Euclid, Ohio - The Panthers have finished 3-19 in the past two seasons. Euclid has parted ways with former coach Robert Andrews and have high hopes in their new Head Coach Damion Creel.
From 2016-2021 Euclid made the playoffs every year with Jeff Rotsky at the helm. Ever since his departure they’ve struggled to find stability at the head coaching position. They haven’t been able to have a winning season since the 2020-2021 season.
Luckily for them, Damion Creel is accustomed to turning programs around. Lorain went from a one win team to an eight win team within a couple seasons with him as the head coach. He also helped Beachwood win several playoff games in 2020. Before he became the coach they hadn’t won a playoff game.
I got to speak with coach Creel about the opportunity to get Euclid going back in the right direction.
“Anytime we come through those gates we’re going to play this game a certain way..We’re building a culture here brick by brick and we’re trying to get the kids to understand the standard,” said Creel.
Jamal Jefferson was a huge piece for Euclid at the receiver and cornerback position last season. Although dealing with his loss will be difficult, they still have confidence in the talent on their roster this season. One player who the Panthers will look to step up is sophomore cornerback Kei’shjuan Telfair. He seems to be really confident in the growth of his teammates along with what Creel is bringing to the table.
Telfair spoke about how things have been going with Creel at the helm.
“Everybody thinks we’re about to come out here and just keep losing, but we gotta keep working so we can turn everything around and Creel’s got structure and everything to do it.”
Euclid ended last season 2-12 after a devastating 39-0 loss to Cleveland Heights. They kick this season off the same way they did last year, facing off against Austintown Fitch. They suffered a 40-6 loss to them last year, which fuels them toward revenge this season.
Junior offensive lineman Dylan Bouffard talked about the preparation heading into week one.
“We’ve been watching film, making sure our o-line is right, been getting wrapped everyday. Hydration is our big key, keeping everyone healthy, great conditioning across the line. We’re prepared for it, we’re here ready to hit people.”
Euclid will travel to Austintown Fitch High School on August 23rd, kickoff will be at 7:00 pm.
Komentáře