Written by: Brandon Baney

These days, the West Jefferson Panthers might as well be Rodney Dangerfield. The legendary comedian was famous for espousing the fact that he “couldn’t get no respect.”

And in many ways, West Jefferson’s football program continues to get overlooked. But don’t forget, the Panthers went 4-4 a year ago and just narrowly missed out on the playoffs.

They didn’t know it at the time, but the final game for West J. came in the regular season finale against Firth. Against a team that would play for the 2A state championship, the Panthers pushed Firth and only fell 25-6.

That narrow loss, and the bitter sting of missing out on a postseason appearance, has fueled coach Kip Blanchard’s Panthers all offseason long.

The offseason wasn’t kind initially, as West Jefferson bid farewell to nine seniors, all of whom had an impact on the 2022 campaign. Big-play wide receiver Blake Briggs will be missed, as well as linemen Royce Eddins, Josh Reyes and Bronson Kimbro.

A number of younger players will be asked to shoulder the load this year, and they’ll have to adjust quickly. West Jefferson opens the season at home against Wendell, a team that is similarly looking to get to the playoffs after just missing out a year ago. This first game of the year could serve as a de-facto playoff contest.

That’s followed by games against 3A foes American Falls and Teton. A trip to District 5 Malad is next, and then the grind of the Nuclear Conference begins. Firth and North Fremont are considered the favorites atop the league again, and West J. gets a split: the Huskies at home and the Cougars on the road to conclude the regular season.