With school out and summer officially here, it must mean that football season is just around the corner. LaGrange College is less than two months away from kicking off the 2024 football season at East Texas Baptist University (Sept. 6). Head Coach Wes Dodson, now in his second year, is looking to secure his first LC victory. With ten total games, you have four opportunities to catch the Panthers at home this season. 

Returning standouts
When discussing impact players returning for the 2024 season, the first Panther that comes to mind is big no. 9 Goldman Butler VI. Despite having a slow start last season, Butler solidified himself as the primary Panther running back in week three against Huntingdon College (Sept. 23). In that game, the Northeast Mississippi Community College transfer was fed the rock 19 times, gaining 71 yards (3.6 avg.) and scoring his first LC touchdown against five All-Conference defensive players (league-high). This gritty performance was no fluke either. Only two weeks later, Butler rushed for 118 yards on 14 attempts, averaging an incredible 8.4 yards per carry. The Corinth Ms. native finished the season with five touchdowns and 671 yards on 140 carries, averaging 4.79 yards per rush. As with many things, statistics do not always capture the full picture, and this is especially true with Butler's running style. Each time he had the ball, fans expected the big back to steamroll at least one unfortunate defender that happened to be standing on the freight train's tracks. Having last year's experience now under the belts of both Butler and the still young offensive line, expect another superb year from big no. 9. One key defensive player making his return is Jaylan Harris. In nine games played, the defensive end from Hoover, Ala. finished with a team-high five sacks, a solid eight tackles for a loss and 30 total tackles. In last year's matchup at Maryville College, Harris sacked the two-time All-Conference QB Bryson Rollins a remarkable three times and finished with 3.5 TFLs. Be on the lookout for no. 15 coming off the edge, hunting down QB's in 2024.

Players to watch out for
Staying on the defense, cornerback Jaden Sanders is one player to watch for this upcoming season. Even though he did not play in the first five games of his freshman year (2023), the Springfield, Ga. native looked comfortable in his four appearances. During these games, he made eight tackles, demonstrated that he can cover in the open field and never looked out of place. The Panthers secondary must step up this season, and it starts with the young and talented Sanders. One group of players to pay attention to this season is the offensive line. Last year, the unit was composed of three sophomores and two freshmen, making them the youngest line in the conference by a significant margin. Despite the lack of experience and limited depth, the offensive line showed remarkable improvement in the trenches as the season progressed. In the first five games, they allowed 13 sacks, but in the final four, they only conceded three sacks total (all against Maryville). If this group can continue to improve, it will open the LC offensive playbook.

Game One
Opponent: East Texas Baptist University 
Date and time: Sept. 6, at 7 p.m.
Location: Ornelas Stadium, Marshall, TX
Team details: To kick off the season, the Panthers take on the Tigers of ETBU. In 2023, the Tigers finished 5-5 overall, with three of their losses coming from #19 Hardin-Simmons, #23 Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Mary Hardin-Baylor, who also received Top 25 votes. The tight 14-13 win over McMurry University (6-4 final record) is one Tigers victory that stands out (Oct. 14, 2023). In front of over 1700 fans, the Tigers held the War Hawks to 78 rushing yards despite MU feeding the backs an incredible 41 times (limiting the visitors to 1.9 yards per rush). This was not a coincidence either, ETBU's defense was a bright spot for the Tigers in 2023. The team is expected to bring back three defensive linemen and one linebacker that made last year's American Southwest All-Conference First Team. All of ETBU's statistics can be found here. The opening game for the 2024 season is anything but a cakewalk. The Panthers must control the line of scrimmage and limit ETBU's scoring opportunities in order to secure the road win over a tough East Texas Tigers. 

Game Two
Opponent: Anderson University (SC)
Date and time: Sept. 14, TBA
Location: Anderson, SC
Team details: In week two, the Panthers stay on the road to face off against the Trojans of Anderson University. Located in Anderson, SC, the Trojans are a Division II school competing in the South Atlantic Conference. 2024 is the inaugural season for the new program, so there is not much known about the team. One thing that is known is that they are coached by Bobby Lamb (and a staff of 15). In 1986, Lamb started his coaching career at his alma mater, Furman University. Lamb spent nine seasons as the Paladin's Head Coach (2002-2010). During the 2004 season, he led the team to a Southern Conference Championship, earning him SoCon Coach of the Year honors. In 2011, he was tasked with revamping Mercer University's football program. Lamb set an NCAA record for the most wins by a Division I program in its first season of competition (10). After spending almost a decade with Mercer, Lamb was hired as an assistant to Billy Napier at the University of Louisiana. This is to say, although they are a new program, this is not Coach Lamb's first stroll around the block. The Trojans brought in a 2023 recruiting class of 56 players, and they added at least another 22 earlier this spring. This game wraps up the Panthers' difficult 2024 non-conference schedule. 

Game Three (home opener)
Opponent: Methodist University 
Date and time: Sept. 25, at 1 p.m.
Location: Callaway Stadium, LaGrange, GA.
Team details: LC takes on Methodist University in the 2024 home opener. The Monarchs are coming off of a 2-8 (2-5 USASC) season, finishing seventh in the conference. In last year's game against the Panthers, the Monarchs held on to win 38-27 (Nov. 4, 2023). From MU's starting QB Brandon Bullins to their two All-Conference players, it looks like the Monarchs will be relying on some new faces to step up. With last year's QB graduating, it is unclear who will be captaining the offense's ship. One candidate is senior Chase Carroll. Since 2021, the 6'3" gunslinger has played in eight games for the Monarchs. In his four appearances last year, he completed six of his 13 passes, threw two interceptions and his first career touchdown. MU will have played three games prior to the matchup against the Panthers, so there will be a much clearer picture of who will be leading their offense come kickoff in Callaway. Click here to view the Monarchs statistics from last season.  

Game Four
Opponent: Maryville College 
Date and time: Oct. 5th, at 1 p.m.
Location: Callaway Stadium, LaGrange, GA.
Team details: The Panthers take on the Scots of Maryville College at home this season for game four. Last year, Maryville finished with a record of 8-2 (5-2 USASC), placing them fourth in the conference. In the game against LC, the Scots pulled away in the second half to win 26-6 (Oct. 21, 2023). Commanding the offense is the two-time All-Conference QB Bryson Rollins. Since joining MC in 2022, Rollins has been stellar for the Scots. In 20 career games, he has posted a solid 13-7 (10-4 USASC) W/L record. Rollins has thrown 44 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and a whopping 5356 yards while adding 20 rushing touchdowns. Also, in his freshman season, Rollins was awarded USA South Rookie of the Year. On the defensive side of the ball, the Scots bring back First Team All-Conference defensive lineman Jonathan Harris. In ten games played, he had 38 tackles, nine TFL's, three sacks and six QB hurries. MC is looking to push to the top of the conference this year with Rollins leading the way. Click here to see last year's Scots statistics.  

Game Five
Opponent: N.C. Wesleyan University
Date and time: Oct. 12, at 1 p.m.
Location: Vernon. T. Bradley Jr. Stadium, Rocky Mount, NC.
Team details: After playing in back-to-back home games, the Panthers will hit the road to take on the N.C. Wesleyan Battling Bishops. NCWU is coming off of a 4-6 (4-3 USASC) season, placing them in fifth in the conference. Last season's matchup in LaGrange, the Bishops won 35-14 (Oct. 7, 2023). In 2024, the Battling Bishops bring back a Second Team All-Conference wide receiver, a Second Team running back, a First Team offensive lineman, the Special Teams Player of the Year and their starting QB Zachary Marquis. In eight games, Marquis threw for 1377 yards, 14 interceptions and seven touchdowns with a 49% pass completion rating. The Bishops lose their First Team All-Conference safety and a Second Team defensive lineman. It is hard to tell if this turnover will force the program to drop a few spots, since they are also returning a handful of proven playmakers. Expect NCWU to finish anywhere from fourth to seventh in this year's conference race. Click here to view last year's statistics

Game Six
Opponent: Brevard College
Date and time: Oct. 19, at 1 p.m.
Location: Ives-Lemel Family Field, Brevard, NC.
Team details: LC will return to North Carolina for the second straight week to face the Tornadoes of Brevard College for game six. In 2023, BC went 5-5 (5-2 USASC), sneaking their way into third place in the conference. The last time the two teams played, the Tornadoes took a 30-20 win over the Panthers (Oct. 28, 2023). Goldman Butler VI put on another fantastic performance in this game. With 18 carries, he gained 113 yards and scored two touchdowns (6.3 yards per attempt). One key returner for the Tornadoes is Ethan Beamish, a Second Team All-Conference QB selection. Last season, the sophomore threw for 2697 yards on 333 attempts, scored 23 touchdowns, gave up nine interceptions and averaged just under 270 passing yards per game. They also return a First Team All-Conference defensive lineman but will lose Beamish's top target (a First Team All-Conference wide receiver). With the talented Beamish at the helm, expect the Tornadoes to continue to lurk around the top half of the conference. Click here to view the 2023 BC statistics.  

Game Seven (Homecoming)
Opponent: Greensboro College
Date and time: Oct. 26, at 1 p.m.
Location: Callaway Stadium, LaGrange, GA.
Team details: The Panthers host the Pride of Greensboro College for the 2024 Homecoming. Last season, GC finished with an overall record of 2-8 (2-5 USASC), placing them in sixth in the conference. The Panthers did not play the Pride in 2023. One key returner for Greensboro is defensive back Larry Jones. Last year, Jones won USA South's Defensive Rookie of the Year after he finished with 50 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown. They also bring back their starting QB, a First Team All-Conference linebacker, a Second Team safety and a First Team return specialist. Greensboro's QB Alec Williams-Carr threw for 2035 yards, finishing with a 57% pass completion, 19 total touchdowns and six interceptions last year. The Pride are expected to lose a First Team All-Conference cornerback, a Second Team fullback/tight end, a Second Team offensive lineman and their top receiver (who was also their leading scorer). Click here to view the 2023 GC stats. 

Game Eight
Opponent: Huntingdon College
Date and time: Nov. 2, at 1 p.m.
Location: Samford Stadium, Montgomery, Ala.
Team details: With three games remaining, the Panthers will get back on the road to face the Huntingdon College Hawks, champions of the USA South Conference in both 2021 and 2022. Despite not three-peating, last year's team was still a solid squad. In 2023, the Hawks finished 8-2 (6-1 USASC), earning the conference's second place spot. HC is looking to bring back two All-Conference offensive linemen, two All-Conference defensive linemen and a Second Team All-Conference linebacker. The Hawks are losing a First Team All-Conference wide out, their First Team running back, a First Team linebacker, a Second Team corner, a Second Team return specialist and their starting QB. Most likely, junior Dorian Smith will take control of the offense this season. In four game appearances last year, Smith completed 16 passes on 24 attempts, totaling 223 passing yards, three touchdowns and zero turnovers.  Even though they are losing their starting back, senior Troy Garner played outstanding last year. On 127 attempts, he gained 508 yards (4 yards a carry), led the team in rushing touchdowns (10) and did not fumble the ball. The Hawks are one of the leading contenders for this year's USA South Championship. Click here to view Huntingdon's 2023 statistics.  

Game Nine
Opponent: Belhaven University 
Date and time: Nov. 9, at 1 p.m.
Location: Belhaven Bowl Stadium, Jackson, MS.
Team details: The final away game for the Panthers this season is against the reigning USA South Conference Champions, the Belhaven Blazers. BU wrapped up a historic 2023 season with a record of 9-2 (7-1 USASC). Since the Covid-19 Pandemic season, Belhaven's Football Program has been trending upwards. Over the past three seasons, they have finished with a record of 7-3, 8-2 and 9-2 (first conference championship).  Prior to 2020, the Blazers last winning season was 2012. Following the incredible year, BU Head Coach Blaine McCorkle (USASC Coach of the Year) left to take over the Northwestern State University of Louisiana program. After McCorkle's departure, Belhaven hired CJ Nightingale as the new head coach of the Blazers program. Most recently, Nightingale served as the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach at Wheaton College (since 2019). In 2021, his defense led the country in total sacks and sacks per game, ranked second in rushing yards allowed per game and third in total tackles for loss. It is unclear what this year's Blazer squad will look like. Not only will there be an entirely new staff, the Blazers lose their starting QB, three First Team All-Conference offensive lineman, two of their three main running backs, two of their three top tacklers and their sack leader (all were graduate students in 2023). This also includes the conference's Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year (Kolbe Blunt and Carlton Brown). Even with all of their turnover, the Blazers should be one of the top teams fighting for a chance to repeat a USA South Conference Championship. Click here to view last season's BU statistics.  

Game Ten (Senior day)
Opponent: Southern Virginia University 
Date and time: Nov. 16, at 1 p.m.
Location: Callaway Stadium, LaGrange, GA.
Team details: The Panthers wrap up the season with a home game against the Knights of Southern Virginia University. Last season, the Knights finished eighth in the conference after posting a 1-9 record (1-6 USASC). SVU beat the Panthers 52-26 in the previous matchup (Sept. 9, 2023). Going into halftime of that game, the Panthers trailed just 28-20, but SVU pulled away in the final 30 minutes. LaKevin DeBruce was flying around the field and making big plays that day. He finished with a career-high 19 tackles, one tackle for a loss and an interception. The Knights are expected to return a Second Team All-Conference wide receiver, their starting QB and main running back (all were freshmen last year). In nine games, QB Lachlan Haacke threw for 1007 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions on 93 completions with 162 attempts. On the defensive side of the ball, they lose their Second Team All-Conference linebacker but return their sack and interception leaders. Last season's SVU statistics can be viewed here.  

Follow the LC Athletics Twitter page @LCPanthers for updates on football season.