The Mountain Grove Panthers are coming off an undefeated regular season, but with an eye on their third straight state semifinal appearance the Panthers were stunned in overtime by rival Cabool.
2008 is a new year and head coach Steve Ary is more than ready to get back in action. The Panthers black and blue hard working attitude has yielded only 5 losses in the past 3 seasons and this year could be just as strong.
5 offensive starters return led by possibly the best quarterback in the conference, Casey White.
A talented backfield should find plenty of paydirt with much of the credit going to a bruising front line.
The Panthers will need to build some depth from their young players and need to stay healthy come playoff time, but this group is ready for some redemption and a tough loss last Fall could be just the motivation they need.

Here's a look at the Panthers' 2008 schedule

8/29 - Salem
9/5 - @ Thayer
9/12 - Mt. View Liberty
9/19 - @ Houston
9/26 - @ Cabool
10/3 - Bolivar
10/10 - Willow Springs
10/17 - @ Logan-Rogersville
10/24 - Buffalo
10/30 - Ava