**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Williams here: Langston Hughes Panthers Podcast
The Skinny
Coach Daniel Williams takes over as head coach of the Langston Hughes Panthers. Coach Williams is only the second head coach in the school’s history as he succeeds one of his biggest coaching influences, Willie Cannon.
We asked Coach Williams what the biggest challenge is coming into 2019.
“Getting young players ready for Friday Night Lights,” he said.
There are many challenges within that preparation for certain. Coach Williams inherits a team that went 4-6 and missed the post season for the first time in 7 seasons.
The Panthers will have some returners at the skill positions this season on offense. They are headlined by junior running back Jamond Lee. Last season, Lee led the team in rushing with 507 yards. Rising Sophomore Antonio Martin was second on the team in rushing with 257 yards and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. They Panthers also return two quarterbacks in Zadrien White and Daniel Davis.
Defensively, Nate Dean will anchor the line. The junior is a load in the middle at 5’11” 322. Unterrius Bailey will return at defensive end. Last season he recorded 6.5 sacks.
The defense was an area of strength last season for the Panthers as they only gave up 12.7 points per game. If they can duplicate that success in 2019, we believe there is a good chance their win total will increase this season as well.
We asked Coach Williams if there are any games circled on the calendar this season.
“All (of) our region games,” he said.
How will the Panthers define success this season?
Coach Williams replied, “Making the playoffs.”
