Preseason Blitz: Parkway returning many key players; QB Kaleb Williams coming back from injury

BOSSIER CITY, LA (KTAL/KMSS) – Last year Parkway went 8-3, 6-2 in one of the toughest districts in the state while dealing with many battles, including losing quarterback Kaleb Williams early in the year.

Bringing back a lot of experience, the Panthers are excited for the upcoming season.

“Hopefully they can continue to grow like we think they have, and hopefully we’ll get the result on the field,” said head coach Coy Brotherton. “A lot of guys that are back, a lot of experience coming back on both sides of the ball. We’ve got some offensive linemen that graduated, we’re not gonna be as big up front, but those guys are coming around this offseason.”

Lot’s are back, including Williams.

“Got injured last year, had to miss most of the season, so very glad to have him back.  I know he’s anxious to get back out there and I know he missed it last year. That was tough on him,” Brotherton said.

Williams could no longer be a leader on the field, but his leadership off the field never wavered.

“He knows the game, he’s been around it and he went right into that role last year of I can’t be out there, playing, but I can be on the sideline with the guys up, getting in the quarterback room with the with the guy who took his spot and helping him out, keeping him calm,” Brotherton said.

“Hurt me definitely but I couldn’t stay down for too long because my team still needed me to be there in some way,” Williams said. “Help with film, talk to Gavin when he needed help, just anything that they needed, I was trying to do anything I can.” 

While his presence on the sideline was helpful, the Panthers are ready to have him back out playing with the team.

“I’ve been playing with him for a pretty long time, since like middle school, and it’s been very fun and I love playing with him,” senior running back and wide receiver Antonio Gladney said.

With Williams back, the offense is already growing.

“It was tough on us too because we know what kind of talent he has and what we’re missing out on,” Brotherton said. “So, just to have him back and just to see him hungry for it, and working hard, has really gone a long way for our team and our offense.”

And the Panthers will need everyone to have another competitive season in district.

“This district’s tough. There’s, there’s nine teams in it and it’s eight full weeks in a row of tough competition, tough football, and it’s gonna take a little bit of luck for whoever comes out on top in district,” Brotherton said. “We’re just hoping that at the end that we have the chance to be in the consideration.”

Parkway begins the season on September 5 at home against Ouachita Parish. Kickoff is set for 7 pm.