#HSFT16: Stop No. 3 – West Lowndes Panthers

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – West Lowndes made it to the playoffs this past season for the first time since 2012. The Panthers are trying to build off that accomplishment this summer. Eight seniors graduated, but as head coach Anthony King says, some talent returns.

“Marcus Farmer has been playing for four years,” King said. “We have a lot of experience. Hopefully him and Lemerrius Fair can carry this team.”

West Lowndes won a playoff game a year ago. In their minds, they could have gone even farther in the 1A postseason.

“We’re hungry to do better,” Kemario Evans said.

“We have a whole lot of boys who want to make it where we want to make it,” Zack Williams said.

“Going to the playoffs, that’s a big help,” Lemerruis Fair said. “We’ll know more what to do. Last year was our first in a couple of years. We’re going to come back even hungrier this year.”

One issue for the Panthers is that they don’t have access to a weight room. The school is building a new one. In the meantime, they’re taking advantage of seven-on-seven competitions, like one at Mississippi State in mid-June, and on-field conditioning.

“It really messed the workout schedule. It’ll be a challenge,” Fair said.

King says the biggest question mark is the offensive line. He’ll be working with some new guys to fill those spots.