Kingsley-Pierson football has gone through numerous changes over the last few years, and they will be going through another one in 2025.
After two years as a Class A 11-man program, the Panthers are moving back to the eight-man ranks after ending their sharing agreement with River Valley. Head coach Travis Neumann says the situation comes with natural challenges, but the kids have met them head on.
Last year, Kingsley-Pierson managed a 4-4 record in a district that featured the eventual state champs from Tri-Center and a state quarterfinalist in Woodbury Central. That record evidently was not good enough because the Panthers have put in the work in the offseason. Coach Neumann says workout programs and extra time in the weight room have been frequently taken advantage of by his players.
Playing in that tough district meant moving the ball was tough. Specifically on the ground, Kingsley-Pierson ranked in the bottom 10 in Class A in rushing yardage. Coach Neumann says that has been an extra point of emphasis in the offseason.
Not many linebackers made more plays defensively in 2024 than Tyler Koch. Koch ranked in the top 20 statewide in total tackles and in the top 30 in tackles for loss. Coach Neumann says he expects Koch to have an even greater impact on defense with more space on the field to make a play in the eight-man game.
Getting young players playing time early will be critical for Kingsley-Pierson to sustain success this season. Coach Neumann says not having many upper classmen means a lot of kids will have to adjust to the varsity game quickly.
The schedule does not give Kingsley-Pierson any favors or allows them to warm kids up to varsity easily. The Panthers open the year on the road at Bishop Garrigan who made the state semifinals in 2024. Their schedule also features defending champion Remsen St. Mary’s and three other teams who competed in the playoffs last year. Coach Neumann says his team needs to make sure to take care of their own business before worrying about who is on the schedule.
Kingsley-Pierson’s season opener is set for Friday, August 29 at Bishop Garrigan. They will open their home schedule on Friday, September 12 against Harris-Lake Park.
