New season, same goal. Palmetto’s football team wants to improve to become district contenders, according to many of the players.

Last season, the Panthers won seven games and lost only three games. Despite their record, they did not qualify for the playoffs. This season, the Panthers have faced early challenges, such as a tough loss to Columbus.

Palmetto lost many valuable seniors from the class of 2010 like Delvin Jones and Jamaine Brooks, but the coaches remain optimistic about the current roster.

“We are a young team and our expectations are always to be successful and win games with the players we have,” Larry Coffey, Head Coach, said.

According to Coffey, this season’s key players include safety Wendell Dunn, reciever Anthony Clark, quarterback Wyatt Chickillo, and linebacker Andre Revere.

“We’ll do good as long as we keep calm, cool, and confident,” senior Robert Couseillant, a linebacker,  said. “We expect to reach the District Championship game.”

Players are not the only ones pumped for the season; students are very intrigued about the status of the team and also carry high hopes.

“I feel our team is okay and can be better,” junior Twadah Campbell said. “My favorite players to watch are Eddie [Wilcox], Andre [Revere], and Danny [la Rosa], just to name a few.”

Currently the football team is 2-1 and still has a whole season ahead of them. Notable games remaining on the schedule are against South Dade (October 8th), Homestead (October 28th), and the homecoming game against the team’s rival, Killian (November 2nd).

Junior Jonathan Yue, a member of the band, attends all the football games and is a true fan.

“The homecoming game is the game to watch; more people come which means more excitement,” Yue said. “I can’t wait to go to that one.”