DP football begins season of lofty expectations

DR. PHILLIPS  This is supposed to be 'the year.'

With a loaded rising senior class, the Dr. Phillips football team embarks today on a year of high expectations, perhaps highest of all within the team.

In the 2015 Class 8A, Region 2 Championship, the Osceola Kowboys ended the Panthers' playoff run in a heart-breaking 20-19 result Nov. 27 at Bill Spoone Stadium.

And the Panthers definitely took it to heart.

"Take advantage of every opportunity, because it can be gone in the blink of an eye," graduating senior Alvin Bryant said after his final game, imploring his underclass teammates to see the 2016 season through to December.

With an abundance of talent on offense, defense and special teams, the remaining Panthers face the Bishop Moore Hornets -- the reigning Class 5A state champions -- at 7 p.m. at Bill Spoone Stadium. It is the first of many tough tests head coach Rodney Wells has scheduled for his Panthers, hoping a rigorous regular-season slate will prepare his players for the arduous journey to Daytona in the playoffs.

Among seniors to watch on offense are quarterback Marvin Washington, running backs Emare Hogan and D.J. Charles and wide receiver Caleb Walls. The defense features senior talents such as Charles in the secondary, Dylan Meeks at middle linebacker, Nick Smith on the edge of the box and Robert Porcher on the line.

For live updates from tonight's game, follow @Zachary_Kerr on Twitter.

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].