Panthers Open Football Season with Loss to Homewood

PELHAM, AL - The Pelham Panthers dropped their opening game of the 2017 football season in dramatic fashion Thursday night, as Homewood scored with 29 seconds remaining int he game to secure a 29-22 victory. Pelham lost its third straight opening game and is only 3-18 dating back to the 2014 season. Despite the heart-breaking loss, Pelham head coach Tom Causey says he is optimistic about the season.

"We are starting our third season at Pelham and are looking to make progress this year to rebuilding our program into a competitive program," Causey said.

Causey said offensively, several returning starters will be key to the Panthers' success, but some newcomers will be expected to contribute as well. "Offensively, senior (OLs) Will Pierce and Jarrett McLaren return for their third year as starters, " Causey said. "Senior (RB) Nicolas Blackburn has had a great off season. Also expect big things out of junior receivers Edward Gipson, Brandon Sledge and Kasey Clarke." Causey said also to watch for freshman running back Dylan Peterson. "We have high expectations in for him," Causey said.

On defense, Causey said some of the team's key players this season are are senior DB Ladre Tabb, junior LBs Ryan Jewell and Dorian Tolbert, senior safety Tyler Hawkins and junior DE Brock Higdon.

Pelham hosts Mortimer Jordan next week.