1A Team of the Week: Saint Jo Panthers
Saint Jo has been a consistent winner the past several years. The Panthers have made the playoffs every season since 2019.
However, 2024 is looking like a year to remember under first year head coach CJ Hantz. After finishing 6-5 a year ago, the Panthers have already matched that win total this fall with a 6-0 start.
They scored their most impressive victory to date with a narrow 32-30 win over previously undefeated Perrin-Whitt last Friday.
“I was impressed with the grit and fight with the boys,” Hantz said. “To go on the road and beat someone at their homecoming is huge. These boys have bought into the program and are seeing the results of it! We have to keep getting better each day.”
Senior quarterback Devin Stewart and junior running back Lee Yeley carried the torch for the Panthers on the night. Stewart had 303 rushing yards, 41 passing yards, and three total touchdowns. Yeley had both a rushing touchdown and a receiving score. He also had 10 tackles defensively.
After a perfect non-district slate, Saint Jo will begin the games that matter this week. They’ll open District 10-1A Division I play with a road trip to Savoy on Thursday.
Previous 1A Teams of the Week
Week One: Jayton
Week Two: Northside
Week Three: Dawson
Week Four: Claude
Week Five: Perrin-Whitt
