Despite getting knocked out of the first round of the playoffs last year, LeRoy is looking to continue the momentum of last year's squad to defend their Small Division Heart of Illinois Conference title.
Coach BJ Zeleznik credits last year's seniors for setting the tone to get back to the postseason after getting missing out in 2017. He says this year, the focus is there and the kids are so far, continuing what was established last year.
As week 1 approaches, Coach Zeleznik says the summer was used to set a foundation of what they want to do. He says because they are replacing so much upfront, they needed to put in place what they wanted to do.
The last four 2A state champions are on a gauntlet of a schedule for the Panthers plus Eureka, the Heart of Illinois Conference big division favorite. Zeleznik says the small division games are big because a loss could wreck your season.
The Panthers open the season at Eureka and Ridgeview before returning home for a home matchup with Dee-Mack. Weeks 4 through 9, the Panthers alternate home and road games.
