NORFOLK, Neb. - With the start of high school football season rapidly approaching, The Norfolk high school Panthers have a heavy upperclassman led team on both sides of the ball. After going 4-5 last season, Senior wide receiver for the Panthers Drew Streich likes the familiarity the team has heading into the season.

“ We had a lot of experience last year especially with our junior class,” Said Streich.” We only graduated like only 10 seniors so a lot of our guys got playing time so that’s really good , and yeah I think we left a lot on the table last year so we can definitely improve upon last season and hopefully make playoffs like I said.”

The panthers are set to take on familiar opponent  in their first game of the season the Columbus Discoverers. Senior linebacker Cohen Skiff, knows it’ a game full of competition but has his sights set on something bigger.

“Our goal has been focused on this season, the whole season, in total,” said Skiff.” not just Columbus but everybody we want to make it past the season, we want post season. My goal is a home post season game.”

The last time the panthers had a home playoff game was against Millard south 10 years ago in 2015.

For Panther Head coach Chris Koozer he knows that playoffs are possibility with the squad he has. but staying healthy is a priority to see the second part of the season.

“Hopefully you stick together have enough good games you know keep everybody healthy and then your putting yourself in the mix, “Said Koozer that what the main thing is if you get to six or seven wins that’s when you have a chance at playoffs and that’s kinda one of those things we haven’t been around for awhile, haven’t got into yet since I’ve been here and so that’s maybe its time to take that step.”

The Panthers start their bid for a Class A playoff spot in Columbus on Friday August 29th.