UPDATE: Patton High School in Morganton is officially set to field a varsity football team this fall after a hiatus last season. Head coach Billy Whisenant confirmed that approximately 30-35 players have been consistently attending summer workouts, indicating a promising return to competitive play.
This news is significant for the local community as the team aims to rebuild after last year’s challenges. “Our plan is to run both a varsity and JV season,” Whisenant stated. While acknowledging potential obstacles like injuries, he remains optimistic about the team’s readiness to compete at a higher level.
Last year, Patton struggled with low player numbers, especially in the junior and senior classes, which led to the cancellation of the varsity season. “My junior class last year had only one player,” Whisenant explained, highlighting the difficulties in recruitment and development at the varsity level. He noted that many potential players were unprepared for the rigors of high school football.
The current roster features a mix of experienced upperclassmen and eager younger players. “I have five or six juniors on this year’s squad,” Whisenant said, emphasizing their readiness to take on the varsity challenge. The coach is committed to providing opportunities for all his players, particularly after a year focused solely on JV football.
Despite the challenges, the team showed resilience last season, finishing with a 5-3 record in JV competition. Whisenant remarked on the determination of his young athletes, stating, “They fight to the bitter end, and they hate to lose.” This competitive spirit has been cultivated through their previous experiences, despite the setbacks.
Whisenant believes that this season will be a crucial opportunity for development, especially for the younger players who are now better prepared. “They’ve had a year to develop and got a lot of reps last year,” he noted, suggesting that the experience gained will be invaluable as they step up to varsity competition.
As Patton High School gears up for the upcoming season, the focus will be on fostering a team culture that values hard work and perseverance. Whisenant’s commitment to his players and their development is apparent, and he is eager to see how they will rise to the challenge this fall.
With the first game approaching, the community is buzzing with anticipation. Fans will be closely watching Patton High’s journey back to varsity football, eager to see how the team will perform as they take the field once again.
Stay tuned for further updates as the season unfolds and the Patton Panthers aim to make their mark on the field!
