**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Phillips Here: Starr’s Mill Panthers Podcast
The Skinny
The Starr’s Mill Panthers will be under the leadership of Head Coach Chad Phillips for the 10th season. Coach Phillips has guided the Panthers to five consecutive post season appearances. Last year, the Panthers ran away with the region to claim their 3rd consecutive region title. But the Panthers were upended in the first round of the playoffs. With a new season up ahead, we asked Coach Phillips what was his biggest challenge in 2019.
Phillips replied, “We must replace our defensive line and an all-state kicker (Michael Lantz).”
While the defensive line is being retooled, Coach Phillips does have some able bodies to plug in some holes. On the defensive line, look for Jonathan Molina and Dalton Koth to play a larger role this season. The Panthers also return All-Region linebacker Cole Bishop. Joining Bishop at linebacker are Logan Prince and Vee Holcomb. All-Region defensive back Wes Haney will patrol the secondary for the Panthers along with Nate Kearns.
On offense, Kalen Sims returns as the bell cow in the Panthers ground game. The All-Region player of the year in 2018, Sims rushed for 1,482 yards and 17-TDs.Joining Sims in the backfield will be Ben Bodne and Karson Kalen. Bodne and Kalen combined for 551 yards rushing and 7-TDs in 2018.
“All of our OL returns anchored by center Jeff Tiller and guard Cole Sanders,” said Coach Phillips.
Tiller and Sanders were All-Region selection last season. Meanwhile, quarterback Hunter Lawson will return to lead the team in his senior season. Regarding his senior signal caller, Coach Phillips said, “Lawson is having a great summer.”
Coach Phillips added, “Malachi Townson returns as receiving threat.”
We asked Coach Phillips if there were any games that are circled on the schedule.
“Our non-region schedule is brutal but prepares us for the most important part of our schedule- the region games,” he replied.
“Griffin, Riverdale and Jonesboro figure to be much improved and our county opponents (Whitewater, McIntosh, Fayette) are always a must win situation,” he added.
So, with that said, how will the Panthers define success this season?
Phillips said, “We feel we must continue to build on the past success here. We have won 3 consecutive region titles and are diligently working for another.”
