2025 RECORD OVERALL RECORD: 9-3 DISTRICT RECORD: 3-2
Westwood PANTHERS
Joe Elerson
Sports Writer sports @ palestineherald. com
The Westwood Panthers had a strong start to the season and then went 1-4 in the back half of the year.
Interim Head Coach Jonathan Boone said one thing was key during that run.
“ We had some injuries during that stretch,” Boone said.“ We were getting some young guys playing time to get them healthy and make a playoff run.”
Following last year’ s undefeated regular season, the Panthers once again met up with the No. 3 ranked Columbus Cardinals in the area are.
The season came to an end in a 48-28 defeat but Boone said he was still impressed with the way the team played this year.
“ I look at it being 9-3 and it was not a bad mark at all but you hit your bumps and these guys responded well,” Boone said.“ We got to the second round of the playoffs and we need to make sure how to take it past this round and get to the next level.”
The 2025 season was once again a strong one on the offensive side of the ball as Palestine averaged 44.6 points per game. They were once again led by junior quarterback Kavian Bryant who accounted for 3,407 yards passing, went 201-of-277 with 37 touchdowns and one interception.
He also ran for 740 yards and seven more touchdowns.
“ It definitely is and when we put the guys together and seeing how those guys and the receivers work is beautiful,” Boone said.“ It looks like an NCAA type of deal where those kids get out there and execute. We have multiple games where Kavian was over 80 % passing.”
Those players are sophomore Markel Morrow, freshman Kaden Bryant and senior Kasyn Dial. The trio combined for 70 receptions for 2,987 yards and
35 touchdowns.
“ Markel and Kaden had great seasons and they gave us another dimension to our offense,” Boone said.“ They could stretch the field and take anything to the house. Kasyn was a guy who gave us production. He has accounted for a bunch of touchdowns and seeing him develop over the years will be tough to
18 WINTER EDITION 2026