Without a doubt, the 2024-2025 Paradise Panther football team was one of the best in program history. With multiple all-district team selections and a trip to the state semifinals, it’s safe to say the best is yet to come.
The Panthers have a total of 12 returning starters, basically 13 as Koch explains, because “he is almost like the 12th guy.”
With the loss of key players like Ayden Winters, Jacob Chism, and Isiah Jennings, Koch talks about how, yes, it is a great loss, but it is also a great opportunity for the players coming up.
Koch says the newcomer to be on the lookout for would be sophomore DB Camden Walker, who “is a playmaker” and known to be tough on the field.
Some key players that contributed heavily to last season’s success, who are returning, would be for offense, wide receiver Layne Smith, running back Luke Brown, and running back Elijah Jennings. Koch also describes QB Ayden Olalde as “probably the toughest quarterback you’re gonna find”.
For defense, we should anticipate the return of the linebacker corps that includes Miles Godwin, Cash Watson, and Teagan Lambert.
When asked about the goals and expectations set for this coming season, Koch says, “We’ve gotten over some big hurdles these past few seasons, so our kids’ expectations are sky high and they do want to win a championship.”
(Stay tuned on NTX Varsity Sports Network to see if Paradise will reach its goal of a state championship.)