Paetow has started to rebuild and grow this offseason.

The Panthers have found consistency after an up and down season last year. The Panthers struggled early in the season, especially on the offensive end, but won two of their final three games and went into the offseason on a good note.

That has carried over into the new year. The Panthers have had time to work on things, improvement has followed, and Paetow is coming into this season confident.

“It’s been fun his offseason,” said Paetow head coach David Hicks Sr., “These guys have learned to really believe in each other and that’s a huge key. No one is going to give us anything and we are going to have to work for every single inch, so these guys have to believe in each other, keep a hard hat mentality and embrace the culture. The guys have really done that this offseason and I think we have a really good group.”

Paetow took steps last year to become that team and the work has continued going into this season. After two head coaching three different head coaches over the course of eight months in 2022, the Panthers have finally settled into a system both offensively and defensively, which has helped the players as they enter their second year under Hicks. 

“The guys know the system now and it was great to see how fast we were able to go through the basic stuff this spring,” Hicks said. “Now that they’re confident in it, they’re able to see each other’s mistakes, what they’re doing correct and grow. They can understand what we’re trying to do and rise to that challenge. That comfortability is such an important part of the game because it allows them to play free and loose. The goal now is just to come in and keep getting better each week.”

The Panthers will bring back some important players in big positions. Offensively, Jackson Farrar will return to lead the offense at quarterback after putting up some impressive performances down the stretch and Paetow have a good running attack led by Curtis Zeno and Terrence Johnson, especially with experience returning on the offensive line, where the Panthers should be strong. 

Defensively, the Panthers return some real firepower. Deyjhon Pettaway is one of the best defensive backs in the state and will be the leader of the defense. Carmelo Brooks and Nicholas Elko will also be huge parts of the team's success and will give the Panthers leaders and some special players all over the field the defense.

“I would put our front seven against any team in the state, they are so talented and disciplined,” Hicks said. “Then you have what I believe is the best defensive back in the Hosuton area in Deyjhon on the back end along with a great group of linebackers is just going to lead to special things. All three of those guys bring tremendous leadership qualities as well. I wouldn’t trade this defense for any other. With the coaches we have on that side of the ball as well I truly believe the sky is the limit.”

Paetow starts the season against Langham Creek before playing at Dekaney which will be a good final non district test. Paetow then will get Tompkins in its first district game, and the Panthers will have to be firing on all cylinders as they try to get off to a good start early in the year. 

But that is what they have been building towards, and the Panthers are ready to prove that they can battle with anyone for a playoff spot in the ever-tough District 19-6A.

“The important thing is to see where we are those first two weeks, because there’s no other warmups,” Hicks said. “You want to challenge your kids and so it’s awesome we get to start off against two great programs. Having a strong out of district schedule is almost necessary because once you get into district play, this is one of the hardest you will find in the state of Texas. If you want to compete in this district, you have to bring you’re A-game every single week.”