Northshore Panthers

In just his first season at the helm of the Northshore, Bobby Sanders led the Panthers to their first non-losing season in nearly two decades and directed a two overtime battle against perennial power West Monroe in the team's first playoff appearance since 2017. Despite a heroic effort, Sanders' bunch came up short but hopes the magic continues in 2022.

With a small senior class and only eight total starters returning from a year ago, Northshore will have to rely on its experienced skill players to carry the load early as newcomers get acclimated. On offense, Sanders replaces six starters but finds familiarity in junior running back Kohen Rowbatham (307 yards, 6 TDs) as well as top returning passer Jack Buell (1,136 yards, 14 TDs) to help lead the charge. Top targets include senior receiver James Bridges as well as junior T.J. Coleman.

The question mark remains on defense with eight starters missing from last year's Cinderella run. While the unit rebuilds, Rowbatham, who led the team with six interceptions will be looked to lead on the opposite side as well. Kyle Williams, a junior cornerback, will be a player looked upon to come up with some big plays in 2022.

On special teams, Northshore's first female kicker, Belle Airey returns for another season of kicking duties. She was 25-of-27 on PATs a year ago and converted six of eight field goal attempts, including one that helped send last year's first-rounde game against West Monroe into overtime.