Pittsford Panthers Prepare for Tough Season Against State Powerhouses
The Pittsford Panthers are gearing up for what promises to be a grueling football season as they face off against state powerhouses in their classification. According to head coach Keith Molinich, their classification is one of the toughest in the state, making it crucial for the team to look ahead and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
In the first four weeks of the season alone, Pittsford will go up against formidable opponents. They will take on a team that reached the state semifinals last year, as well as two private schools that have consistently competed for sectional titles. Additionally, they will face a charter school that boasted an impressive record of nine wins out of ten games in 2022. Coach Molinich aptly describes this early stretch of games as the gauntlet.
Despite the tough competition, the Panthers have reason to be optimistic. They have a strong roster, with seven offensive starters and six defensive starters returning from last year’s team. Not to mention, they managed to secure an at-large berth to the Class AA state tournament, despite having several players sidelined due to injuries.
On the defensive side, the Panthers can count on the talents of returning linebackers Jayden Morale-Creggett, Jax Bernas, and Hayes Denning, along with senior defensive lineman Brad Pollard. Their experience and skills should help Pittsford’s defense hit the ground running early in the season.
Offensively, senior offensive tackle Nate Cole is a standout player and a third-year starter. He is likely to secure a spot on a college team in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision. Another key player is senior center Sam Higgins, who returns for his third season as a starter after being sidelined by injury in 2022. Running back Josiah Joyner and versatile athlete Sam Renica will also play significant roles on the offensive side of the ball.
The Panthers’ schedule this season is packed with exciting matchups. In the first four weeks alone, they will face Hilton, a team returning to Class AA after a strong run in the Class A state semifinals, and the defending Class AA sectional champion, McQuaid Knights, who they will host in week two. Week three will see the Panthers going up against Aquinas, a team with a new look, and in week four, they will take on University Prep, a rematch from 2022’s sectionals. The final important game for Pittsford will be against East High/World of Inquiry in week six, a highly anticipated contest against a Class A sectional title contender.
As the Panthers brace themselves for this challenging season, they are aware of the obstacles that lie ahead. The road to success will be tough, but with their experienced players and determined mindset, they are ready to bring their A-game to every matchup. The Pittsford Panthers are eager to show why they are considered one of the top teams in their classification and are determined to make their mark on the football field.
