The Kingsley-Pierson football team becomes one of the first to compete out of the listening area when they take the field this Friday in a week zero game against Coon Rapids-Bayard in Kingsley.
The Panthers are in a unique spot playing a football game a week earlier than most of the teams in the state. This is due to losing a game midway through the season with Siouxland Christian canceling their football season. Head coach Travis Neumann says the schedule shift was an adjustment, but the guys have responded well.
Due to graduation, Kingsley-Pierson lost their quarterback, top two rushers, top two receivers, three of their top four tacklers, and their leader in interceptions. Because of this, the Panthers will have a lot of holes to fill. Coach Neumann says the holes will not be as difficult to fill since many younger players got valuable experience last fall.
The only player with time under center returning from last year is Eli Schroeder who completed the only varsity pass he threw. Coach Neumann says he has looked good early, but the full-time reps are not guaranteed for him due to some different packages the Panthers are looking at offensively.
On defense, the Panthers had their moments last season. They pitched a shutout against Harris-Lake Park and held West Bend-Mallard to just six points. However, in two of their last three games of the year, the Panthers allowed 55-or-more points. Coach Neumann says the defense will be young, but they return some good experience from last season.
One position group that returns a good group of starters is the linemen. Specifically on the offensive line, the Panthers return a group that will be looking to pave the way for all the new skill guys. Coach Neumann says he wants those guys to be a more aggressive bunch that can handle all the physicality of high school football.
Kingsley-Pierson will host Coon Rapids-Bayard to open the season. The Crusaders snapped a five-year playoff drought last fall going 5-4 falling in the first round of the playoffs to Clarksville by the score of 78-68. Coach Neumann says this week is not so much about the opponent, but it is more about making sure his team is at its best.
Kickoff between the Panthers and the Crusaders is on Friday night at 7:00 PM in Kingsley.
Listen to our full interview with Kingsley-Pierson head coach Travis Neumann by clicking below.
Kingsley-Pierson Panther Football Schedule:
August 21 – COON RAPIDS-BAYARD
August 28 – BISHOP GARRIGAN
September 11 – at Harris-Lake Park *
September 18 – REMSEN ST. MARY’S *
September 25 – NEWELL-FONDA *
October 2 – at West Bend-Mallar
October 9 – G-T/R-A *
October 16 – at St. Edmond *
* – denotes district game
