Paetow got back to stability this offseason.

With head coach David Hicks Sr. at the helm the Panthers spent the offseason getting back to what they had excelled at, the fundamentals.

Last year, the Panthers underwent big changes, bringing in a new head coach, having big turnover among the entire coaching staff and having to install both a new offense and defense. Hicks wanted to make sure that this year’s team would not have to go through the same thing, and having that continuity after a tumultuous year was big for the program.

“That was really big for the kids,” said Paetow head coach David Hicks Sr. “The kids got a sense of familiarity and they knew the expectations and rose to them. We have some real leaders who have stepped up and we’re growing as a team. Everyone here is focused and holding themselves accountable and it’s led to a great offseason.”

The Panthers narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, finishing a game back of Morton Ranch for the final spot, coming so close to the playoffs in the programs first year in Class 6A has made them hungry all year and given the group another thing to strive for.

“Last year and the way it went has made these guys want it even more, ”Hicks said. “it was a humbling experience for them, coming off a state championship and then just being one game off from being back in the playoffs. It’s made us work harder and it’s made all of us look back and realize what made this program successful. We have a great team returning and these guys have the attitude now where they know, no one here is ever going to roll over for you and you have to earn every win.”

The Panthers bring back some strong talent defensively. On the back end, Deyjhon Pettaway is a lockdown corner who is already garnering interest from huge FBS programs entering his junior year and his presence should help a big deal in the secondary, while there are returners both at linebacker and defensive line as well.

Offensively, Jabari Bush will step into a big role as the teams starting tight end. As a junior, he caught 11 passes for 68 yards, he and Carmelo Wilson will be the two biggest pieces returning in the pass game.

Brock Nichols will take over full time at quarterback after splitting snaps last year at the position. He threw for 381 yards a year ago and  has impressed the Paetow coaching staff so far with his improvements over the offseason.

“Brock has grown so much, it is night and day from where he was last year,” Hicks said. “We brought in a great quarterback coach this year and he and Brock have seen eye to eye on everything. He’s had a great offseason, he’s gained some weight and he’s put in the work to be successful. Having that experience on varsity was an eye opener for him last year and it really made him grow up. Now you can throw whatever you want at him and he isn’t phased.”

The Panthers will have a chance to play stiff competition early, facing off against Conroe and Cy-Ranch to open the season. They will start district against Morton Ranch and Mayde Creek before playing two strong teams in Katy and Jordan.

“Katy ISD across the board is one of the best district in the state, from top to bottom, everyone is going to give you everything they have” Hicks said. “These kids had no choice but to grow up, because every week is a dogfight, there are no pushovers. The big thing is you have to bring it every week in this district, the kids have to do it and the coaches have to do it. District 19-6A is a different animal but we have a team that can compete.”