LAGRANGE, Ga. – The LaGrange College football team, coming off a breakout 2024 season, was picked to finish fourth in the USA South Conference Preseason Poll in a vote by the coaches of the conference in a release by the league office on Tuesday. The program received 35 points in the poll, including two first-place votes.
The Panthers return a projected 16 starters on offense and defense, having gone 6-4 last year with a 6-2 record in the USA South, good for second place. Panthers' head coach
Wes Dodson was voted USA South Coach of the Year in just his second season at the helm of the program, and now Dodson looks to take the program to the next level.
"The upcoming football season signals a fresh chapter for our program, built on months of hard work, discipline, and preparation." Dodson said ahead of the coming season. "Our players and coaches have dedicated themselves to raising the standard in every aspect—on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. With a renewed focus and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we are ready to represent our college with pride and determination. This season is not just about winning games; it's about building a legacy of effort, resilience, and team-first mentality that will define who we are."
LaGrange junior quarterback
Henry Brodnax (Newnan, Ga.) returns to lead the offense, having thrown for 1919 yards with 14 touchdowns in 2024. He'll have one of his top weapons back in senior wide receiver
Ashton Bryant (Athens, Ga.), who had a team-high 45 catches last season with 520 yards and three touchdowns enroute to earning second-team all-conference honors. Sophomore tight end
Mychal Stillwell (Warner Robins, Ga.) had a strong rookie season with 29 catches for 351 yards and two scores. The team had the top-ranked pass protection in the league in 2024, allowing just eight sacks in ten games.
The Panthers' defense – tied for second in the conference in forced turnovers last season – returns one of the best secondaries in the USA South as both senior defensive back
Deon King Jr. (Vienna, Ga.) and junior defensive back
Keyon Stoutemire (Pensacola, Fla.) were voted All-USA South honors. Sophomore linebacker
Ched Smith (Macon, Ga.) was voted Defensive Rookie of the Year last season after leading the Panthers with five sacks to go along with 59 total tackles.
Senior punter
Brandon Matson (Apopka, Fla.) will look to spark the special teams' unit after being voted second team all-conference in 2024, averaging 36.97 yards per punt. Senior kicker
Landon Eaker (Ringgold, Ga.) went 11 of 14 on field goals last season, going 28 of 29 on extra points.
The Panthers open their season on the road on Saturday, September 6
th when they travel to Point University for an 8:00 p.m. game. They'll open at home the following week against Berry College on Saturday, September 13
th at 7:30 p.m. at Callaway Stadium. Homecoming will be on October 18
th when they host Brevard College.
For continuing coverage of LaGrange College Athletics, visit lagrangepanthers.com and follow the Panthers on Instagram ( @lagrange_panthers ), Twitter ( @lcpanthers ) and Facebook ( LaGrange Panthers ).