2013 prep football preview: Pascagoula hopes to play for state championship again (with poll)

The 2012 season marked a return to gridiron glory for Pascagoula, which reached the state title game for the first time in 25 years under second-year coach Lewis Sims. The bulk of that team was lost to graduation, but the Panthers retain enough talent to be serious contenders in both Region 4-5A and at the statewide level. The season-opener at arch-rival Moss Point, which moves down to Class 4A this year, should be a real tone-setter.

Pascagoula defensive end Caleb Caston (37) is committed to Arkansas State. (Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)

Here's a deeper look at the 2013 Panthers:
Class/region: Region 4-5A
2012 record/finish: 11-3 (5-2 in region); South State champions; lost to Starkville in state championship game, 28-11
Head coach (years at school): Lewis Sims (third season)
Returning starters: 9 (5 on offense, 4 on defense)
Top returning players: DE/LB Caleb Caston, DT Jawan Collins, WR Matt Eaton, OT Keith Crawford, C Hunter Godfrey, CB Travarious Williams
Key losses: DE Deric Daughtry, WR Breland Hoye, DB/KR Brandon Rich, RB Kevin Scott, K/P Grant Warren, QB/LB Stacey Warren
The coach says: "This group of seniors has a real sense of urgency about them. This is their third year with me, and I think they understand the pace of program, they understand what we're asking them to do. Instead of spending a lot of time teaching expectations, the expectations have already been set. We can coach the little things, because the big things have already been taught." -- Lewis Sims
Five more things to know about the Panthers in 2013
1. Backfield is unsettled
The Panthers entered fall camp with a bona fide quarterback competition between senior Drew Dunn and junior Jaylen Glaude, who are battling to replace the tough-as-nails Stacey Warren. Dunn was a part-time starter last season, but Glaude got valuable spring reps while Dunn was playing baseball. Running back is expected to be a committee situation, with seniors Alphonso Allen and Jonathan Delacruz and junior Marquez Jackson competing for carries.
2. The offensive line is loaded
Nowhere do the Panthers return more experience than in the offensive front five, where tackle Keith Crawford, guard Zach Broome and center Hunter Godfrey were all starters in 2012. Godfrey, the son of former Pascagoula and LSU center Frank Godfrey, is healthy again after suffering a broken leg in last season's state title game.
3. Defense is stout up front
End/linebacker Caleb Caston, an Arkansas State commitment and one of two senior Division I prospects on the Pascagoula roster along with wide receiver Matt Eaton, leads a Panthers defensive front that should be tough to move the ball against. Junior tackle Jawan Collins has been a varsity contributor since his freshman season, and also likely has college football in his future.
4. Kicking game in good ... feet
Four-year starter Grant Warren -- who is set to walk-on at Ole Miss this fall -- was a legitimate weapon for the Panthers, whether it was as a place-kicker, punter or kickoff man. But Pascagoula has another strong leg rising through the ranks in senior Montie Smith, who is also expected to handle all three chores this season.
5. Still 'Sweet to be Rich'
The Panthers have dedicated their season to Brandon Rich and Caleb Sweeten, who died in a boating accident on the Pascagoula River May 5. Rich, who had signed with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, was arguably the team's best all-around player last season. Sweeten, a rising junior, was expected to start at linebacker in 2013.
Schedule (all games at 7 p.m.)
Aug. 23           at Moss Point
Aug. 30           at Ocean Springs
Sept. 6             GREENE COUNTY
Sept. 13           D'IBERVILLE
Sept. 20           Open date
Sept. 27           at West Harrison*
Oct. 4              at East Central*
Oct. 11            PICAYUNE*
Oct. 18            at Long Beach*
Oct. 25            STONE*
Nov. 1             at George County*
Nov. 8             GAUTIER*
* -- region game