Season PreviewINMAN, S.C. – The 2022 season saw the Chapman Panthers post an 8-5 record that featured a seven-game win streak, the program’s sixth region championship in as many seasons, and a berth in the third round of the 3A playoffs.
As head coach Harry Cabaniss begins his fourth year at the helm, he can’t help but be excited about the veteran group that returns to the gridiron in 2023. “I think the biggest thing is that they know and have been around each other for a while,” Cabaniss said. “You’re looking at fifteen guys who have grown up and played together for a long time now. We have to cater to what they’re good at and they’ve been awesome at doing what (the coaching staff) has asked them to do.” Near the end of the non-region schedule in 2022, some adjustments were made by the coaches and one in particular helped the Panthers find their groove during the latter half of the season. “Around week four or five last year, we completely scrapped the way we practiced,” recalled Cabaniss. “We only lost one game from that point until the end of the season. I think that had a lot to do with (changing up practice). Our coaches are always going to put our kids in the best situation… we have to continue to evolve.” Chapman returns 15 starters that include seven all-region players (Harrison Bridges, Shawn Cunningham, Coleman Gray, Reece Lynch, Keanu Na, Mathai Scott, Jackson Visoury) and an all-state selection in Lynch. Bridges, Alex Cox, Lewis McAlister, and T.J. Pack will look to pave the way in the trenches for a Panther offense guided by senior quarterback Coleman Gray. “At previous places that I’ve been, I can only name one quarterback that I had for more than one year,” Cabaniss remarked. “We had Drew Settle for two years – you don’t get much better than him – and now have Coleman Gray coming back. What (Gray) does has completely evolved how we do things on offense. To have someone back there (at quarterback) that knows what’s going on and what we’re looking for, you can’t replace that.” Fourth-year starter Shawn Cunningham (11 TD receptions in 2022), Peyton Hodge, and Colton McPeters will line up at the wide receiver position, while Mathai Scott and Keanu Na will share the workload at the running back position. Reece Lynch will spearhead the Chapman defense alongside Bridges, Na, Scott, Cole Daugherty, Hudson Moss, and Dawson Walters. The Panthers will also have several newcomers on the varsity level that will see playing time, including Jaeden Moorman. On special teams, Jackson Visoury will reprise his role and handle the kicking responsibilities. “On the JV team last year, there were some guys down there that continued to get better every week,” stated Cabaniss. “There are some guys who will come in and contribute on day one for us… like Shamon Black, Max Carter, Hank Tolleson, Khamari Turner, and Nazar Ackbar. We’ve got Bennett Smith, who has moved in here from Dorman. We’re excited to see those guys on Friday nights this year.” Chapman will start its 2023 campaign with a road matchup against the Woodruff Wolverines on Friday, August 18th at 7:30 PM. Comments are closed.
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