REDZONE 2021: Marengo Panthers

Panthers Look to Return to Winning Ways

After six straight winning seasons under head coach Bernard Myrthil, the Marengo High Panthers took a bit of a step backwards during a tough year dealing with the global pandemic alongside the loss of a talented graduating class. The team finished under .500 for the first time under Myrthil, but MHS remains undeterred from the same expectations of each season.

“Our goal this year is the same as every year,” said Myrthil. “Win our area, make the playoffs and play the week after Thanksgiving.”

To reach the goal of playing with a belly full of turkey, baked or fried is a family-by-family choice, the Panthers will have to rely on some young players.

Myrthil mentioned Marengo will have to depend on some young players in key spots this year and must hope they can step up and deliver when the Friday night lights are bright.

The young players must grow up quickly as MHS opens the season with four of the first five on the road as the season kicks off with Mobile Christian on Aug. 20. Sweet Water hosts the Panthers for the first Class 1A Region 2 matchup this year on Sept. 3. Marengo finally plays the first home game on Sept. 10 against Southern Choctaw in a region contest.
Marengo will then take a road trip to McIntosh on Sept. 17 before finishing the season with four of the last five at home.

Leading the offense through the difficult start to the redemption season will be the quarterback Almonte’ Lewis, who is coming into his second year starting at the position. Lewis is noted for his ability to read defenses which will be a real plus for the Panthers.

Ke’Vontre Williams is the feature back for Marengo this year as the offense will lean on his speed and explosiveness out of the backfield.

Coach Myrthil highlighted J’Quell Crispin, a player that has some big shoes to fill this season. Crispin stands at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds and is the most experienced player on the team. He has been with the program since seventh grade. Myrthil expects Crispin will be able to cause problems for most defenses from the tight end position and will be a nightmare to match up against on offense at defensive end.

Although a junior, Anthony Hood returns for the Panthers as the player with the most starts along the offensive line and figures to be a significant contributor once more.

Senior Johnnie Jones expects to contribute to multiple places as well. The Panthers will look to Jones for his leadership and ability to lead by example.

Tryon Watkins, a two-year starter on the defensive line, will be leaned on to control the line of scrimmage and cause problems for opposing offenses for the Panthers.