Panthers believe ‘it can be done’ in ‘09

While the season opener marked the only win of the Panthers’ 2008 campaign (they are also credited with a 12-12 tie against Prince Avenue last September), there were several games where Jackson County showed promise. Several times, the Panthers were in contention until late, when just a few small miscues would give their opponent the advantage they needed.

That promise has led to an infectious optimism in the Panthers’ field house.

“This year, I handed them a blank GHSA 2009 football bracket, and I told them to put their name in there, because that’s what we’re shooting for,” said head football coach Billy Kirk. “The day that I stop expecting success here at Jackson County is the day that I need to stop coaching. I’ve set the bar pretty high for our kids, I’ve set the bar pretty high for our coaches and we’ve got a lot to live up to.”

While Kirk passes on saying a number, he says he would be lying if he didn’t say his team should be competing for a playoff spot this year.

“I know a lot of people are going to read that and say ‘you’re a lunatic’, and that’s fine,” Kirk said. “I just know how hard our kids work. One of the keys to that is that we’re going to have to stay healthy this year. I’m excited about this season. These kids are chomping at the bit, ready to play now.”

For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Jackson Herald or The Braselton News.