PANTHERS

defensive line so that’s why we’re going with four or five down linemen,” said Efird. “We’re not exactly set on what we’re going to run as a scheme, but the kids are coming around and adjusting to it really well. We’ve got enough depth that we’ll be able to give guys some breaks early on and hopefully by the time we hit the fourth quarter, we’ll be able to wear the other team down.”

Linebacker Tim Spiva missed much of last season after tearing his ACL, but Efird is expecting big things from the junior defensive anchor.

“Over the last few weeks it seems like Tim has forgotten about the knee,” he said. “With an injury like that, it’s not so much getting over it physically but more of a mental hurdle. In fall practice it seemed like he was thinking more about just playing football and not worrying about his knee.”

Porter and Stovall work at outside linebacker or defensive end, depending on the scheme. Edwards, James Asbury and Lakeside transfer Logan Gilsinger provide depth at linebacker.

“In the spring I looked at linebacker as our weakest position, but in the fall we really started to come around,” said Efird. “We really had some kids step up for us.”

Tyner at cornerback and Nitch at safety return as starters in the secondary. Grant Herrington moves to corner after playing linebacker last season and Rednour transitions from corner to safety.

The Panthers open the season with the same five-game stretch that nearly doomed the team early last year. They travel to Parkers Chapel on Sept. 2 before hosting Centerpoint Sept. 9.