By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com
COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — On my fifth stop of Inside The Huddle, our crew made the trek to southern DeKalb County to check out what’s going on with the Collinsville Panthers!
The Panthers had already hit the field when we arrived to see them, and they go by the motto “if you’re on time, you’re late.”
To start out the workouts, the Panthers ran, and then they ran some more. The Collinsville Panthers will boast one of the most physically fit teams in the county this time. I even started to ask a few of them if they were personal trainers.
I was very pleased with the unity that the players had. They encouraged their teammates and worked well together. They have formed a bond that will not easily be broken. This bond will help them in season play.
The Panthers had a 4-6 record in their 2017 season. This is the fifth year that the Panthers have been in Class 2A. After realignment, Collinsville was moved to Region 6.
The Panthers have five returning seniors with ten returning offensive players and nine defensive players. They practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Head Coach Ernie Willingham’s staff includes: Coach Riley Edwards (Defensive Coordinator/Line, Offensive Line), Coach Jon Tidmore (Junior High), Coach Shane Stewart (Receivers), Coach Chris Conde (Offensive Line), Coach Jeff Stanley (Offensive Line/Defensive Line), Coach Mike McElrath (Running Backs), Coach Teddy Helms (Special Teams), Coach Chuck Dutton (Linebackers), and John Morgan (Stats).
The Panthers begin their season at home against the Plainview Bears on August 23. Collinsville travels for the following two weeks to face Crossville and North Sand Mountain on August 31 and September 7, respectively. They play at home against the Fyffe Red Devils on September 14. The Panthers then face the Ider Hornets on September 21 and the Section Lions on October 5, both are away games. They face Asbury on October 12 at home. Their final away game is against Sand Rock on October 19. The Panthers’ penultimate game is against Cedar Bluff at home in October 26. Their final game is at home against Valley Head on November 1.
I look forward to seeing the Collinsville Panthers in action this fall and expect them to go deep into the playoffs!
