Coach Chafan Marsh of the Milton High School Panthers said the team is returning this season with a strong, experienced defense of seven starters, the two top tacklers, Tyler Belcher and Dondre Johns, and a strong second unit made up of Derrick Johnson, Tye Green, and Kyle Kaniper.
However, Marsh said "We're looking for guys to step up inside the ball." According to Marsh, he's looking to fill the cleats of three seniors who graduated last year, two receivers and a kicker. Marsh said he didn't like saying he lost them since they are on their way to college football careers. Receivers Andre Flakes and Bobby Green committed to Troy and Delta State respectively. Marsh said they're also looking to replace kicker Corliss Waitman who graduated and committed to South Alabama. Marsh said in the last two years they've lost four division one receivers. Marsh said he has a lot of young guys he's looking to break in saying "We want to bring them in nice and easy." According to Marsh, spring training will reveal who should fill those positions as well as the coveted QB spot.
According to Marsh, the Panthers will face opponents who are always tough like Pace, Pensacola, Pine Forest, and Escambia High School. He said right now he wants the team to be good at home and try to win district. "We just want a chance to get to the big party," Marsh said.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton Panthers in spring training