The Elmore County Panthers are preparing for the upcoming high school football season with their sights set on advancing beyond the first round of the 5A playoffs after last year’s early exit.

The Panthers reached the playoffs in 2023 behind a dominant rushing attack that averaged more than 175 yards per game, led by rising senior Eli Thames and quarterback Gage Davis, also a rising senior.

Elmore County football head coach Kyle Caldwell expects the ground game to remain the team’s foundation this season with key pieces returning.

“I return four starters up front on the O line and two running backs that are very explosive, and so expecting both of those guys to carry the load this year,” Caldwell said. “Getting better in the passing game and play action game is going to be one of our

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