Redefining the Roster
The Northshore Panthers are preparing for the 2026 campaign after a 3‑7 finish in 2025, a season that marked a modest rebound from just four wins over the previous two years. Coach Bobby Sanders says the club is determined to translate early progress into consistent victories.
Quarterback JJ Gonzales returns as the signal‑caller, bringing a year of starting experience that should stabilize the offense. Joining him will be offensive coordinator Bill Conides, who will look to build on the 18‑point average the Panthers posted last season.
Defensively, eight starters are back under first‑year coordinator Chris Thompson, giving the unit continuity as it seeks to tighten up a defense that struggled in 2025. The coach emphasizes that the defense must become a cornerstone of the team’s identity.
Among the key offensive weapons are wide receiver Eli Knighton (LS), running backs Justus Carlton and Miller Wadleigh, and a supporting cast that includes AJ Bright, Savion Harris, Carter Autin and Brennan Overby. Their versatility is expected to diversify the playbook and keep opposing defenses guessing.
The schedule presents a mix of challenges. The Panthers will test themselves against traditional rivals such as Lutcher, St. Paul’s and Mandeville, while a more forgiving nondistrict slate offers opportunities to rack up wins. Early games are designed to build momentum before district play intensifies.
Projected records suggest a finish of 6‑5 overall, which would secure a 16‑20 seed in the Division I nonselect playoffs. The coaching staff believes that winning the first road playoff game is within reach if the team can execute in the fourth quarter.
Coach Sanders has repeatedly stressed the need to learn from past mistakes, especially in closing games, and to finish with stronger execution. The players, including defensive stalwarts like Elijah Eastin and Tyson Burns, are buying into that message as they head into the offseason.
Beyond the field, the program continues to foster rivalries with parish opponents such as Chalmette, Covington and Slidell, maintaining a competitive parity that fuels local interest. The Panthers’ fan base looks forward to seeing whether the 2026 edition can finally break through and deliver the long‑awaited turnaround.