After making it to the MHSAA Class 4A state semifinal in 2012 and 2013, Quitman has been trying to repeat that level of success the past four seasons.

The Panthers went 5-7 overall last year, 3-2 in Region 5-4A play, and lost in the opening round of the Class 4A playoffs. But with nine returning starters on offense, head coach Steve Bynum said he hopes this is the year the Panthers can finish first in the region and hopefully make some noise in the postseason.

“We return so much on offense, and we finished second and third (in the division) for maybe the past three years, but those past couple of years we started freshmen quarterbacks and sophomore running backs,” Bynum said. “We’re hoping this year is the year it pays off for us. If we can keep these guys healthy, hopefully we can make another run at another divisional title this year.”

Offensively, the Panthers will be led by junior Jed Lewis at quarterback and senior Ty’drekeaus Carpenter at running back.

“It makes you feel good that you have those experienced guys coming back,” Bynum said. “Hopefully they can tote the load early while we’re kind of catching up and maturing on defense.”

Other potential standouts on offense are junior receivers Kesean Johnson and John Lang, junior tight end Stefon Adams and linemen Nathan Covington, Jacob Odom and Drew Parker.

Defensively, there isn’t quite as much experience, as the Panthers return only three starters. Linebacker Jacob Irby, defensive end Xavier Davis and safety Tykelan Chapman are the only seniors on defense, and while Chapman is technically a returning starter, he’s moving from outside linebacker to safety this fall.

“We have a senior who will transfer from the offensive line to the defensive line, William Edwards, and we feel really good about him,” Bynum said. “Our other interior guy, (junior) Damion Leggett, is a really good kid and has really picked it up in the weight room. We’re also going to have (senior) Khalie Horn start for the first time.”

While his defense will have some growing pains, Bynum said he hopes both sides of the ball will be peaking by divisional play.

“We’re going to have to bring our A game every week in district play,” Bynum said. “We hope our young guys mature quickly with our non-divisional schedule and play their best by divisional play.” One addition to the Panthers’ coaching staff is former Northeast Lauderdale head coach Curt Blackburn, who is Quitman’s new offensive coordinator.

“He’s brought a lot of excitement,” Bynum said. “The kids have really migrated to him and taken up with him well. He’s a great person and a great teacher in the classroom. He’s an extremely good ball coach, and we’re extremely blessed to have him and have a veteran guy like that on staff.”