A Season of Momentum
The Mountain Grove Panthers finished the previous campaign with a 10‑2 record, capturing their first district championship since 2015 before falling to the eventual state champion Seneca in the quarterfinals. Head coach Dan Swofford, who has been steering the program for several years, saw his long‑term plan accelerate faster than many expected, turning a modest roster into a competitive force.
Central to that resurgence are a handful of battle‑tested athletes who will return to the fold. Offensive lineman Malaki Williams, a sophomore who earned SCA Lineman of the Year honors, brings a blend of coachability and leadership that has become a model for younger teammates. Alongside him, running backs Wood Curtiss and Eli Golden will again shoulder the rushing attack, with Curtiss having posted 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago and Golden recognized for his breakaway speed and first‑team all‑conference status.
The backfield will also feature Brett Gardner, a second‑team all‑conference tight end, and Kale Gardner, whose track‑season speed adds a dynamic edge to the offense. At center, junior Sawyer Kidd will anchor the flexbone scheme, while the quarterback position will be contested by returning junior Dalton Shannon and the versatile Eli Golden, both looking to fill the void left by Aden Estep.
Defensively, the Panthers retain standout talent such as Slade Rodgers, who recorded 14 tackles for loss and three sacks en route to first‑team all‑conference recognition, and Ethan Haacke, who contributed four sacks and earned honorable‑mention honors at defensive end. Their presence should keep the unit aggressive and opportunistic.
The upcoming schedule adds another layer of excitement. A preseason jamboree will feature matchups against Thayer, Willow Springs and Houston before the regular‑season opener on August 28 against Fair Grove. Week 2 brings a renewed rivalry with West Plains, a game that promises to test the Panthers against a familiar foe.