As the excitement of a new high school football season grows, the Woodlawn High School Panthers are facing a unique set of challenges that could potentially reshape their strategy and team dynamics. The Panthers, known for their incredible talent and playoff appearances the last three seasons, is now heading into uncharted territory as they grapple with the loss of several key players. With these voids in the roster, Coach Randall, his staff, and fans are all eager to see how the team will adapt and rebuild in the upcoming season.
Gone are the days when Rickie Collins dominated the field with his precision passes and the rock-solid defense kept Woodlawn in every game with its senior leadership. The team bid farewell to a group of exceptional seniors who have been the backbone of the squad’s success. Among the notable departures are Collins, the record-breaking quarterback who led the team to the 2021 District 5-5A championship before bringing his talents to LSU, and Jordan Matthews, the lock-down cornerback who enrolled at the University of Tennessee last January. The departure of these key players has left not only skill gaps but also significant leadership voids that will need to be filled.
The departure of such integral players presents an uphill battle for the Panthers, but the challenge is one embraced by the 2023 roster and coaching staff. The new season will require Coach Randall to reassess the playbooks, integrate new talent, and nurture leadership from unexpected sources. With a mix of experienced and younger players, the team must find a way to rebuild their chemistry and cohesion in order to stay competitive against a fierce district and extremely difficult schedule.
While the loss of key players is undeniably a setback, it also paves the way for rising stars to shine. Players who were once in the shadows now have the chance to step into the spotlight and prove their mettle. The coaching staff has been working tirelessly to identify the strengths of these emerging talents and mold them into a cohesive unit. Coach Randall is leaning on several returning starters, including offensive linemen Cedric May and Dwayne Beverly, defensive lineman Joe London, and linebackers Chris Cooper and Alex Collins.
Randall also expects contributions from some upcoming players with little to no varsity experience. That group includes Cayden Randall, Ahmad Price, and Cornelius Selmon. Randall and Price are both expected to help the Panthers in multiple positions on both sides of the ball this season, while Selmon looks to win one of the five offensive line positions.
May, Beverly, and the rest of the offensive line will look to protect senior Myron Nelson, who expects to take over under center. Nelson, who begins his fourth year in the program, has little varsity experience in football. However, the lack of varsity experience is offset by the wealth of experience in basketball and baseball. Nelson, a multi-year starter in both of these sports, is also a repeat all-district performer in both sports. He looks to take lessons learned from his experiences on the court and diamond and turn them into a successful stint on the gridiron.
As the countdown to kickoff winds down, the Woodlawn High football team finds itself at a crossroads, transitioning from a chapter of steadiness and star-power, to a season of rebuilding. The loss of fifteen starters presents a formidable challenge, but also an opportunity for growth, adaptation, and the emergence of new heroes, and the Panthers are ready for the challenge. The team’s journey in the 2023 season will undoubtedly be one of transformation, showcasing the resilience and determination that characterize high school sports. Fans will be watching closely, eager to witness the evolution of a team that is ready to face adversity head-on and redefine their legacy on the field.
