Summary of last season:
2015 was the year of the Liberty County Panthers; the Panthers had a solid season last year, which ended on the road against Cartersville in the second round of the AAAA state playoffs. Several Panther football players, including all around Georgia athlete Richard LeCounte, set a school record during basketball season that ended with the Panthers as the AAAA State Champions.
Liberty has the experience and athleticism to seriously threaten for an AAA-1 title, since the Panthers will drop down in classification after realignment. Garnering a region title could give the Panthers momentum for long run into the AAA state playoffs.
What is your outlook for this season?
“A big senior and junior class who has experience,” Liberty County High School Head Coach Kirk Warner said.
Before the 2016 season has even started, Richard LeCounte forced a further review at the Opening at Nike Headquarters, labeling him a true five star recruit for the Class of 2017. LeCounte can do it all on both sides of the ball, but he has plenty of help with four other seniors that have been playing next to him for last few seasons.
What has realignment changed this year?
Liberty moves down to AAA-1; a lot of the region will look familiar with Pierce, Appling, Brantley and Tattnall still in the mix. One big change to region AAA-1 will be Long County, who moved up from Class AA. The athleticism and experience that Liberty brings to the region has to put the Panthers as the favorite, but the development of Long and the tradition of Pierce and Appling will make it competitive until the end.
Big games this year:
Liberty begins its defense of the Commissioners Cup when the Panthers face Bradwell Institute, in a series that have dominated in recent years. The Panthers could see one of the better Savannah area teams in week three against the H.V. Jenkins Warriors. During week five, Liberty travels to the Palace of the Pines to take on Effingham County, before they open against AAA-1 Tattnall County on October 7, 2016.
