At this time next month, high school football fans will be filing into stadiums to see the kickoff of the 2008 season. We're getting you set for the season by previewing our local teams. We continue our version of countdown to kickoff with a trip out to Wicksburg.

The panthers had a breakthrough season a year ago. Danny Whiddon's club rolled though the regular season with a 9-1 record.

The Panthers made the playoffs for the first time in eight years. They eventually got bounced in the second round by Lanett.

A ten-win season is alot to build on this fall. But, the panthers move up to Class 3A this season and will have to face the likes of Pike County and Geneva in region play.

Whiddon says he knows it will be a big challenge for his players. “We’re trying to be optimistic about it, Whiddon said. We’re working hard. We’ve probably worked harder in the weight room than we have in the past. We’re trying to get the point where the guys are thinking 3A football.”

Wicksburg opens the season on the road in Hartford facing-off against Geneva County on August 29th.