Palmyra Panthers aim to build on winning season with veteran defense

Palmyra High School's football program is entering its second year under head coach Justin Hutchings after a breakthrough 7‑4 season that delivered the Panthers' first winning record since 2020 and their first playoff appearance in five years. The turnaround followed teammate J. T. Thomas's life‑changing neck injury early last season, which the team rallied around as a source of inspiration.

Returning eight senior starters, the defense is overseen by coordinator Dalton Huffman, now in his fourth season. The unit cut opponents' scoring average from 32 points per game in 2024 to 22.6 in 2025. Senior defensive end and linebacker Henley Snow, a second‑team All‑CCC selection, highlighted his speed and tackling ability, while linebacker Wyatt Augspurg, who logged 95 tackles last year, will shift to safety for the upcoming campaign. The Panthers also retain key contributors Ace Harper and Jared Ridout on the line and are counting on emerging talent such as sophomore Remmi Todd.

Coach Hutchings expressed confidence, saying, “We’ve built a strong foundation and are ready to keep growing,” and emphasized the community’s support around the team’s youthful roster.