina. The Panthers offense has been one of the most powerful and prolific in the state in that time period, and they have had some great players on the offensive side of the ball including record setting quarterbacks, and prolific skill players all over the field. The Panther defense has also helped led this team to big wins over the last few years but the defensive successes have often been overshadowed by the big numbers the offense put up.
The 2020 season, while different in many ways, saw the Panthers continue that trend of having an explosive offense. Chapman cruised through the regular season undefeated and averaging 44 points per game. Quarterback Drew Settle settled right into the starting job following in the footsteps of back to back all-state caliber quarterbacks. Chapman looked poised to make another run at a state title before losing in a shootout with Daniel in the first round of the 3A playoffs.
The bad news for teams in 3A this year is that the Panthers, in there second season under head coach Harry Cabiness, look to bring back ten starters from that offense from last year. Quarterback Drew Settle while be back under center and has weapons like DJ Black on the outside and Walt Waddle. Better news for settle is the entire starting five along the offensive line are also scheduled to return for the 2021 campaign, including Nick Cox, who may be one of the best centers in the state. The team will look to continue the fast-paced high powered offense we have seen over the last several years with an offensive mesh of the styles seen last year, and under Mark Hodge in the years prior.
The Panthers will also return about half of last years starting defense, while having to fill some big holes in the secondary. Nose guard Abraham Fyffe will be a force along the defensive line while Andrew Melton, Devin Roe and others will look to fill the void in the secondary.
One thing is for sure about the Chapman Panthers, they don’t mind taking on a challenge. The Panthers will open the 2021 season versus Byrnes, at Boiling Springs, Brookland-Cayce, at Chesnee, and against Fairfield Central before they step into region play.
The 2021 season has a lot of promise for the Panthers who want to avenge the early exit they had in the playoffs last year.
