Written by: Brandon Baney
On the strength of a punishing running game, the West Jefferson Panthers imposed their will on several opponents in 2021, earning a playoff bid for the second consecutive season.
A 5-4 season ended with a first round playoff loss to Melba, a game that left many West Jefferson fans wondering, "What if?"
What if West Jefferson had made another player or two in that 18-12 loss to the Mustangs? More importantly, what if West Jefferson had defeated North Fremont during the regular season (a game they lost 34-22)?
If West Jefferson wins that September game against North Fremont, the Panthers likely stay home for the first round of the playoffs and avoid Melba.
Alas, you can only go by what actually happens on the field, and the Panthers are hungry to get the 2022 season started because of those near misses a year ago.
They'll have to do so with a rebuilt offensive line, as four of the five starters up front (Keston Newman, Benson Robison, Kamren Wright and Kurt Wright) graduated.
Senior Josh Reyes is the lone returning starter, and he'll have a new group of running backs to block for, as well, as Tyson Barzee, Dylan Burtenshaw and Kazden Rogers all graduated as well.
Senior Creed Jacobs returns to quarterback the offense, and he'll throw the ball to wide receiver Mack Smith and tight end Keean Rogers.
Most of those players also contributed to the defensive side of the ball, which means the front seven in particular will see an influx of new players.
Junior Bentley Loundsbury will lead the linebackers, while Jacobs and Rogers will help out in the secondary.
This season will also mark the debut of head coach Kip Blanchard on the West Jefferson sidelines.
Will a new scheme, from a new coach, executed by new players translate to success in 2022? Time will tell, but history says, don't bet against it.