A Fresh Start for the Panthers
The Southside Panthers are poised to open the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A season with a renewed sense of purpose, even as they navigate a region that boasts Clay‑Chalkville, the defending state champions.
Learning from a Tough 2025
A year ago the Panthers slipped to a 3‑7 record, missing the playoffs after fielding nine freshmen and seven sophomores, a baptism by fire that left the roster hungry for redemption.
Stars Return, Experience Grows
This summer the team returns 20 starters, among them quarterback Christian Morris, who has already logged meaningful snaps, and kicker/punter Cooper Yancey, whose leg will be a factor in close games. Sophomore standout Miles Rickles, who once tallied over 1,000 rushing yards, now serves as a mentor, urging seniors to learn from the defeats that shaped them.
Eyes on the Region
Linebacker Kolt Johnson, another returning starter, has voiced a clear message: the Panthers will not use the region’s difficulty as an excuse. Instead, they are channeling preparation and determination into every practice.
Schedule Highlights
The schedule offers early tests, beginning with a home showdown against Chelsea on August 21, followed by a road clash with Hokes Bluff on August 27, and a September 25 meeting with Etowah. The slate also includes a final regular‑season matchup against Anniston, the 4A runner‑up, adding another layer of intrigue.
Key Players to Watch
Key players to watch include Morris, whose arm strength and poise under pressure have drawn early praise, and Rickles, whose leadership on and off the field may prove decisive as the season unfolds.
Looking Ahead
With a roster that blends veteran savvy and youthful energy, the Panthers are set to confront rivals such as Oxford, Pell City, Pinson Valley, St. Clair County and Springville, while a recent realignment moved Douglas out of the region and into a more northern division. The road ahead promises hard‑fought battles, but the Panthers enter with a clear vision: to translate preparation into performance and secure a playoff berth.