Keitron Reed Running the ball in the season opener for the Panthers
If you spend anytime talking to coach Tim Billings, you realize fast that his philosophy hasn’t changed much from day one. He believes in taking one game at a time. As a matter of fact, he often refers to the football season as writing a book; with each week being a different chapter in the book.
It’s hard to argue with the philosphy as the North Lamar Panthers enter district play with a 4–1 preseason record. The four games the Panthers have won already double last year’s win total through ten games. None of that really matters, now, as the Panthers will start even with everyone else going into district at 0–0.
“I feel good [about our team]. You got what you got,” Billings told eParis. “We have a good team concept right now….we’re not worried about playoffs. Let’s beat Pittsburg first.”
In order for the Panthers to be successful, they are going to have to beat a very athletic Pirates team on the road. Not only are they athletic, but they are disciplined and technically sound according to Billings.
The only loss for the Panthers came two weeks ago at the Van Vandals. It was a game in which North Lamar didn’t execute well and Van made them pay. However, there were some bright spots in the game Billings noted.
“We stayed together as a team,” he said. “There wasn’t pointing fingers and blaming everyone else, but we stayed focused and together.”
North Lamar may still be without their starting quarterback, Versache Buchanon, who is still nursing an injury. If he’s out, the Panthers fill they have a more than capable backup in Tyler Anthony.
Billings, when asked what his team must do to be successful in District, responded with, “Take one game at a time.”
That’s a coach that won’t waver from his philosophy and the players are buying into it as well. North Lamar will be at Pittsburg on Friday night at 7:30.
By: Greg Higgins, eParisExtra
Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook