They have matured physically and mentally, put in more work in any previous offseason and brought in the most contributing players than they’ve had since before COVID-19.

Now this group of Peoria Panthers full of three-year starters need to figure out how to win the big games.

Peoria is coming off a pair of 6-4 regular seasons, making the 4A playoffs in 2023 and missing them 2024. Players know this is their last chance, and are taking charge.

“Coaches maybe plant a seed but then players stepped in. We came up with our team rules. In come up with the rule ad the coaching staff handles the punishment. Our seniors were twice as hard — 10 gassers instead of five or whatever,” Peoria Coach Jason Golden said. “They lead our program, as opposed to the coaches having to yell. After a while, the

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