Since Harry Cabaniss took the reins at Chapman, the Panthers have become a picture of consistency. In the Covid-shortened 2020 season, they went 7-1, went undefeated in region 3-3A play, and went to the second round of the playoffs before bowing out to Daniel. In 2021, they won 8 games and once again cruised through their region slate, ultimately falling in the playoffs to Chester. That was followed with a second consecutive 8 win campaign in 2022 with a third straight region championship, eventually ending in the third round at Clinton.
Last year was their best to date in Cabaniss’ tenure, riding on the strength of their offense that averaged near 40 points per game. The Panthers went 10-2 on the season, including impressive wins over Byrnes and Clinton. They also stacked another region title en route to the 2nd round of the playoffs, where they fell 58-24 to the Chester Cyclones.
This season, despite the success of a year ago, realistic expectations may be hampered just a little bit as they lost several key pieces on both sides of the ball. Most notably quarterback Coleman Gray, who passed for over 2,000 yards with 17 touchdowns and also ran for 895 yards and 15 TDs, as well as wideout Shawn Cunningham, who hauled in 61 passes for 864 yards and 9 touchdowns. Halfbacks Mathai Scott and Keanu Na, who combined for 1,403 yards and 21 TDs on the ground also graduated back in May.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers will certainly miss linebacker Reese Lynch, who tallied 118 total tackles a year ago (49 solo, 22 for a loss, 8.5 sacks).
Despite the losses, Coach Cabaniss’ 2024 squad features 14 returners – the bulk of the depth coming with 4 returnees each on the offensive and defensive lines and 3 at the skill positions.
According to Cabaniss, the most noteworthy players coming back are junior O lineman Lewis McAlister, junior defensive lineman Khamari Turner (41 tackles. 21 solo, 9 for a loss, 3.5 sacks in 2023), senior receiver/DB Colt McPeters (12 tackles, 8 solo, sack, 7 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TDs last year), senior DB Hank Tolleson (59 tackles, 34 solo, 2 for a loss), senior DB Jaedon Moorman (11 tackles, 4 solo in just 6 games played), junior Linebacker Chanson Mickles (55 tackles, 24 solo, 15 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, senior linebacker Tripp Simmons (26 tackles, 7 solo, 2.5 for a loss in just 8 games played in 2023), and senior Kicker Jackson Visoury (54-55 on PATs and a perfect 6 for 6 on fieldgoals last season).
The Panthers will also have a few newcomers that are poised to make an impact right away. At running back. Cabaniss says Justin Dawkins is the type of guy that can provide a spark to get the offense going any time they need it. Senior Defensive back Alius Hill has a lot of range, which is a big plus when they face such perennial offensive juggernauts as Christ Church, Daniel, and BHP. Freshman DB Darius Burress also shows a lot of promise, described by Cabaniss as a ‘multi tool’ player.
The outlook for the Panthers is still a fairly positive one with the strength of the team appearing to be on the defensive side of the ball. As alluded to earlier, that can only help them in a season where they are playing one of their toughest schedules in recent history.
“We always feel as if our preseason/non-region prepares us for our region and a run in the playoffs. This year is no different with our non-region. We have the defending 3A state champ Daniel, 1A Upper State Runner Up St. Joe’s, a really tough 5A team in Boiling Springs, the defending region 4-3A champion that made a deep playoff run in Clinton, 1A state champion Christ Church, and 3A upperstate runner-up Belton Honea Path. Our program doesn’t chase W’s in the early part of the season. We want our guys to play in the best possible environments that will prepare us for a deep season run”, said Cabaniss.
They will head to one of the toughest environments possible right away, opening August 23rd at DW Daniel with a 7:30 kickoff.
