Have you been waiting to hear the roar of a panther after every first down or see the team run through the tunnel at the beginning of the game? Well, wait no more because it is football season once again!

Last year’s record was 3-6, but that is a thing of the past now. Coach Tony Crough’s goals for this year are “to be competitive in every game and have a winning record.” The team also wants to make the playoffs. Changes are in place to reach those goals. Crough has changed the offense to fit better for the team and the players who had to fill spots from last year. Junior Jacob Murray is filling Shade Wondra’s spot as quarterback. Junior Cal Marshall is taking over senior Thomas Bobbitt’s position from last year, as Bobbitt will be focusing more on the defense side of things. The team has a total of ninety-one players; fifteen of them are seniors.

The season opener is against Leavenworth at home. Crough is looking forward to the Hays game because of the rivalry. Other important games include Newton, Salina Central, and Salina South. Great Bend has to win at least two of those contests to make it into the playoffs. Good luck this season guys!