The expectations are running high for Panther football.
With plenty of experienced players returning for the 2018 football season, motivation will not be a problem for veteran Pikeville head coach Chris McNamee.
Pikeville, which began the 2017 season with a 1-4 record, closed out strong and came within one big play of reaching the Class 1A state championship game.
Raceland kicked a field goal as time expired on the clock to beat the Panthers, 17-14, in the semifinal round.
“That loss still burns some for sure,” McNamee said. “Our guys have been working really hard this offseason to become better.”
Pikeville finished strong, ending the season at 8-5.
Senior quarterback Connor Roberts returns to lead this year’s squad.
“I’m looking forward to the season,” he said. “We would like nothing more than to reach the championship game, but we realize that’s going to take hard work and commitment.”
Roberts passed for 1,129 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 550 yards and 12 scores.
Among the other top returners are senior receiver Christian Billiter, junior receiver Seth Pugh and all-purpose back Jackson Hensley.
The Panthers currently have nine games on the schedule, including the opener on Aug. 17 at Covington Holy Cross.
Other road games include Point Pleasant, W.Va. (Sept. 21); Phelps (Oct. 12); and Grundy, Va. (Oct. 19)
Pikeville will host Lexington Christian in the Pike County Bowl on Aug. 25. Home games include Paintsville (Sept. 7); Belfry (Sept. 14); Hazard (Sept. 28); and Tolsia, W.Va. (Oct. 26).
“We excited to get going,” McNamee said. “It’s always a great time when you get the season under way.”