Cumberland Gap football enters 2021 with a new coaching staff and a new system on both sides of the football.
Brett McPherson is the new head coach and he seems to be developing existing talent and trying to build excitement around the program for the future.
At this point, his defense seems ahead of the offense but the Panthers are working hard to bring the offense around.
The Panthers quarterback position is filled by Lance Owens with his brother Gavin serving as back up.
Senior, Logan Napier looks to get a lot of playing time at running back along with Brayden Painter, Isaiah Gerrells, Kyle Figueroa, Wes Bunch, Luke Humfleet, John Bingham, Jacob Brown and Allen Brooks.
Wideout positions will be filled by A.J. Powell and Isaiah Daniels. The tight end position will be filled by Rich Logan, Bryson Hensley and Tyler Gerding.
The defensive side of the ball will see corner play provided by Ellison, Bunch, Humfleet, Powell, Daniels, Bingham and Brooks.
Safety play will be very important and will be provided by Painter and Lance Owens.
The linebacker group looks to be in great hands with Napier, Brown, Gavin Owens, Figueroa, Ethan Slusher, Bryson Ellis and Logan Patterson.
Line play in football is likely the most important aspect and the Panthers have some great looking linemen, defensive ends, center and nose guards including Hunter Gilpin, Carson Gage, Tyler Oller, Gabe Adams, Peyton Daniels, Sam Hinckle, Landon Dunn, LJ Stevens, Nick McCorkel, Noah Ramsey, Cameron Leight, CJ Partin, Bill Surber, Samuel Seals, Tyler Gerding, Scottie Holloway and Logan Patterson.
No kicker and punter was specified but Lance Owens has been kicking some in practice.
Coach Brett McPherson said this about the new season set to begin, “Right now I am excited about opening the season. Kids have a good attitude and we are focusing on taking care of the little things.”
The 2021 schedule is a tough one with the opening game on the road at Grainger and the rivalry game against Claiborne will be the final game of the regular season.
Preview brought to you by these wonderful partners:
