Following their deepest postseason run in a decade and a program-record 12 wins, the Tug Valley Panthers are aiming to build on their success from last season. The Panthers' 2023 campaign, which concluded with a loss to Cameron in the Class A semifinal, set a new standard for the team, according to seventh-year head coach Hady Ford. With a target on their backs, the Panthers are now considered a contender for the championship.

This season presents several challenges for Tug Valley, including a schedule with half of their games against teams from higher classifications. The team has also been working to develop new linemen to replace the large senior group that graduated. However, key skill players are returning, including quarterback Preston May, a first-team All-State honoree as a sophomore. Ford noted that May’s experience in last year's playoff run helped him grow in reading defenses. May will have one of his top targets returning in Cam Slone, who was also named first-team All-State after an impressive second half of the season. Another first-team All-State selection, Bryson Elia, will take on a "Mr. Everything" role, playing wherever the team needs him on offense. On defense, Cane Thompson, a second-team All-State captain, returns as a smart and tough player in the middle. With a strong track record of success under Ford, the team and community are excited to see if they can rise to the challenge and meet their high expectations.